Mardi Khola is one of the major rivers of Pokhara, Nepal. It lies in the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee of the Kaski district. It is the main source of drinking water for Pokhara Metropolitan City.
The river passes through several villages such as Lwang, Khoramukh, Bhedabari, Ribhan, etc., and, eventually, merges into the Gandaki River near Puranchaur. The Gandaki River is the largest river in the Kaski district and a sacred river to Hindus.

Fish zone
Mardi Khola is a freshwater river. The most common fish found in Mardi Khola is Asala (Snow Trout). In general, Asala fish is the most delicious and is only found in the freshwater river.
Moreover, there is a small village near the confluence of the Mardi Khola and Gandaki rivers. The village lies in a beautiful location with an astonishing landscape. Generally, the village is popular for the fish dishes in Pokhara.
Therefore, lots of people from the city, as well as from the surrounding districts, visit the village to taste the fish. The local restaurants offer a variety of Nepali dishes as well. However, the fish item is the key factor of attraction for the visitors.
Hiking
It will be a great experience to explore the village life and the amazing landscapes around Mardi Khola. There is a beautiful hiking trail from Hemja to Lwang-Ghalel village. You can get a local bus from Baglung Bus Park, which will take you to Hemja within 30 minutes.
The hiking route crosses many beautiful villages and amazing terrace farms along the Mardi river. Similarly, you will find several local tea shops along the route. The distance from Hemja to Lwang-Ghalel village is about 8 kilometers.

There are many homestays in the village where you can stay for the night. The locals are offering a package at NPR 1075 per person for the homestay. You can visit the beautiful tea farm in Lwang village, which lies at an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level.
Moreover, there is a canyoning site near Ghalel village as well. Lately, the Pokhara canyoning site has been a major tourist attraction in the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee.
Irrigation
Generally, Mardi Khola has been providing drinking water for the city for a long time. On the other hand, it is one of the major irrigation sources for the people of the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee.
In fact, the main occupation of the people of the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee is agriculture. There are countless farms on the banks of Mardi Khola. Basically, people grow certain foods like paddy, wheat, millet, buckwheat, mustard, soybean, and potatoes.

Picnic Spot
Since the city is quite populated nowadays. Therefore, people like to spend more time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, there are numerous picnic spots in Pokhara. However, Mardi Khola has been the favorite picnic spot for most people, for a long time.
Actually, there is beautiful grassland on the banks of Mardi Khola near the village. One can have an enchanting scenery of surrounding hills, along with a magnificent view of Mt. Annapurna from the spot.
Besides, there are many favorable swimming spots around the picnic spot. People can enjoy playing, fishing, and swimming in the same place. Therefore, it is one of the best picnic spots in Pokhara.
Mardi Khola Drinking water Project
Recently, there has been construction work going on near the Mardi Khola since last year. Actually, it is a new drinking water project for Pokhara Metropolitan City. The project was launched by the Nepal government along with the help of the Japanese government.
Actually, the main aim of the project is to improve the water supply in Pokhara Metropolitan City. Numerous water pipes are being installed in different parts of the city as well. Generally, the water will be distributed to a total of 19 wards all over the city.
Mardi Khola Hydropower

There is a hydropower project that is providing electricity for the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee. The project is called the Upper Mardi Khola Hydropower Project. The hydropower project was launched by United Idi Mardi and RB hydropower Company Private Limited Pokhara.
Similarly, hydropower has been running since 2019. The Upper Mardi Hydropower lies near the Lwang village in the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee. Indeed, the river is playing a significant role in the development of the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee.
Way To Mardi Khola
Basically, you can take a local bus from Baglung Bus Park. The bus will take you to the destination within 30 minutes. By the way, you need to take the bus for either Ghachok or Lwang/Ghalel. The bus fare costs around NPR 50. Moreover, Baglung Bus Park is about 5 kilometers away from Pokhara Domestic Airport.
Recently, a new road improvement campaign is underway on the way to Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee. In fact, most parts of the road were badly affected by the landslide last year.
Therefore, lots of anti-landslide concrete barriers, as well as wire barriers, have been built along the foothill. Moreover, the roadside drainage is also reconstructed and made wider and deeper.
Conclusion
Mardi Khola is playing an important role in the economic development of the Lwang-Ghalel Village Development Committee. Moreover, it is also playing a vital role in the development of domestic tourism in Pokhara.
Nevertheless, whenever you travel to Pokhara, it will be a worthy place to visit. The best time to visit Mardi Khola is from July to September.