Pokhara, Tourism capital in Kaski District, Nepal
Pokhara is a large city in Kaski District, Nepal, and extends along Phewa Lake at roughly 900 meters elevation. The Annapurna mountain range forms the northern horizon and shapes the cityscape with snow-covered peaks that reflect in the lake water.
In the mid-18th century, Newar traders from Bhaktapur settled here and transformed the location into a commercial center under the direction of the King of Kaski. Later the city developed into an important starting point for climbers and hikers heading into the Himalayan region.
The Barahi Temple stands on an island in Phewa Lake and shows traditional Nepali architecture made of wood and stone. Believers reach the shrine by small rowing boats and bring offerings there, while visitors can watch the activity from the shore.
The best time to visit falls between October and April when clear views of the mountains prevail and the weather stays pleasantly dry. A walk along the lakeshore offers good orientation as most guesthouses and restaurants concentrate in this zone.
Three of the ten highest mountains in the world lie within 60 kilometers as the crow flies: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu. On clear mornings all three peaks are visible at the same time from the lakeshore, which is possible in only a few other places on Earth.
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