Two Surprising Spots in Pokhara, Nepal

First: Bindhyabasini Temple As Pokhara’s oldest temple, it holds a quiet charm that feels timeless—built in 1842 BCE, it perches atop a small hill, offering views of both the city below and the distant Himalayas. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks stretch across the horizon, though April and May often bring smoke from controlled burns, obscuring the view (I missed the snow-capped vistas during my visit). What truly stands out is how few tourists there are—we were the only Chinese visitors, surrounded only by the rustle of prayer flags and occasional bird calls. Sunlight filters through the temple’s carved wooden windows, casting dappled patterns on the stone floors. Sitting on the steps, it’s easy to imagine the whispers of prayers from centuries past.😎😎😎 ⚠️ Tips The temple is small; 30 minutes is enough to explore. Arriving around 4 PM is ideal for soft, golden light. Remove your shoes before entering (there’s a storage area at the entrance). Walking barefoot on the cool stone feels unexpectedly grounding. Transportation: A taxi from downtown Pokhara costs 500–1000 Nepali rupees. You can also row across Phewa Lake (1200 rupees) and hike up, or take a motorbike for more flexibility. I opted for a private car to easily continue to the World Peace Pagoda afterward. Second: World Peace Pa This stupa, a collaboration between Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan, nestles in the hills by Phewa Lake—a serene retreat in Pokhara. On clear days, it frames both the Annapurna snow peaks and the glistening lake below, making it perfect for watching sunset over the mountains. Though I missed the (snow-capped mountains) that day, the sunset I witnessed was unforgettable: the sky and lake blazed orange, painting the pagoda in warm hues. Sitting quietly inside the pagoda, a sense of calm washes over you. Local children were eager to chat and take photos, their grins brighter than the sun. A nice touch: there’s a washing station at the exit to clean your feet before slipping on shoes, a small ritual that feels symbolic. ⚠️ Tips Remove shoes before entering and keep noise to a minimum to respect the sacred space. Transportation: I combined both sites in one private car for 2000 rupees (about 100 RMB)—a budget-friendly way to explore. Timing: Arrive at Bindhyabasini around 4 PM, then head to the pagoda by 5 PM. A 10-minute climb takes you to the top, just in time for sunset. Small shops along the way sell snacks and drinks, so no need to worry about going hungry. ☝️ Bonus Recommendation If you visit when the skies are clear (and no burning smoke), don’t miss the Pumdikot Shiva Statue! It offers even more expansive views of snow-capped peaks at sunset, with Pokhara’s skyline stretching below. Even without the ，these two spots—with their peace and local warmth—are delightful surprises in Pokhara. #Nepal #Pokhara #WorldPeacePagoda #BindhyabasiniTemple