Places to visit in Gandaki Province

Gandaki Province

Gandaki Province is one of the seven provinces of Nepal, located in the central part of the country. The province is named after the Gandaki River, one of the major rivers in Nepal that flows through the province. The capital city of Gandaki Province is Pokhara, which is also the second-largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu.

Gandaki Province is known for its diverse geography, which includes the high Himalayas, the fertile river valleys, and the subtropical forests. The Annapurna mountain range, which includes some of the highest peaks in the world, is located in Gandaki Province. The region is also home to several national parks and conservation areas, including Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, and Chitwan National Park.

The population of Gandaki Province is around 2.4 million, and the province is home to several ethnic groups, including the Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tamang people. The province is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and festivals.

Economically, Gandaki Province is a major contributor to Nepal's tourism industry, as it attracts a large number of visitors every year. The region is also known for its agriculture, with crops like rice, maize, wheat, and millet being grown in the river valleys. The province also has a growing manufacturing industry, with factories producing textiles, handicrafts, and pharmaceuticals.

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath Temple is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, located in the Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet) in Mustang district, Nepal. It is a place of great religious significance and is believed to be one of the 108 Vaishnava shrines, where Lord Vishnu is worshipped. The temple is also considered to be one of the 24 Tantric places, where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced.

The temple complex consists of a main shrine, a Buddhist Gompa (monastery), and numerous other shrines and sculptures. The main shrine contains a golden statue of Lord Vishnu as well as other Hindu and Buddhist deities. There are also 108 water spouts within the temple complex, which are believed to be sacred and capable of curing various ailments.

Muktinath Temple is a popular destination for both domestic and international pilgrims. Many Hindus believe that taking a bath in the nearby Mukti Kunda (holy pond) will cleanse their sins and bring them salvation. Similarly, Buddhists believe that circumambulating the temple and reciting mantras will bring them enlightenment.

Best time to Visit

September to November is the best time to plan a muktinath temple visit in Nepal. The trekking trails are full of trekkers during thes months. It will be quite easy and worthy to visit muktinath temple during the autumn season. spring season is also the best time to visit Muktinath at mustang,Nepal.

How to reached Muktinath Temple

Muktinath Temple can be easily reached just in one day by taking 15 minutes flight from Pokhara to Jomsom then, one and half hour jeep drive up to the Ranipauwa and walk for 20 minutes up to the temple. One can also hire a single 4W Jeep from either from Kathmandu (3 days) or from Pokhara (2 days) to Muktinath.

Bandipur

Bandipur is a hilltop town located in the Tanahun district of Nepal, approximately 143 km west of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 1,030 meters above sea level and is known for its traditional Newari architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the Himalayas.

Bandipur was once an important stop on the trade route between India and Tibet, and its architecture reflects its prosperous past. The town is filled with beautifully preserved Newari houses, many of which have intricate woodcarvings and ornate windows. The streets are narrow and winding, and there are many temples and shrines to explore.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Bandipur is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking. There are several trails that lead out of the town and into the surrounding hills and forests, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside.Bandipur has been descrived as a natural view tower, providing a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu (above 8000m) and Langtang to the Marsyangdi valley which is bellow 500m.

Overall, Bandipur is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Nepal.

 History:

Bandipur was once a prosperous trading centre, as its charming buildings with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows, will attest. Originally a simple magar village, Newars from Bhaktapur settled here in the early nineteenth century, taking advantage of its malaria-free location to develop it into an important stop on the India-Tibet trade route.

Climate:

Temperatures in the summer (March-July) hover between a maximum of 32-33*c and a minimum of 12-13*c. In the winter (Oct-Feb), the temperature fluctuates between 18*-21*c and 2-3*c. The clear skies over Bnadipur at this time of the year provide magnificent views of the mountains. Heavy downpours mark the rainy season from June to August.

Location:

Situated in the Mahabharat Range in Tanahu district, it lies 143km to the west of Kathmandu, 73km to the south of Pokhara, 70km to the north Chitwan and 8 km from Dumre Bazzaar on the Prithivi Highway.

Getting There

By road:

Drive from Pokhara or Kathmandu to arrive at Dumre Bazzar byDidday and then it's about an half hour bus ride to Bandipur Bazzar. From Dumre, one can find the local rides shuttling between Dumre & Bandipur.

Via the ancient route:

If you are adventurous, then the hike through the historical route, made famous by the song "Bandipure Ukali lamo" by Late Poet king MBB Shah, will take you about two hours. It ends in Tundhikhel, and a short five minute walk will take you to the heart of Bandipur; Bandipur Bazzar.

Via the Siddha Cave:

If you want to take the less travelled route to Bandipur with the visual delights of the caves and the Bandipur hillside, then this route is highly recommended. It starts from Bimalnagar and takes you past the Siddha Cave, probably the biggest cave in the Himalaya, and will get you to Bandipur in about an hour and a half.

Accommodations:

Quality accommodation is available at the hotels and resorts in Bandipur. For budget travelers, home stay is available in several old Newar homes that provide bed and breakfast.

Places to Visit:

The Inner Tour:

Bandipur Bazzar The heart of Bandipur is the medieval-looking Bandipur Bazzar that sweeps in a gentle curve along the top of the hill in an east-west axis. The stone-paved main street is lined with compact town houses with ornate windows and doorways and roofs of tin or slate. All along the street, a covered veranda extends in front of the rows of houses providing shade in summer sun and mansion rain.

Tundikhel

Tundikhel, a field to the northern end of Bandipur's main bazzar, is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Marsyangdi Valley(bellow 500m) and the magnificent Himalayan Range (above 8000m) in a single frame. It includes the spectacular peaks of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu & Ganesh Himal, among others. The legendary Gorkha Palace & the famous Manakamana Peak are clearly visible from here. Other sights include

Bimalnagar & Dumre Bazzar.

Thani Mai (Purano Kot)

Purano Kot, originally a fort, lies at a distance of about 500 m to the west of the main bazaar. It takes about twenty minutes of easy and gentle climbing to reach the top. There is a small temple nearby containing a number of old statues. Next to it stands a newly build temple of Thanithan Mai. The local people believe that praying to the god Mahadev at this spot during a drought will bring rain. Since this sport lies on a hilltop above the bazaar especially at sunrise and sunset.

Teendhara

This picnic spot lies to the east of the main bazzar and can be reached in fifteen minutes. The name of this place drives from the original three water spouts which is still the main source of water for the villagers. The shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva lies nearby with rest houses and shady sports scattered around making this a favorites place for picnickers.

Nature Walk in Raniban:

This mixed Sal forest is located to the east of the main bazaar. It is a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and fauna, including langurs, orchids, butterflies etc.

Exploring the Siddha Cave,

Bandipur's hillsides are dotted with caves, often carrying religious significance for the locals. The must-see destination here is the Sidhha Cave discovered only in 1987. Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it is said to be the largest cave in the Himalayan region. Siddha cave is situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar, from where it is a 30 minute climb.

Hike to Ramkot Village

Ramkot is a two-hour easy hike to the west of Bandipur. It passes through Muchuk Village from where you can also visit Mukundeswari. Ramkot is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses, untouched by modern development offering an opportunity to experience authentic lifestyle of rural Nepal. From here, one can go on to chabdi Barahi, a pilgrimage spot, which can be reached after two hours of easy hiking.

Orchid Trail

Bandipur hosts more than 24 species of orchid. The month of June is the best season to enjoy the different varieties of orchid in full bloom. Although you can see orchids in most parts of Bandipur, the best route to enjoy these beautiful flowers is on the way to the silk farm west of Bandipur Bazaar.

Temples & Festivals

Khadga Devi

This highly revered temple of Khadga Devi could be mistaken for a residential house were it not for the finial. The shrine does not contain any idols, but a Khadga, a scared sword-a gift from Lord Shiva to Mukunda Sen. Wrapped in layers of cloth, legend has it that anyone looking at the bare sword invites instant death. The Khadga is worshipped as a symbol of the female power. This temple is opened  to devotees only once a yer on the day of Phulpati the seventh day of the Hindu festival of Dasain usually in October.

Bindhebasini Temple

This pagoda-style temple is located in the main bazaar. Enshrined here is an image of the goddess Bindhebasini. It also contains idols of other goddesses. During the New Year celebrations in April, the image of Bindhebasini is put on a chariot and pulled through the town amidst other revelry.

Mahalaxmi Temple

This pagoda-style temple from the medieval period is located to the southeast of the main bazaar. Its struts and tympanum are adorned with figures of Bhimsen and various mythical creatures.

Festivals:

As with Newar towns elsewhere, Bandipur also boasts year-round festivals and a plethora of other cultural shows. The unique festivals of Bandipur include the Khadga Jatra (October) and Bisket Jatra (April). The Magars mark the full moon day of Baisakh Purnima (April), in which unmarried women perform the Ghatu dance with married women singing the folk songs. The Sorathi & Chutka are other popular dance of Bandipur.

Dhorbarahi temple

The Dhorbarahi temple is dedicated to Goddess Barahi and is located in Baajsthal in Suklagandaki municipality. One of the major attractions of this temple is a small fishpond whose water level secretively raises and falls. Every 15 minutes fresh water gushes out from between the rocks and then subsides which is attractive for worshippers who come to make their help at the temple. References to this temple have been mentioned in verses 22 to 30, chapter 5 in the “Skanda Puran” which is a genre of eighteen Hindu religious texts. Visiting and making help at this temple is believed to make your hope turn to reality. People come and worship at the temple believing that there is the third reincarnation of lord Vishnu in the temple.

Main events in the lunar calendar that bring in hundreds of worshippers are Shreepanchami, Chaite Dashain and Bada Dashain. Located 5 km from the Prithivi highway, a vehicle journey to the temples would take 20 min from the highway at Dulegauda or an hour walk.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (1325 sq km)

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve adjoins Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987. Management objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting and preserve a representative high altitude, ecosystem in Western Nepal. The reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq km and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the needs of hunting for Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game animals . Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements of timber, fuel-wood, fodder, and pasture.

The Tibetan refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve for grazing. The majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Mugar, Thakali and Gurung, Amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures.

The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m to more than 7000 m. The flat meadows above tree line (4000 m), locally known as Patans, are important for animals like the blue sheep and other herbivores. The reserve is divided into seven six blocks for hunting management purposes.The reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north.

The monsoon fasts until the beginning of October. Day time temperatures are very low during winter due to strong winds. Higher elevations remain covered with cloud in the morning; later clouds are cleared by the wind. Snow may occur even at low elevation until early April, however, it soon melts. The best time to visit the reserve is March-April.

The reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, and birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. Pasturelands occupy more than 50 % of the total area of the reserve at higher elevation.

The reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Other animals found are: leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Hirnalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur and mouse hare. Pheasants and partridge are common and their viable population in the reserve permits controlled hunting. Endangered animals in the reserve include: Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant and Danphe. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation issue the hunting license.

Activities: Trophy hunting , game viewin

Accommodation: Camping

Access: Four days’ walk from Baglung which is 72 km from Pokhara from by road.

Best Season: Mar-Apr,Oct-Nov,July-Sep(monsoon); Dec-Feb(cold, windy, snow)

Manakamana Temple Darshan

The wish – Fulfilling Goddess also known as the Devi of all wishes Manakamana has been widely venerated all over the country, also due to Royal patronage. The famous shrine of Manakamana lies about 12 kilometers south of the historic town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling on the Prithivi High way. Mugling is 110 km west of Kathmandu, 90 km from Pokhara and 50 km from Chitwan. The shrine is located on a prominent ridge (1,302 m) overlooking the river valleys of Trishuli to the south and Marsyangdi to the west.

One of the private agencies has already started first Nepal’s famous Cable Car service. The Cable Car covers the 2.8 kilometers stretch from Cheres along the Prithivi High way right up to the temple in less then 10 minutes.

Beautiful Lake City Pokhara

Altitude: 915m above sea level

Distance from Kathmandu: 210km

Destination

Pokhara, the city itself offers quite a few places of interest for the casual and longer staying visitor.

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the centre of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across the water of the lake or visit the island temple in the middle of the lake, the eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the favourite haunt of all travellers restaurants, handicraft shops and other tourist facilities are located.

Barahi Temple

The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the Center of Fewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force of Shakti.

Devi s Fall

Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell s Falls) also know as Devins and Davids is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy, was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave

Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra gufa. This large limestone cave is locally known a s the House of Bats an apt name for it. A two- hour s walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring our own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.

Seti Gandaki Gorge

Another of Pokhara natural wonders is the Seti Gandaki River. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs underground at places. Amazingly, at certain places the river appears hardly two meters wide. However, its depth is quite beyond imagination, over 20m. Mahendra pul, a small bridge near the old mission hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

The Old Bazar + Bindyabasini Temple (4 km from lake side)

Pokhara s traditional bazaar is colourful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the old Newar Architecture of the Kathmandu valley, Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market S original charm is still evident. This area is strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from edibles to and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.

The old Bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara s most important shrines. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Mandir, this white dome- like structure dominates a spacious stone – paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhgwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park – like grounds offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays, and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive flavour.

World peace stupa

This stupa is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Fewa lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The stupa is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands a grand view. It is a great vantage point, which offers spectacular view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city.

Begnas Lake:

Begnas Lake is situated in the eastern part of Pokhara valley, at a distance of 15 km from Pokhara. Tourist can relax in the lodges and resorts situated alongside the lake.

Mountain Views:

Clearly, the most stunning of Pokhara s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Anapurna range that forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I at 8091 meters, it is Machhapuchhre, which dominates all others in this neighbourhood. Standing tall, proud, and dominating the skyline, Machhapuchhre, the fishtailed pinnacle is the classic snow – capped, needle – pointed mountain.

Sarangkot

Distance: 7 km from pokhara.

Altitude: 1700 m

Situated in the western part of Nepal at an elevation of about 1700 meters (5,576ft),is very popular for mountain scenery. Here you can see panoramic views of Annapurna (8091m/ 26,545ft), Manasalu (8165m/ 26,781ft), Ganesh Himal (7446m/ 24,422ft), Dhaulagiri (8167m/ 26,795ft), Machhapuchare (the sacred mountain) and 25 other mountains over 6000 meters (19,680ft) high. This area also offers you views of the Pokhara Valley with all its natural beauty. Sarangkot is another spot renown for seeing the sunrise over the Himalayas.

Shiva Statue Pumdikot

Shiva Statue Pumdikot is one of the major attractions of Pokhara Sightseeing. Nepal’s Tallest Lord Shiva Statue in Pokhara is the emerging local attraction for domestic and international travelers. The Shiva Statue in Pumdikot was built in Mathura of India and then brought here in Nepal and installed. Pumdikot Shiva Statue is located in the southern part of Pokhara at an elevation of 1500 meters from sea level. Another attraction of Pumdikot Shiva Temple is Shiva Damaru which is the biggest in Asia.

How to reach Shiva Statue Pumdikot

There are major two ways to reach Shiva Statue Pumdikot. You can take a drive from Lakeside, Pokhara which is a populistic tourist destination, or plan for a day hike to reach this popular tourist destination.

Drive: Rent a car in Pokhara or take a bus that leaves for Syanjha to reach the temple. The distance from Pokhara to Shiva Statue Pumdikot is approx 10.5 km which takes around 30 minutes to reach by private transfer and 50 min in local transfer. And if are taking Kathmandu Pokhara Bus then you also can take a car to reach Pumdikot from the bus station directly.

Hiking: If you have a free day then hiking is a great way to explore this place. Hiking from Pokhara to Pumdikot Shiva temple takes around 2 hours to reach. Explore the surroundings and again hike back to Pokhara with an amazing vie and beauty of nature.