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Pokhara is known for the amazing
views it offers of the Annapurna massif and the Fish
Tail mountain of Machapuchare. Located
at a distance of barely 200 km from Kathmandu, Pokhara
is used by trekking enthusiasts as trailhead for their trekking expeditions
into the Himalayan regions immediately north. With the
High Himalaya acting as their backdrop, the lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa give rise to a mystical ambience
that lies ahead. Aside being a
favored junction of the trekkers and rafters Pokhara is also
a place where many tourists come to just relax and bask
in the lap of nature.
Pokhara once served as a very important
outpost on a trade route
between Tibet and India and to this date it acts as a major
marketplace for many traders of a large spectrum of
ethnic groups populating the hills and valleys of the
region at large. Chetri, Magar, Gurung and Tibetan
traders bring in goods from the
interior villages of this part of Nepal. Besides being a
major administrative and educational center, highway
junction and having a key airport in the area, Pokhara is also famous for
the fabled Gurkhas who are considered to be one
of the bravest soldiers in the world.
Lake Phewa district of Baidam
is where travelers can find the finest
hotels and restaurants in Pokhara. The places where one
can visit while staying in Pokhara include the World
Peace Pagoda, Devi's Fall, the sacred caves of Gupteswar
and Mahendra Gupha, the Bindbyabasini and Barahi temples,
and certainly the Old Bazaar. History
enthusiasts can even pay a visit to the Annapurna and Pokhara Museums.
But to make the most of
your stay while in Pokhara you need to set out at least
on a short trek. If you are on a limited time, not in
great physical shape or simply do not wish to spend too
many days trekking, you should consider hiking for at
least a day. Today there are decent roads leading out of
Pokhara along the river valleys of Seti Khola and Modi
Khola to Phedi and Birethanti/Nayapul. Once there you
may be tempted to hike to what lies ahead, to
Ghorepani
and Poon Hill, or over Dhampus ridge to Landrung
and beyond, all the way to
Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp.
All Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri region trekking opportunities:
Annapurna Circuit trek;
Annapurna Sanctuary,
Annapurna Base Camp trek;
Kali Gandaki River Valley trek,
Jomsom to Muktinath trek;
Poon Hill Family trek;
Mustang trek;
Manaslu trek;
Dhaulagiri Circuit;
Dolpo trek
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