Explore Pokhara: From City Views to Sky High Thrills
The sun had barely stretched its golden fingers over the Annapurna range when I stepped out into the cool morning air of Pokhara. Nestled beside the tranquil Phewa Lake and shadowed by snow-capped peaks, this city felt like a dream painted in soft pastels.
Our sightseeing began at Devi’s Fall, where the water thundered into a mysterious cave, known locally as Gupteshwor Mahadev—the next stop on our route. Inside, a sacred Shiva lingam sat quietly as the sound of rushing water echoed through the limestone walls.
As the sun slowly rose behind the Annapurna range, its golden light spilled over the hills of Pokhara, gently illuminating one of the city's most awe-inspiring landmarks—the majestic Shiva Statue of Pumdikot.
Standing at nearly 51 feet tall, with the base rising even higher, this enormous white Shiva idol is perched on a hilltop, gazing serenely across the Pokhara Valley. With a trident in hand and a snake coiled around his neck, Lord Shiva appears calm and powerful, as if silently guarding the mountains, lakes, and people below.
By mid-morning, we arrived at World Peace Pagoda, a gleaming white structure sitting atop a ridge. From here, Pokhara unfolded beneath us—its rooftops scattered like confetti, the lake shimmering like glass, and the mighty Himalayas watching over it all.
From there we travelled to a different earth called Bat Cave and Mahendra Cave. We descended to the wilderness of the underworld where bats and different creatures roam around.
But the real thrill was yet to come.
Next day, after a short drive to Sarangkot, the launch site for paragliding, my heart began to pound—not from fear, but from the electric buzz of anticipation. Strapped into a harness with a trained pilot behind me, we took a few quick steps... and then we were airborne.
For a moment, silence.
Then wind.
And then—wonder.
The world below grew small as we soared over fields, forests, and rooftops. The lake mirrored the sky, and the mountains stood tall and proud in the distance. Floating in the sky like a bird, Pokhara transformed from a beautiful city to a breathtaking painting.
It was not just adrenaline—it was peace.
As we glided down gently to the landing site near Lakeside, I felt a sense of awe I’ve rarely experienced. Pokhara hadn’t just shown me its beauty. It had lifted me into it.