If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its
centre of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a
tranquil valley, it is the starting point form many of
Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The
atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited
vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars And
Restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and
viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. Pokhara
is a place of remarkable natural beauty . The serenity of
Phewa lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of
Machhapuchhre (6977 m.) rising behind it create an ambience
of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it
has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated
by the beautiful diversity of flowers which proper in its
environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to
thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course,
the world famous views of the Himalaya.
Finally, Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route
extending between India and Tibet. To this day , mule trains
can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing
goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is
theland of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and
valorous warriors who have earned worlwide fame as Gurkha
soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here,
are known for their entrepreneurship. |