Pokhara

Pokhara is town beside a beautiful lake in Nepal in the very shadow of the Himalayas and beside Himalayan mountains such as Annapurna and the Fishtail (Machapuchhare). It is normally reached by a day long ride in a bus from the Nepali capital, Kathmandu, or, alternative, a quick hop by plane from Kathmandu. It is worth the journey: a peaceful stay in contrast to the noise and crowds of modern-day Kathmandu.Pokhara is 198 km west of Kathmandu. It is the Headquarter of Kaski District, Gandaki Zone and the Western Development Region. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal.Temples worth visiting in the older part of town are Bindhyabasini temple and Bhimsen temple. Another temple, Barahi temple, is located on an island in the Phewa Lake. It is accessible only through boats available at the shores of the lake.On a hill overlooking Phewa Tal from the south is the World Peace Stupa (at 1,113 m) QTVR built in 1996 with a view of the lake, across the city and of the snow peaked mountain range consisting of namely, Fishtail, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himals (mountains).The best viewpoint of Pokhara is Sarangkot (1600 m )and Thulakot (in Lekhnath a part of famous Royal Trek from where four lakes Phewa, Begnas, Khaste and Dipang and whole annapurna range is seen) to the west of the city. Paths and a road lead to the top from where one can enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and the city itself.