Begnas lake is the second largest lake of Pokhara, which is about 15 km south-east from the lake-side town at an altitude of 650m above sea level. The lake covers an area of 3 sq km with the maximum depth of 13.48m and is surrounded by scenic hills with dense jungle where abundant leopards roam majestically. One can enjoy fishing and boating in this lake along with travelling to the nearby villages. Tourist can relax in the lodges and resorts situated alongside the lake.
Rupa lake is separated from Begnas lake by the dense forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda. These two lakes are also well known as the "Twin Lakes". The lake runs from north to south and covers an area of 1.12 sq km with a maximum depth of 4.79m, where-as the average depth is about 3.0m. The lakes offer the prefect nature retreat because of their relative’s seclusion and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Davi's Falls
Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls) also know as Devins and Davids is a lovely waterfall is about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy, was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall. This beauty of mother nature is one of the most attractive spot in Pokhara.
World Peace Pagoda
World Peace Pagoda is a huge Buddhist stupa situated at the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The Pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands a grand view. Besides being an impressive sight, the shrine is also a perfect spot to have magnificient views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. Visitors can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.
Mahendra Cave
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gufa (Cave). Mahendra cave is named after the Late king Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, which was discovered arround 1950 by some local shepherd boys. The locals call this cave as Chamero Odaar (house of bats) and is one of the most famous tourist site in Pokhara. This natural lime stone cave is located at a distance of couple hours walk in the northern settlements of the valley. Visitors are advised to bring torch lights with them to have the wonderful views of the glitterring stones like stalactites and stalagmites inside this dark cave.
Bat Cave
The Bat Cave is located at a small distance from Mahendra Cave and was discovered by the owner of the land (a farmer). The entrance of the cave is a bit narrow but it is wider inside and the inner walls are full of carved images of gods and goddess. This 150 m long and 25 ft high cave is also the home for over 15000 bats of different species.
Gupteshwor Cave
Gupteshwor cave is a holy cave, which is at a distance of 2 km from Pokhara Airport at the south-west from the town. This sacred cave for Hindus is almost 3 km long, where a phallic symbol of lord Shiva is preserved in the same condition as it was discovered. The entrance of this cave is just above David's Fall. Some of the inner passages are bigger (hall-sized) while some need to be crawlled on all fours. Taking pictures inside is strictly prohibited since this is a holy cave.
Museuem
Pokhara Museum is located between the airport and Mahendra Pul. It reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are nicely displayed in the museum. It is Open 6 days a week (except Tuesdays and holidays), from 10 am to 4 pm.
Annapurna Museum is also known as the Natural History Museum. It is located at Prithvi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar, and is managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The museum has an exceptional collections of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks. It is open six days a week (except Saturdays and holidays), from 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance to the museum is free.
I had the pleasure last January of having the most wonderful trekking guide around Kathmandu and then the Annapurna circuit. Rajandra Khandal was not only knowledgeable about Nepalese history and trails, he was also patient, efficient, very smart and witty, spoke excellent English and always seemed to have a good rapport with whoever we encountered, both local Nepalese and tourists. He was an extremely strong guide who carried some of my belongings along with his own, and never appeared tired, always as energetic and agile as a mountain goat. I remember one instance where we did a steep climb, and I as usual was moving very slowly. When we reacched the top of the mountain I realized I did not have my money pouch, and had probably dropped it way back on the trail where we had stopped. As soon as I told him he was off, running down the mountain at top speed. I watched him reach the bottom and take off like lightning down the trail. We had passed a group of boys walking in the direction of where I had dropped my pouch, and of course, if they found it that would be the end of that. But he reached the pouch before the boys, and came running back down the trail and up the mountain in 15 minutes, the same steep climb that had taken me much longer!! He arrived smiling and happy that he had suceeded. I was very, very grateful, and impressed!!! He was always good natured and hapy!! After that I let him carry my money. At the end of the trek I found out how frugal he had been, and that he had negotiated lodgings so skillfully that he had save me quite a lot of money. We remain good friends and I look forward to the time when I can return to Nepal and trek again with this wonderful young man. If you are planning to visit Nepal, don't miss the chance to trek with Raj, it will be nothing short of a great experience!!Peggy Cabbab.
I would highly recommend Raj as a guide of Nepal. He is truly an amazing young man, with exceptional customer service skills. I met Raj on my very first day in Nepal, and he took such good care of me. He guided me around the most common sites of Kathmandu. He not only physically showed me these places, he had so much knowledge about each and every place we visited, which was really informative. Raj and I had a lot of great conversations during the few days he was guiding me, and introduced me to the beautiful Nepal. Nepal is a place I will forever hold in my heart, and Raj has become a dear friend, whose kindness and friendship will remain with me always. Raj will show you beautiful sights of his home country, and will do so with such a passion for life! He is an amazing person, and does a fantastic job with guiding people. Rebecca NZ.
