20-02-2018, Pokhara, Kaski District, Province Number 4 (Gandaki Zone), Nepal:

It’s our third day in Pokhara – the second largest city in Nepal. It is a tourist hot spot with many places to visit in and around the city. A huge lake called Phewa Lake is located on the western end of the city, with a temple on an island inside the lake, to which boats can be taken for a visit. One can even enjoy a cruise in boats across the lake. Apart from this, paragliding is also an attraction for tourists, with the landing site on the shore of the lake itself.

On the south west hill is a huge Stupa known as the “World Peace Pagoda” and it is visible from the lakeside. Others places of interest around the city are Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum, Mahendra Cave etc. There are two more lakes outside the city named Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake which are also frequently visited by tourists. The Pokhara Zoological Park lies between these two lakes which are located towards the south east side of the city.

Pokhara is located near to the Annapurna range with peaks like Machhapuchhare Peak (virgin peak), Annapurna 1, 2, 3, 4, Hiun Chuli, Bhargava Chuli. A high altitude lake called Tilicho Tal can also be hiked to from here. Being the starting point of various treks and expeditions, Pokhara is a hub for climbers and hikers, with all sorts of mountaineering equipment available in the market. A lot many hotels, inns, guest houses are available for the travellers visiting here, with many cafes and restaurants serving various cuisines from Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, to local Nepalese food including the special Nepalese thali made by the Thakali community. Pokhara also has an domestic airport which makes accessibility easier.

A quiet corner of Phewa Lake; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Boat rides at Phewa Lake; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Annapurna Range; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Sighting the moon after a long time; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

A nice walk on the pedestrian path along Phewa Lake; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Along the market place near Phewa Lake; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

A typical Thakali community thali of Nepal consisting of lentil, pickle, curd, meat, millet, salad, veggies and papad; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Chinese restaurant at one of the market places; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

A beautiful garden restaurant; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

A non veg Khaja set; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal