Saturday, June 26, 2010

Adventure of Nepal

If the Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal then Pokhara is the adventure.An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations.
Pokhara is a place remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course the world famous views of the Himalya. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sight is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop.Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South.Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped needle pointed mountain Phewa lake is the second largest lake in the kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara.Here one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water to visit the island temple in its middle. Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are located about 15 km from Pokhara at the end of the road that turns north from highway to the Kathmandu. Divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lake offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing opportunities can be had here. Barahi temple is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force shakti(power). Devotees can be seen especially on saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity. Seti Gandaki is the Pokhara's natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Its depth is quite beyond the imagination over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow. Devi's Fall is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekker was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall. Mahendra Gupha. Another of nature's wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats. The adventure sports in pokhara are especially boating and power gliding. Boating. Pokhara's diverse natural wonders make it an excellent setting for adventure sports. Sailing or paddle boating on Phewa Lake's emerald expanse is something no visitors to Pokhara would like to miss. Power Gliding is the latest in the roster of adventure thrills in Pokhara. Avia Club Nepal will take you up in a delta wing ultra light aircraft to give you a bird's-eye view of Pokhara's emerald lakes, green fields and deep gorges.

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