What to see in Pokhara?

Lake Fewa and Barahi Temple
Phewa Lake, the second largest lake of Nepal, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the main attraction of Pokhara. The water in the Lake is warm and swimming is pleasant but water is not the cleanest, though. On a clear weather day, Mount Fishtail and Annapurnas produce magical reflection on the waters of the lake, creating double image. The most thrilling part of Lake Visit is to rent the boat and visit the temple of Goddess Barahi in the middle of the lake. The two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Goddess Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

Seti Gorge
Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground and its width is hardly two meters at some place, thus creating a deep gorge. Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Davis Fall
Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), Davis fall is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David or Davis was skinny dipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.

Gupteshwara Mahadev Cave
Gupteswar Mahadeva Cave is a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the highway leading to Tansen. The entrance is right across from Davis Fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered

The Old Bazaar
Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well.

Bindhyabasini Temple
Bindhyabasini temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of shakti. Worshippers flock here to perform sacrifices, and especially on Saturdays the park like grounds take on a festive fair.

World Peace Pagoda
The massive Peace Pagoda is the new creation and is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Sarangkot
Sarangkot a 1592 m ( 5221 ft) high hill is situated north of Pokhara and takes about 45 minutes by taxi or 1-1 ½ hrs laborious climb. On a good clear weather day, Sarangkot offers insurpassable views both north to encompass the entire west to east span of the Annapurna mountain range, and also beautiful views back down over Lake Phewa Tal and Pokhara to the south. Usually, people take taxi up for sunrise view and after having breakfast on top of the hill, they trek down to the valley.

Getting Pokhara and away:

From Kathmandu: From Kathmandu, there are daily tourist buses leaving early morning between 6 am to 7 am. The 200km (125 miles) of stretch of road takes about 7 hours. Private car takes about 5 hours. There are several flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara which takes about 35 minutes and offers spectacular mountain views.

From Chitwan National Park: There are many public buses coming from east and heading to Pokhara. You can just hop on those buses. The 150 km (94 miles) journey takes about 5 hours by public buses and about 4 hours by private car. There are no flights between Chitwan National Park and Pokhara as of now.

From Lumbini via Tansen (165 km/103 miles)

From Lumbini, it takes 7-8 hours from Lumbini via Tansen. Its mountainous road with a lot of winds and not all portions are tarmac; so it can be an adventurous ride.

Booking and Cancellation

When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking. The internal flights are the key factor in determining whether your trip can be realized or not. A deposit of US$200 is requested along with complete trip application form and passport copies.

Balance Payment
Balance payment is due 60 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. Credit card payment attracts additional fee.

Cancellation Fee
• 90 days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 50 per person.
• 60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• 45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher. 30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• Less than 30 days: 100%

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Nepal Visa

You can obtain Nepal visa beforehand from any Nepali embassies or consulates abroad or wait until you arrive at Kathmandu airport or any other port of entry to Nepal. You will need to complete visa application form and attach a passport size photograph. Visa fee costs US$ 25 for 15 days and $45 for 30 days multiple entry.

Highland Asia Travel

We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.

Travel Protection Plan

While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.