Pokhara is not only a destination for adventure treakking but also a gateway to similar nature's wonders in its vicinity like Sirubari, Ghalegaun, Lekhnath, Bandipur, Gorkha, Dhampus, Jomsom, Manang, Mustang, Palpa and Myagi.
1. SIRUBARI:
A Gurung Village nestled southwest of Pokhar, Sirubari has been developed to provided a cultural village experience. Tourists stay in local accommodation and meals are provided by the farmers. It is only possible to reach the village by foot and the whole experience providess a refreshing relief from the more mainstream to tourist locations in Nepal. The predominantly Buddhist Gurung population inhabit traditional stone buildings as well as the Gompa (monastery). It takes around 5 hours from Pokhara to reach the village a bus is availabe to trailhead, but you will have to walk the remainder of the way. It is the proud winner of PATA Gold Award 2001 in Heritage & Culture - Heritage category.
2. LEKHNATH:
Lekhnath is a city close to Pokhara, having a distance of only 10 Kms. Lekhnath is named after the famous Nepali poet Lekhnath Paudel (1885-1966), but is also called the city of seven lakes. The seven lakes are Begnas, Rupa, Khaste, Depang, Maidi, Neureni and Gunde. Except Begnas and Rupa most of the other lakes are little known to the outsiders. Lekhnath possesses many terrains and mountain view sites. It is also becoming a famous destination among trekkers as some of the comfortable and short trekking routes in Pokhara valley begin here.
3. GHALEGAUN:
Ghalegaun is traditional Gurung village in Lamjung district whee you can witness the original tradition, culture and festivals still alive and unspoilt. It offers and insight into its culture through home-stay and cultural programs. The famous honey hunting tradition is still carried out using the simplest tools by the locals.
4. BANDIPUR:
This semi-urban town is located in between Kathmandu and Pokhara, just off the Prithivi Highway. Bandipur is situated on a hill top, overlooking the Marsyangdi River Vallley. It is 143Km to the west from Kathmandu and 73Km to the south east of Pokhara. The town was once a prosperous trading centre between India and Tibet, but this vanished with the completion of the Prithivi Highway. Traders moved to Narayangarh have not yet returned.
Its substantial buildings, with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows offer a much more authentic and interesting experience, as the development of tourism has been closely monitored. Originally it was a simple Magar village but later Newars from Bhaktapur settled here, in the nineteenth century. The village is also a great place to stage adventure sports like paragliding, caving, rock climbing, rafting, hiking, etc from.
5. GORKHA:
The historical and spiritual home of the Gurkha regiments, Gorkha is located at around 110km from Pokhara and can be reached in about five hours from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is famous from being the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah who conquered the Kathmandu Valley and the numberous tribes in the region, giving birth to modern Nepal. The is a Famous temple named Mankamana, many hindus comes from Nepal and India to visit and worship the goddess. mankamana mean the goddess who full filled the desire of people who worship in this temple. It lies 10 km east from Muglin or 95 kms far from Kathmandu. We can reach in this temple after 15minute journey by cabel car.
6. MANANG:
Manang is a district which consists of 13 villages and is divided into two valleys- theupper and lower valley and is home to about 9000 people. It forms part of the Annapurna Circuit trekking route, and the village of Manang itself is a popular location for an acclimatization/rest day before attempting the pass of Thorung la (5416m). Archery and horse racing are two of the most popular activities during the festivals. Be aware that the Manang's are legendary for their trading skills bargain with caution.
7. LUMBINI:
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and is a site of Pilgrimage for devotees and visitors from all over the world. For Buddhists. this is one of the four main pilgrimage sites based on the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath, Lumbini has various Buddhist temples, many of which are presently under construction, There are other sites near Lumbini where (according to Buddhist tradition) previous Buddhas were born, achieved enlightment and died.
Lumbini became a UNESCO world Heritage Site in 1997, specifically nominated for the international World Heritage Program. The holy site has ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree, and ancient bathing pond, the Ashoka pillar and the Mayadevi temple, where the precise place of birth of Buddha is located. An overnight stay is recommended, or ti could be included whilst traveling to/form India as the border post at Sunauli is within easy reach.
8. CHITWAN:
Chitwan district is one of seventy five districts of Nepal and can be reached in 4 hours, at around 156 kms from Pokhara. The Royal Chitwan National Park is The District's main attraction, and is home to some of he world's rarest animals such as the Royal Bengal Tiger and One horned Rhinocerous. It is also home of ancient Nepali ethnic groups like Chepangs and the Tharus. The national Park is one of the finest in Asia, giving first hand opportunity to the visitors to see animals in their natural habitat. You can enjoy elephant riders, nature walks and canoe trips as well as the hospitality of the numberous jungle lodges dotted around the park. Elephant bathing is a must. The National Park is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural) list. The airport at Bharatpur has daily flights to Kathmandu, and is a short drive from the main lodges.
9. MUSTANG:
Mustang is a district in the north-east of Nepal, bordering China(Tibet) on the Central Asian plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang, The administrative centre of the district is at Jomsom (Dzong Sampa), which has had an airport since 1962 and has become the main tourist centre since the area was opended to tourism in the 1970s. Entry to the Mustang Valley is strictly controlled to avoid adverse consequences to the culture and you will need to obtain a permit if you with to travel in this area.
10. PANCHASE:
Panchase is a small village located at he south west of Pokhara. It is popular trekking destination and is rech in rare plants of medicinal value. It is a religious site for Hindus and the mountain views from the top of Panchase is worth seeing.
11. GHANDRUK:
A small Gurung Village along the route to the Annapurna Sanctuary, this scenic village provides a welcome stop off for Trekkers. There is also a colorful Buddhist monastery, A six day loop trek between Ghorapani (Poon Hill) is also popular, due to the numerous views of the Annapurna Massif.
12. TANSEN:
Tansen is a beautiful ancient hill town located in Palpa district,high above the kali Gandaki river takes around 3 to 4 hours drive from Pokhara. This town, laying at he foot of the Shreenagar hills, is the headquarters of Palpa District council and the hub of the mid west culture of Nepal, Tansen was once the capital of the Tanahun kingdow one of the most powerful, before the rise of the Shahs. Tansen is full of narrow winding streets, traditional Newari architecture and intricate metalwork still one of the town's major industries. Another unique feature of Tansen is that the streets are too steep for motor vehicles a refreshing change There are numerous beautiful walks starting from Pokhara, with particularly spectacular views across the bowl shaped Mardi Valley the tourist office is particularly helpful with it's recommendations.
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