Zen Serenity at World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeफेरी भेटौं
  [feri bhetau]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत छ
  [kripya/swagat cha]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?ठिकै। तपाईंलाई?
  [thikai. tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नु हुन्छ?
  [tapailai angreji bolnu huncha?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [maile samjhina]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदैन
  [ma masu khandain]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तान गर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya bhuktan garn chahanchu]

• Help!मदत!
  [madat!]
• Go away!जानु भर्!
  [janu bhar!]
• Call the Police!पुलिसलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [polis lai bolaunu hos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktar lai bolaunu hos!]
• I'm lostम गुमाएको छु
  [ma gumaeko chu]
• I'm illमलाई बिरामी छ
  [malai birami cha]

• I'd like to buy...म किन्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kinn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गरिरहेको छु
  [ma sirjana gari raheko chu]
• How much is it?यसको मूल्य कति हो?
  [yasko mulya kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य हाल्न सक्छन्?
  [ke tapailai mulya haln sakchan?]

• What time is it?कति बज्यो?
  [kati bajyo?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [ek baje cha]
• Half past (10)दस बज्यो नजिकै
  [das bajyo najikai]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sajh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [pach]
• 6छ
  [cha]
• 7सात
  [sat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ छ?
  [...kaha cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्छनुहुन्छ? (नक्सामा)
  [ke tapailai dekhau sakhnuhuncha? (naksama)]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले छ?
  [arko (bas) kahile cha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... सम्म)
  [ek ticket (.... samma)]

The World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara was built as part of a global movement initiated by Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii in the 1940s. The Pagoda was constructed to promote peace and to celebrate the spirit of Buddhism. It was completed in 1990, symbolizing the aspiration for peace among all nations and peoples.

The Pagoda is a stunning example of traditional Buddhist architecture, featuring a striking white stupa that stands majestically on a hilltop overlooking Phewa Lake. The design is inspired by the ancient stupas of the Kathmandu Valley, reflecting a blend of local and international Buddhist architectural styles.

Since its completion, the World Peace Pagoda has become a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. Its serene environment and panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain range attract not only spiritual seekers but also tourists who come to experience its tranquility and beauty.

The Pagoda serves as a focal point for cultural events and festivals in Pokhara. Local communities engage in various ceremonies and celebrations here, fostering a sense of unity and harmony among diverse groups. It symbolizes the commitment to peace and coexistence in the region, especially in the context of Nepal's diverse ethnic mosaic.

In recent years, the area surrounding the World Peace Pagoda has been involved in various environmental conservation efforts. Recognizing the importance of preserving the natural beauty of Pokhara, local organizations and the community have implemented initiatives aimed at protecting the ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism.

World Peace Pagoda is located approximately 8 kilometers from Pokhara's Lakeside area. The most common way to reach it is by taking a taxi, which will take about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or scooter from Lakeside and ride to the base of the hill. For those looking for a more immersive experience, a hike from the Lakeside area can take around 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace. There are also local buses that run to the nearby Pumdi Bhumdi area, from where you can start your hike.

The area around the World Peace Pagoda is best explored on foot, as it provides stunning views and a close-up experience of the surroundings. While there are no trains or extensive public transport options, local taxis and bicycle rentals are available in Pokhara. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a scooter for a faster way to navigate around the larger Pokhara area.

World Peace Pagoda is generally a safe area for tourists. However, it's wise to remain cautious, especially in less populated areas after dark. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded spots, so keep your belongings secure. Avoid areas known for nightlife if you are alone at night, and be mindful of your surroundings while hiking.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for ambulance services in Nepal. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Pokhara where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The nearest hospital is in Lakeside, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Pagoda.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially at the Pagoda and during your hike. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including removing shoes before entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at nearby eateries and drink plenty of water; don't refuse food if offered, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience World Peace Pagoda like a local, take some time to interact with the local community and learn about their lifestyle. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the serene atmosphere and catch breathtaking views of the sunrise or sunset over the Annapurna Range. Bring a small notebook and pen; locals often enjoy sharing stories about the history and significance of the Pagoda. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding trails and enjoy the quietude away from the more tourist-heavy areas.