Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is an enchanting valley abounds in lakes. The serenity of Phewa lake and the resplendence of Machhapuchhre (the Fishtail Mountain) rising behind it woo many visitors. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to pristine lakes, thick forests, gushing rivers, and majestic Himalayas.
In fact, Pokhara is the center for adventure, where you can enjoy trekking, rafting, boating, fishing, biking, mountain flight, paragliding, ultra-light aircraft, golfing, pony riding, and short hikes. The northern horizon of the valley is dominated by long snow wall with numerous peaks.
The prominent peaks from east to west are Annapurna South ( 7,219m ), Annapurna I ( 8,091m), Annapurna III ( 7,555m ), Machhapuchhre ( 6,997m ), Annapurna IV ( 7,525m ), Annapurna II ( 7,937m ), and Lamjung Himal ( 6,983m ). In addition Dhaulagiri ( 8,167m) lies to the north-west and Manaslu ( 8,163m ) and Himalchuli ( 6, 441m ) to the north-east. Pokhara has many places of geological interest to visit, such as the Seti River gorge which flows some 90 meters below the ground, Davis Falls ( known as Patale Chhango ) where cascading Seti River transformed into vanishing waterfall and Mahendra Cave.
The topographical contrasts of this valley also reflects the cultural variations. The tropical plain and the low hills are the home of Brahmins and Chhetris, while the temperate highlands are mainly inhabited by Gurungs and Magars.
The climate of Pokhara is humid sub-tropical with heavy rains during the summer, whereas, spring, autumn and winter are the ideal seasons. Pokhara is connected by daily flights with Kathmandu and also by highway from Kathmandu and Siddarthanagar. The town offers wide variety of place to stay ranging from five stars to budget hotels.
SARANKOT
The village of Sarangkot ( 1590m ) is situated on the top of a hillock north of Phewa lake. From this place the spectacular views of sunrise and sun set can been seen. The panoramic view of Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchhre can be observed on a clear day. You may also have a bird's eye view of Pokhara city from Sarangkot.
NAUDANDA-KASKIKOT
Naudanda is situated west of Pokhara, high up on the ridge north of Phewa lake. This is the popular place for good views and to start hiking. You can make a hike from Naudanda to Sarangkot through Kaskikot. There are ruins of fort of erstwhile Kaski kings at this place.
GHANDRUK
The village of Ghandruk ( 2012m ) is inhabited by Gurungs. Ghandruk is also the headquarters of Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP ). The village lie along the popular Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking Area. A visitor can have a spectacular view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Himalchuli peaks from here. Ghandruk is accessible after 6-7 hours trek from Birethanti, which lies along Pokhara-Baglung highway.
SIRUBARI
Like Ghandruk Sirubari is also a Gurung dominated village, situated at an altitude of 1700 meters. The most fascinating aspect of this village is to avail an opportunity to stay as paying guests. It offers excellent views of the Himalayan Peaks including Annapurna,Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. The village is accessible after an hour of walk from the main trekking route.
