Chilling in Pokhara
Pokhara seemed like the perfect place to chill in because of the cool weather and laid back vibe of the city.
We went to see the sunrise at Sarangkot. We got up at around 430AM to get to the viewing point in time. The sunrise was a bit underwhelming, since I was expecting to see the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas as the soon peeked through the skies.
The view from Sarangkot was all right by my standards though.
There were a few stores and traditional weaving contraptions near the viewing point.
*There is a NPR 30 fee to enter Sarangkot. My friends and I rented a car for 4 for NPR 1600.
After being disappointed by the cloud cover, our driver decided to take us to a local temple, Bindhyabasini.
We were probably the only foreigners in the temple. The locals went about their business of offering prayers to their gods.
The Nepalese are quite the religious bunch.
There were cows just everywhere! They simply loitered around lakes, roads, and near houses. I was already getting used to them after spending a couple of days in Kathmandu.
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake situated in Pokhara. I've seen many pictures of the lake with the Annapurna Mountain Range as its background. But the cloud cover obscured it from sight! I really wanted to see the snow-capped mountains, because I live in the tropics wherein if it began to snow the world would probably end soon.
Pokhara already has signs of a typical tourist destination. There were bars, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs from the kitschy to the noteworthy.
World Peace Pagoda
We included World Peace Pagoda. The Peace Pagoda was constructed as a symbol for peace, what else were you expecting?
The Himalayas were simply out of sight. I was secretly hoping that the clouds would go away even for just a moment to allow us to get a glimpse of snow-capped mountains.
Devi's Falls
Devi's Falls was on the usual tourist route through Nepal. It wasn't spectacular but seriously, what else were we going to do? You can't swim in here you can only ogle from a distance.
*There is a NPR 30 entrance fee for Devi's Falls.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
The last stop during our short jaunt through Pokhara was the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. The cave was mostly dark and dank.
*There is an entrance fee of NPR 100.
A few days in Pokhara added more pieces to the puzzle that is Nepal. Too bad we only got to stay a week in total in Nepal. I would love to return to do at least one of the treks to the Himalayan Mountain Range. Till next time!
How to Get to Pokhara
We took the day bus from Kathmandu to Nepal for NPR 2000 return. The bus takes approximately 8 to 10 hours or more depending on the traffic and road condition. The view was spectacular as we drove past mountains and small towns along the way. The road zigzagged around narrow roads before getting to Pokhara. There are direct flights from Kathmandu for those who are short on time.