Pokhara is second largest city in Nepal in terms of population. The first one is Kathmandu. Pokhara city is metropolitan city in Nepal. Pokhara and Lekhnath city were merged to make Pokhara Metropolitan city in May 2017. Since, Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City became largest metropolitan city of Nepal. Pokhara is considered the tourism sector of Nepal including Annapurna Circuit through Annapurna Conservation Area. This city also consists of large number of Gorkha Armies/Soldiers. Pokhara is Nepal’s Number one adventure and Leisure City. This city has developed an adventure destination offering everything from paragliding, skydiving, zip lining, ultra light flying to bungee jump.
Geography and Climate
Pokhara is headquarter of kaski district. It is located km away from Kathmandu in west. This city is in northwest corner of Pokhara valley. The Valley is divided into 4-6 parts by Rivers Seti, Bijayapur, Bagadi, Phusre and Hemja. It occupies 464.54 square km of area. This Metropolitan city is 9 times larger than Kathmandu, 18 times larger than Lalitpur and 2.5 times larger than Bhaktapur. There are lots of places of attraction and activities like Mountain View, Phewa Lake, caves, and seven smaller lakes like Begnas lake, Rupa lake, Khaste lake, Maidi lake, Neureni Lake, Dipang lake, Begnas lake, etc.
The city has subtropical climate. The elevation keeps the temperatures moderate. Summers are humid and mild, summer (July, August, and September) ranges from 25-35 degree Celsius. Winters and springs are generally clear and sunny. Winter ranges from -2 to 15 degree Celsius. The highest temperature recorded in summer is 38.5 degree Celsius and lowest temperature recorded is 0.5 degree Celsius.
Best Time to Visit Pokhara
The Best time to visit Pokhara is September to November. From December to February, the weather remains very cold. From May to August, rainfall occurs.
Places of Interest to Visit
Temple of Tal Barahi
Tal barahi is a temple situated in Lake of Kaski District. This temple is dedicated to Durga. This temple is located on a small island of Phewa lake of Pokhara. It can be reached by boat from beach of lake. It takes around 10 mins to reach the temple.
Sarangkot
Sarangkot is a small village. It has its own type of natural beauty. The most beautiful range of Annapurna is viewed from Sarangkot hill. Sarangkot hill is also famous for view of rising Sun in early morning. It is also the important location for paragliders.
Bindhyabasini Temple
It is one of the oldest temple of Nepal. This temple is with idol of Goddess Bhagwati. Nepalese wedding are practiced in this temple. It is full of Hindu rituals and cultures.
Caves
- Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
- Mahendra Cave
- Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa)
Places, Temples and Gumbas
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Kumari Temple
- Akalaa Temple
- Monasteries
- Devi’S Fall
- Ghorepani Hill
- Annapurna Base Camp
- Annapurna Butterfly Museum
- Seti Gandaki
- Rupa Lake
Culture in Pokhara
This city is famous for musical traditions like; folk songs, western traditions, lok geet, etc. Specially, magar area seen in the village sites of this valley. Shivaratri, Holi, New Year, Dashain, Tihar, Ramnawami, Buddha Jayanti are festivals celebrated here.
Hotels in Pokhara
There are several hotels and lodges in This valley to stay. Some of the famous hotels are:
- Hotel Kailash Resort
- Butter Cup Hotel
- Hotel Fewa Holiday Inn
- Iceland
- GoldenGate
.