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Why To Visit Pokhara Pokahra a
beautifyl city of Nepal is just roughly 200km away from the capital city,
Kathmandu, is at an altitude of about 2970 ft (900m) from sea level. It is a
unique place in the world. It is an enchanting city nested in a tranquil valley.
Without doubt Pokhara is one of the most beautiful places in the world with the
breath taking “Machhapuchre” (6977m tall mountain-Fish tailed) and majestic
Annapurna and Ganesh Himalayan ranges. The shimmering Fewa, Begnas and Rupa
Lakes can be truly called the “Jewels of Pokhara”. This is the land of Many
ethnic groups like Gurungs and Magars along with other dominant castes like
Chettris, Brahmins, Newars etc. Ethnic peoples of this place had been known as
Gurkhas , the hard working, loyal and valorous warriers since long time ago.
Pokhara have always been very tolerant towards the religion and the melting
point of Hinduism and Buddhism can be observed here. Peace and harmony among
these two great religions can show an good example for the world where there is
violence in the name of religions. Beside religions and culture, various ethnic
group have their own ways of living.
Now the
question may arise “Why to visit POkhara?” What are the significance of visiting
Pokhara? Of course it is true because Pokhara had not been marketed all over the
world about its beauty, culture, religion, and its history. If any one visits
Pokhara he/she can say Pokhara is a piece of Heaven/Paradise “The most beautiful
tourist destination in the world.” For indeed this part of the world has been
said to be the residence of Gods.
To a
foreigner, it is an unique place in the world. It is not only a place on the map
but an experience way of life from which we can learn something new. The unique
life style and cultural heritage of the people residing here have drawn the
attention of the outsiders. Pokhara as it is awfully beautified by nature
itself, looks like and Eden Garden. Ones attention is also drawn by the
fascination of somehigh yet untouched spots where visitors can find a complete
solitude and be at once with what you may call nature in its real sense.
Hardly a day
is left without a festival in Pokhara is another significance of it. Mainly
local festivals like Nava-varsha (New Year), Baisakh Poornima, Nag Panchami,
Gaijatra, Krishnasthami, etc and major festivals like Dashain and Tihar are
celebrated through out the year. Others like street festivals, dance like Maruni,
Ghatu, Kauda, Sorathi, Lakhe, Bhairav, Chutka are also performed here along with
several fairs and exhibitions. One cannot be leisure when he/she steps in
Pokhara valley and can get fully satisfied with its beauty and its non-stopping
festivals.
It will be an
amusement to observe the mountain peaks, the white silvery straps, standing as a
wall that his/her mind may preserve in forever. Apart of this visitiors can
investigate panoramic vista of Mt. Annapurna range commanding views of Seti
River and Fushre River and their canyons. Beside sight-seeing trips, visitors
can have spectacular trekking, micro-airlines valley flight, Mountain flights.,
canyon and guided nature walk, pony treks, white water rafting, hot air
ballooning, boating, fishing, paragliding and much more. Also, one cannot forget
the thunder of Seti River along the deep gorge dancing romantically in the womb
of Pokhara city.
Pokhara on
the other hand is the center of adventure. It is the starting point of many of
Nepal’s most popular treks including the Annapurna circuit and the Jomsom trek.
It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long
challenging one. The most popular among them is Sarangkot (1592m) a former Kaski
Fort laying atop a hill 5km away from the bazaar. The panaromic view of
Himalayas seen from this point is superb. Some other destinations closer to
Pokhara for a days or two days hike are the traditional Gurung village os Sikles
or Ghachok and Bhurjung khola, where one can enjoy closeup views of Fistail
mountain along with the superb rural settings, Kahundanda, Naudanda, Dhampus,
Ghandrung, Ghorepani and Ghachowk are the other favorite destinations around
Pokhara.
Besides this
typical temples and monasteries like Bindhyabasini, Bhadrakali, Barahi, World
Peace Pagoda, Matepani Monastary etc are other places to visit. Pokahra Regional
Museum, Historical Museum, International mountain museum are in Pokhara which
reflects the settlement of 8000 years life style and history of Ethnic group,
collection of 640 species of butterflies, collection of insects and models of
wild life founding this area. Lilke wise, Mahendra Cave, Gupteswor Cave, Chamera
Cave are the hidden treasures of Pokhara. Not only these things fulfill
Pokhara’s beauty, there are many to be seen and experience.
The beauty of
Pokhara can be enjoyed without any discomfort and additional cost since Inn to
Five Star Hotels have grown up here to serve their guest. Hotels like Fulbari,
(5 star, best among Asian hotels), Hotel Fewa Prince (4 star), Hotel Barahi (3
star) have helped in to glorify the beauty of this city. The Pokhareli’s serve
and help in an environment of precious human qualities of unaffected cordiality,
open mind and honesty. One who visits Pokhara will always dream of its and of
the nature, which is sublime and lofting of the people who have learnt to smile
inspite of hardship and struggle.
Pokhara,
thus, is certainly a dream land for the foreigners. I think it would be worth
visiting to Pokhara once better than knowing it by reading all its details. This
is because, ‘a thing of beauty is joy for ever.’ |
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