Beni Municipality, the district headquarters of Myagdi District in Gandaki Province, is a beautiful riverside town nestled at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi Rivers. It serves as a key transit point to popular trekking destinations like Muktinath, Jomsom, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and is rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic potential.

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Quick Facts about Beni

• Province: Gandaki Province

• District: Myagdi

• Municipality Type: Urban Municipality

• Municipal Center: Beni Bazaar

• Population (2021 Census): Approx. 35,000

• Elevation: ~900 meters (2,950 ft)

• Main Rivers: Kali Gandaki, Myagdi Khola

• Languages: Nepali, Magar, Gurung, Newar

• Known For: Gateway to Dhaulagiri Circuit, hot springs, hill trekking, river confluence

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Geographic and Strategic Importance

Beni is located about 300 km west of Kathmandu and 80 km northwest of Pokhara, making it a strategic entry point to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. It sits at the base of the Himalayan foothills and provides direct access to:

• Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

• Annapurna Circuit via Tatopani

• Muktinath and Mustang via Beni–Jomsom Road

The town’s location along the Kali Gandaki River gorge—one of the world’s deepest—makes it geographically significant and scenically stunning.

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Economy and Livelihood

1. Trade and Commerce

• Beni is a trading hub for the surrounding rural hills and Mustang region.

• Weekly markets (haat bazaars) and small-scale businesses are central to its economy.

2. Tourism

• Acts as a staging point for trekkers and pilgrims heading to:

  • Tatopani hot springs

  • Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek

  • Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek

  • Jomsom–Muktinath pilgrimage

3. Agriculture

• Farming on the hill terraces surrounding Beni includes:

  • Millet, maize, potatoes, citrus fruits, and vegetables

  • Increasing use of greenhouse farming and off-season vegetables

4. Remittances

• Many locals work in the Middle East, Malaysia, and India, sending income back to support families.

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Culture and Communities

Beni is home to a culturally rich population, including:

• Magar – the largest ethnic group in the region

• Brahmin, Chhetri, and Gurung communities

• Newars and Dalits contribute to the artisan and merchant sectors

Celebrated Festivals:

• Maghe Sankranti – observed with riverside rituals

• Tihar and Dashain

• Ghorepani Mela – a cultural fair held in surrounding villages

• Buddha Jayanti and Lhosar in Buddhist communities

Traditional music, Magar dances, and local attire are showcased during community events and rituals.

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Attractions and Things to Do in Beni

1. Tatopani Hot Springs (Near Beni)

• Popular for therapeutic bathing

• Situated along the Beni–Jomsom road, often visited by trekkers and locals

2. Dhaulagiri Icefall and Base Camp Trek

• Starts from Beni and passes through remote, stunning Himalayan wilderness

• Known for its challenging yet rewarding trekking experience

3. Kali Gandaki and Myagdi River Confluence

• A sacred and scenic site where locals perform ritual baths and cremations

• Ideal for nature photography and spiritual reflection

4. Galeshwar Mahadev Temple

• A religious site near Beni with mythological significance

• Devotees visit during Shivaratri and full moon days

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Education and Healthcare

Education:

• Myagdi Multiple Campus (affiliated with Tribhuvan University)

• Public and private schools offering secondary and +2 education

• Increasing focus on vocational and technical training

Healthcare:

• Beni Hospital – the district’s main medical center

• Community health posts in each ward

• Access to larger hospitals in Pokhara for specialized services

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Transportation and Infrastructure

• Road:

  • Well-connected via Beni–Baglung Highway

  • The Beni–Jomsom–Korala Highway links it to Mustang and the Chinese border

  • Local roads connect rural municipalities like Malika, Raghuganga, and Annapurna RM

• Public Transport:

  • Regular buses and jeeps to Pokhara, Kathmandu, Baglung, and Jomsom

• Nearest Airport:

  • Pokhara International Airport (~4 hours by road)

  • Jomsom Airport (for access to upper Mustang)

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Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• Landslides and road blockages during monsoon

• Maintaining infrastructure in high-traffic trekking and pilgrimage seasons

• Limited higher education and advanced medical services

Opportunities:

• Promotion of eco-tourism and homestays in rural wards

• Branding Beni as the “Gateway to the Dhaulagiri Region”

• Development of rafting and adventure sports on the Kali Gandaki

• Investment in agro-tourism and local handicrafts

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Fun Trivia

• The Kali Gandaki River near Beni is known for Shaligram stones, fossilized ammonites worshipped by Hindus.

• Beni means “confluence” in Nepali – named after the meeting point of the Myagdi and Kali Gandaki Rivers.

• Beni is one of the few towns in Nepal where you can experience subtropical forests and snowy mountain views within a few hours’ walk.

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Final Thoughts

Beni Municipality is a dynamic town where culture, nature, and spirituality converge. Whether you’re starting a Himalayan trek, visiting a historic temple, or exploring the local bazaar, Beni offers authentic experiences that reflect the heart of rural Nepal. As tourism grows and infrastructure improves, Beni is poised to become a key destination in Gandaki Province.