The Lekhnath area of the Pokhara Metropolitan City, famed as the city of seven lakes, has all its lakes enlisted as Ramsar sites. This small valley, lying to the northeast of the Prithvi Highway in Kaski district, is equally renowned for its fish recipes, which have become a significant draw for tourists.
Businesspersons argue that touristic activities have surged in the area due to the tempting fish recipes. Numerous hotels and eateries on the banks of Begnas Lake, Majhikuna, Piple, and Damside offer a variety of fish dishes to a large number of visitors daily. Most visitors throng the city of seven lakes primarily to enjoy these delectable fish dishes. Local residents around Begnas, Rupa, and other lakes are deeply engaged in commercial fish farming, with many households in the small village of Piple near Begnas Lake fully relying on fishing for their livelihood.
Additionally, the number of fisheries has increased in Dipang, Khaste, Neureni, and Maidi lakes. According to Tek Bahadur Jalari, the owner of The Fisherman Restaurant, the area is popularly known as a common destination for fish lovers. He mentioned that each household earns between Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 monthly from fishing. Jalari noted that grilled fish is one of the most famous food items, with a recipe that includes marinating fish with a blend of local spices, grilling, and serving with a side of aromatic and fresh vegetables.
Jalari also highlighted the role of social networking sites, including YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms, in promoting the fish recipes from Majhikuna, Piple, and nearby areas. This online publicity has significantly boosted the area’s reputation as a fish tourism hotspot.
Furthermore, the Rupa Lake Reinstatement and Fishery Cooperative Limited is actively working towards the conservation and utilization of fish in Rupa Lake. Chairman Shivaraj Adhikari stated that this initiative has increased economic and touristic activities, with over 1,030 members now engaged in the cooperative organization. The cooperative has provided direct jobs to 24 individuals and produced fish worth Rs 20 million in a year, Adhikari shared.
The combination of scenic lakes and mouth-watering fish recipes continues to attract visitors to the Lekhnath area, making it a thriving hub for both tourism and local economic activities.
