Natural Environment of the Western Development Region (WDR)

Western Development Region also has mountains, hills and plains lands. The highest mountain peaks of this region are: Yangra, Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and so on. The deepest gorge in the world is “Dana” of the Kaligandaki river. At one point, the river bed is 5,500 meter below the neighboring summits of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Similarly, the “Tilijo Tal” of Manang is at the height of 4,919 meter. Pokhara valley has a large number of lakes such as Phewa, Rupa, Begnas, Dipang, Madi Khaste, etc. Because of which it is called “Lake District of Nepal”. Pokhara Valley receives highest rainfall in the country for which it is called the “Cherapunji of Nepal”. Beautiful mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, etc surround the Pokhara valley. Deep caves, beautiful lakes and rivers have made this valley a famous tourist resort. The Sapta Gandaki river system irrigates this region. The Sapta Gandaki i.e. seven Gandaki rivers are:- Seti Gandaki, Kali Gandaki, Daraudi, Madi, Marshyandi, Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki. When these rivers mix together, they become “Narayani”. Some other rivers of this region are Tinau and Marsyandi. The northern part of this region, to leeward side where it is dry throughout the year. The wind blows very strongly in Jomsom which is utilized in producing electricity at a small scale at Kagbeni. Southern part of Lumbini is fertile.