How to get to Pokhara

Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the best option. View Himalayas including the Annapurna range which lies right next to flight path. So sit back, turn your head to the right, and enjoy the flight. Be careful though, this will blow your mind away, don't hurt your neck, do not push the passenger on the right out through the window!!

Riding a public bus or a taxi to Pokhara is also a good option. Public buses run daily from Kathmandu. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by bus. Buses are crowded, but thats' how Nepalese travel all life long, so what the heck, go ahead experience it, for you, it's only for a day! Remember, public buses do not have A/C, Heaters and have frequent stops on the way. Bus will stop at Mugling for Lunch or Dinner. Have some Nepail food there, if you can digest spicy foods, or you can pick restaurants which specifically cater to foreigners. Taxis are expensive, probably will cost you as much as the Air-fare. When you ride by land, you get to see more places, you get to enjoy the scenery that you would not be able to see from the air.

Facts on Pokhara City

Population About 170,000 thousand. It is believed that Pokhara was the city of Mallas, the rulers of Nepal about 250 years ago. The Newar community of Kathmandu Valley migrated to Pokhara, built houses like those of Mallas, and started developing settlements which lead to the development of this city. Today, Pokhara is developed by tourism, import and export business of both domestic as well as foreign products to various towns and villages in Kaski and other districts of Nepal
Land Area 47.5 square miles (about 123 sq kilometers), About half of the area is the Sub-Metropolitan City area.
Location Longitude : 83 58' 30"E to 80 02' 30" E
Latitude : 28 10' N to 28 16' N
Altitude 2900 feet (about 884 meter)
Distance 124 miles (200 kilometers) from the Capital, Kathmandu
114 miles (about 184 kilometers) from the Indian border located about 2.5 miles from Bhairahawa (Also called as Belhia)
Weather Pokhara receives very good amount of Rainfall every year. Rainy months include May to September, where July is the most heavy rain fall season receiving upto 33 inches (about 845 mm or millimeter) rainfall. Pokhara has a mild weather all year around, however during December to February, temperature can drop to freezing point. Pokhara gets more rain than any other city of Nepal. Best time to visit this city is October and April, but if you have an umbrella in your hand, then cross that out, please!
Official Holidays All Major National Holidays
and
Each Friday Half Day (Evening Shift) and Saturday Full Day.
What does Pokhara mean for Nepal? It is a main center for the import and distribution of the domestic and imported foreign goods for various districts that are linked to Pokhara. Pokhara is the main entry point for goods going to the Kaski district of Nepal. Pokhara's population is growing more than ever, as the city has become the immediate choice for those who are leaving Kathmandu because of pollution or congestion factors, and it is also the number one choice for Nepalese living abroad for buying lands or houses in Nepal. Population of vehicles in Pokhara is also increasing. Pokhara will eventually develop the nearby villages and towns both by tourism industry as well as by local business, which will benefit all

Annapurna Range Skyline in Pokhara

The most spectacular sight in Pokhara is the sight of Annapurna range. See the following image which shows eight important mountains of the Annapurna range.



This range stretching from west to east includes Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Fish-tail (Machapuchare), Annapurna 3, Annapurna 4, and Annapurna 2. In Pokhara, the holy unclimbed mountain Macchapucchre (or also known as Fishtail Mountain), located in the middle of the Annapurna range, can be seen standing right in front of our nose.

Everyone in Pokhara wakes up early to greet the mountains during sunrise. The reflection of sunlight from a mountain is always a breathtaking site. You will never forget the sight of the fishtail mountain standing right before your eyes saying "Good Morning!"

Places to Visit

The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake 1.5 kilometer long, second largest lake in Nepal, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake. Most hotels and guest houses have traditional designs and layouts which match with the surrounding views. The photo on the right is of Rara Lake, another popular lake located in Pokhara.

Davis Fall, you sure will remember this snap in Pokhara.

About Pokhara

Pokhara is situated at about 827 meter from sea level, and is located 124 miles (about 200 km) west of Kathmandu and can be reached by plane in 35 minutes or in 5 hours by bus. Pokhara is the next destination after Kathmandu for many adventure and pleasure trips in and around Pokhara. Pokhara is often called the enchanting Himalayan valley with a heart of major actions and adventures.

Surrounded by beautiful snow-caped mountains, with a magnificent lake of crystal-clear pure Himalayan water, all-year round pleasing weather, and friendly Pokhralis will greet you with a smile and leave you with the most unforgettable moments in your life. So pack up your bag, load your camera, and get ready for Pokhara experience!

Pokhara Enchanted Himalayan valley

Pokhara is located west of Kathmandu and is the thrid largest city in Nepal. Dubbed as the ‘Enchanted Himalayan valley,’ Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist spots especially for those adventurous at heart. People who wish to travel here find that Pokhara is easily accesible. This city is sorrounded by snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan Lake with its crystal-clear waters. Pokhara’s climate is warmer than Kathmandu and is typically wet around mid-June to mid-September. The best time to visit this city is around October and April.

The center of all attractions in Pokhara is the Fewa Lake. It is the second largest water body in the kingdom. Colorful boats can be rented if you are interested in trying out its waters. The lakeside offers a great view of the Himalayas, which is why numerous hotels are there.

David’s Fall is another popular tourist spot. It is a magnificent waterfall that goes into a deep, narrow hole that seems to be bottomless. Modern legend has it that a tourist by the name of David went skinnydipping in Pardi Khola River when the dam floodgates opened. It is said that the gushing water pushed him into the bottomless depths of the waterfall and was never seen again.

The Barahi Temple is considered as the religious focal point of Pokhara. It is found in the middle of Fewa Lake and is dedicated to the boar form of the female deity Ajima. Usually on Saturdays, people visit the temple to sacrifice animals.

mountain range of Annapurna ( pokhara )

The Himalayan mountain range of Annapurna and the 6993-metre Mount Machhapuchhre (top C) from Pokhara, some 200kms west of Kathmandu on November 1, 2010. Pokhara is one of the most visited tourist