Nature is vast and has the capacity to captivate anyone with its beauty. Moreover, the combination of nature and culture could definitely help boost the local economy if they are properly conserved and promoted. Mentioned below are some places that have the potential to establish tourism as an industry in the local level while also paving a way for economic prosperity.
Rafting on Kaligandaki (Chabilal Tiwari, Parbat)
With the decrease in Kaligandaki’s water level, the craze of rafting in the river has increased. The season of rafting begins from the first week of the Nepali month of Ashwin. September to end of October is considered the best time for rafting.
According to owner of Pokhara–based Subisha Rafting and Trekking Tourism Company, Dev Regmi, even families have been taking an interest in rafting at the Kaligandaki River of late. “People come to raft in the Kaligandaki River because the view is stunning throughout the long and smooth route. Apt flow of water also makes Kaligandaki a popular rafting destination for domestic as well as international tourists,” added Regmi.
Currently, around three companies are offering rafting packages in the Kaligandaki River for international tourist. Besides, more than a dozen companies offer rafting package to domestic tourists.
The bewitching sites of Kakani
Rafting at the Kaligandaki River begins from Parbat Kusma Municipality -1 or Maldhunga and tours around Sangjha and the boundary of Gulmi. Moreover the impeccable landscape, waterfalls, vegetation and clean environment, among others, are other main attraction for the tourists. Mostly tourists from China, South Korea, German, Denmark, Britain, Italy and Russia come to raft at the Kaligandaki River.
Sightseeing at Thamdanda (Mohan Gurung, Baglung)
Thamdanda lies above 1,300 meters high from the sea level and is nature’s gift to the earth. Majestic view of mountain ranges, including Dulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Ganesh and Langtang, among others, can be seen from Thamdanda. The Adhikhola on the right and Kaligandaki River on the left look like they are playing and dancing as they flow along the hills.
Moreover, serene paddy fields at Barahbishe, Peepaltari, Ambot, Devisthan and Dhauwa Phat in Thamdanda can make one forget all their troubles for a while. The north side of Baglung Bazaar in Thamdanda has a historic Gahurshur temple. The temple carries cultural and religious significance as well as the identity of Thamdanda.
Talking about the possibilities of turning Baglung Bazaar into a smart village, Mayor Dilip of Waling Municipality Pratab Khan said, “The rural settlements can be turned into home stay services that will help the village transform into a smart one. This way, the authentic culture of the place can also be preserved.”
Moreover, the local leaders are also planning to establish Thamdanda into an agro village where the guests will be able to enjoy locally grown organic food. According to Maina Thapa Magar, women group leader, visitors can enjoy various local delicacies such as bara, achar, local chicken and goat, while also gain knowledge about the Magar culture, enjoy Sorathi dance, Salaijo and Gallai Lahure song, among others, in the village.
Thamdanda also has various trekking routes. Mandalithan, Shiddhabathan, Durga Temple and Gaurasur Kalika temple are some of the most revered local pilgrimages. Similarly, visitors can also go bird watching as the Dangshing Mauja Community Forest has 250 spices of birds.
Thamdanda is 220 kilometers away from Kathmandu, 65 kilometers from Pokhara and 90 kilometers from Butwal.
Waterfall in Terhathum (Bageshwar Limbu, Terhathum)
The Tinchhange waterfall is located in Laliguras Municipality ward number 9, Sholma of Terhathum. It was only recently discovered that the area has a vast potential to attract tourists during the local level elections. However, the place has not been able to garner adequate attention from the government due to the lack of proper promotion, informed Tika Shodemba, a local resident.
According to him, proper roads should be developed to attract more visitors in the area as the footpath up to the waterfall is damaged most of the time and only serves as a temporary medium. “If only we had proper budget, we could develop a roadway to the waterfall.”
The Tinchhange waterfall falls from the height of around 200 meters. The exact length of the waterfall, however, has not been measured yet. The flow of water is always the same throughout the year, while two other waterfalls around it make the area more beautiful and apt for recreational purposes.
The Tinchhange waterfall is an hour’s walk away from the district headquarters Myanlung Bazaar. Moreover, other interesting places to visit in Terhathum are Tinjure Milke Jaljal area, also known as the capital of Rhododendron, RR Garden, local fish farms, Black Water Resort and Lasun Stambha, among others.
