Phewa Tal @ Pokhara, 2014

Stream fed and dam regulated, Phewa Tal is Nepal’s second largest lake. Why it is also the focal point for visitors to Pokhara is easy to see. Quiet and still, and framed by lush green slopes followed by the dramatic snow capped peaks of the mighty Annapurna range, Phewa Tal is mesmerising.

Khairul and I only had one evening on either side of our ABC hike in Pokhara so our explorations were limited but we were inevitably drawn to its picturesque banks each time.

From here we saw congregations of colourfully dressed visitors as they patiently awaited their turn to ride the rented doongas to the Tal Barahi Temple located on an island in the lake, or to cut across to the starting point of an hour long walk up to the World Peace Pagoda located on the hilltop on the other side of the water.

Keen to soak in the ambience, Khairul and I chose to do nothing more than wander the busy Baidam area past tourists in sun loungers and traders selling crafts, cloths and jewellery until we found a restaurant or cafe where we could eat vegetarian food, drink in the vistas and watch the paragliders slowly sail down from the lofty heights of Nagarkot.

There are many things to do in Pokhara, the adventure capital of Nepal, but sometimes doing nothing is best.

Click on any of the images in the gallery below to launch the slide show.

One of the many colourful doongas you can rent on Phew Tal.

The World Peace Pagoda at sunset.

The lakeside on a cold misty evening.

One of many yoga retreats in Pokhara.

A small family farm by the lake.

Corn hangs drying in the sun.

The imposing peak of Machapuchare or Fishtail Mountain looms in the distance.

One of the many cafes and restaurants that line the popular Baidam side of Phewa Tal.

A woman sells fresh oranges.

Lakes and rivers are the only source of fish in landlocked Nepal.

Washing clothes by the banks of the lakes on a warm winter’s day.

 

Getting there Pohkara is located 200km from Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu and can be reached by road in 5 hours by rented car (approximately US$140) or 6 to 7 hours hours by the tourist or local bus (NPR900; NPR600). If you’re pressed for time, Pokhara has it’s own airport and Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air can fly you there from Kathmandu in 40 minutes for just under US$120.

Boat rentals Prices are set by the Phewa Boat Association and may have changed since my visit:
Boat, self rowing (1 hour)                                      NpR350
Boat, self rowing (1 day)                                         NpR800
Boat, with boat driver (1 hour)                           NpR400
Return trip to Barahi Temple (per head)       NpR50
One way trip to World Peace Pagoda            NpR400
Return trip to World Peace Pagoda                NpR700