Gandaki Province (गण्डकी प्रदेश)
Land of Mountains, Lakes and Adventure Tourism
Geography
Area & Location
21,504 km² in central Nepal, containing Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Named after the Gandaki River system that flows through the province. Borders Tibet (China) to the north.
Topography
Contains some of world's highest peaks (Annapurna I - 8,091m, Dhaulagiri - 8,167m). Features the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, with Himalayan peaks on either side. Elevation ranges from 200m to over 8,000m.
Climate
Varied from alpine in mountains to subtropical in lower valleys. Pokhara receives heavy monsoon rains (3,500mm+) while Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area with desert-like conditions (less than 300mm rainfall).
Districts
11 Districts of Gandaki:
- Gorkha
- Lamjung
- Tanahu
- Syangja
- Kaski (Pokhara)
- Manang
- Mustang
- Myagdi
- Parbat
- Baglung
- Nawalpur
District Highlights
Kaski (Pokhara)
Major tourist hub with Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, and stunning panoramic views of Annapurna range. Gateway to popular trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit and home to numerous adventure activities.
Mustang
Former Buddhist kingdom with strong Tibetan cultural influence. Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang) was a restricted area until 1992, featuring medieval walled city, caves, and unique desert landscapes.
Gorkha
Historical town with iconic Gorkha Durbar (palace). Birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah who unified Nepal in 18th century and origin of the famous Gurkha soldiers known worldwide for their bravery.
Culture & People
Gurung
Indigenous inhabitants of central Nepal's hills with unique traditions and language. Known for their contributions to Gurkha regiments and rich cultural practices including the "Rodhi" system of communal gatherings.
Thakali
Traditional traders from Thak Khola valley in Mustang district known for entrepreneurship. Renowned for their hospitality, distinctive architecture, and delicious cuisine influenced by Tibetan and Nepali traditions.
Magar
One of Nepal's largest indigenous groups with significant population in western hills. Traditionally warriors and farmers, they have rich folk dances including Kauda, Maruni, and Sorathi.
Nepali
Official language spoken by majority (approx. 65%) and used in government, education, and business throughout the province.
Gurung
Tibeto-Burmese language spoken primarily in Kaski, Lamjung, and Gorkha districts (approx. 12%), with several dialects across different regions.
Magar/Thakali
Indigenous languages spoken in their respective communities (approx. 10% combined). Thakali is spoken mainly in Upper Mustang while Magar has several western variants.
Tiji
Three-day festival in Mustang celebrating victory of good over evil. Features colorful masked dances performed by monks depicting the triumph of Buddha's incarnation over a demon.
Ghantu
Traditional Gurung dance-drama celebrating their history and mythology. Performances can last up to three days with unique costumes and intricate choreography.
Dashain/Tihar
Major Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the province with local variations. In Pokhara, features spectacular boat races on Phewa Lake during these festival periods.
Tourism Highlights
Annapurna Circuit
One of the world's most famous treks covering 160-230 km around the Annapurna massif. Traverses diverse landscapes from subtropical valleys to alpine zones, crosses 5,416m Thorong La pass, and encounters diverse cultures.
Phewa Lake
Second largest lake in Nepal located in Pokhara. Famous for boating and reflection of the Annapurna range on its surface. The lakeside area hosts numerous restaurants, hotels, and shops catering to tourists.
Lo Manthang
Ancient walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo (Upper Mustang) founded in 1380. Features centuries-old monasteries with rare Tibetan Buddhist art, royal palace, and unique earthen architecture preserved by its isolated location.
Economy
Tourism
Primary economic driver, particularly in Pokhara and trekking regions. Adventure tourism (trekking, paragliding, rafting) and cultural tourism generate significant employment and foreign exchange.
Agriculture
Terraced farming in hills produces rice, wheat, millet, and vegetables. Lower elevations support cash crops like coffee, tea, and fruits. Mustang is known for apple cultivation in its harsh climate.
Hydropower
The fast-flowing rivers of Gandaki basin have major hydroelectric potential. Several operational plants including 144 MW Kaligandaki-A, with many more projects under construction or planned.
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