DEVOJIT SANYAL

Trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in the whole wide world.
Unquestionably, it is the most famous tourist spot in the entire Nepal, both for the locals and the foreigners.

So, we decided to visit Pokhara. Though, it takes only around 45 minutes from Kathmandu to Pokhara by air, we decided to hit the road with our Car as it offers excellent scenic beauty even during the journey. The distance between Kathmandu & Pokhara is around 200 Kms and it takes around 5 hours to complete the journey.

(A view from the road towards Pokhara)

(My better-half, Sumona, & my sweet goddess, Srishti, my daughter)

(A suspension bridge on the road, which literally vibrates when some heavy vehicle pass on it)

(A view from the bridge)

(Another view from the bridge)

(Another one)

(This is the river "Trishuli" which gives us company for about half the distance)

(A steep mountain alongside the road)

Here, in Nepal, people are voracious eater of anything which can be termed "Non-veg", specially Buffalo. You get Buff curry, Buff fried rice, Buff Momo, Buff Kebab, Buff Sausages, Buff Keema, Buff blah blah. I feel sad for the Buffaloes of Nepal.

(Buffaloes being carried in a truck for slaughter)

(A Landslide on the road)

We reached Pokhara at around 12 Noon. After taking rest in the hotel, we ventured out in the evening. The sun-set happens here at 4.30 P.M, so at 6.30 P.M it is complete night here !

(A view at Pokhara market at 18.54 hours)

(Another view)

(Tourists enjoying dinner at roof-top restaurants at Pokhara)

After a good night sleep, we woke up to a surprise, the next morning. A full view of the Himalayan range, called the "Annapurna range" could be seen right from the balcony of the hotel. It was a scintillating view which totally mesmerised me.

(A view of Annapurna range at 6.48 hours)

(Another view)

Totally mesmerised, we ventured out to have a look from close quarters.

The annapurna range situated in central Nepal has one of the most dominating Himalayan panorama. Placed just north of Pokhara the range from west to east consists of Annapurna I(8091m), Annapurna South Face (7,219m), Gang (7,647m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m) and Annapurna II (7,925m).

The most beautiful Machhapuchhre( Fishtail) is the mountain (6993 meters) in Annapurna range.It has a double summit that resembles the tail of a fish, hence it is called "FishTail." It is also nicknamed the "Matterhorn of Nepal".Fishtail is famous for its “purity” as no man has ever climbed it. It is forbidden to climb as it is revered by the local people as sacred to god.

(The "Fish-tail" peak)

(The "Annapurna range" as seen from Pokhara)

(The "Fish-tail" peak with my Car in the foreground)

("Annapurna" range)

("Fish-tail" again)

(The range as seen from a village outside Pokhara)

(The Icy peaks, seen as a close-up view)

(A herd of sheep)

(They were soooooo many!!)

(And they were quite cute and smart too !)

(The peaks looked really majestic)

Apart from the magnificient view of the 8000meters peak, Pokhara also boasts of a nice Lake, namely, "Phewa Lake".
Phewa Lake is one of the Nepal's most beautiful spots, Phewa Tal is surrounded by a combination of monkey-filled forests and the high white peaks. The reflections in the mirror-like water in the early mornings are something you must see at least once before you die. One can hire a boat and enjoy the ride.

(The "Phewa Lake")