Pokhara Visit Year 2007 and Promotional Photos

Visit Pokhara Year 2007, is a new tourism festival of Nepal. Nepal dedicates certain years for a tourism festival. It's like a devotion. The last such tourism festival was the Visit Nepal 1998. With the beginning of 2007, Visit Pokhara Year- a year-long promotional campaign began with a great deal of enthusiasm and vigor jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC).

The prime objective of organizing this year-long promotional campaign is to enhance the image of Pokhara as one of the important tourist destinations of Nepal. Pokhara received a remarkable number of domestic as well as international tourists in the beginning of 2007 so the locals are anticipating more as the year matures. However, Pokharelis have trying to develop infrastructure. The long awaited international airport is the dire need of Pokhara at present.

Pokhara in itself has a unique and multiple tourism products and is the hub for the tourists visiting western region of Nepal. Among the major tourists destination in Nepal, Pokhara has done a huge investment in tourism sector and has developed human resources to entertain a wide range of visitors.

The Visit Pokhara Year - 2007 would have gained significant success had it been announced at least a year ago. Since the year has already started, the tourism entrepreneurs should not wait more to introduce the packages and services, which are expected to be economical and attractive throughout the year. Tourism is the main industry of Nepal which has been affected by years of civil war in the country. By dedicating a whole year for tourism festival, Nepal hopes

to bounce back the tourism industry to a satisfactory level.

Objectives / Targets of Visit Pokhara 2007

As of this date of writing, (12 Jan 2007), according to the press release by Nepal Tourism Board along with Pokhara Tourism Council and Nepal Ministry of Culture and Tourism , the targets of this annual festival are,

1. Expected Tourists Arrival in 2007 : 500,000.
2. Expected Stay of Tourists in Pokhara to 3 days as compared to Today's 15 Days.
3. Year 2007 should increase visitors to pokhara by 40%. Currently 40,000 (Domestic and International) Tourists Visit Pokhara.
4. Increase a tourists's average spending of $25 to $40 a day

Information to Pokhara

Introduction
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Based on the administrative division on hierarchical order Pokhara lies in Western Development Region, Gandaki Zone and Kaski District. The valley includes Pokhara Sub Metropolitan City', Lekhnath Municipality, and some other Village Development Committees. The city is located in the central part of the valley.


Pokhara Climate
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.

The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar.

Getting Pokhara
Pokhara, now a days, is linked to the major cities of Nepal by air and road transportation. Aero planes of different airlines fly several times a day from Kathmandu to Pokhara and many times a week from other major cities of the country. All the cities of Nepal where motoring has been possible so far are linked to Pokhara by roads and regular bus services are available.

You can view all the information and latest news articles as well all happenings of Pokhara with PokharaCity.Com , LovelyPokhara.Com , PokharaBiz.Com and more webpages of Pokhara too.

Attraction and Sight Seeing Places of Pokhara

1.Fewa Lake
2.Barahi Temple
3.Annapurna Museum (Butterfly Museum)
4.Bindebashani Temple
5.Regional Museum
6.Tibetean Refugee Camp
7.Devis Fall (Patale Chhango)
8.Gupteshor Mahadev Cave
9.Seti Gorge (K I Singh Bridge)
10.Bhadrakali Temple
11.Old Bazar
12.Matepani Monastry
13.International Mountaineering Museum (IMM)
14.Chameri Cave (Bat Cave)
15.Mahandra Cave

Phewa Lake
The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake 1.5 kilometer long, second largest lake in Nepal, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake. Most hotels and guest houses have traditional designs and layouts which match with the surrounding views. The photo on the right is of Rara Lake, another popular lake located in Pokhara.

Phewa lake is the second largest lake of Nepal and the largest lake of Pokhara Valley. IT is situated at an altitude of 784m at the western edge of Pokhara city near Baidam. It covers an area of about 4.43 sq km with an average depth of about 8.6m, maximum water depth is 19m. The maximum water capacity of the lake is estimated to be 46 million cubic meters. It lies in the valley of Harpan Khola which feeds the lake. On the southern mouth of the lake, at the crown of Pardi River, a dam is built which has nearly doubled the water level. The water of the lake is used for irrigation and electricity generation.

The lake is surrounded by Sarangkot and Kaskikot hills on the northern side. The hill running along the lake is Raniban (Queen of Forests) which is very rich in flora and fauna. Mammals like Common leopard, Bengal fox and Barking deer are common in this forest. It is a home of abundant avifauna also.
The first main attraction is the pagoda style temple in the lake which is the shrine of Barahi (Water Goddess). The next main attraction is the mirror image of mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range on the crystal clear water of the lake. The south -eastern side of the lake offers the best view. THere is facility of canoeing and fishing.
Phewa originally used to cover an area of 9 sq km but now has been reduced to 4.43 sq. km. Geologically the rocks of either side of Phewa are slate and quartzite and make anticline structure along the axis of the lake.

The lake is the home of 17 species of native fish and 4 exotic species. The forest and lake is the habitat of 6 species of amphibians, 14 species of reptiles, 34 species of mammals and 104 species of birds. Out of 104 species of birds, 14 are migratory species. The lake is linked with pitched vehicle road and boating facility is available.

Barahi Temple
This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa lake, just offshore from the lakeside. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach there by boat. The atmosphere is so tranquil that one can enjoy the green forest scenery just beyond the south end of the lake, full-scale scenery of the lake and amazing reflection of the Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains on the surface of
the lake. There is a major celebration during Dashain, the biggest Nepali festival
in the month of October. Especially in Saturdays carrying male animals and fowl
across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

Annapurna Museum (Butterfly Museum)
Annapurna Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum, is located at Prithvi
Narayan Campus compound east of the old bazaar. Managed by the Annapurna
Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of
butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various preciousand semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks. Open daily, except Saturdays and holidays,from 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance is free.

Bindebashani Temple
Bindebashani Temple is located on the top of a small hill at the north end of the
old bazaar. This is believed as one of the oldest temples in the valley, and is most famous in Pokhara On lucky days one may get to witness a Hindu wedding ceremony taking place, in the premises of this temple.

Regional Museum
Regional Museum is located between the airport and Mahendra Pul & reflects the ethnic mosaic of Western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed. Opens daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fee is Rs. 5 and there is an extra Rs. 10 for cameras.

Tibetean Refugee Camp
Since 959, a group of Tibetan refugees have been living in Nepal. One such is Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Settlement at Chhorepatan, which is located near two popular Sightseeing sites i.e. Davi’s Fall and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave. One may visit Tibetan monastery, hand-made carpet factory, schools etc. in this community

Devis Fall (Patale Chhango)
The water flowing from Phewa Lake shows a wonderful fall. We find hollow sandy part
and a heavy fall of water within its natural trench. It looks really amazing scene of
rainbow with sunlight when a volume of water falls in the deep rocky gorge and produces the water vapour especially in summer. Gupteshwar Mahadev cave is just opposite sides of Davi’s Fall where the Hindu religion people worship a temple of their great god Mahadev inside the cave and it is cave is almost 3 km long. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. Cave has the connection
with the Davis fall gorge. It is quite interesting for exploration; it has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours.

Seti Gorge (K I Singh Bridge)
It is a mysterious wonder of Pokhara. Originated from the Machhapuchhre glacier, Seti
(which means white in Nepali) River runs through the main city area. Amazingly, at
certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination - in about 40 meters depth. The river provides a perfect view of its dreadful rush before it disappears at Bagar into a deep gorge. The gorge is visible from the bridges in the city, K.I. Singh Bridge, northwest end of the city, Mahendra pool, Ramghat, and Prithvi Chowk areas. K I Singh Bridge is the proper view point of this wonderful and interesting river gorge. Looking down these bridges one can see the white turbulent flow of the Seti through an incredibly narrow canyon about 46 m. below.

Bhadrakali Temple
Hindu Temple and Karma Kagyu Chhonkerling Buddhist Monastery has situated
Harmoniously on nearby small hillock, surrounded by rich luscious forests, 4 km away
from the Pokhara airport at Matepani. The location is superb for the Mountain View and the view of the whole Pokhara City. It is also a proper place for bird and butterfly watching and for a half day hike too. Old Bazar Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well.
The old bazaar of Ram Krishna Tole and its vicinity provides a glimpse into the
traditional ambience of art and architecture of the Pokhara valley. This area with red brick walls, carved windows and tile roofs harbours some interesting temples also.

Matepani Monastry
There is a splendid Buddhist Monastry on the top of the small forested hill above Matepani east of Mahendra pool. It overlooks a large section of the Pokhara city and once there on find oneself lost in time amid the chanting Ramas, there colossal guardian images of the Buddha accompanying two other gurus and a prayer house with exquisitely carved columns and friezes.

International Mountaineering Museum (IMM)
The museum is situated just .5km south from the Pokhara airport. The spot is rightly selected as we can enjoy the unique view of 3 massive mountain peaks; Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu which are above 8000 meters with our single eyesight and no place in the world offers us such a panoramic view. provides information on mountaineering, the world's mountain system, mountain cultures, environments, prominent people in mountain history, mountain geography, ecology, exhibition of mountaineering history and implied methods. Opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Managed by the NMA. www.mountaimuseum.org

Chameri Cave (Bat Cave)
This cave is located a little far form the Mahendra cave in the west .This cave was also discovered by the owner of the land – a farmer in the year 2040.Though the entrance is quite narrow but the inner part of the cave is wide enough. The images of the elephant tusk, gods and goddess have been craved on the inner walls of the cave. This cave is 150 meter long, 25feet high and of the shape of “U”. This cave is famous for the bats and gives shelter to more than 15 thousand bats of different species. This cave needs to be advertised more for its development. It can be a nice picnic spot.

Mahandra Cave
Mahendra Cave located at Batulechaur. It’s a 10 minute drive from Chipledhunga the central market place of the Pokhara city. Mahendra cave has been named as per the Late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. This is also one of the most demanding tourist attraction center here in Pokhara. It resides in the northern settlements of the valley. This snap here features a visitor within the interior of the cave. This cave is a natural tunnel which is provided with artificial lighting systems. Bulbs are used by the cave incharge so that the visitors can visit it without any difficulty. But do take a torch light with you just in case the electricity goes off. Mahendra cave is rich for its rock types and different stones that glitters when a beam of light is striked in it. This natural formation is to see not to strike with sharp digging objects. This snap features the internal natural tunnel of the Mahendra Cave. This cave consist of big boulders of rock and the tunnel leads to different places like Kali Khola (River) but at present many of the tunnels are blocked by huge boulders of rock. A 10 minute walk from the Mahendra cave leads to Bat's Cave which is also known as the Chameri Gufa in Nepali. Pokhara has several caves and all these caves are home to the nocturnal flying Dracula known as the BAT.

Activities and Adventure in Pokhara

1. Paragliding
2. Ultra light – Aircraft
3. Mountain Flight
4. Rafting / Kayaking
5. Golfing
6. Mountain Biking
7. Hiking & Trekking
8. Boating / Sailing
9. Fishing
10. Pony Trekking
11. Sun Bathing
12. Butterfly & Bird-watching
13. Sun Bathing
14. Nightlife and Entertainment

Paragliding

Can you imagine sharing the same air space with the Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles and kites as you soar over the rivers, lakes and villages? The mountains loom over you to your north and the below you; the landscape dotted with paddy fields and hamlets. Probably that’s why Pokhara is amongst the hotspots for Paragliding in the world. The flying season commences from September thru February, November and December are the best month.

Ultra light – Aircraft
If you have a dream to fly like birds, come to Pokhara. Leave your woes behind on earth, soar to heights, bathe in the clouds, reach out for the mountains and kiss the azure sky as you fly across. This also offers opportunities to take some of the most breathtaking views. It operates regular flights from the Pokhara airport; September through June, Usually at morning and Evening times.

Your flying craft is small takes you up on the sky, close to the mountains gives the feeling of free flying. While on the sky in this glider, it gives a kind of feeling of driving motorbike on the sky. The flight charge is proportionate to flight duration. You can reserve the service of 15 minute duration to one and half an hour of period.

Mountain Flight
Chartered Mountain flight from Pokhara offers spectacular views of the world's tallest Himalayas in Annapurna region. Mountain flight is also interesting for even those who have done their trekking. It gives a completely different experience than trekking. Mountain flights give a chance to see the whole range in one glance. Pokhara is a place, which offers crystal clear sky even during the winter. Helicopter-Services are also available for those who wish to make it a more private affair.

Rafting / Kayaking
Whether you would like to Kayak in the Phewa Lake or raft down the Seti River (One Day or Two Days), Pokhara has it all. Because of its proximity to the mountains, quite a few snow fed major yet wild rivers run thorough and the surrounding areas of Pokhara; making Pokhara a top rafting destination. While the Seti River runs through the heart of the Pokhara valley, rafting trips to other major rivers like Trisuli, Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki begin and end in Pokhara. Depending on you leisure time and interest you have the choice to select the rafting trips of one day to seven days and rives with different rapids.

Golfing
The two world-class 9 hole golf courses-"Yeti Gulf “ at Fulbari Resort, and “Himalayan Golf Course” are expanded in huge and diverse areas about 7 km away from the main city. These golf courses offer the unique golfing experiences. They are located in the most spectacular natural settings. Golf driving range at dam side can enjoy the view as well.

Mountain Biking
Wouldn’t you like to pedal push you way through water falls, up and down treacherous slopes and amidst centuries old monasteries and rice granaries? Well, that’s mountain biking in Pokhara in a nutshell for you. On one hand you have to cycle through lush forests and culturally heterogeneous communities while on the other hand, up steep mountains and through cruel mountain rivers.

Hiking & Trekking
Pokhara offers pleasing walking places at the suburbs for walking lovers and here are some interesting hill stations for day hikers. More importantly, Nepal is pioneer in World Trekking and Pokhara is the gateway to Trekking paradise! Round Annapurna Trek is one out of the best ten trekking route in the world. (referred to P.5) It is advised to arrange trekking through the registered trekking agencies to prevent oneself from any unseen accident.

Boating / Sailing
Sail the boat on the lakes over the mountain shadows. Chat with your loved ones and say ‘wow…’ together with your family over blue water. Those are the wonderfully relaxing ways. Whenever your life is chaotic, and stressed, Pokhara is there to make your relaxing wonderful and memorable. You can select any lakes of your choice for this relaxing activity.

Fishing
The lakes and the confluence point of mountain Stream Rivers are good spots for Sahar, Katle (Nepal native species, carp family), eel and catfish. The best fishing seasons are from June to August. You enjoy fishing of a reel, a lure, and so on. Rods are available at lakeside.

Pony Trekking
Go for a half a day or full day pony trek and enjoy the tranquil routes in hinterlands and surroundings of Pokhara by experiencing the real rustic life. Routes are referred to P.4 "Destination around the Pokhara Valley". These places are also suitable location for day hiker as well.

Sun-bathing
Pokhara is a natural wonder situated in sub-tropical low land under the massif Himalayan with panoramic view of snowy mountains you can brown your skin Meditation, Yoga, Massage, Ayurveda Relaxing Natural Therapy under the Oriental atmosphere.

Butterfly & Bird-watching
Of the world’s 5 families of butterflies and more than 500 species can be found here. The Annapurna Museum also known as “Butterfly Museum” which is located inside the Prithivi Narayan College compound displays wide range of exotic and popular colored flies; likewise over 523 species of birds can be observed in Pokhara.

Nightlife and Entertainment
There are some dance restaurants and bars, discos located at lakeside offers you the entertaining opportunity. The programs showed in these places ranges from Nepali fold dance to English rock music and dance in different places. You can hang out some of the bars and pubs as per your choice that is becoming trendy in the area.