The trip
Pokhara is part of the places chosen by nature. But, It is little known by travelers arriving in Nepal, generally conform to visit outside Kathmandu. The shadow that give the Annapurna and the serene beauty of the sacred lake Phewa create a formidable landscape that should go quietly. For mountain lovers, from there come the most famous mountain treks Nepal. For the rest, a surprise to discover.
The city grows fruit of the trade route that connected India and Tibet. At source, XVII century, the town is part of the powerful kingdom of Kaski, which was at that time, with other 23 kingdoms, the Rajaya Chaubise, led by the Shah dynasty (a germ of the future Nepal). It is in those years when you open trade routes with the beautiful city of Bhaktapur, further south, and built the oldest buildings in the town (this part is called Old Pokhara). Are also in this old town shops and stores markedly Newar, one of the dominant ethnic groups in this part of Nepal.
But, independence is thwarted in Pokhara 1786, when considered the first King of Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah, conquered the city, who went on to become an important trading center on the route between India and Tibet. The Indian influence is most marked from this event, but Narayan was a monarch who shielded the country from the foreign presence.
The mixture of many cultures and ethnicities, as in other parts of Asia, is fascinating
The next century, the city experienced a steady growth. And 1845, stands the temple Bindyabasini. Legend has it that the goddess Bhawani was the one who told the king Khadag Bum Malla to lift a statue there in his honor. The pagoda is very beautiful and is a key Hindu religious society of Pokhara. Must be. As you also have to visit the temple of Bhimsen and watch their erotic carvings. It was built just over 200 years.
Finally, to follow the chronological account of the city, and before getting into the lake Phewa, Great spiritual World Peace Pagoda Buddhist and climb to the viewpoint of the great Annapurna, Sarangkot, must refer to a final and important historical events. Between 1959 and 1962 reached over Pokhara 300.000 Tibetan refugees, who have left their particular mark. The mixture of many cultures and ethnicities, as in other parts of Asia, is fascinating. In Pokhara live as indigenous breeds, addition to the Newars, the Magars, Gurungs and Thakalis.
The serene Phewa Lake shows, as if listening to the visitor with its millenary reluctance when disturbed tranquility
But now we stopped in the very emblem of Pokhara: Phewa Lake. Shown serene, as if listening to the visitor with its millenary reluctance when disturbed tranquility. In the middle of the waters is a sacred temple, the Barahi, where hundreds of boats transporting passengers to the Nepalese and two-story pagoda. It is a sight to see as many Nepalis crossing on Saturday with birds to be slaughtered in honor of goddesses Newar group, Ajima. There is reverence for this water. It may be that the environment influences, but it is true that the place overwhelms.
Finally, recommend spectacular views: Get in the evening, are almost alone, the World Peace Pagoda. A Japanese Buddhist temple paid and from which you can see the whole lake and much of the valley. You breathe a real lull between the various statues of Buddha which seem to look at you. Yes, the real viewpoint of Pokhara is Sarangkot. We have to get up a long and difficult step, in which crosses a small village, to reach a peak from which rub against the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. It's like climbing to the sky to see the beautiful city of Pokhara.
About, read in the essential section (tabs above), recommendation on the village of Bandipur (is midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara).
The road
Jet Airways is a low cost carrier offering daily flights for which they made stops in India. The planes are better than some renowned European. Then, Kathmandu, you have to take one of several tour buses that leave first thing in the morning to Pokhara. Are more than seven hours of travel, but the landscape is unforgettable crosses. The ticket price is around 200 Rs.
A nap
In Pokahra recommend Hotel Barahi, that has a pool and is attached to the lake. The price for a double room is around 30 U.S. dollars, pro note that in Nepal bargains for all.
More luxury, recommend Fish Tail Lodge, also has a swimming pool. Rooms 16, 17 and 18 have spectacular views of the lake. Price, around 90 U.S. dollars.
Cheaper, Hotel Meera. Good restaurant and price below 20 U.S. dollars.
A table set
El Once Upon a Time: International and Nepalese food, cheaply and charming place. Especially good pizza. You can eat on floor cushions. By the Lake (Central Lake).
Bistro Carolina: Romantic, with great views and Nepalese food, India and international. There is a good wine list.
Highly Recommended
-More crucial is required: halfway between Pokhara and Kathmandu must stop at the village and stay Bandiphur, at least one night, the wonderful Hotel Old Inn. Magic is a small village, amid the mountains, withdrawal from the world, they will not forget. Must warn the driver of the bus that fall into Dumre and then take any car that goes to the wonderful Bandiphur.
-In Pokhara go see the turbulent waters of the David`s Fall and dare to walk among the wild cliffs of the mighty Seti River.
