Destinations Beyond Pokhara
Gorkha & Manakamana
Gorkha, an ancient capital of Prithivi Narayan Shah, Gorkha is Located 104 km. east from Pokhara and connected historically with the creation of the modern Nepal and the name of the legendary Gurkha soldiers. Four major rivers run within and along it, they are Chepe, Daraudi, Marsyangdi and Budhi Gandaki. It is a beautiful place with good view of Himalayan Mountains. Gorkha Palace, Gorakhkali temple, and Newari town are the special attractions. It is also the location of the Manakamana Temple which is accessible by cable car, only of its kind in Nepal.
Bandipur
Bandipur is located at an elevation of 1030 m. on a mountain saddle approximately 700 m. above the Marsyangdi River Valley. The mountain saddle, just 200 m. long, is barely wide enough to accommodate, the main street is lined by 2–3 story buildings on either side.
It is a charming hill town situated 8 km south of Dumre, on the way to Kathmandu and 68 Km east from Pokhara. This is a tranquil place and offers magnificent natural view and unique cultural experiences. Two major cultures of Magars and Newars can be seen surviving in harmony.
Tansen
Tansen is the administrative center of Palpa district in the hilly region of western Nepal. It is located on the highway, 122 km. south of Pokhara at an elevation of 1350 m. on the summit of the Mahabharat range. It is a typical Nepali town with numerous fairs, festivals, religious and cultural events. Non-polluted Tansen is one of the beautiful hill stations of Nepal.
Nearby Srinagar Danda ‘hilltop’ (1525 m.) offers a panoramic view of the high Himalaya. From west to east, the Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Mansiri, Ganesh and Langtang groups are in sight. Other nearby attractions includes Ranighat and Ridi Bazaar with holy river Ridi.
Chitwan National Park
It is the first national park of Nepal located 160 km. south from Pokhara. It has a rich flora and fauna and support species diversity much higher than any other on the Indian subcontinent. Rare species include Bengal tiger, Ghariyal, Rhino, leopard, mugger crocodile, Indian rock python and several species of deer.
There are several hotels around the park and in Sauraha, provide food, accommodation and other services as per the client’s need including the wild life activities.
Lumbini
It is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism situated in 198 km. south-west from Pokhara and 22 km. from Bhairahawa. The site is a large garden with a grove of Pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.
The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha’s birth. The current temple stands on the site of earlier temples and stupas, including the stupa built by Emperor Ashoka.
The Maya Devi temple is surrounded by the brick foundations of ancient temples and monasteries. The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Ashoka’s Pillar, near the temple. It is protected by a small fence, which is decorated with prayer flags and banners from the faithful.
Dolpa
Dolpa is the largest district of Nepal covering 5.36% of the total landmass of the country and the central concern of this area is Shey Phoksundo National Park. The park protects endangered animals like the snow leopard, musk deer and the Tibetan wolf. Shey Phoksundo is the largest and the only trans-Himalayan National Park in Nepal.
Trekking to Dolpa offers you the remarkable and breathtaking experience of a lifetime. The notable features seen here are snowy peaks, ancient and remote villages, rich wildlife, lovely Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lakes. The people of this area are simple and warm-hearted with an enthralling culture and traditions. The cultural traditions of this area are basically linked with the Tibetan culture.
Trekking into Dolpa presents an exposure to the high and remote Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan highlands. The main highlight of Dolpa trekking includes Shey Phoksundo National Park, Shey Phoksundo Lake and the Shey Gompa. The lake is totally free of aquatic life, which the crystal waters clearly demonstrate. Surrounded by rocks, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the area has been described as one of the world’s “Natural Hidden Wonders”.
This district, despite being the largest in area in the nation, has only one vehicle and no road links to other districts. So there is the only option either to trek all the way from Beni or Marpha or fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal.