Located in Bhaktapur amongst hills and greenery, Muhan Pokhari is a calm, serene destination just about 20 kilometers from Kathmandu. With its rich cultural context, natural beauty, and peaceful sanctuary away from urban life, Muhan Pokhari offers the ideal location for either nature-loving, adventurous, and/or cultural tourists. Muhan Pokhari offers a glimpse of the peaceful world where our soul is renewed and Nepal’s ancient traditions are respected.
Location and Getting There
Muhan Pokhari is part of the Changunarayan municipality of Bhaktapur District. It is northeast to the city of Bhaktapur, making it just about the nearest location from Kathmandu for an individual wanting to immerse themselves in a natural setting. The approximately hour-long drive from Kathmandu will be picturesque hills. Individuals can take local bus transport from central locations, Ratna Park or Bagbazaar in Kathmandu, to Bhaktapur. In Bhaktapur you would transfer to a local bus or taxi, which will head in the direction of Kamalbinayak-Nagarkot. To get close to the site, you would leave the bus in that area and take a short walk from where you left the bus in the reservoir area, to Muhan Pokhari.
This combination of easy access and unspoiled natural beauty makes Muhan Pokhari an easy choice for a day-trip, and because it’s not demanding a trekking trip, it appeals to the party types like backpackers, families, and several groups as well.
Historical Background and Cultural Significance
Muhan Pokhari is not just a natural pond: it is an ancient artificial reservoir conceived as part of a beverage supply system for the City of Bhaktapur during Nepal’s Malla period (12th-18th century), demonstrating some amazing capacity for engineering as well as sustainability in water delivering at a time in history.
The name Muhan is drawn from the artificial pond and consequently the pond itself is an historical artifact. Bhaktapur City itself founded in the 11th to 12th centuries continues to remain culturally rooted in ancient temple rituals and ceremonial practices with deep connections which harkens back to the Newar people’s spiritual and normative universe. Muhan Pokhari is currently situated at the breathing nexus of their heritage continuum but it is also at the same time a locus of the complex interaction of natural settings around human settlement in the Kathmandu Valley.
Natural Beauty and Environment
There is no shortage of natural beauty surrounding Muhan Pokhari. The area is rich with rushing waterfalls, dense green hills, and various vegetation and wildlife that attracts hikers, birders, and photographers. The water is crystal clear, and the body of water reflects the surrounding trees and sky. With all of this in the background, there is often an experience of tranquility in a space that feels connected to ancient times.
The cooler waters and lush, alive feelings of summer fill the pond and area with visitors, both locals and tourists, both summer and winter. The water fountain and artificial dam add delightful picturesque features to the location. In contrast, over winter the area dries up, revealing the inevitable series of seasonal cycles intimately bound to local ecology.
Muhan Pokhari’s natural, calm environment provides the perfect escape for meditation, charged relaxation, leisure walks, and more. The phenomenal surroundings provide space that often leads to immersing in guests’ surroundings, inhaling cool mountain air, and marveling at the panoramic views and distant peaks of the hills.
Visitor experience: Activities and Amenities
Muhan Pokhari has a range of visitor activities. It has great waters for summer splashing around, while the hills nearby offer fair hiking and exploring. Additionally, there are various picnic areas and lakeside cafes that stimulate visitors to hang out a little longer and enjoy the peaceful landscape and local fare.
Photographers especially love Muhan Pokhari, not only because there are great opportunities for reflections in still water but also the lush landscape provides amazing color and visuals – making it so satisfying to capture and tell stories with pictures.
Importantly, Muhan Pokhari does not have a gate fee; making it accessible for everyone. There are a few small shops close to the site selling snacks and refreshments, but it is worth mentioning that you and your group should always try to be mindful and respect the environment, leaving nothing behind and keeping it clean.
Cultural Perspectives and Local Living
The surrounding communities continue to celebrate many traditional Nepalese festivals such as Tihar and Dashain as they weave culture and history into the lives of those who live and work in the area. If visitors are fortunate enough to visit during one of the celebration periods, it is a colorful and exciting addition to an already visually stimulating site in such conditions. Visitors get a taste of the surrounding living culture in and around Muhan Pokhari and Bhaktapur.
Respecting local customs is very important when visiting. For instance, it is customary to take off shoes before entering temples or religious places in the vicinity. Sometimes photography is not allowed in sacred places. The hospitality of the people in Bhaktapur enhances the visit, as stories about the pond, its construction, and its position in community life emerge when you interact with villagers or local guides.
Traveling On From Muhan Pokhari
Muhan Pokhari is also a conduit to other attractions of the Bhaktapur District, as well as many other sometimes beautiful and historic places near Bhaktapur. Visitors to Bhaktapur may wish to go to the other nearby attractions such as Nagarkot, Sudal, Nala, Kalamasi, Shanga, Sankhu and recently built Rani Jhula Bridge as part of a greater experience of appreciating the rich cultural and ecological possibilities in the region.
For example, many visitors appreciate going to Nagarkot for its panoramic views of the Himalayan range and historical palaces and this makes a great next stop after a restful experience in Muhan Pokhari.
Safety and Travel Tips
Most travelers have found Muhan Pokhari to be a safe place to visit, including direct travel for women travelers. The friendly nature of the community and the largely tranquil environment of the area, has provided travelers with a sense of safety. For those who are enthusiastic about learning about the deeper stories of Bhaktapur and Muhan Pokhari, it is advisable to secure the services of a chartered guide.
Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water, and protect themselves from the sun in the warmer months. The pond dries out in winter, so the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the water is plentiful and the area is lush.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Muhan Pokhari in Bhaktapur is a precious confluence of nature, history, and culture. Its ancient history as a water reservoir from the Malla period, its serene landscape, and the cultural vibrancy that flows through the community make it a unique place in Nepal. Whether it’s visiting for a restful retreat, cultural exploration, or an adventure day trip, Muhan Pokhari offers visitors an authentic and enriching experience that lives on in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley and its Newar Communities.
This hidden gem will allow visitors to discover a memorable experience filled with nature, culture, and eternal warmth from the peaceful hills of Bhaktapur.
To explore Muhan Pokhari is to step into the balance of human creativity and nature that has defined its heritage for centuries in Nepal. It is a destination worth visiting for anyone looking to step deep into the heart of Nepal.
