Bhalu Pahad

Bhalu Pahad (Bear Hill):
When we talk about Syangja, the first thing that comes to mind is Bhalu Pahad. Bhalu
Pahad is locally sought for its panoramic views of the nearby peaks, fresh air and
views of traditional villages. Since it was inhabited by bears (Bhalu in Nepali
language), it is called the Bhalu Pahad. Located in the western region of Nepal,
Phedikhola Ward No. 2, Bhalu Pahad is famous for its greenery and enchanting
scenery. Visitors from far and wide are attracted by the geographical and natural
beauty of the Bhalu Pahad.
The Bhalu Pahad, located 23 kilometers from the tourist city of Pokhara, lies on the
country’s main highway, the Siddhartha Highway. This place is popular among
tourists, both internal and external, for its clean, quiet, and picturesque scenery.
While visiting Muktinath from Lumbini, a world-famous religious and tourist place,
anyone who visits Pokhara, Palpa, Butwal, and other tourist places, the ‘bear mountain’
also ‘bhalu pahad’ on the highway attracts attention.
A single large picturesque mountain, the rolling hills of Seti Khola, and the
beautiful views of the mountains and snow ranges make this region an
attractive destination for film shootings, picnics, family outings, and
holidays.

Naming of Bhalu Pahad and Its Myths:
Since it was considered for a long time to be habitated by bear, it is called
Bear Hill (bhalu dando). Because of the bear-like shape of the middle stalk
(middle spit/hill) on the hills seen in this area, this hill is called Bear Hill.
According to locals, it is also said that the grass seen on this mountain is
similar to the fur of a bear, hence the name Bear Hill.
As the population increased and the local government focused on promoting
tourism, bears have been found disappearing from this place since the path
opnened through the effort of locals which started at this place in 2018 B.S.
But since the mountain is named after the bear and because the bear lived
here earlier, a monument of the bear has also been built in the nearby park
here.

Around the Bear Hill:
There is a Dhunge (stony) Deurali temple in the area where the locals
worship. That is why this place is also called Dhunge Deurali. This place is
inhabited by Brahmin, Kshetri, Dalit, and other castes. The Setikhola river
flowing from this area also made the place very famous as it harboured fresh
fish. Many people come here solely to enjoy the fresh and local fish cuisines.
The youths in the nearby village and the surrounding area have been able to
make a living by selling these varieties of fresh fish.
From Bhalu Pahad, one can see attractive places like Seti Khola, Aadhikhola
Rural Municipality, Putalibazar Municipality, Sirubari (which is famous for
Nepal’s first homestay and orange), and Thaple. The Buddha statue at
Thaple in Syangja, which is famous throughout Nepal, can also be seen from
the Bhalu Pahad.

Future Plans of Bhalu Pahad:
In order to make Bhalu Pahad, which is the jewel of the country’s major highways,
more attractive and excellent at the tourist level, Phedikhola Municipality has taken
forward the “Bhalu Pahad Yekakrit Guru Yojana” which translates to “Bear Hill
Unified Master Plan”. A unique tourist spot is under construction focusing on Bhalu
Pahad nestled in a beautiful bhilly landscape.
There is an ancient pathway even used by kings and people in his kingdom to
walk from Bhalu Pahad to Nuwakot even though it seems difficult to walk till
there. In earlier times, people used to walk up to Butwal using the route of
the Bhalu Pahad. Butwal was considered as headquarters of Syangja and this
was the route used to buy goods. Plans are underway to make a “foot trail” so
that the entire Phedikhola becomes more comfortable for hikers and
trekkers to travel around by foot. The work started in this current year
2081 B.S./2024 A.D. from Bhakunde (the border of Syangja and Kaski
districts, Phedikhola Rural Municipality, ward no. 1) is now in progress. This
plan will help those who want to travel around the Phedikhola by walking.

Conclusion:
Many domestic and foreign tourists come from different places to visit the famous
Bear Mountain. On normal days, 200-300 tourists and on holidays, 500-600 tourists
visit here to see the beautiful scenery of Bhalu Pahad and its surrounding. Many
people from nearby locations around the Bhalu Pahad like Pokhara, Syangja, Waling,
and Galyang visit here. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect and promote
Bhalu Pahad, which is famous in the country and abroad, and we should all take the
initiative to increase and promote its charm as an excellent tourist destination.

Reference:
Sujan Pokhrel, Owner of Bhalu Pahad Restro
Lila Pokhrel, Senior Local Resident near Bhalu Pahad Area