View of Pokhara city with Fewa lake
Gandaki, December 10: The Restaurant and Bar Association (REBAN) Pokhara is organizing the 26th Pokhara Street Festival to celebrate the English New Year. Bikash Bhattarai, coordinator of the 26th Pokhara Street Festival, informed that the street festival will be held from 13th to 17th(28 December to 1 January) of the upcoming Poush with the slogan ‘Eat on the road, enjoy on the road’. According to him, the street festival is going to be held every year covering a three-kilometer area of Lakeside (from Fishtail Gate of Lakeside to Khahare).
Reban Pokhara Chairman Bishwaraj Poudel mentioned that the festival is becoming important in attracting domestic and foreign tourists to Pokhara. He said that the festival is becoming successful in marketing local products along with promoting art and culture. Cultural coordinator Chau Bahadur Gurung informed that the main attractions of the festival include endangered cultural programs of various ethnic groups, traditional costume displays, tableau competition, national and international food displays, live concerts, and sports competitions such as boat races, waiter races, tug of war, mahm, and sausage eating competitions.
He mentioned that this year, there will be cultural performances from Lamjung, including Krishna characters, Bhojpuri dances, and cultural performances from neighboring countries India and China.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a stunning city in Nepal, located in the Gandaki Province, about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Renowned for its natural beauty, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Here’s a detailed description of what makes Pokhara so special:
Lakeside
Natural Beauty
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Lakes:
- Phewa Lake: The centerpiece of Pokhara, where you can enjoy boating, serene surroundings, and a visit to the Tal Barahi Temple located on an island in the lake.
- Begnas and Rupa Lakes: These quieter lakes offer a peaceful retreat and are ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
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Himalayas:
- The Machapuchare (Fishtail) Mountain, with its iconic peak, is visible from Pokhara. It’s considered sacred and remains unclimbed.
- The Annapurna mountain range, visible in its full glory, adds to the city’s charm.
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Caves and Waterfalls:
- Gupteshwor Cave: A sacred and naturally formed cave.
- Devi’s Falls: A unique underground waterfall that flows into a mysterious cavern.
Breakfast
Adventure Activities
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Paragliding:
Pokhara is one of the world’s top destinations for paragliding, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes. Sarangkot is the prime spot for this adventure. -
Trekking:
- Popular treks include the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and short hikes to Ghandruk or Dhampus.
- Pokhara serves as a gateway for trekkers heading to the Annapurna Circuit.
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Rock Climbing and Cycling:
These activities are gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts in the region.
Spiritual and Cultural Sites
- Tal Barahi Temple:
Located in the middle of Fewa Lake, this is a famous Hindu temple. - World Peace Pagoda:
This white stupa, situated on a hilltop, offers stunning panoramic views of Fewa Lake, the city, and the surrounding mountains. - Shiva temple newly built in Chhorepatan uphill
Cultural and Modern Attractions
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Old Bazaar and Bindhyabasini Temple:
- These areas showcase local culture, traditional architecture, and daily life.
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Lekhnath Area:
- Known as the “City of Seven Lakes,” this area offers serene landscapes and natural beauty.
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Lakeside Area:
- A vibrant hub of cafes, restaurants, live music, and shops, popular with both tourists and locals.
Weather and Climate
Pokhara has a moderate climate. Summers (March–June) are pleasant without being too hot, and the monsoon season brings lush greenery and dramatic waterfalls.
