The biggest tourist destination in Nepal after Kathmandu, Pokhara is a subtropical valley surrounded by lofty Himalayan peaks. The name Pokhara has been derived from pokhri, a word in Nepali signifying pond. In earlier times the place was a big lake. Today in addition to the town, there are three major lakes namely, Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas here. Due to its nearness to the Himalayan peaks, Pokhara is home to some of the most beautiful vistas in the world. The abrupt changes in the altitude makes the place even more exciting.

Pokhara does not have a long history. It was founded in the 16th century by Gurungs. The construction of two national highways in 1970’s marked the phase of modern development here and in no time it became a well-known hippie hideout. Today, Pokhara is the centre of river rafting industry and starting point of some of the most exciting treks besides being an important administrative and commercial centre in Nepal. The town landscape has changed a lot in the last few decades and a concrete jungle has came up to satisfy needs of ever increasing number of visitors. But Pokhara has still maintained its small town image that is best experienced during the off season.

There is no better place in Nepal that can give you exciting sights of lofty Himalayan ranges and that too in the relative comfort of subtropical climate. Pokhara is the most exciting view point in Nepal giving you the magnificent sights of major Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung. The centre of all tourist activities in the town is Lakeside, on the shores of Phewa Lake. The town has many more natural as well as man-made attractions such as Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal, Bindyabasini Temple, Mahendra Fall, Deep Gorges, Devi’s Fall, World Peace Pagoda and Tibetan Refugee Camp.

The Pokhara Valley is home to splendid viewpoints, rivers and trekking routes that delve deep inside the Himalayan ranges. It is also a heaven for river rafters who flock the river Seti, which flows across Pokhara Valley, to indulge in this adventurous sport. This milky white river also forms many gorges that present the fascinating views to the visitors. Situated to the north of Phewa Tal is Sarangkot, a peak from where you get splendid view of the valley and mountains surrounding Pokhara.