By Belina Thapa
Lamjung, Mar. 26: Ghale Gaun’s Smart Village has now become the latest tourist hot spot with increasing number of visitors. After a period of trough following the global pandemic, the picturesque village is bouncing back as it records a surge in daily number of footfalls. Locals claim that the influx of tourists, especially domestic tourists, started from January.
Located atop a hillock of Kwhlosothar Rural Municipality Ward No. 3, the smart village is pulling people not only to marvel at the majestic views of the surrounding valley and mountain ranges but also to mingle in its rich art and culture. The spot lends scenic views of several mountain ranges, including but not limited to Annapurna, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh. “The increasing crowd has proved to be a beacon of hope for local business operators. Apart from its scenic beauty, and cultural attraction, the organic food here has lured visitors from within the district as well as from outside,” said Prem Bahadur Ghale, Chairperson of the Rural Municipality. Almost 60 people have been visiting the smart village on a daily basis, according to Ghale, who is also the Chairperson of Tourism Management Committee.
According to Ghale Gaun Tourism Management Committee Office Secretary Dirgha Ghale, most of the tourists visit during the weekends. “On Fridays and Saturdays, roughly 250 to 300 people arrive here. To accommodate the incoming guests, there are 38 homestays and two hotels here,” added Secretary Ghale.
However, the current infrastructures are not enough to cater to an increasing number of tourists. “When the hotels and homestays cannot accommodate visitors, we have no choice but to send them to nearby Bhujung and Ghan Pokhari,” he said.
Ghale Gaun has established itself as a multi-purpose destination. It serves as a wonderful getaway for short hikes, picnics, and has recently established itself as an ideal shooting destination for films and music videos.
However, COVID-19 threat has not abated. With rising cases in the country, the locals of Ghale Gaun are concerned about health and safety. As per Ganga Bahadur Ghale, Chairperson of the Ghale Gaun Board of Directors, they have adopted stringent policies to stem virus spread. “Tourists are allowed to enter only by adopting health precautions. We have discouraged mass gatherings,” he said.
Tourism promotion at Ghale Gaun is said to have begun with the establishment of homestays under the Ghale Gaun Tourism Promotion Programme of 1996. It started with no more than 12 houses, but now has expanded to 38. The homestays have not only provided hospitality to incoming guests but have also been able to enthrall guests with cultural shows. Ethnic Gurung dances such as Ghatu and Sorangti are performed to entertain guests and promote local tradition.