Nepal Travel Guide—Pokhara, the Second Largest City

Continuing from the previous part, this focuses on must-visit spots. Exploring Pokhara is highly recommended by renting a motorcycle🏍️—you can reach almost all attractions. Even without a license, it’s usually fine (though you might get fined if caught). Phewa Lake Nepal’s second-largest lake, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by green mountains. In the middle of the lake, an island holds the Varahi Hindu Temple, a popular spot for visitors to pay respects. Rent a boat 🚤, drift on the lake, admire the snow-capped peaks reflected in the water 🏔️, and savor moments of peace in nature’s embrace. Sarangkot A small hill 5km north of Pokhara city, at 1,500 meters above sea level—it’s one of the best spots to watch Himalayan sunrises and sunsets 🌅. With multiple viewing platforms, on clear days you can see the Annapurna range rising majestically, a breathtaking sight ⛰️. World Peace Pagoda Completed in 2000, this pagoda was funded by people from Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, led by Japanese monk Fujii Nichidatsu. Standing on a hill by Phewa Lake, it’s a solid white tower 🗼 with a gold-topped spire and a Ceylon sapphire 💎 at the tip. Four walls feature statues of Buddha in four life stages, symbolizing hopes for world peace 🕊️. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake in full. Pokhara Old Town Here, century-old buildings remain, with decorative wood carvings on doors and windows. Narrow lanes are lined with billboards, and colorful rickshaws weave through streets—stepping here feels like traveling back to the 80s or 90s 🕰️. Dive into local culture and daily life to experience authentic Pokhara charm 🏘️. Devi’s Fall Legend has it: On July 31, 1961, a Swiss couple swam above the waterfall near Pokhara. The wife was swept away by the current and fell into the falls; her body was found three days later in the Phusre River. Her father reportedly requested the name "Devi’s Fall" in her memory. The scenery isn’t striking, but it’s said to be spectacular in summer, with powerful currents plunging into a cave and disappearing without a trace 🌊. Paragliding "Once in your life, you have to fly." In the movie Waiting for the Wind 🎬, on their last day in Nepal, the tour group tries paragliding. Standing on the cliff, gear on, they nervously ask when to take off. The instructor points to the trees across the mountain and says, "No matter how anxious or scared you are, you can’t rush now. It won’t work. We wait—for the wind." Pokhara is one of the world’s top three paragliding destinations, with stable updrafts, ideal takeoff/landing zones, and views taking in snow peaks, lakes, and the city all at once 🪂🗻. #HikingRouteRecommendations #OutdoorHiking #LesserKnownCulturalSpots #UniqueTownColors #LesserVisitedCountries #Nepal #Pokhara