Nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas, Pokhara, Nepal is a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Known as the “City of Lakes”, Pokhara is home to the world-famous Phewa Lake, as well as numerous other lakes and rivers. The city is also renowned for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, and is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers.
History
Pokhara is believed to have been settled as early as the 4th century A.D. by the ancient Kirat people. The city was later ruled by the Malla kings of the Kaski Kingdom in the 16th century. During this time, Pokhara became a trading post for salt, grain, and other goods, and was a popular stop for traders traveling between India and Tibet.
In 1786, the city was conquered by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the first king of unified Nepal. Pokhara then became part of the unified kingdom of Nepal and remained so until the end of the monarchy in 2008.
Today, Pokhara is a vibrant and bustling city that is home to a diverse population of more than 200,000 people.
Amazing Facts
1. Pokhara is home to the world's deepest lake, the Gurkha Lake, which is more than 200 meters deep.
2. The city is also home to the world's highest cave, the Mahendra Cave, which is located at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters.
3. Pokhara is the birthplace of the world-famous Gurkha soldiers, who have served in the British and Indian armies for more than two centuries.
4. The city is a popular destination for paragliders and is home to the world's longest paragliding flight, which lasted for more than two hours.
5. Pokhara is also home to the world's largest statue of the Hindu god Shiva, which stands at more than 20 meters tall.
Things To Do
1. Visit the beautiful Phewa Lake, which is the second largest lake in Nepal.
2. Take a boat ride on the lake or go for a swim.
3. Trek in the Annapurna mountain range and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas.
4. Visit the many temples and monasteries in the city, including the World Peace Pagoda and the Bindabasini Temple.
5. Take a paragliding flight and soar over the city and surrounding mountains.
6. Go for a leisurely stroll in the many parks and gardens in the city.
7. Go shopping in the vibrant markets of the city.
8. Try some of the local cuisine, which includes dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), and chowmein (noodles).
9. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city, which includes bars, clubs, and live music.