Syangja District is one of Nepal's seventy-seven districts and is located in Gandaki Province. The district, which has its headquarters in Syangja bazaar (a small town), covers an area of 1,164 km2 (449 sq mi) and has a population of 289,148 people.
It is located in a hilly area with elevations ranging from around 300 meters along the banks of the Kaligandaki River to several thousand meters above sea level. It is situated at 28°4'60 North latitude and 83°52'0 East longitude.
Waling, Putalibazar, Bhirkot, Chapakot, and Galyang are the district's five municipalities, while Bajhakot, Biruwa, Arjun Chaupari, Harinas, Fedikhola, and Kaligandaki are the district's six village councils.
Syangja: Hills and Rivers Harmony
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Syangja secured millions of dollars in foreign funding under the auspices of the UNDP's South Asia Poverty Alleviation Program (SAPAP) in 1994 and has since become a model for national growth.
Syangja's model has been so promising that the Nepalese government has teamed up with SAPAP to expand the project to other districts and transform it into a national development model. At least 200 VDCs(Village Development Councils) in 45 Nepalese districts have started or are working on it.
This neighbourhood is home to people of various ethnicities. Brahmin, Gurung, Chetri, and Magar are the main ethnic groups.
The Kali Gandaki A Hydropower Dam, situated on the Kali Gandaki River in Krishnagandaki Gaunpalika, is the country's largest hydropower plant. The plant's optimum capacity is 144 MW.
People and Places of Syangja District
This district is home to residents of many different ethnicities. Brahmins, Kshetris, Gurungs, Magars, and others make up the primary classes. The representation of Brahmin and Chhetri (Kshetriya) in government employment and the Indian army is well-known. Gurungs and Magars are well-known for their service in the British Army Gurkhas and the Indian Military.
"When you go to Syangja and strike a house with a stone at random, the house must belong to Section-Officer," says a familiar saying.
Places of Syangja
Syanga district headquarters are located in Syangja bazaar. Satahun Chandi, Chhangchhangdi, Manakamana, Alamdevi, Bhirkot Durbar, Gahraukalika, Nuwakot Durbar, and Ridi Ruru Kshetra on the banks of the Kaligandaki river are some historical sites in this district.
Syangja: Nature's Tranquil Beauty
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The Swasthani Vrata-Katha, which is known to be a part of the Skanda Purana, mentions Chhangchhangdi (Chaya-kshetra) as the last organ of the dead Satidevi collapsed when Lord Shiva was bearing her.
Putalibazar municipality is on the eastern side, while Waling municipality is on the western side of Syangja, and the newly created Chapakot municipality is on the east-south side. Waling is a long valley that runs parallel to the Aandhikhola river. According to tradition, the Aandhikhola river is said to have arisen from Shravan's tears in the Ramayana.
Ramkosh is Syangja's most extensive valley. Hiking opportunities include Chandithaan, a Devi shrine, and Hunikot, a viewpoint overlooking Putalibazar.
How can you reach Syangja District?
After the completion of the Siddhartha Highway, Syangja was linked to Pokhara and Bhairahawa, two of Western Nepal's most important towns. The highway joins the district from Kubhinde in the north and exits from Ramdi in the Palpa district in the south.
Climatic Zones of Syangja
Syangja is divided into two major climatic zones. They are:
- Upper Tropical
- Subtropical
Effect of 2015's Earthquake on Syangja
On April 25, 2015, the district was struck by an earthquake. At least one home was completely demolished.
Hydroelectricity Production of Syangja
With a capacity of 144 MW, the Kaligandaki A Hydroelectric Power Station is Nepal's largest hydroelectric plant. Aadhikhola hydroelectric and other smaller hydroelectric projects have been started in this district, in addition to the Kaligandaki A.
Kali Gandaki: River's Serpentine Journey
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Syangja is amongst the few districts in Nepal that does not experience load-shedding or planned power outages. The rest of the country experiences hours of load-shedding every day.
Places to Visit in Syangja District
Bhalu Pahad
It's a small hill station that the Siddartha Highway connects. It is a famous spot for picnic-goers and sightsing.
Being at a lower elevation surrounded by a river, it provides a unique sight for the tourists.
Chandikalika Temple
Devotees crowd this temple during the Dashain festival. Besides being a place of worship, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Mt Annapurna and of the surrounding landscapes made by the Aadhikhola. The temple is better known as the gateway to Sirubari.
Sirubari
This village is known as the foremost cultural village of Nepal. Sirubari is known for its homestays and houses of the local residents transformed into teahouses and lodges which specialize in regional cuisines.
Sirubari consists of houses and pathways that are paved with stones, which provide an insight into the ancient Gurung culture.
Sworek Hill
Sworek Hill provides an excellent landscape for adrenaline-filled activities like mountain biking and paragliding. It is a beautiful place for visitors willing to take spectacular photos of the Aadhikhola basin.