Introduction to Pokhara

Pokhara is a valley which is surrounded by beautiful, amazing and silent himalayas in the north and mountains.Pokhara, known as the city of lakes, is decorated by natural lakes and rivers. As Nepal is a religious country. Pokhara has its own religious norms and values. Different castes have their own religious values and festivals. Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist centre in Nepal and in world too. Pokhara has its own unique value and importance in the tourism board of the world. Many tourists wants to come to Nepal to visit Pokhara. Pokhara is the district headquarter of the Western Development Region. Pokhara is the 3rd largest city in Nepal. There are many attractive hills in Pokhara. Pokhara is surrounded by Mahabharat hills in the south and in the north there is Himalayan range(Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range). When the shadow of Machhapuchre is seen on the Fewa lake in the morning, then the scene is so beautiful and amazing , the visitors wants to stay in Pokhara permanently and be the member of Pokhara.
There are four sub-metropolitan city in Nepal and out of them one is Pokhara Sub-metropolitan city. In pokhara, there are about 1,95,000 people in Pokhara. Pokhara is situated in Kaski district of Gandaki zone in Western Development Region. The total area of Pokhara is about 123 sq km. There are different kinds of castes like Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, Gurung, Magar, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Rai, Limbu and many others. All the castes have their own festivals and way of performing their festivals. There are many people in Pokhara following different religions. Some follow Hinduism, some follow Buddhism, some Christianity, some Islam, some Sikh and some Jain. But majority people in Pokhara are Hindu. Now, the popualtion growth rate of Pokhara valley is 7.41 %. Pokhara is quite developed city after Kathmandu and Butuwal. The male literacy rate of Pokhara is 83% and the female literacy rate is 71%.
As Pokhara is said to be"The city of Lakes",it is true and worthless for its name. There are 7 lakes in Pokhara. They are Phewa lake,Begnas, Rupa, Maidi, Khaste,Gunde and Dipang lake. But out of seven lakes, Phewa,Begnas and Rupa lake are popular. Mainly, Pokhara is famoous for Phewa lake, Devis Fall, Seti gorge, Sarangkot for paragliding, Mahendra Cave, Gupteswor Cave and many others.But Pokhara is also famous for Seti gorge. Seti river has left an amazing and outstanding feature around Pokhara since it runs through deep crust from KI Singh Gorge,bagar to down,Sita Paila.For the tourist from foreign countries and from Nepal too, the best time to visit Pokhara is in autumn season and in spring season. In autumn(october and November) and in spring(Februaary, March and April), during this time, the climate is vey well and clear. The sky is clear and blue. At this time, it is the best place for visiting(for paragliding, trekking, rafting,and boating). The snow-covered Himalayan range is also seen clearly. So, tourists can have the well and beautiful view of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.But in other months and in rainy season, the climate of Pokhara is not favourable . Due to heavy rain, landslides, flood, transportation and other options like rafting,paragliding are disturbed.But in other season it is the best option.Due to the unique and amazing feature of Pokhara, Pokhara has got its own incredibility in Nepal and in the world too. So, we can proudly say"Incredibe Pokhara". Pokhara is not only the proud of Kaski district and Gandaki zone but also the proud of whole Nepal.

Geography of Pokhara

Pokhara valley has got unique type of land masses. We can see the Seti-gorge and it's deep crust which makes the Pokhara valley awesome and mysterious. Pokhara valley have the unique type of land masses which rises high so quickly and lowers too. There are less such landforms in which the land masses rises so quickly. Pokhara valley is situated in between 27 55' N latitude and 83 48'- 84 11 E longitude. It is situated in the plain and hill bounded by Himalayan range(Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna range) in the northern side and Mahabharat mountain in the southern side. The total land area of Pokahra valley has 3 differrent kinds of land masses. They are low landmasses(besi), Pahar(hills) and highlands(lekh). The valley is extended from Bharabhure village in the northern side to the Bhimad V.D.C in the southern side, which lies in Tanahuun district. The total area of Pokhara valley is 123 sq km.But the area of Pokhara city is 56.66sq km and the area of Lekhnath municipality is 77.75 sq km.
The average height of the hills ranges from 4000-6000 feet. The height of the Machhapuchre is about 20,000 feet and from the highest point of Machhapuchre to the pokhara city, the total height lost 1,100 feet in every mile whereas the distance between Machhapuchre to pkr city is 18 miles. The pokhara plain is extended over about 30 miles from Bharabhure in the northern hillside to the Dobhan in the east-south part of the valley. Phewa lake is situated in the heart of the valley whereas Begnas and Rupa is situated in out of the town near Lekhnath municipality. So, the central plain of Pokhara spreads to Rupa Tal in the eastern side whereas the southern part of Rupa Tal is narrow and end to Dobhan gorge which distances 8 miles.
As pokhara is said' The city of lakes', the lakes of pokhara valley is situated in the edge of plain area. It is said that the lakes are formed by the damming up of tributary streams from the village side in the northern side. The Phewa lake is situated in the city area and is big than other lakes. So, the area of phewa lake is increased by damming and hence it has helped many villages and areas by providing water for irrigation and the lake has also helped as hyrdroelectricity is produced from the water of phewa lake. From phewa lake, 1.8 Mw electricity is generated. But other smaller lakes are going to be disappeared . The climate of Pokhara is favourable compared to other regions. The climate here is humid. Neither there is too much hot in summer and nor too much cold in winter. The temperature in summer is about 73 degree F and in winter 20.4 degree F. The population of pokhara valley is rather less than kathmandu valley. Out of total popualtion, 18 % of popualtion live in city area whereas 82-84 % of popualtion live in hills. But now for the quality education and other facilities, people are migrating to city area day by day in a rapid manner . The settlement in pokhara city is increasing day by day.

History of Pokhara

Nepal is situated in between two big countries, India and China which is 23 times bigger than Nepal and second China which is 65 times bigger than Nepal. So, Nepal was the main trading route between China(Khasa) and India and Pokhara was also main trading route.In the medieval age, Nepal wasnot a single state. The power of Nepal was divided in many smaller states. There were many states and each state was ruled by a King. They used to fight with one another for the sake of state. Among the other states, Kaski was also a divided state. The king of Kaski , have his palace in kaskikot near Sarangkot. The name of the palace is Kaskikot Durbar. The Durbar(Palace) is very beautiful, artistic, wooden-curved windows and doors and well-view. At that time, ktm was good in trade. The Newar community was forward in pot-making and other business. So, the king of kaski invited some Newars from Kantipur(Kathmandu) to Pokhara to flourish trade in Pokhara. The main trading places in Pokhara was near Bindhyabasini temple, Mahendrapool, Bagar and Bhadrakali. As king's wish, these newars came to Pokhara and settled down in the places like Bhairab Tole, Mohoriya Tole,Ganesh Tole,Bagar,Kodar, Kahukhola. At present , we see the newari houses in Bhairab tole, Mohoriy tole, Ganesh tole and in many other places.In quest of unifying Nepal from smaller states to a single state, Prithvi Narayan Shah was very active in capturing the smaller states. As kaski was not so powerful state, P.N Shah conquered kaski and made a part of single Nepal. Again, when Bhaktapur was defeated by Gorkha, many newars from Bhaktapur migrated permanently to Pokhara and settled down here. They choose the place where their trade would be fourished(near to Bindhyabasini, Tal Barahi, Bhadrakali, Bagar).

There were many villages in the hills around Pokhara valley like Ghachowk, Dhampus, Sarangkot, Ghandruk, Gharmi dada, Lahachowk, Anadu dada and many other villages. There are many gurung, magar and thakuri communities in these villages.Dhampus, Ghandruk and Ghodepani dada are popular villages. So, when the British camp was established, Gurung and Magars came to Pokahra and settled down. Likewise, different castes and tribes of people migrated form several parts of our country. It is said that many Sarki's migrated to pokhara from Palpa.Likewise,many indians migrated to Pokhara in search of job, some in trade and settled down here. So, we see many indians in Pokhara. Likewise,when the China captured Tibet then many tibetians ran to Nepal for shelter. Many tibetians came to pokhara too. So, three tibetians camp were established.(Now one tibetians is made further).We see many tibetians in the city .At present, different castes of people are living here and they are Brahmins , Kchhetris, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, and many others.

Fewa Lake of Pokhara

Fewa lake is the golden gate of Pokhara. It is the representativee part of Pokhara. Whoever comes to visit Pokhara, talks about Fewa lake and Tal Barahi. It is situated in the southern part of the city in Baidam, lakeside. As Pokhara is called" The city of lakes", there are 7 lakes. One is Fewa lake which is the biggest among seven lakes. The other lakes are Rupa, Begnas, Dipang, Maidi, Gunde and Khaste. Out of the seven lakes Fewa, Begnas and Rupa are popular. But other four lakes are in the condition of extinction. As the lake is situated in the city it has got lots of love from the people. Every year, many tourists wants to stay in the lakeside and enjoy the natural scenery , the magic scene ,when the image of Machhapuchre is seen on the Fewa lake. The second biggest lake in the valley is Begnas lake which is situated out of the town nearly 12 km from Pokhara city area. Begnas and Rupa lake are situated in the same place, but they are separated from each other by a small hill. Otherwise, these two lakes are similar to see.People also called these lakes "twins lakes". Actually Fewa lake is situated in the southern part at the edge of the Pokhara city. The total area of Fewa lake is about 520 hectares. The amazing and mysterious Tal Barahi temple is situated in the middle of Fewa lake. Every year many Hindu and Buddhists visit Barahi temple.People think that how can a small part of land mass be like that in the water. People believe that the temple has the power as it is like that . Across the Fewa lake, there is a forest named Raniban which is situated beside Anadu dada.
But unfortunately, the condition of Fewa lake is degrading day by day. Pollution is increasing day by day in the Fewa lake. There are many causes which will lead Fewa lake to be extinct. One is the uncontrolled management of hotels and restaurants and their garbage thrown in the Fewa lake. The public are also not aware of the danger. They are not worried about its protection. And the gravel , sand are getting deposited into Fewa lake which will surely lead Fewa lake to its non-existence stage.Many geographers said that in few years, Fewa lake will be extinct. Due to excessive pollution, the water of Fewa lake is extremely hazardous and not fit for human use. Few years, Fewa lake used to cover 20,000 ropanis of space. But due to gravel deposition and people's activities, its area has decreased to 8,707 ropanis which is very ridiculous and bad news for the visitors. In few years, there won't be Fewa lake and no visitors in Pokhara.
Different NGO are involved for the conservation of Fewa lake. Many capital are invested for the lake. But, if local people are involved nothing could be possible. In the past it was the source of water for the local people. But now it is not safe for use. It's all due to the public's hinderance. It is not only the property of the government of Nepal but also the property of all the people. So, its the responsibility of all the people to conserve the Fewa lake.We hope coming years we can see the Fewa lake and its natural beauty for many centuries.

Transportation and Accomodation in Pokhara:

Transportation system is very well in pokhara as pokhara is the one of the popular tourist spot in Nepal. There are several kinds of vehicles available in Pokhara for the easy trip of the people and the visitors. People can use the city bus or city van(micro van) which is cheaper than other vehicles. Otherwise, they can take a taxi or hire a motorbike or bicycle. But the trip is very interesting in motorbike or bicycle than in other vehicles. For the visitors who want to visit Pokhara, there are many choices to enter Pokhara. Visitors can come to Pokhara by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Daily many flights are available from kathmandu to Pokhara. Visitors can have the clear and awesome view of the Himalayan range(Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range). Othewise for the tourists, many luxury tourist buses and vans are available in Kathmandu which will safely take you to your destination. To go to kathmandu and other places there is tourist bus park in Baidam. From there they can go to kathmandu and other parts of the country as well as India. If the tourist want to visit India then there is a bus service in Srijana chowk, where there is bus service from Pokhara to New Delhi. Otherwise they can take a flight to Kathmandu and go to their destination.

For accomodation in Pokhara, there are different kinds of hotels, lodges and guest houses in all over the city. Mainly people prefer to stay at mahendrapool, prithvi chowk and lakeside area. There are many resturants, bars and dohori sajh in Pokhara, which attracts most of the nepalese people to go there.But tourists want to stay in lakeside. There are hotels, lodges and guest houses varying from basic room to luxury type.The price of room is cheaper at Mahendrapool, chipledhunga and prithvi chowk side than at lakesidepokhara.There are many deluxe hotels which are are at the side of the lake. So, the visitors can have panoromic view of Fewa lake. Many couples come here for honeymoon in Pokhara. Also, there are many restaurants and bars where there is live music performed daily by the popular musicians and many bands of pokhara as pokhreli are also the music lovers.

Devi's Falls of Pokhara; mysterious and amazing

At first the name of Devi's Falls was Patale Chhango. Many visitors and other people don't know how Devi's Falls got it's name. An accident lead the Patale Chhango to get it's name Devi's Falls. The accident took place on the 31st july 1961. The accident was so violent and terrific. In July 1961, a Swiss couple were on a trip to Pokhara for sight-seeing of Pokhara and they came to Patale Chhango . When they saw the clear pond beside the Fall, they couldn't stop themselves without taking a swim in the pond and finally get into the pond for swimming. At that moment, they were not aware of coming danger. While swimming, unexpectedly, the normal flow of water got changed into turbulent motion. The speed of flow of water was furious. In rainy season, the turbulent flow of water sounds of roaring like an angry lion. Then the furious flow of water swept them towards pit. Devi's husband miracalely got a rock and survived but Mrs Devi fell into the pit and died. No one dared to rescue them . All people were frightened of the motion of water. After three days her body was found in the river named Phusre river. Then Devi's father was called and he immediately came to Pokhara. As Devi's father wish to give the name "Devi's Falls" to Patale Chhango, "The City Development Committee Kaski "agreed the proposal. Devi's father donated some amount of donation to the committee and requested to build a park around Devi's Fall. Now, the park covers an area of 10 ropani. Devi's Fall is located in Chhorepatan in Tansen-Pokhara highway. Devi's Fall is the deepest cave in the asia. The height of Devi's Fall is 48 metres and it is 1479 metresa long. Many explorations were made for the Devi's Falls. The first exploration was made in 1970, the second exploration in 1980 and the third in 1982 by D.Gebauer,The Atlas of the Great Caves of the World group. The experts like D.Gebauer said that Devi's Falls had created the cave beside it called Gupteswor Cave some 500-600 years ago. In the summer season, the big flow of water is seen and the hot stream comes by striking the water on the rocks which attracts the local and the foreigners to visit Pokhara. But in winter, the flow is slow. To get to Devi's Falls, different vehicles are available in the city. People can go to Devi's Falls by micro bus, microvan, taxi, bicycle and motorbike. So, if you haven't visited Pokhara and the Devi's Falls then hurry up!!!!!

Paragliding in Pokhara

Paragliding is one of the most interesting and attraction part for the tourists in Pokhara. There are no other places for paragliding in other parts of Nepal. So, pokhara is the only gate-way for the tourists for pargliding. Although paragliding is risky but visitors want to take an experience of it because the trip is so interesting and the view is so amazing and full of adventure The main place for paragiding is from Sarangkot. For paraglidig, the tourists are taken to the top of the Sarangkot where paragliding is started. There are the people related to paragliding who helps you for the trip. To reach to the top of the Sarangkot , you can hire a taxi or you can get there by bus. Otherwise you can hire a motorbike which is very interesting because we can see the clear view of mountains and hills. After reaching to the top, you should pay some amount of money for the paragliding to the concerned authorities and then the concerned authorities will help you for the paragliding. If you don't know how to fly the parachute then better join the flying school which is in lakeside. The school helps you about the tricks on paragliding. The height is too much. So its really dangerous and full of risk. There are two seats in parachute, one for the pilot and other for the visitors. If you want to take the risk then you are trained for the trip. The concerned authorities will fix various things in parachute that it would not be danger for the visitors.For the landing, there is a open space beside Fewa lake in Pame(about 200 km from the lakeside).So if you haven't taken the experience of paraglidig then hurry up!!!!