subject: Pokhara, Gateway To The Annapurna Circuit [print this page] For many people hoping to undertake the Annapurna Circuit trek, the cityof Pokhara is a convenient base to prepare before the trek itself, orrest and relax in once the circuit has been completed. However, the cityof Pokhara is a fascinating place to explore in itself, and manytrekkers find that the cultural insights they experience on theAnnapurna circuit may also be useful once theyre back in the society ofPokhara. The city itself is home to as much fascinating history as themountains along the Annapurna Circuit. Here are a few interesting factsabout Pokhara.
History
Pokhara sits on what was once an important trading route between Chinaand India. In the 17th century, it was part of the highly-influentialKingdom of Kaski, ruled by a branch of the Shah dynasty. Many of themountains around Pokhara still have ruins that have been dated to thistime. By 1786, Pokhara had become an important way-stop on the tradingroutes from Kathmandu to Jumla, and from India to Tibet. However,Pokhara was only able to be reached by footand this lasted until thefirst road was completed in 1968, making it accessible to thosetravelling from further distances, interested in trekking the AnnapurnaCircuit.
Modern-Day
Pokhara has become a major tourist hub of Nepal, which more than makesup for its lost importance on the ancient trade routes. Though it ismostly known as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, it has become amodern hub, with an old centre in the north of the city where old shopsand warehouse from the Newari style can still be found. There are alsoold temples in the city that are worth a visit. One, the Barahi Temple,is located on the middle of an island in the Phewa Lake, and isaccessible only by boats.
Attractions
One magical attraction of Pokhara is the incredible view offered of themountains trekked on the Annapurna Circuit, which is especiallybeautiful at dawn.a. (This section seems a bit strange to metheremust be other attractions in and around the cityfor example youcould hire bikes, or explore the back streets on foot. There are also Ithink some waterfalls nearbyDevi Falls. There are great little streetcafes, fresh fruit jouice stalls etcperhaps some more research here!The Seti Gandaki River and its tributaries have created spectaculargorges in and around the whole city. The Seti gorge runs through theentire city from north to south, and though it is only a few metres widein some places, the river runs so far below that in places it isntvisible or audible.?????
Phewa Tal
Phewa Lake sits at the edge of Pokhara, and is a centre for many of theattractions to be found in the city. Many people returning from theAnnapurna Circuit trek enjoy spending a day or two relaxing and take aboat trip in one of the the brightly-painted wooden boats. The easternshoreline of the lake, the Lakeside district or Baidam, is home tomany bookshops, restaurants, and souvenir shops. One of the greatestfeatures of the lake is the amazing view of the mountains when the lakeis still and the weather is good, as the reflection in the water createsa double image.
