Pokhara stands on the shores of the picturesque Lake Phewa in the Pokhara valley. The magnificent Macchapucchre Peak towers almost 7000 meters above the sea level, and the Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas provide a magnificent backdrop to this city. Lush forests, crystal clear streams and magnificent mountain trails add to the beauty of Pokhara. Once the capital of the ancient Licchavi kingdom, Pokhara is now a quiet, serene lakeside town. Pokhara was also an important point on the trade route between the ancient kingdoms of Tibet and India, which ran across the mighty Himalayas. The city is also the birthplace of the legendary Gurkha warriors, famous throughout the world for their fierce patriotism, courage and stamina.
The mountains of Pokhara are, of course, the main attractions of the city. The Macchapucchre Peak is so named because of its resemblance to the tail of a fish. The Phewa Lake, at the heart of Pokhara, is a very popular picnic spot. Boating on the Phewa is an unforgettable experience, as you breathe in the mountain air and see the beautiful green peaks gently sloping into the Lake. The eastern part of the shore is crowded with shops, hotels and restaurants, and has a lakeside walkway. An island at the center of the Lake is home to the Barahi temple. The mysterious Devi's Falls have an eerie atmosphere owing to the many legends associated with it. The southern shore of the Phewa is home to the World peace Pagoda. The Annapurna Natural History Museum exhibits many kinds of birds and insects found in the Annapurna ranges.
