In this section you can visit 14 places...

  1. Sarangkot
  2. Mahendra Cave
  3. International Mountain in Museum
  4. Seti Gorge
  5. Chipledhunga Area
  6. Regional Museum
  7. Gorkha Museum
  8. Bindabasini
  9. Ram Krishna Tole
  10. Chorepatan - Dargayling Monastery
  11. Tibetan Village
  12. Mahadev Cave
  13. Devis Falls
  14. Fewa Lake

This small village, perked on top of a hill just 5 kilometers from Pokhara's Lakeside seems to be making something of a comeback, after falling from tourist favor about fifteen years ago. In those days the start of trekking in the Annapurna region usually started at Bindabasini Mandir, north of Pokhara, and took the trekker through Sarangkot and along the ridge to Nayapul. The completion of the Pokhara-Baglung road changed all that! This year the only good news in a dismal tourist season has been the explosion in numbers of people trying their hand at paragliding and the place from where to launch oneself into the air is Sarangkot. Lodges and restaurants are reporting a better business. But you might also want to come here for wonderful mountain views, quite enjoyable walking along the ridge top or simply to escape the heat of Pokhara. At 1592 meters above sea level, Sarangkot is a good five degrees cooler than Pokhara.

Mahendra Gufa, locally called Chamero Odhaar ("House of Bats"), is the large limestone cave. Shepherd boys are said to have discovered it around 1950. A two hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, although most of them have been carted out by souvenir hunters.

The International Mountain Museum, a project of Nepal Mountaineering Association, is the first of its kind in the world. The museum seeks to present geography, ecology and culture of world mountains, in addition to exhibiting mountaineering history and methods. In doing so, the museum will also function as an archive for both Himalayan and international mountain research.

Seti River is a glacial river flowing from the Annapurna Himalayan Range. It is a high velocity river that is almost white in color and freezing in temperature. This river flows from the middle of the valley and is famous for some religious purpose too. The snap below shows a view of Kaudanda the hill and Seti river cutting the gorge.

Stretching from east to west, the breathtaking views of the world famous Himalayan range of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and others appear so close as to make you feel that you can almost touch them. Sarangkot, Kaskikot, Kalikasthan, Bharat Pokhari and the Bhumdi Hill command beautiful views of the valley and the mountains. These places are also vantage points to view sunrises and sunsets over the majestic Himalayan peaks. The Photo here shows a River below Kau Danda which is popular for fishing purposes. It is a glacial river that flows from the Annapurna Himalayan region.

Kahun Danda is a hill at 1,433m high, and is two hours walk from Mahendra pool. Like other places this place also offers pleasing view of Annapurna range and flat terraces of Pokhara. On the top of the hill is a tower constructed for a clear view of the valley and the Himalayas. There is a fortress and a temple on the top. 

Pokhara Museum, located between the airport and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm. Entrance fee is Rs. 5 and there is an extra Rs. 10 for cameras (Tel: 0612041 3).

Situated at Dam Side near Phewa Lake is the Gurkha Memorial Museum dedicated to the famous Gurkhas who earned their name during many fierce battles fought during the World Wars and numerous operations around the world since 1815. They won 13 Victoria Cross medals awarded for exceptional bravery shown in the field.

There are 4 galleries showing British Gurkhas infantry regiments and Singapore Police Corps regiments, medals and the Victoria Cross winners respectively. On display are a large number of items which include uniforms, hats badges, medals, swords, regimental flags, photographs, regimental magazines and books. There are also a small number of Royal Nepalese Army and Indian Army items on display.

The museum is a charitable organization founded by former soldiers. Entrance fees go directly towards the upkeep of the museum. There is a donation box in the museum which allows them to purchase items from former soldiers and policemen living in the hills.

Bindhyabasini Temple is also one of the most popular and well known temple in Pokhara. It is situated in the laps of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna ranges. This temple lies in the north of Pokhara .This temple is 3000 ft above from the sea level. You  can get a fabulous view of Pokhara city and the Himalayas from this temple. The fragrance of the scented “Dhup” and refreshing air can  keep anyone spellbound.

 This temple originated when the Goddess “Bhawani “ told king khadag Bum Malla to establish her statue in Bindhyachal hill. This temple was established in B.S 1845 since then this goddess is worshipped daily. Even the tourists visits at least once there. This temple is one of the most important holy places for the Hindu people. The government has even printed its stamp with the picture of the temple in the year 2045.

Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. Around here the temples and monuments reflect Newar architecture of the Kathmandu valley. Located about four kms from Lakeside ,The market's original charm is alive and thriving . Ganesh Tole and Ram Krishna Tole is the old market (bazaar) of Pokhara and it provides a glimpse into the traditional ambience of art and architecture of the Pokhara valley . This area with the red brick walls, carved windows and tile roof harbours some interesting temple also. The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrines locally called the Bindyabasini Mandir.

 11. Tibetan Village
There are the two Tibetan villages in the vicinity of Pokhara. One of them called Tashiling is in the south past patale chhango. The other village by the name of Tashi Palkhel lies north of Pokhara at a place called Hyanja on Pokhara Baglung Highway. The Tibetan people living in these villages keep themselves busy by producing and trading in woolen carpets and other handicraft items. They also run souvenir shops around lakeside. Some of them work like hawkers selling souvenirs at bargaining prices.

Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), Devi's fall (also known as Devin's or David's) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinny-dipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.

Phewa lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. The enchanting lake is an idyllic playground. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can be rented on reasonable cost around lakeside.

The lake is neither deep (roughly 47 meters at most) nor particularly clean, but the water is warm and swimming is pleasant if you don't think about the probable pollution.
The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, consists of seemingly endless strip of lodges, restaurants, bookshops and souvenir shops. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.