Pokhara is the city of lakes and caves lies on the shore of phewa lake with the elevation of about 822 metres. It is the favourite city of many international and domestic visitors due to existence of incredible tourist site full of natural beauty and things to do here are astonishingly enriched with natural and cultural blessing. About millions of people from different corners of the world visit to Pokhara annually which proves that Pokhara is the prime tourist destination of Nepal for sightseeing of panoramic himalayas, lakes as well as ideal spot for experiencing outdoor sports like bungee jumping, paragliding, skydiving and so on.
In this post, you will be amazed to see the list of incredible and mysterious places to visit in Pokhara before you plan your travel itinerary.Here are some best places of pokhara to visit where you can get opportunities to explore natural beauty of Pokhara.
1. Mahendra cave
Mahendra cave is a large limestone cave which contains stalagmites and stalactites situated in the Western region of Pokhara. It relay on the bottom of the hill covered with greenery at an elevation of about 1100 metres from the sea level.
The cave’s corridor is entirely dark with continously dripping water overhead and due to darkness, artificial light is provided to the visitors. There is a statue of Lord Shiva inside this cave. The cave’s comprises of approximately 100 metres accessible passages. The cave can be accessed by travellers from Pokhara Airport within 30 minutes by taxi and 10 minutes from Prithivi chowk bus park.
2. Bat cave (Chameri Gufa)
The bat cave is a solutional cave surrounded by forest which is near the vicinity of Mahendra cave in Pokhara. It is known for the habitat of many horseshoe bats inside the cave, hanging over the walls and the ceiling of the cave. The cave has single entrance and single exit way. The cave is U-shaped and inside the cave there is a exquisite carving of Hindus deities.
3. Begnas lake
Begnas lake is a fresh water lake located in the south east of Pokhara valley at an elevation of about 650 metres from the sea level. It is famous for the reflection of Mount Annapurna and Manaslu range on its surface. Maximum depth of lake is about 10 metres and it’s water volume is about 0.02905 cubic kilometres. Volume of water in begnas lake fluctuates seasonally and its water level is regulated through dam. It is well-known for boating. It offers panoramic views of Mount Annapurna and Manaslu range.
4. Phewa lake
Phewa lake is the second largest lake of Nepal located at the southern region of Pokhara valley at an elevation of 742 metres from the sea level. It occupies the surface area of 5.7260 square kilometres. Maximum depth of lake is about 24 meters and its water volume is about 0.046 cubic kilometres.
There is a island in the phewa lake where tal barahi temple is constructed. This temple is designed in pagoda style and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is crowded with many Hindu devotees and pilgrims on Saturday.
North shore of phewa lake is considered as lakeside where number of resorts, restaurants and lodge are located. Phewa lake offers great opportunity to view spectacular sight of Mount Machhapuchre and mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
5. Sarangkot
Sarangkot is the most popular hill station which offers the opportunity to view tequila sunrise and to experience most challenging outdoor sports like paragliding and skydiving. It is also the best hiking trail from Pokhara lakeside to the top of the hill. It is located at an elevation of about 1600 metres from the sea level. It also a awesome view point for panoramic views of massive snow-capped peaks such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu and so on.
6. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is the longest cave lies to the opposite of Davi’s fall and the water of this fall passes through this cave located in Pokhara. This cave comprises exquisite carving of ancient structures probably related with the stories of Mahabharat.
This marvellous and mysterious cave comprises several statues of Hindu Gods and Goddess and it is believed that those statues were carved naturally. A very peculiar sound of waterfall inside the cave, the statue of Pandava in the rock, Mahadev and Parvati, Saraswati, Nageshwor and other Gods and Goddesses are really interesting to see.
After climbing 1000 stairs up, visitors will discover Shiva linga and way to access inside the cave starts. This mysterious cave has been divided into two parts. One part of the cave ranges 40 metres in length with Shiva linga. Similarly, second part begins after passing the temple and which leads visitors towards the vicinity of Davi’s fall. This cave is an amazing example of nature’s power.
7. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is the longest cave lies to the opposite of Davi’s fall and the water of this fall passes through this cave located in Pokhara. This cave comprises exquisite carving of ancient structures probably related with the stories of Mahabharat.
This marvellous and mysterious cave comprises several statues of Hindu Gods and Goddess and it is believed that those statues were carved naturally. A very peculiar sound of waterfall inside the cave, the statue of Pandava in the rock, Mahadev and Parvati, Saraswati, Nageshwor and other Gods and Goddesses are really interesting to see.
After climbing 1000 stairs up, visitors will discover Shiva linga and way to access inside the cave starts. This mysterious cave has been divided into two parts. One part of the cave ranges 40 metres in length with Shiva linga. Similarly, second part begins after passing the temple and which leads visitors towards the vicinity of Davi’s fall. This cave is an amazing example of nature’s power.
8. Bindhyabasini Temple
Bindhyabasini Temple is the oldest temple in Pokhara situated at the top of the hill at an elevation of 915 metres. This pilgrimage site can be accessed via stone staircase on the east and north-east.
The main temple is dedicated to Bhagawati who considered as the incarnation of Goddess Kali. There are smaller temples of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesh around the vicinity of main temple. Hindu pilgrims visit this site to worship the God’s and Goddesses. Visitors can view the panoramic himalayas from the northern side of the temple.
9. International Mountaineering Museum
International Mountaineering Museum was established in 1995 AD by Nepal Mountaineering Association in order to maintain records, documents which is related to history, evolution, development and legendary achievements in mountaineering around the entire world.
This museum is composed of three prominent exhibition halls : Hall of great himalayas, Hall of fame and Hall of world mountain. These halls exhibit collections of artifacts and provides detail description of famous mountaineers, culture and lifestyle of mountain people and so on.
10. Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist commemorative monument located on the top of the Anadu hill at an elevation of 1100 metres. It was constructed as a symbol of peace. Many international and domestic tourists visit this Stupa to pray for international peace and harmony. It has become the one of the amazing tourist destination in the Pokhara as it offers visitors to view the panoramic view of snow-capped Mount Annapurna as well as expansive view of Pokhara city and phewa lake.
