BEAUTIFUL SYANGJA

 
               The Syangja district adorned by ancient, historical and natural heritage is at a 35 km road distance from Pokhara. Putalibazar is the administrative centre of the hilly district bounded by Tanahu to the east, Parbat and Gulmi to the west, Kaski and Parbat to the north and  Palpa to the south. The climate is neither too hot nor too cool while altitude ranges from 366 m from the basin of Kaligandaki River to 2512 m in the highlands. The surface area of the district is 1164 sq km. The surrounding green hills and the nearby Andhikhola River has enhanced the glory of Putalibazar.
            The district is also famous for tourism. Panchase, Sirubari, Nuwakot, Thaple, Matikhan  Andha-Andhi Daha, Garhausur, Satau, Ramchedanda and Budhilek are the prominent tourist hotspots of the district. In addition, various ancient temples, historical sites, enchanting sceneries, caves and diverse nature are the other attaractions of the district and are considered important in terms of Tourism. The Kolmadanda located just 10 km from the district headquarters is popular for viewing the sunrise and mountains. Months from September to March are considered most appropriate for visiting Syangja, as the nature exhibits its full splendor is these period. Syangja's centre Putalibazaar is 235 km from Kathmandu, 35 km from Pokhara and 85 km from Palpa by road. Likewise the Sirubari village, popular for its hospitable homestay service, is 30 km from Putalibazaar. Similarly Waling is 28 km and Galyang 46 km.
SIRUBARI
          Sirubari located at Syangja district's Panchmul village is the first in the country to be declared a rural tourist centre. Its fame is spreading around the world largely due to the endeavors' of the local residents. Sirubari offers a close peek into Gurung culture and livelihood. The picturesque village is dotted with houses with stone roofs and cobbled stone yards. There is no hotel or restaurant in the village but the villagers host the tourists in their own homes as paying guests. A Sirubari Tourism Committee is also established is the village. The village was converted to a tourist place by the efforts of Mr. Rudraman Gurung with the assistance of an Australian native Tony Parr. Tony played a crucial role to promote tourism in Sirubari. Sirubari is one of the famous sites in Asia for home stay tourism. Sirubari is accessible by a 28 km dirt road from Syangja located at 33 km road distance from Pokhara along the Siddhartha Highway. Buses leave for Sirubari from Pokhara's Prithvichowk. The beautiful hemlets and waterfalls on the way to Sirubari cast their spell on any tourists.
WARMTH  OF  SIRUBARI
          Sirubari is one of the best places to observe endearing Nepali hospitality.The residents greet the visitors  entering  the village with flowers and garlands. Local bands are also available on arrival but the visitors has to inform in advance. The guests are first taken to a Buddhist monastery called 'Gumba' considered the village centre. The guests are then offered light snacks along with tea and local alcohol. The villages comprises a clump of 30-35 houses and each house host the guests in turn. Guest are not allowed to choose their accomodation. All the houses are cleaned and decorated for the tourists and the hosts prefer to be addresed as father, mother, brother or sister rather than sir or madam. Traditional Nepali dishes are served in dinner preceded  by a sweet spirit brewed locally from millet. Dinner is followed by a show of traditional dance and the guests are also invited to join the dance floor. A 2 to 3 hour hike is on the offer to the top of a nearby hill from where  one can view sunrise, sunset and the seight of Mt. Machhapuchhre. Breakfast is served at the end of hike comprising pancake, light vegetables, tea, milk, eggs etc while launch include local vegetables and meat products. The farewell from Sirubari is not less warm than the welcome. The bill amount is collected by the local tourism committee.
HISTORIC NUWAKOT
          The archeologically important tourist destination of Nuwwakot is located towards the east of Syangja district's administrative centre Putalibazaar. The fort housed the royal palace of Yalambar Khand alias Kulamandan Shah. Nuwakot was also the old administrative centre of Syangja but now only the ruins of the palace remains. The nearby pond was dug for the queen to look at when there were no mirrors in the olden times. A visit to Nuwakot features in the itinerary of an ever increasing number of tourists to the area, both local and international. The area is suitable only  for a day trip as there is no arrangement for lodging or eating. A comfortable 14 km ride from Pokhara or 19 km from syangja will take to Kubinde that is followed by a 12 km gravel road to the historic Nuwakot fort. Bus leave to Nuwakot from Pokhara's Chhorepatan.
MATIKHAN
         The enchanting Matikhan village is favoured sight-seeing destination of Syangja. Tourists arrive at Matikhan for viewing the Himalayan panorama and the sights of Pokhara valley. Breathtaking sunrise, sunset and Mountain view are the attaractions of Mtikhan village. A view tower has also been constructed to observe the majestic sights. A nearby hilltop hosting the tower of Gandaki F.M. provides an alternate viewing point. The village is fast developing into a tourist destination and is suitable for afternoon trip as there is no proper arrangement for night stay. To reach Matikhan, one has to travell along a 4 km dirt road from Kubinde located at a distance of 14 km from Pokhara or 19 km from Syangja along the Sidhartha Highway. Public transport is available from Pokhara's Chhorepatan to Mtikhan. Likewise, Syangja's other famous tourist destinations are located just 8 km from here.