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POPULAR
CITIES
I
PARKS
&
RESERVES
I
RURAL
TOURISM |
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UNESCO
HERITAGE
SITES
I
PILGRIMAGE
SITES |
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 If
Kathmandu
is
the
cultural
hub
of
Nepal,
Pokhara
is
its
center
of
adventure.
An
enchanting
city
nestled
in a
tranquil
valley,
it
is
the
starting
point
for
many
of
Nepal's
most
popular
trekking
and
rafting
destinations.
The
atmosphere
on
the
shore
of
Phewa
Lake
is
one
of
excited
vitality
as
hipster
backpackers
crowd
the
many
bars
and
restaurants
exchanging
recommendations
on
guest
houses
and
viewpoints,
both
by
the
lake
and
above
the
clouds.
Pokhara
is a
place
of
remarkable
natural
beauty.
The
serenity
of
Phewa
Lake
and
the
magnificence
of
the
fishtailed
summit
of
Machhapuchhre
(6,977
m)
rising
behind
it
create
an
ambience
of
peace
and
magic.
At
an
elevation
lower
than
Kathmandu,
it
has
a
much
more
tropical
feel
to
it,
a
fact
well
appreciated
by
the
beautiful
diversity
of
flowers
which
prosper
in
its
environs.
Indeed,
the
valley
surrounding
Pokhara
is
home
to
thick
forests,
gushing
rivers,
emerald
lakes,
and
of
course,
the
world
famous
views
of
the
Himalaya. |
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The
powerful
rule
of
the
old
kings
of
Kathmandu,
the
Lichhavis
and
the
Mallas,
held
sway
over
this
valley
for
some
time.
As
these
dynasties
fell
prey
to
their
own
troubles,
Pokhara
Valley
and
the
surrounding
hills
disintegrated
into
small
kingdoms,
frequently
at
war
with
each
other.
These
were
called
the
Chaubise
Rajya
or
the
Twenty-four
Kingdoms.
It
was
among
these
that
Kulmandan
Shah
established
his
kingdom.
His
descendant
Drabya
Shah
was
the
first
to
establish
Gorkha,
home
of
the
legendary
Gurkha
warriors. |
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Finally,
Pokhara
is
part
of a
once
vibrant
trade
route
extending
between
India
and
Tibet.
To
this
day,
mule
trains
can
be
seen
camped
on
the
outskirts
of
the
town,
bringing
goods
to
trade
from
remote
regions
of
the
Himalaya.
This
is
the
land
of
the
Magars
and
Gurungs,
hardworking
farmers
and
valorous
warriors
who
have
earned
world-wide
fame
as
Gurkha
soldiers.
The
Thakalis,
another
important
ethnic
group
here,
are
known
for
their
entrepreneurship. |
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