01\uff5cPhewa Lake<\/h6>\n
Pokhara is situated at an altitude of 650 meters. In Nepali, its name means \"a pond filled with water.\" The largest lake in Pokhara, Phewa Lake, has crystal-clear waters originating from the Himalayas. Here, you can choose to take a boat to the Barahi Temple on an island, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, or simply relax by the lakeside and enjoy the peaceful scenery.<\/p>\n
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<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n02\uff5cTal Barahi Temple<\/h6>\n
This temple, also known as the \"Lake Temple,\" is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi. It is an important Hindu shrine located on a small island in Phewa Lake, and it attracts many worshippers.<\/p>\n
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This white pagoda, located on a hill overlooking the Annapurna range, was built with the assistance of Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Each of its four sides has a golden Buddha statue, representing the four stages of Buddha's life.<\/p>\n
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To get to the World Peace Pagoda, you can either drive or take the more challenging and scenic Stupa Walkway. You can take a boat from Phewa Lake to the start of the trail.<\/p>\n
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Boat Ticket\nStupa 1 Way with Driver 1,150 NPR\nStupa 2 Way with Driver 1,680 NPR\n(05\/2024)<\/pre>\n04\uff5cTibetan Refugee Camp<\/h6>\n
Since 1959, when Tibetans rose up against Chinese troops in Lhasa and the Dalai Lama fled to India, more than 60 years have passed. Over 140,000 Tibetans have become refugees around the world, with more than 20,000 living in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most of the Tibetans who escaped to nearby Nepal thought their exile would be temporary. However, more than half a century has now gone by.<\/p>\n
\u25e6 Paljor Ling<\/h6>\n
The Paljor Ling Tibetan Refugee Camp in the city is the smallest, and you can see everything in about half an hour. As soon as I stepped through the green iron gate, I saw colorful prayer flags waving in the breeze.
\"Where are you from?\"A lady walked up to me and asked.
\n\"Taiwan,\" I replied.
\n\"Taiwan! Do you want to come to my house and see some handmade crafts?\" She seemed relieved.
\n\"Sure!\"
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The refugees, who have no nationality and cannot leave to find better opportunities, make a living by selling handmade crafts. At her house, an elderly woman weaving greets me. The floor was filled with everyday items such as pottery, handmade crafts like beads and blankets. The residents here didn't seem to like being photographed, so I mostly took pictures of the surroundings.<\/p>\n
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\u25e6 Tashi Ling<\/h6>\n
This larger camp near Devi's Fall shows more of the Tibetan way of life. Around 100 Tibetan families live in this area, which includes a monastery, a school, and a carpet factory.<\/p>\n
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Nearby, there are many Tibetan cafes and restaurants, and you can see photos and quotes from the Dalai Lama in many shops.<\/p>\n
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05\uff5cOld Bazzar & Shree Bindhyabasini Temple<\/h6>\n
Walking through the old town of Pokhara, which feels very different from the lakeside area, you can see older brick houses and more traditional shops.<\/p>\n
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As you go further, you will find the entrance to Bindhyabasini Temple. Climb the stairs to reach the hilltop temple. From here, you can look out over the Pokhara Valley and see the Himalayas in the distance.<\/p>\n
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Bindhyabasini Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site known for its striking white exterior. This makes it a popular location for movie shoots. Many newlyweds also come here to pray and ask the goddess for blessings on their marriage.<\/p>\n
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\u25e6 Five Popular Activities in Pokhara<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cWatching the Sunrise at Sarangkot<\/h6>\n
Can you see a breathtaking sunrise and the snowy Machapuchare without hiking? Yes, you can! On clear days, you can visit the Sarangkot Viewpoint to enjoy the view.<\/p>\n
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I booked the Sarangkot Sunrise View tour from Klook, but I don\u2019t recommend it. The driver picks you up from your hotel around 4:30 AM, takes you to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise, and then stops for photos overlooking Phewa Lake on the way back, all for about 54 USD.<\/p>\n
Local taxis can provide the same service for about one-third of the price. Using the local ride-hailing service InDrive will save you a lot of money.<\/p>\n
02\uff5cBoating on Phewa Lake<\/h6>\n
At Phewa Lake, you can take a boat to the Barahi Temple or to the trail leading to the World Peace Pagoda. You can also rent a small boat and row to the middle of the lake to enjoy the mountains reflected in the water up close.<\/p>\n
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Boat Rental Prices\n1 hour self 780 NPR\n2 hour self 1,150 NPR\n3 hour self 1,450 NPR\nWhole day self 1,650 NPR\n(05\/2024)<\/pre>\n03\uff5cParagliding in Pokhara<\/h6>\n
It was my first time paragliding abroad and my second time overall\u2014it was so much fun! I had a great experience paragliding in Taitung a few years ago and was amazed by the freedom it offered. I knew I had to do it again. This time, I did it in Pokhara, surrounded by the Himalayas.<\/p>\n
The journey starts with a pick-up from your hotel, followed by filling out insurance and contact information at the travel agency. Then, you go to the Sarangkot launch site, which is about 1,600 meters high. After a brief and easy-to-understand explanation, you will start your 20-25 minute flight!<\/p>\n
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Pokhara is one of the top three paragliding spots in the world. You can see snowy peaks, the sparkling Phewa Lake, and neat rows of farms and temples.<\/p>\n
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\ud83e\ude82 Paragliding in Pokhara with Hotel Transfers<\/a><\/p>\n
04\uff5cHorseback Riding Adventure<\/h6>\n
This was my favorite and most worthwhile activity in Pokhara! The two-and-a-half-hour ride starts near Phewa Lake and goes to Sedi Village. You take a break at a caf\u00e9 on a hilltop before returning.<\/p>\n
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The ride takes you into the mountains, showing you another side of Pokhara. The view of Phewa Lake and the city from the hills is indescribable.<\/p>\n
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Beginners feel safe because the guide holds the reins, while experienced riders enjoy the slightly rugged mountain path.<\/p>\n