Temples And Monuments In Pokhara
Barahi Temple
This is a typical small pagoda styled temple dedicated to Goddess Barahi built on a small land mass in the middle of Phewa lake. The temple is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage. The atmosphere is so tranquil that one can enjoy the green forest scenery just across the lake towards south, full-scale scenery of the lake and amazing reflection of the Annapurna and Fish-tail Mountains on the surface of the lake. There are major celebrations during Dashain, the biggest Nepali festival which usually falls in the month of October. Boats and ferries are available on rent to get to the temple.
Kedareswar Mandir and Miteri Park
Kedareswar Temple is beautifully constructed as a replica of Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu in the premises of Komagane Miteri Park near to Fishtail Lodge and adjacent to Phewa Lake and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The premises of the temple is full of devotees to participate in the Bol Bam Yatra (celebration) in the month of Shrawan (mid July – mid Aug) and other religious practices are performed in the temple round the whole year. The park was named in memory of official friendship relation between Pokhara city of Nepal and Komagane city of Japan. This is the right place to observe Nepali way of performing wedding ceremonies in full length.
Bindubasini Mandir & the Old Bazaar
It is another most important Hindu shrine of Pokhara, located on the top of a small hillock to the north end of the old bazaar, 6 km. away from Lakeside. The white dome structure is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati and worshipers come here to perform sacrifices, especially on Saturdays. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the valley, and on some days you may get chances to witness Hindu wedding ceremonies taking place in the premises of this temple.
The monument of old Bazaar is located 4 km. north from Lakeside and just south beneath the famous Bindubasini temple. The monument closely resembles the Newari architecture of Kathmandu valley. It is a traditional bazaar and nowadays, a gathering place for many ethnically diverse groups of traders. This area has been protected as an old heritage site of Pokhara.
Bhadrakali Temple & Matepani Gumba
Bhadrakali Temple and Karma Kagyu Chhonkerling Buddhist Monastery are situated in close proximity of Matepani nearby small hillock, surrounded by rich luscious forest, 7 Km north-east from Lakeside. The location is superb for viewing the mountain and the Pokhara city. It is also a proper place for bird and butterfly watching and for a half day hike too. The temple and monastery are surrounded by thick green forest which provides cool breeze while climbing up the steps. This is one of the examples of our religious and social harmony especially between Hinduism and Buddhism.
World Peace Pagoda
Situated on the top of the hill south of Phewa Tal, the World Peace Pagoda also known as Shanti Stupa is a large Buddhist Stupa from where one can have tremendous views of the Annapurna, green hills, Phewa Tal and the Pokhara valley. The dome structure is a symbol of peace and has four gilt images of the Buddha from Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal facing four directions. The height of the monument is 11 m. and situated at an elevation of 2,100 m. from the sea level. It was built by Japanese Buddhist and opened in 1999. There are mainly three ways to access the stupa including by car all the way to the top however the nicest way is by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up an hour to the hill or drive to Chhorepatan and gently climb to the top.
Tibetan Settlements
Since 1959, a large number of Tibetan refugees have been living in Nepal. The number has reached up to twenty thousand now. Pokhara is the main land of Tibetan settlement. Most of the Tibetan live in various settlements around Pokhara. Two small Tibetan settlements, Tashi Ling and Paljorling are located near Davi's fall and Sabhagriha Chowk respectively. The largest another Tibetan settlement called Tashi Palikhel is at Hemja on the Baglung high way about 9 km. away from Lakeside. The colorful Gompa in the center of the Tashi Palikhel settlement is the home for more than 200 monks.
