Sometimes we look for destinations other than usual, the kind that are always made on the circuits. If you have already visited those typical cities that are made in the first trips, such as London or Paris, the truth is that there are other destinations that we have not heard of but that are also really interesting.
This time we will see what can be seen in the Pokhara town in Nepal, a city that is located about two hundred kilometers from the capital, Kathmandu. This city can become one of those special trips in which we discover really authentic places.
The city of Pokhara
This city is located in the Northwest Pokhara Valley with which it shares a name. This town is located on an ancient trade route from Tibet to India, which greatly fostered its growth and the flourishing of the economy. Already in the seventeenth century it was part of the Kingdom of Kaski, which was one of the 24 kingdoms of Nepal. In the surrounding mountains there are still some ruins from medieval times when the city was on the most important routes. From the capital of Kathmandu the Hindus spread through the valley and brought their culture. In the XNUMXs hundreds of refugees arrived in this area due to the annexation of Tibet to China. It is curious that until this decade of the sixties this city could only be accessed on foot, since there were still no paved roads. At present, the area near Phewa Lake is one of those among the tourist routes of Nepal.
Getting there from Kathmandu
Getting from the capital is relatively easy. Buses run very frequently daily, as it is a well-known destination and is well connected to the capital. There are three types of buses, the local ones, which are full of people and are not very safe, so you have to avoid them. Those that are touristy, which are somewhat more comfortable and less crowded, and finally there are those that are mini buses that belong to private companies and must be arranged, which are undoubtedly the safest and fastest. If we have to recommend some, they would be the last ones, the ones that are the most comfortable to get to Pokhara. It must be said that the journey is more than two hundred kilometers and the trip takes about six to eight hours, something that is quite heavy, but it is worth it if we want to see the landscapes of Pokhara.
Another alternative that we have when arriving are the local flights. They are much more expensive but they will undoubtedly save us a lot of time when traveling to Pokhara. We will have to see what is best for us in each case. Of course, the planes are small and the airport too, so we should not be afraid to fly.
Phewa Lake
This city has developed in the eastern shore of this lake. The landscapes around the lake is one of the most spectacular things that we can enjoy in this place. The reflection of the mountains on the lake is one of the main attractions that exist in this area. In this place we have some of the highest mountains in the world, which surprises any tourist who comes close.
In the center of this lake it is possible to see a sacred temple. The Barahi, a two-story pagoda, which is striking in this lake. If we want to see some sacred rite, we must wait for Saturday. It is this day that the locals have chosen to get on the boats and approach the temple with birds to sacrifice in honor of the goddesses Newar Ajima. This pilgrimage on Saturdays is undoubtedly one of those experiences that is worth seeing, so we must try to coincide in the city on this day.
For lovers of trekking
Here are some of the highest mountains in the world, so it is not surprising that many people come to this area for mountain sports. The trekking circuits for fans of these sports stand out. In the Annapurnas zone It is where the best circuits in Nepal are found. In fact, this city is the entry point of the beginning of the Annapurna route that reaches the base camp from which you reach the top. But this route is not for those who are not prepared, since it has more than two hundred kilometers in difficult terrain, but you can always do small pieces to live the experience. In this mountain there are paths that traders traveled on their routes to Tibet, glaciers and even incredible suspension bridges that are not suitable for the most fearful.