The Gandaki zone lies in the western administrative region of Nepal. It is named as Sapta Ganadaki after the seven tributaries (Kali Gandaki, Trishuli, Budhi Gandaki, Marsyangdi, Madi, Seti Gandaki, and Daraudi) that make up the Gandaki River. Pokhara serves as its regional and zonal capital. It is also the birthplace of Bhanubhakta Acharya, first poet of Nepal. The Gandaki zone is home to multiple cultures which are unique in themselves. Some, like the Magar, Gurung, have made themselves famous as Gurkha people.
Gandaki is divided into 6 districts, listed below with the headquarters in parentheses:
Gorkha District a part of Gandaki Zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. The district, with Pokharithok, later known as Prithivi Narayan Nagarpalika as its district headquarters, covers an area of 3,610km² and has a population (2001) of 288,134. It is the location of the Manakamana Temple.
Kaski District covers an area of 2,017 km² and has a population (2001) of 380,527 with Pokhara as its district headquarter. The district covers parts of the Annapurna mountain range, and the picturesque scene of the mountains can be observed from most parts of the district. It is one of the best tourist destinations of Nepal.
Lamjung District covers an area of 1,692 km² and has a population (2001) of 177,149 Besisahar as its district headquarter. Lamjung mainly consists of agricultural villages. The picture on the right is a scene taken in a village called "Kapur Gaun".
Manang District covers an area of 2,246 km² and has a population (2001) of 9,587 Chame as its district headquarter. The pass of Thorung La at 5415 meters above the sea connects the district to Mustang District by providing a route between the towns of Manang and Muktinath.
Syangja District covers an area of 1,164 km² and has a population (2001) of 317,320 with Syangja as its district headquarter. Syangja lies at the height of about 1088 meters (3572 feet) above the sea level.