Local Life
Culture & People of Pokhara
A city shaped by Gurung, Magar, Newar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Tibetan communities, each contributing their own languages, festivals, and traditions.
A mosaic of communities
Pokhara's population reflects centuries of migration and trade across the surrounding hills and the Himalaya beyond.
Gurung
One of the largest indigenous communities of the Pokhara hills, historically known for farming, animal husbandry, and a strong tradition of service in the Gurkha regiments.
Magar
An indigenous hill community with a long presence around Pokhara Valley, known for their own language, customs, and festivals such as Maghe Sankranti.
Newar
Traders and artisans originally from the Kathmandu Valley who settled in Pokhara's old bazaar, including Chipledhunga, shaping much of the city's early commercial architecture and culture.
Brahmin & Chhetri
Hindu communities widely present throughout Pokhara and the wider Kaski district, contributing to the city's temples, rituals, and social life.
Tibetan Settlers
Refugee communities that settled in Pokhara from the mid-20th century, establishing settlements, monasteries, and carpet- and handicraft-weaving traditions still visible today.
Festivals throughout the year
Visiting during a festival is one of the best ways to experience Pokhara's culture up close.
Dashain
Nepal's biggest festival, celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over evil, marked with family gatherings, kite flying, and tika blessings.
Tihar
The festival of lights, honoring crows, dogs, cows, and the bond between brothers and sisters, with homes decorated in oil lamps and marigold garlands.
Lhosar
The Tibetan, Gurung, and Sherpa new year celebrations, observed with dancing, traditional dress, and community feasts, especially prominent in Pokhara's Tibetan settlements.
Maghe Sankranti
An important Magar and wider Nepali festival marking the winter solstice, celebrated with sesame sweets and rice pudding (khichdi).
Food of Pokhara
Local cuisine blends Nepali staples with hill and Tibetan influences: dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetable curry) remains the everyday meal, while momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and gundruk (fermented leafy greens) reflect the Tibetan and Gurung influence on the valley's food culture. Lakeside restaurants today also serve international cuisine catering to trekkers and travelers passing through on their way to the Annapurna region.