10 Best Places to visit in Pokhara

Best places to visit in Pokhara
Pokhara is a beautiful city in Nepal, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan Mountains, the serene Phewa Lake, and known for its wide range of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best places to visit in Pokhara:

1) Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is one of the most famous and iconic attractions in Pokhara, Nepal surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes, lush forests, rolling hills, and the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in distance. It is the second largest freshwater lake in Nepal, covering an area of 4.43 square kilometers. You can take a boat ride on the serene lake or just relax by its shores. Additionally, the lake and its surrounding are home to various bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

2) Davis Fall
Davis fall is a unique and picturesque waterfall that has become a significant tourist destination in the region. It originates from an underground passage that carries the water from the Phewa Lake, disappearing into the earth and then re-emerging as a waterfall. It was originally called “Davis Fall” after a Swiss tourist named David who drowned in its water in the 1960s.
The waterfall flows into a deep and narrow gorge, creating spectacular display of water cascading down into the abyss. You can also explore a small cave near the falls, its natural vegetation, and surrounding rocks.

3) Old Bazaar
The old Bazaar in Pokhara, is a charming and historic area characterized by its traditional Nepali architecture, with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings made of brick and wood. The area is home to a variety of shops and stalls selling a wide range of locally made products and traditional Nepali items, including handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. It is also a great place to try local dishes and experience the flavors of Nepal. It is a popular destination known for its incredible natural beauty, several temples and shrines, narrow streets, bustling atmosphere, and traditional architecture, making it a favorite spot for photographers looking to capture the essence of Nepal.

4) Jangchub Choeling Gompa
Jangchub Choeling Gompa is a serene place follows the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The monastery features traditional Tibetan architecture with colorful prayer flags, intricate murals, and beautiful statues of Buddha and other deities. It is a place where monks and nuns practice Buddhism and carry out daily rituals and prayers. It also serves as an educational center for Tibetan Buddhism and culture. It offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake, making it a serene and tranquil place to soak in the natural beauty of the Pokhara valley. You will find it a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience to explore the monastery and its surroundings.

5) Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave
The Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance and spirituality. It’s a place where you can explore the wonders of nature while also experiencing the reverence and devotion associated with Hinduism. It is situated in the southern part of Pokhara, near the Davis Fall and the Tibetan Refugee Camp. The cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva where you will find a naturally formed stalagmite that represents Lord Shiva’s lingam which is considered a sacred symbol of his divine energy. It is believed that the Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave is one of the most revered Shiva temples in Pokhara.
The cave is believed to have been discovered in the early 1990s. It is a natural wonder, formed by the continuous flow of water from the nearby Davis Fall. The Stalagmite inside the cave is submerged in water, and devotees offer prayers and perform rituals here. The cave itself can be quite dark and wet and you must descend a steep and narrow staircase to enter the cave so it’s advisable to carry flashlight.

6) International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum is a prominent museum dedicated to the exploration, study, and preservation of the world’s mountain ecosystem, cultures, and mountaineering history. It offers a serene and breathtaking setting against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, geological displays, and mountaineering equipment related to the Himalayas and other mountain ranges across the globe. You can also learn about the legendary climbers and their achievements.

7) Tal Barahi Temple
Tal Barahi temple is a Hindu temple located on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Barahi, who is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. You can take a short boat ride from the lakeside area to reach the temple. It is believed the goddess Barahi is a protector against drowning and related water accidents. That’s why the temple holds particular significance for fishermen and boaters, who often visit to seek blessings for safe travels on the lake. Devotees and pilgrims offer prayers, flowers, and food to the goddess as part of their worship.
Apart from its religious significance,

8) Gurkha Memorial Museum
The Gurkha Memorial Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the Gurkha history, from their origins in Nepal to their service in the British and Indian armies, as well as their participation in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, traditions and achievements of the Gurkha soldiers and serves as a tribute to their remarkable legacy. It seeks to educate visitors about the history and contributions of the Gurkhas.
You will find wide range of exhibits inside the museum, including historical artifacts, uniforms, weapons, photographs, and documents related to the Gurkha regiments. Moreover, the indoor exhibits of the museum has a well- maintained garden area with a monument dedicated to Gurkha soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

9) World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa, is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of peace and harmony. It is a prominent Buddhist stupa, built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk and peace activist to promote peace and harmony and inspire people of all backgrounds and faiths to work towards global peace. Visiting there provides an opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of its hilltop location and the breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains and Pokhara valley.
The stupa features traditional Buddhist architecture with a white dome and golden spire. It has four images of Buddha facing the four cardinal directions which represents a different stage in the life of Siddhartha Gautam, the historical Buddha. Near the stupa, you will find a peace bell which you can ring while making a wish for world peace.

10) Bindhyabasini Temple
The Bindhyabasini temple is a revered Hindu shrine which is one of the most prominent and important temples in Pokhara and holds religious significance for the local Hindu community and is a popular pilgrimage site. The Goddess Bindhyabasini, is the primary deity worshhiped at the temple, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga, a Hindu goddess of power and strength and she is believed to grant the wishes and fulfill the desires of her devotees. Therefore, many devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and offer prayers to the goddess. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the Pokhara valley abd the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges, which adds to its serene and peaceful atmosphere. It’s an opportunities to immerse yourself in the cultural and religious aspects of Nepal.