NEPALhis enlightenment in Bothgaya, teaching in
Sarnath, and reaching Nirvana in Kushi Nagar.
It is safe to say if the views coupled with the
oozing spirituality of the place do not help
you find inner peace, nothing will! Do not
worry if hiking is not for you, the area is
reachable via taxis and tour buses that pick
you up from your lodging.
For more zen, visit one of the many yoga
schools and retreats in the city, get in touch
with your inner spirit in calm and serene
conditions away from urban living. Whilst
Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city behind
Kathmandu, it manages to maintain much of
its small town peaceful community charm,
which, considering the amount of tourists
it gets, is no mean feat. To really immerse
yourself into the spirit of the Himalayas,
consider joining a 10-day Vipassana session.bottom
Shops in Pokhara Citytop
Shanti Stupadrowned in 1961. Her death brought attention
to this once unknown place and it was
subsequently named after her. In Nepali, it is
known as Patale Chhango, meaning “hell’s
waterfall,” perhaps because the waterfall
runs down some rocks before disappearing
into an underground tunnel that leads to
Gupteshwor Cave. If you’ve seen waterfalls
before, then perhaps Davis would not
impress you too much aesthetically, but
most people are drawn to the story behind
its name and the number of varying stories
about it. It is well worth a visit as a stop
on your hike to Shanti Stupa due to their
proximity to each other.
SPIRITUALITY PERSONIFIED
Shanti Stupa is an unmissable attraction of
Pokhara. Located 1100m above sea level, it is
the most popular spot for panoramic views
of the Annapurna range, Lake Phewa, and
Pokhara City. The stupa itself holds significant
spiritual meaning. Known as a “world peace
pagoda,” it was constructed by Buddhist
monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji
Order to be a focus for people from all
walks in life and different faiths to unite in
search of peace. The monument physically
depicts the four most important events in
the life of Buddha; his birth in Lumbini,
Vipassana is believed to be one of the oldest
forms of Indian meditation, focusing on
“insight,” awareness of the present and reality.
All you have to do is forego extravagant
food and your phone for the duration of the
practice, discard the illusion of permanence
and discover what life really is. Sounds like a
piece of cake, then.MORE THAN JUST MOUNTAINS
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, Pokhara
and Nepal is one of the wonders of the world.
However, there’s more than that. The beauty
of the Himalayas cannot be separated from
the emotions it evokes in you. Fun-filled
adventures, extreme sports and meditations
aside, experiencing life in the mountains is a
spiritual journey that stays with you long after
you leave.