This is one of the most spectacular treks in the Gorkha region. This region of north central Nepal is not well known as a trekking area. You are unlikely to see many other trekking parties even in the high season. In terms of scenery and diverse culture, no area of the Himalaya is better. Virtually every campsite has a good potential for mountain views. The scenery ranges from the Gorkha region with its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Fungi Himal, Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal to the picturesque Gurung villages of the hills.
Gorkha:
The Gorkha township is the Headquarters of the district of the same name Gorkha is the birthplace of king Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, the founder of modern Nepal, hence it is the ancestral home of the Shah. Kings of Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, there is said to have been built by King Ram Shah, King Prithvi Narayan Shah began his campaign to unity the Kingdom from this palaces of Gorkha.
There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct Gorkha Durbar is certaily one of the most outstanding examples of Nepalese architecture. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath , where from the town derives its name The World famous Gurkha Soldiers hail from this place. Gorkha cab be reached in about four hours from Kathmandu and in about two hours from Pokhara. Regular buses for Gorkha leave at 7 AM every morning from the center Bus Terminal. A side trip to manakamana either from Gorkha or from Kahireni of Prithvi Highway is very enjoyable and interesting.
Pokhara Valley:
Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827 meters above the sea level and is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu valley. Prithivi Raj Marga is the highway linked with by Bhairahawa by Siddhartha Raj Marga [Sunauli border] It is a combination of the long arrays of world famous snow clad peaks, emerald lakes, turbulent rivers with deep Georges and picturesque villages inhabited by Magar, Gurungs and Thakalis. Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna Himalayas and others.
Pokhara numerous lakes known as "Tal" in Nepal offer fishing, boating and swimming, which ensure the famous Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes of Pokhara. Pokhara is also referred as the center of adventure. It is the starting point for most of the popular trekking & rafting destination. The serenity of Phewa lake and the magnificence of Machhapuchhare [6,977m] rising behind it, creates an ambiance of peace and magic
Phewa lake is situated at an altitude of 784m above sea level with an island temple at the middle of the lake. It is second largest lake in the kingdom. Temple situated at the island is the two storied pagoda dedicated to the boar magnification of Ajima. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare & Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.
Begnas & Rupa Lake lies in the northeast of the Pokhara valley at the distance of 13kms from the main city. These lakes are locates at the foothill of Begnas, mountain and are separated by the Pachabiya hill.
Seti River Gorges carved by Seti-Gandaki is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh Bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi Highway Bridge near Bus Park provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water.
Devi's fall locally known Patale Chhango in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from Fewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gage, leaping through several potholes.
Mahendra cave lies at the north of the Pokhara valley. It is a large limestone cave, which is one of the few stalagmite stalactite caves found in Nepal.
Tibetan Village Tashiling in the south and Tashii Palkhel in the north of Pokhara valley is the two Tibetan village which is inhabitant by the Tibetan people who keeps themselves busy by producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicrafts.
Museum: One museum displays the life styles and history of the Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharu and other one Natural history museum and is functioned by the Annapurna Conservation area project. Butterflies, insects, birds and wild life found in the Annapurna region.
Mountain View: Spectacular Panorama of the Annapurna range forms the backdrop of Pokhara valley. The mountains stretching from east to west includes Annapurna I to IV. It lies at the distance of 40kms from the valley and at the elevation of 900m. Among these Annapurna. Annapurna I (8.091m high is the highest peak. Mt. Machhapuchhare with its pyramid shape dominated all the other neighboring Peaks. The other peaks are Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, Lamjung Himal 6983m and Manaslu 8163m and Himalchuli.
Barahi Temple: This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectors deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturday, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
World Peace Pagoda a massive Buddhist Stupa 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.
Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park like grounds offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturday and Tuesday when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, take on a festival local flavor.
Pony treks are becoming more popular by the day. With a landscape varying from the even lakeside to small hills with the most famous view in the country. Pokhara provides a magnificent opportunity for sightseeing on horseback. |
