SETI RIVER AND GORGES;

The Seti River is the major or trunk drainage system.It has originated from the Mt.Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre glaciers.Seti rehydrates the heart land of Pokhara city.In the process of running , she has created stupendous gorges ranging the depth between 50 meters and 80 meters . It has 11 km distance from Yamdi confluence to Phusre khola confluence; within this distance somewhere she becomes out of sight and appears herself .K.I Singh bridge,Mahendrapul,and Prithvi chowk are the main sites to observe the underground river and its roaring sounds. The river Seti has made 100-200 mater wide seven ampi theaters also known as Ghats, these landscapes are the holy places to perform the solem occasions and rituals.The Seti Rivers'runway is quite spectacular for tourists. This is an endowment of the nature in Pokhara city.

SANTA ANNA MARIA CHURCH

Santa Anna Maria Church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in Nepal.This Church was established in 1979 A.D. Brought into existance on the initiative of father Oaki S.J, a Japnese national it is located at Bagaletol, Pokhara.

             The church has its own building withen the premises of Sisu Bikash Kendra. Led by Mr. Oaki, the Church conducts activities as follows:

• Every Saturday gathering for prayer and Gopsel teaching especially to the youth.
• Besides this , he has run a school at Bagale Tole for 5-15 years old boys and girls (25 students) in the name of Shishu Bikash Kendra.
• Another care center also seems to have run by him for 2-5 years old children (5 children) in the name of  Jyoti Kendra.
• Produce eggs from this poultry farm (i.e at Kahundanda,Pokhara) and distributes to the children of Amar Singh Andha Shakha (Amar Singh Blind School),Jyoti Kendra, Sytha Manasthiti Kendra, Fulbari etc.
• Providing economic support to the siddhartha Club,Pokhara.Source of income of the Church and his institutions are;
• Donation
• Fee obtained Rs.50 from each student 
• The main income source of the church is the financial support of Mr.Oaki a Prist from Japan, the founder of this church (Joshi,2004:38)

TAL BARAHI

TAL BARAHI TEMPLE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FEWA LAKE

   One of the most important religious monuments in Pokhara , Talbarahi is situated almost in the middle of Phewa lake.The Barahi Devi is considered as the protector Deity representing the female force.This temple has lured innumerable visitors and pilgrimages since its inception. This temple has earned so much name and fame that, it has become a centre of attraction for not only Hindus but also for people belonging to different religion and culture . As the temple is located in the middle of a famous lake Fewa, one who comes to see fewa lake does not miss to visit Barahi once. Visiting Talbarahi is considered significant from both religious and materialist approach/feeling. Hindus within Nepal and abroad do visit her (Barahi) to worship or pay homage with a view to meet their desire and non-Hindus pay a visit to the temple for a cultural and architectural study. Tourist mainly visit the temple with a view to have a look into the panoramic Himalayas and mountains/hilly areas of the Pokhara valley.The peaceful surrounding or typical structure of the temple does attract everyone towards the temple.

Devotees and local tourrists sailing towards the tal barahi temple

               Regarding the origin and establishment of Tallbarahi, there  is a quite amazing legend according to which Barahi Devi located on the top of Fewa lake (i.e Saran) later on the lake,filled with debris because of which the lake converted into a solid land but the Devi gave a gesture to Kulamandan Shah the then king of Kaski, that she had a keen interest to stay in the middle of the lake .Kulamandan Shah a true devotee of the Devi as per the desire of the Devi shifted her temple to this temple goes back to the time of Kulamandan Shah,the first Shah ruler of Kaski.But we have got no authentic historical source to prove this legend.Instead as the Shah rulers themselves were the perfect devotees of God and Goddess may have been established during their time .With regard to the case of Talbarahi, she has a long history of her existence,through the actual date of its establishment is not yet determined.
               Daily Puja is performed with Puja Samagri (i.e Dhup,Acheta,Abir ,Phulpati,etc.) by a Pujari. As the Barahi is considered Devi (Goddess),goat ,ducks,hen etc.are sacrificed in the name of Devi and pigeon are made to fly . It is done with a view to please her. It is believed that if Barahi is made pleased one can make his aim and dream successful in his life.Having made the witness to the Devi specially on the auspicious days of different months such as November to July,a number of marriage and Bratabandha ceremonies are held in the temple of Barahi Devi.
            Special Puja is also performed by particularly local people under ward no 5,6,7 and 8 of Pokhara sub-metropolitan city in Baishakh and Kartik (April/May-November/December) every year.

TAL BARAHI TEMPLE

           Pokhrelis, the old inhabitants, still observe an amazing tradition. In the month of Kartik they offer a goat (sacrificed) to the Devi and on the very day they dig Supari,Janai,copper coin outside the temple which is called as Chakra. This chakra is taken out from the ditch having sacrificed a goat to the Devi in the month of Baishakh. The main aim of carrying this tradition is the expectation that it may rain in Baishakh so that the crops can grow more and the season can be more productive and from Kartik the rainfall may stop and the weather be supportive to harvest (Kshetry,2057; 91).
             Regarding an immense belief on the Barahi Devi,Krishna Bahadur Khatri,an an advise of Barahi conservation committee says"Talbarahi Devi is so powerful that those who dishonor her have to face unexpected hardships and troubles. Having kept this reality in mind,King Mahendra had ordered to renovate the temple in 2017 B.S. in its original form.He did so as the Devi had gestured him in a dream not to change her original and the Devi had given an indication to Kulmamdan Shah too while he was in a sound sleep (Kshetry,2057:92).
            With a view to conserve the temple,the Barahi conservation committee is in existence since 2053 B.S. This committee looks after the day-to day Puja and the conservation of the temple. The temple has guthi land for its conservation and maintenance.
            Built in a Pagoda style, the roof of the temple is of copper sheets and the Gajur (pinnacle) is made of Pittal (brass with gold coated). A stone idol of Barahi Devi is placed inside the temple .
            The Barahi temple on the whole is worth visiting for both spiritualist and materialist. One can observe the Nepali culture, art and architecture and spiritualist can satify their inner feeling and belief praying to Devi.

CAVES

Mahendra cave

This landscape is the result of solution and associated precipitation features of carbonate rocks (limestone and dolomites).The Pokhara valley consists of accumulation of pre dominantly calcareous materials. The two formations,Ghachok and Tallakot formations have left the caves ,Batulechaur; the northen area of the city has four four caves- Mahendra cave , Chamere(Bats) cave,Crystal cave and Crazy cave. The Mahendra cave was found out sixty years before.Later, it was named after the visit of late King Mahendra in Batulechaur. This is about 200 meters long, 8 feet tall roof,consists of crystalline dolomites and limestone , beautiful stalagmites,stalagmites and variety of features can be visualized with the help of torch because inside of the cave is utter dark.Another cave,Chamere cave is situated near to the Mahendra cave (about at 300 meters distance). This is not so long, ( This is not so long ,(just about 100 meters),high roof with crystalline dolomites , cool and humid environment ,and utter dark.This cave is a shelter of flock of bats, so Crazy cave within the area.These caves are to be managed for the cave visitors. The Batulechaur locality can be called as Cave Villa in Pokhara .This is about 9 km from the Pokhara Airport. Taxi and city buses are available for conveyance. The visitors should have a torch or a guide to enter into the cave.

                                                                                                                           Gupteshwor Cave is located just opposite of the Davis fall.The whole area of the cave is very much expanded, more than 350 meters long.The roof of the cave is very tall, and widened floors. This cave has three brances there withen. There is an image of Lord Shiva (Shiva Linga), many devotees and visitors do visit to worship and to pay homeage the Shiva Linga.It is an exciting part of the cave; adventure tourists can enjoy the underground visit . Inside of the cave is utter darkness, visitors should have torch.

BHIM DHUNGA (BOULDER):

It is huge boulder lies at the bank of Seti river within the premise of Prithivi Narayan Campus,Pokhara.The size of boulder is about 25 meter circumference,6 meter high and ball like round in shape .It was brought down by glaciofluvial flood during glacial age from the Mt.Annapurna Himalaya. This boulder is composed of mica-schist sandstone and millions of years old.
       About the Bhim Dhunga (boulder), there are some interesting mythical concepts and legends. After the ceasefire of Mahabharat War, the five brothers of Pandav were traveling towards the Himalaya for relaxation; on the way saw huge lake as barriers when they arrived to Rising Valley.For the continuation of their traveling ,the second (Mahilo)brother,Bhim (strong as Hercules)breached out the bank of lake and let the water run .After that incidence,a flat land ,Pokhara Valley was emerged and came into sight a large boulder at north of the lake.In honor of Bhim,the large boulder is named as Bhim Dhunga.
  Another similar legend is also told,during the traveling of five Pandav brothers to the Himalaya they arrived to Rising -Bhimad, at that time their beautiful and laving wife Draupadi demanded a Rukh kamal (tree lotus)flower.There was a big lake as emergence of open land mass. In search of flower, when they came to the north and saw a huge boulder has been called as Bhim Dhunga.
         In honour of Bhim , the Bhim Dhunga has been worshipped as "deity God" by the Newar community,specially,Palikhe ,Bataju,Joshi,Shrestha and Khadgi in Pokhara. Every year,genealogic familial worship is p[erformed in special solemn occasions.In addition,after every good celebrations,either marriage or chudakarma (shaving of head hair ),Annaprashan (winning ),Ehi(bel bibaha),Bara pikayegu (Surya darshan),Janku(survival over 1000 full moon period) etc, the deity God Bhimsen is honoured and worshipped.

BISHWO SHANTI STUPA (WORLD PEACE PAGODA)

BISHOW SHANTI STUPA

World peace Pagoda (Bishwo Shanti Stupa) a massive Buddist Stupa , has an immense role beautify the Pokhara valley. Located on top of Anadu hill of Pumdi Bhumdi Village Development Committe, the Stupa lies approximately 7 kilometers away from Mahendra pool, the main market of the valley . This Stupa was designed by Monk Nisparanjan Myohoji and founded by Monk Litokowo (Pokhara Tourism Mirror,2008:220 the Stupa is situated at an elevation of 2 thousand and 1 hundred meters above sea level (Pokhara tourism Mirror,2008:22).
             One can visit the Stupa through several ways and directions. After getting off at Chhorepatan one can climb up the hillside on foot for about 1 hour to reach the Stupa .Those not willing to walk on foot can take a car or a taxi. Cars and taxis can reach there by way of Kalimati of Pumdi Bhumdi VDC.Another way to reach the Stupa is through crossing fewa lake by boat and hiking up the hill.Following this direction, it takes about 1 hour on foot.9Keshetry,2057;58)
            Besides the efforts made to construct the Stupa as early as 2030 B.S by Girija Prashad Koirala, the then Prime Minister of Nepal . After the completion of Girija Prashad Koirala, the then Prime minister of Nepal .After the completion of construction, the same prime minister got an opportunity to inaugurate the Stupa on 13th of Kartik,2056.It was, in fact a matter of coincidence for him.
            It has already been stated that the Stupa was the sole product of sincere initiative and a design of a Japanese Bhikshu Nisparanjan Myohoji. His proposal of constructing a Stupa at that very place was highly welcomed by Dharmasila Gurung of Dharmashila Buddha Bihar of Nadipur Pokhara and Meen Bahadur Gurung ,an ex-minister.The keen desire of the Japanese Bhikshu could be materialized as the land (i.e.Anadu
    danda)was granted by Meen Bahadur Gurung .
    The Stupa is 115 ft. tall and 344 ft. in its diameter . Besides the Stupa ,a Bihar with the idol Buddha and a guest house with 12 rooms are constructed within the premises of the Stupa. A huge idol of lord Buddha made in Japan has been installed at the front part of the Stupa .The western part of the Stupa is equipped with the installation of an idol of Buddha received from Sri Lanka and another idol of 6ft. received from Thailand .And in the southern part of the Stupa, there has been installed an idol made by a Nepali sculpture. The Stupa is surrounded with all these idols of lord Buddha as souvenirs from different countries of Asia. The Stupa occupies about 21 ropanis of land .One has to ascend 37 steps to reach the bottom part of the Stupa .The upper part of the Stupa is equipped with  "Dharmachakra" and on the top of the Stupa,Gajur (Pinnacle) of golden colour has been installed . And furthermore, on the upper part of the Gajur , a crystal stone received from Sri Lanka has been placed.This is considered as a symbol of intellect and grace.
          The Peace Pagoda is unique of its type in the Pokhara valley. The Stupa gives a feeling and message of peace and prosperity.
          Situated on a hill top of Pokhara valley, the Stupa has an immense value and significance from both tourism and religious point of view.From tourism point of view,one who climbs the hill i.e Anadu, can enjoy having a glance at the Himalaya range like Machhapuchhre,Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas and greenery scene,scenery of Pokhara valley and its surroundings. Anadudanda itself is a suitable picnic spot too.
         The Stupa itself represents the real norms and value of the philosophy of lord Buddha . From the religious and tourism point of view.It is ,thus,suggested to the institutions concerned to pay their proper attention for the conservation of the Stupa and its surrounding environment . And , moreover, the Stupa is supposed to be highlighted through national and international press and media.

LAKES

FEWA LAKE

Pokhara valley has been known for its number of lakes . It has eight lakes having an area of 9.057 square kilometers. The important lakes are Phewa (4.43 sq.km), Begnas (2.5 sq.km), Rupa (1.4 sq. km), Maidi (0.415 sq.km), Kaste (21 sq),Gunde (0.05 sq.km), and Kamal Pokhari (0.026.sq.km).The three lakes fewa, Begnas and Rupa are fairly larger; the other five lakes are undergoing rapid sedimentation and remained just as swampy ponds.The maximum depth of Phewa Lake has 110 square kilometers watershed area, whereas Begnas and Rupa have 19 and 30 square kilometers watershed area respectively.

BEGNAS  LAKE

Regarding the formation of the Pokhara lakes,two opinions are postulated by the scholars. Hagen (1969) assumed that the information of Pokhara valley was due to the rise of Mahabharat range and subsidence of the basin itself caused huge lakes,which are filled up by moraine and debris deposition from the Mt. Annapurna ranges by rivers. The present present lakes are the remnants and pushed aside lakes of the bigger Pokhara Lake. But, Gurung (1965) stated that lakes of Pokhara were formed when the pre-glacial drainage system was filled up by the out wash drift of of the valley train. The glaciofuvial deposits along the main Seti valley acted as barriers to the tributary streams.Lakes must have been more numerous immediately after the deluge by the valley train. Larger streams were capable of incising more vigorously and maintaining their course while smaller streams were impounded behind the barrier. The larger three lakes are suffering from massive sedimentation and in the verge of swampy fate in near future.

RUPA LAKE

Now-a-days, the three areas have been emerging as a famous destination for tourists.Many functions are developing over there.Relatively,Phewa Lakeside has the significant role in tourism promotion and publicizing the repute of Pokhara city.