Pokhara history

At the Origins of Pokhara: From Trading Post to City

Unlike many cities that arose by royal decree in a single day, Pokhara took centuries to form. Its history is a journey from scattered settlements in a fertile valley to a thriving commercial centre connecting the Himalayas with the plains.

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of modern Pokhara has been inhabited since ancient times, but it began to be mentioned in chronicles as a significant settlement in the 17th century. At that time, these lands were part of the Kingdom of Kaski — one of the 24 small principalities (Chaubise Rajya) within the territory of present-day Nepal. A crucial milestone in the transformation of the settlement into a city is considered to be 1752, when the King of Kaski, Siddhi Narayan Shah, invited experienced merchants and artisans (Newars) from Bhaktapur to establish a permanent market and develop commerce here.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of Pokhara into an important regional centre was facilitated by a unique combination of three factors:

• Geography: The valley is located lower than the Kathmandu Valley, which ensures a milder and warmer climate. The abundance of water from lakes and the Seti River created ideal conditions for agriculture, allowing for the cultivation of rice and exotic fruits.
• Trade: The city was strategically located on the ancient Trans-Himalayan trade route. Caravans from the north carrying Tibetan salt, wool, and gold met here with merchants from the south offering grain, spices, and fabrics from India.
• Political Will: The decision of the Kaski rulers to focus on trade and attract external specialists (the Newars) gave a powerful impetus to urbanisation, turning the agrarian valley into an economic hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Pokhara was built on barter exchange and servicing trade caravans. The cultural landscape was formed by a synthesis of the traditions of local ethnic groups (Gurungs, Magars) and the incoming Newars. It was the settlers from the Kathmandu Valley who brought here:

• Characteristic red brick architecture and wood with carved windows.
• The culture of urban celebrations and festivals (jatras).
• Traditions of building temples and shrines, which became the first architectural landmarks of the future city.

Chronology of Pokhara's Development

The history of the city's transformation from a small trading post into the tourism capital of Nepal spans several centuries.

• Mid-17th Century — The territory of the modern valley becomes part of the Kingdom of Kaski, one of the region's 24 small principalities.
• 1752 — The ruler of Kaski invites artisans and merchants from Bhaktapur, marking the beginning of urban architecture and trade development in Pokhara.
• 1786 — The valley joins the unified Kingdom of Nepal during the unification campaign of the Shah dynasty.
• 1952 — Swiss geologist Toni Hagen visits the region; his research and photographs reveal the beauty of these places to the Western world for the first time.
• 1958 — The first airport opens, establishing regular, albeit weather-dependent, air connections with Kathmandu.
• 1959 — The first groups of Tibetan refugees arrive in the valley, establishing their settlements and monasteries here.
• 1968 — Construction of the Siddhartha Highway is completed, connecting the city with the Indian border and opening the way for goods and travellers.
• 1973 — The Prithvi Highway is commissioned, ensuring reliable transport links with the country's capital, Kathmandu.
• 1977 — Access to the trekking route around Annapurna is officially opened, making the city the main base for mountain tourists.
• 1986 — The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is founded, with its headquarters located in the city to coordinate eco-tourism.
• 1999 — The World Peace Pagoda is inaugurated atop Anadu Hill, becoming one of the region's most recognisable landmarks.
• 2004 — The International Mountain Museum opens its doors, dedicated to the history of mountaineering and the culture of the Himalayan peoples.
• 2023 — A new international airport begins operations, capable of accommodating large aircraft and expanding the region's tourism potential.

Key Stages of Pokhara's Development

The transformation of Pokhara from an isolated trading settlement into an international tourism hub is a story of successive transformations, each leaving its mark on the city's economy, culture, and appearance.

• Establishment of a Trading Centre by Newars (Mid-18th Century): The invitation of merchants and artisans of the Newar people from Bhaktapur was a turning point. They founded the Old Bazaar, which became the economic heart of the city for many years, and their unique architectural style shaped the appearance of historic Pokhara.
• Construction of Strategic Highways (1960s–1970s): The construction of the Siddhartha Highway, connecting the city to India, and the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu, ended Pokhara's centuries-old isolation. This provided a powerful boost to trade and made the city easily accessible to travellers, laying the foundation for the tourism boom.
• The "Hippie Era" and the Birth of Tourism (1960s–1970s): Pokhara became a cult destination on the Asian "Hippie Trail". This cultural phenomenon brought global fame to the city and stimulated the development of the first tourism infrastructure, especially in the area around Phewa Lake, known today as Lakeside.
• Formation of a Trekking Hub (from the 1980s): The city secured its status as the main "gateway" for treks to the Annapurna massif, one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. This led to the specialisation of the local economy in serving mountaineers and tourists, contributing to the emergence of hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and specialised shops.
• Emergence of Tibetan Communities (from the 1950s): Tibetan refugees settled in the Pokhara Valley, eventually forming distinct settlements. These communities enriched the cultural mosaic of the city and became important tourist spots where one can discover Tibetan crafts and Buddhist traditions.
• Creation of Iconic Cultural Sites (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): The construction of the World Peace Pagoda (1999) and the opening of the International Mountain Museum (2003) strengthened Pokhara's status as a cultural centre. These sites became independent attractions, offering guests more than just a starting point for trekking.
• Opening of the New International Airport (2023): The launch of the modern international airport became a crucial event in the city's recent history. This opened the possibility for direct air connections with other countries for Pokhara, radically changing its logistical and economic prospects and promising a new wave of tourism development.

The architectural appearance of Pokhara is not a history of shifting great European styles like Gothic or Baroque, but a unique combination of traditional Nepalese architecture, Buddhist and Hindu religious structures, and modern development dictated by the rapid growth of tourism. Urban planning here reflects two main stages: the creation of the historic trading centre and the rapid growth of the tourist district.

Traditional Newari Architecture

The historic core of the city, especially in the Old Bazaar area, was shaped under the influence of Newar merchants who migrated here in the 18th century. This style, originating in the Kathmandu Valley, is the hallmark of old Pokhara. Its main features include:

• Materials: The characteristic use of red burnt brick combined with dark wood.
• Wood Carving: Intricately decorated window frames (known as "aankhijhyal"), doors, and support beams, demonstrating the high skill of the artisans.
• Structure: Typically, these are two- or three-storey houses with sloping tiled roofs, closely adjoining each other and forming narrow streets.

These buildings are living evidence of Pokhara's past trading glory and its cultural ties with other regions of Nepal.

Religious and Cult Structures

The spiritual life of the city is reflected in its temples and stupas, which are important architectural landmarks. Key styles include:

• Pagoda Style: Many Hindu temples, such as the Bindhyabasini Temple, are built in the traditional Nepalese pagoda style with multi-tiered roofs.
• Buddhist Stupas: The most famous example is the World Peace Pagoda. Although built in the late 20th century, its classical form — a white dome with "Buddha eyes" looking in four cardinal directions — follows centuries-old canons of Buddhist architecture.

Modern Development and the Lakeside District

With the tourism boom of the second half of the 20th century, a new stage of urban development began. The Lakeside district, stretching along Phewa Lake, became its epicentre. The architecture here is predominantly functional and utilitarian. It consists of modern concrete and glass developments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops oriented towards tourists. There is no single style here; instead, pragmatism prevails, contrasting with the historic centre. In recent decades, the city has been actively expanding, and new residential developments consist mainly of standard reinforced concrete buildings, reflecting the rapid population growth and economic realities of modern Nepal.

Notable People Associated with Pokhara

Pokhara, being an important cultural and tourist centre of Nepal, has become the birthplace or the site of creative development for many famous figures. These individuals have made significant contributions to music, literature, cinema, and the public life of the country.

Amrit Gurung

Role: Musician, founder, and lead vocalist of the band Nepathya.

Amrit Gurung is a key figure in the Nepalese music scene. He was born in a village near Pokhara and is one of the founders of the cult folk-rock band Nepathya. The band, formed by students from Pokhara, gained worldwide fame thanks to a unique combination of traditional Nepalese melodies and modern rock. Gurung is known for his songs celebrating peace and unity, as well as his active travels across Nepal to collect folklore material.

Sarubhakta

Role: Writer, poet, playwright.

Bhakta Raj Shrestha, known by the pseudonym Sarubhakta, was born in Pokhara and is one of the most respected literary figures in modern Nepal. His novel "Pagal Basti" ("Settlement of the Mad") is considered a classic of Nepalese literature and earned him the prestigious Madan Puraskar award. Sarubhakta is also known as the founder of numerous cultural and literary organisations in Pokhara, highlighting his contribution to the development of the city's intellectual life.

Bhupi Sherchan

Role: Poet.

Although Bhupi Sherchan was born in the Mustang region, he spent a significant part of his life in Pokhara, which became his second home. Sherchan is one of the most influential and popular poets of 20th-century Nepal. He revolutionised Nepalese poetry by starting to write in simple, colloquial language on socially poignant and political themes. His collection "Ghumne Mechmathi Andho Manche" ("Blind Man on a Revolving Chair") is a landmark work, and his satirical and direct style made his voice heard throughout the country.

Jassita Gurung

Role: Actress and model.

Jassita Gurung is a bright representative of the new generation of Nepalese artists born in Pokhara. Gaining fame after her debut in the successful film "Lily Bily", she quickly became a popular actress in the Nepalese film industry. Despite growing up in the UK, her career is closely linked to Nepal, and she serves as an example for many young people striving to realise themselves in creative professions.

Dharmendra Sewan

Role: Singer and composer.

Dharmendra Sewan is a well-known Nepalese performer whose solo career began on the music scene of the Lakeside district in Pokhara. He received national recognition after participating in the first season of the popular show "Nepali Tara", where he took second place. His work, combining pop music with national motifs, enjoys great popularity, and many of his songs, for example, "Herda Ramro Machhapuchhre", celebrate the beauty of his homeland, including views of Pokhara.