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Tourist arrivals to Ghale Gaun soar during fest
Tourist arrivals to Ghale Gaun in Lamjung have soared, bringing cheer to home-stay operators in the scenic village situated in the foothills of the Annapurna range.Aash Gurung
Tourist arrivals to Ghale Gaun in Lamjung have soared, bringing cheer to home-stay operators in the scenic village situated in the foothills of the Annapurna range.
Festive holidaymakers have been streaming to Ghale Gaun in increasing numbers from the beginning of the Dashain festival. Ghale Gaun lies northeast of Pokhara,
the second most tourist destination in Nepal after Kathmandu.
Prem Ghale, chairman of the Ghale Gaun Tourism Management Committee, said the village had been thronged by an overwhelming number of visitors. “We have been receiving five to six tour groups daily,” he said.
There are 34 home-stays in Ghale Gaun. “With the increased visitor numbers, it has become difficult for us to manage accommodation,” said Ghale. Ghale Gaun, also known as Saarc Village, is popular for its natural beauty, panoramic views and rural lifestyle.
Likewise, Bhujung, another popular tourist destination in the district, has observed robust growth in visitor numbers during this festival season. Tul Bahadur Gurung, chairman of the tourism management sub-committee, said that business which was going through a slow phase before Dashain had soared after the start of the festival. According to him, two to four groups have been visiting Bhujung daily. There are 30 home-stays in Bhujung.
Narayan Bahadur Gurung, past president of the Bhujung Village Development Committee, said the place had been attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.
Besides sightseeing, many places in the district like Kaulepani are popular as film shooting locations. Many Nepali movies have been shot here. Entrepreneur Deu Bahadur Gurung said 15-20 visitors were visiting the place daily.
Visitors have given positive feedback regarding service at the home-stays in the district. Babu Ram Pandey, a resident of Palpa who was on holiday trip to Bhujung, said he was impressed by the hospitality and also by the historical and religious sites in the area.
Entrepreneurs said many foreigners also visit the place to celebrate festivals with local people. Umar Bahadur Gurung, secretary of the tourism management sub-committee in Siurung, said the number of foreigners coming to take part in the Dashain celebrations had surpassed the number of domestic visitors recently. Entrepreneurs said improved road access had also helped increase the number of visitors in many new destinations of Lamjung.
Apart from Ghale Gaun, Bhujung and Kaulepani, tourist spots like Khasur, Dhangai, Pasgaun, Ghanpokhara, Hiletaxar, Magar Gaun, Tarkugahate and Purankot are also becoming popular among sightseers these days, tourism entrepreneurs said.