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Matsya Pokhari (मत्स्यपोखरी): Sakhuwasabha
Synposis: Sankhuwasabha Matsya Pokhari "Fish Pond" is a culturally rich site known for its unique Asala fish, traditional Gurung and Rai communities, and deep-rooted religious beliefs.atsya Pokhari, a sacred fish pond in Sankhuwasabha, Eastern Nepal, offers a unique blend of spiritual significance, local culture, and stunning landscapes. Accessible from Chichila Bazar, it provides an authentic panorama views of the village and hills. Visitors can immerse in local rituals, explore pristine nature, and contribute to responsible tourism. (alert-success)
Situated within the untouched landscapes of Eastern Nepal lies a spiritual and cultural marvel known as Matsya Pokhari — a sacred fish pond located in the district of Sankhuwasabha.
More than just a body of water, Matsya Pokhari is a vibrant symbol of heritage, local beliefs, and spiritual reverence. A visit here offers more than scenic beauty; it is a journey into the heart of the Gurung society, filled with traditions, age-old stories, and breathtaking Himalayan views.
This article takes you through the winding roads beyond Chichila Bazar, to a place where nature, culture, and spirituality converge — the Matsya Pokhari. Whether you're a curious traveler, a cultural explorer, or someone searching for Nepal’s hidden gems, this story will captivate your senses and curiosity.
Heading from Chichila Bazar
Getting to Matsya Pokhari is an adventure in itself. The journey begins from Chichila Bazar, a small yet lively market town in Sankhuwasabha. As you head out of Chichila, the roads transition into off-road tracks.Although the route isn’t extremely difficult to drive on, it does require some caution and patience due to the bumpy nature of the terrain.
Soon, you’ll reach Chuchhe Dhunga Chowk, a scenic viewpoint that gifts you with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding hills and valleys. From here, you can see the peaceful traditional villages of Kagate—home to the Gurung and Khaling Rai communities.
Soon, you’ll reach Chuchhe Dhunga Chowk, a scenic viewpoint that gifts you with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding hills and valleys. From here, you can see the peaceful traditional villages of Kagate—home to the Gurung and Khaling Rai communities.
Their homes, built in traditional styles with stone and wood, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of culture and wisdom.
The sacred fish pond, Matsya Pokhari, is situated in Matsya Gaun, a culturally rich Gurung settlement. The name "Matsya" itself translates to "fish" in Sanskrit and Nepali, reflecting the spiritual significance of the pond and its aquatic inhabitants.
To the local Gurung people, this pond is not just a water body — it is a living deity. The fish that swim in its tranquil waters are believed to be sacred beings, protected by powerful spiritual forces.
Whether you believe in these stories or not, the unity and collective respect the villagers show towards Matsya Pokhari is remarkable. Their dedication reflects a profound connection between people, nature, and the divine — something often missing in the modern world.
The Gurungs and Khaling Rais living near Matsya Pokhari are known for their close relationship with nature, reflected in their architecture, clothing, food, and lifestyle. Traditional stone houses with wooden roofs line the hillside, built with eco-friendly materials sourced locally.
The people are warm, welcoming, and always eager to share their customs with visitors. Their festivals, dances, and daily rituals often pay homage to local spirits and ancestral deities, reinforcing their bond with the natural world around them.
The community frequently conducts pujas (prayer rituals) near the pond, especially during key festivals. Shamans or village priests known as "Lamas" or "Pujaris" perform these rituals to protect the community and bless the land.
The pond is also a site of pilgrimage for locals during certain lunar or solar calendar dates. People come here to pray, offer flowers, light incense sticks, and pour milk or water into the pond as acts of reverence.
Aside from its religious significance, Matsya Pokhari is a picturesque location surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows. Birds chirp in the background, and mist rolls gently over the hills in the early mornings, creating a serene environment perfect for meditation, photography, or simply unwinding.
Because of its relative obscurity, it hasn’t been touched by mass tourism. This gives visitors the rare chance to experience authentic local culture in an unspoiled setting.
As more travelers become interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations, places like Matsya Pokhari face new challenges. While tourism can bring economic opportunities, it can also threaten fragile cultural ecosystems if not done responsibly.
Avoid littering and Splitting — help maintain the purity of the sacred site.
Support local guides and homestays — empowering communities through tourism.
Participate respectfully in local festivals or rituals, observing and learning without imposing.
The sacred fish pond, Matsya Pokhari, is situated in Matsya Gaun, a culturally rich Gurung settlement. The name "Matsya" itself translates to "fish" in Sanskrit and Nepali, reflecting the spiritual significance of the pond and its aquatic inhabitants.
To the local Gurung people, this pond is not just a water body — it is a living deity. The fish that swim in its tranquil waters are believed to be sacred beings, protected by powerful spiritual forces.
A Local Belief That Inspires Awe:
There’s an old myth passed down through generations: “If anyone dares to kill or harm the fish in this pond, they invite disaster upon themselves and the village.” According to the locals, natural calamities such as storms, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hailstorms are likely to occur if the pond’s sanctity is disturbed.
Whether you believe in these stories or not, the unity and collective respect the villagers show towards Matsya Pokhari is remarkable. Their dedication reflects a profound connection between people, nature, and the divine — something often missing in the modern world.
The Gurungs and Khaling Rais living near Matsya Pokhari are known for their close relationship with nature, reflected in their architecture, clothing, food, and lifestyle. Traditional stone houses with wooden roofs line the hillside, built with eco-friendly materials sourced locally.
The people are warm, welcoming, and always eager to share their customs with visitors. Their festivals, dances, and daily rituals often pay homage to local spirits and ancestral deities, reinforcing their bond with the natural world around them.
The community frequently conducts pujas (prayer rituals) near the pond, especially during key festivals. Shamans or village priests known as "Lamas" or "Pujaris" perform these rituals to protect the community and bless the land.
The pond is also a site of pilgrimage for locals during certain lunar or solar calendar dates. People come here to pray, offer flowers, light incense sticks, and pour milk or water into the pond as acts of reverence.
Aside from its religious significance, Matsya Pokhari is a picturesque location surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows. Birds chirp in the background, and mist rolls gently over the hills in the early mornings, creating a serene environment perfect for meditation, photography, or simply unwinding.
Because of its relative obscurity, it hasn’t been touched by mass tourism. This gives visitors the rare chance to experience authentic local culture in an unspoiled setting.
As more travelers become interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations, places like Matsya Pokhari face new challenges. While tourism can bring economic opportunities, it can also threaten fragile cultural ecosystems if not done responsibly.
Visitors are encouraged to:
Respect local customs — especially the belief around not touching or harming the fish.Avoid littering and Splitting — help maintain the purity of the sacred site.
Support local guides and homestays — empowering communities through tourism.
Participate respectfully in local festivals or rituals, observing and learning without imposing.
Conclusion:
Matsya Pokhari in Sankhuwasabha is more than a scenic pond tucked away in the Himalayas. It is a living story, a spiritual haven, and a proud emblem of cultural identity for the Gurung people.As you walk the trails past Chichila, pass through the stone-paved villages, and finally reach the calm waters of Matsya Pokhari, you’ll realize you’re not just visiting a place — you’re becoming part of a tradition that stretches across centuries.
Call to Action
Are you someone who craves meaningful travel and authentic cultural experiences? Add Matsya Pokhari to your travel bucket list. Share this story with friends, and let’s promote responsible travel that celebrates and protects Nepal’s hidden treasures.Planning a trip to Sankhuwasabha? Connect with local guides or explore homestay options in Chichila and Kagate. You won’t just be visiting — you’ll be participating in something sacred.
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