Among 18 tourism zones, Sisne-Jaljala-Dhorpatan Tourism Area is one of the tourism zone consisting of 6 districts namely, Rolpa, Eastern Rukum, Western Rukum, Baglung, Pyuthan and Salyan. It is bordered by Pokhara Tourism Sector and Ruru-Resunga Tourism Sector in east, Rara-Karnali Tourism Sector in west and north, and Bheri-Kankrebihar Tourism Sector in west and south. The highest peak of this tourism area is Mt. Sisne Himal (5,911m). The one and only Hunting Reserve of Nepal, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is situated in this tourism area. This tourism area is rich in its cultural and historical importance. Here is the information about the tourist destination listed below.
Rolpa is located in Province No. 5 covering an area of 1,879 sq. km. Liwang is the administrative headquarter of Rolpa. Adjoining districts are Dang to the south, Pyuthan to the east, Salyan to the west, and Rukum to the north. It is about 280 km west of Kathmandu. Before the unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1769, Rolpa was a buffer between the Chaubisi confederation of small kingdoms to the east and the Baise confederation to the west. Most of Rolpa is rugged highlands populated by the indigenous Kham Magar nationality.
Tourism in Rolpa
Rolpa is lying in a mid-western part of Nepal which is one of the most backward districts in terms of infrastructure. It is the epicenter of the decade-long Maoist insurgency. But today, it is known for much else. The hilly district makes for an ideal destination to enjoy the serenity of nature, the culture and lifestyle of indigenous Nepalis, and local delicacies and political history. Jaljala (3,193 m) is also the main pilgrimage site of the whole western part of Nepal and consists of three important temples: Kailu Baraha, Baju Baraha, and Sahadey Baraha. Jaljala is one of the popular tourist destinations in the Rolpa district with immense tourism potentials. Caves in Jugar, Jinabang, Hanning Gaun, and Sunchhahari waterfall in Sulichaur, Gari Lake, KalikaTemple, etc. are also worth a visit. One can reach Rolpa from various parts of the country and direct from Kathmandu on a vehicle. Or, one can also fly to Nepalgunj or Bhairahawa from Kathmandu and travel to Rolpa on vehicles. There are plenty of hotels in Liwang, Sulichaur, Holeri, and Ghartigaun. Visitors can stay in homestays in Thawang and Jelbang.
Places to visit in Rolpa
Rock Garden
The Rock Garden is the new tourist destination constructed on Satdobato Hill of Rolpa at an altitude of 3,200 m above the sea level. It is about 12 kilometers from Liwang. The garden is spread in about two hectares of land. The place is widely popular as a recreation and picnic spot for travelers and locals visiting in high numbers. It offers the view of snowcapped mountains including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Sisne, Mt. Jaljala, and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The garden is quite innovative as various colorful rocks are mixed with cement and concrete and creatively designed for attraction
Jaljala
Jaljala (3,193 m) is also the main pilgrimage site of the whole western part of Nepal and consists of three important temples: Kailu Baraha, Baju Baraha, and Sahadey Baraha. on a full moon day in the Nepali months of Baisakh, Jestha and Shrawan, devotees from Rolpa and its neighboring district visit the temple and worship with the faith to fulfills one’s wishes. It is believed as the second most religious place after Swargadwari in the Province. Jaljala is a day’s walk from Liwang. There are Magar settlements in the vicinity. Bhume and Kauda are typical dances performed in various feasts, festivals, and gatherings. The forests in the area are dense, feature animals such as Ghoral, deer, leopard, Himalayan black bear and jackal, and rhododendron flowers in springtime.
Thawang and Jelbang
Thawang village of Rolpa district has a significant role in Nepalese politics which is also the flashpoint of ten years civil war and the government has declared Thawang of Rolpa as a model village. The world’s attention is centered on the peace process of Nepal they have taken great concern about the logical political re-solution of this peace process. Foreign tourists increasing because Nepal has proven its capability to solve the internal conflict, the world is looking at this “new practice” with doubt, in eagerness, illusion. It can be the destination of the new purpose, i.e. political tourism which can attract visitors to learn how the internal conflict can be solved and can run new practices. Jelbang is another Magar settlement abutting Thawang. The village features rustic antiquities: houses with the roof of wooden planks, makai ko thankro (traditional way of storing ear of corn), Dhiki, Janto, traditional spinning wheel and loom, among others. The older generation and mainly the female weave cloth of Allo thread that people use as kachhad, bhangra, and pagari. Thawang and Jelbang are about 74 and 70 km from Liwang. Some local eateries and home-stays accommodate visitors with indelible hospitality.
Holeri
Holeri, a southern gateway to Rolpa where the Maoist had attacked a police post in 1996 and heralded the ‘people’s war’, is a popular destination. Situated at around 2,000 meters above the sea level, Holeri is rich in geographical beauty. The climate of this hilly bazaar is always cool, which is why it attracts tourists from Tarai especially during the summer.
Gadhilek
Gadhilek, standing at the hilltop in the southern part of Rolpa, was the strategic fort built by Chaubise kingdom. There are the ruins of the fort, a temple and parade ground, and a Nepal Army barrack in Dahaban. Gadhilek offers the view of Runti (believed to be the birthplace of Swargadwari Mahaprabhu), Swargadwari of Pyuthan, Annapurna range, and Sisne Himal.
Enjoy Magar culture, tradition and lifestyle
Magar, are the indigenous group of Nepal marking up around 44 percent of Rolpa’s population. The community is rich in its rituals, culture, and lifestyle. Various places, including Liwang, the district headquarters, are named after Magar language. ‘Li’ in Magar language means bamboo while ‘wang’ means meadow. Three different Magar languages, namely Sheshi, Parbate Kham, and Gamal are spoken in Rolpa. The Magar community is quite rich in folk culture—both song and dance. Bhume and Kauda are typical dances performed in various feasts, festivals, and gatherings. Bhume is the main festival of the Magar community of the Kham speaking sect. It is the weeklong festival celebrated in the first week of the Nepali month of Ashadh.
Guerrilla Trek (Shangri-La Trek)
Guerrilla Trekking, also known as e Shangrila Trek, is a newly opened trail that reminisces about how Maoist combatants fought the People's War in Central and Western Nepal. Trek route starts from Myagdi to Rukum follows trails used by the Maoists during the war. Now, trekkers can retrace the footsteps of the guerillas and imagine what it must have been like to hike and fight in this kind of terrain. The area located remote area of west Nepal. Crossing the Jaljala Pass, where we get to see the magnificent views of Mt. Api, Mt. Saipal, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges, we enter Rolpa the base district of Maoists during the insurgency. A highlight of the trek is the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and the trail trodden by Maoist Guerrillas during the war in Nepal that shook the nation for more than a decade. The trek route officially open few years before for tourists. It is a wilderness trek where you can view wildlife insight the only Nepal hunting area, ethical Magar and Gurung Villages, and rich of their culture. Opaque forests of fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and rhododendron mark this trail. Guerilla trek route provides an opportunity to interact with the innocent rural people. This trek has only a few hotels and lodges, so one might have to accommodate for themselves.
Eastern Rukum is located in Province No. 5 covering an area of 1,161.13 sq. km. Rukumkot is the administrative headquarter of the district. It is bordered by Baglung and Myagdi in the east, Western Rukum in west, Dolpa in the north, and Rolpa in the south. Formally Eastern Rukum District was part of the Rukum District, which was split into two districts Western Rukum and Eastern Rukum after the state reconstructed administrative divisions as of 20 September 2015.
Tourism in Eastern Rukum
Eastern Rukum district has potential tourist attractions that remain largely unexplored including yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) collection caravan destinations, historical sites from the ten-year insurrection including the seat of a breakaway government in Banphikot, eastern Rukum, and the so-called Guerrilla Trek passes through this area that was a hotbed for recruiting and training as well as a battleground during Nepal's civil war (1996-2006). There is 5,911 meters (19,393 ft) Mt. Sisne, the westernmost high peak in the Dhaulagiri massif. Locals refer to Sisne as Hiunchuli (hiu: snow; chuli: top) and it is considered sacred as the abode of deities Masta and Saikumari.
Places to visit in Eastern Rukum
Rukumkot
Rukumkot, a prominent village in Rukum is referred to as "the place of 52 lakes and 53 hills".It has a beautiful pond called Rukmini Tal or locally Kamal Dhaha for its lotus flowers. Nearby, there are notable temples called Barah and Sibalaya, and caves. There is a cave in the eastern part of Rukumkot, on the bank of the Rumgad River, called Deurali Cave which is very interesting and mysterious. It can only be visited by walking for one hour from Rukumkot.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only hunting reserve in Nepal. Established in 1987 it covers an area of 1,325 sq. km. in the Dhaulagiri Himal of western Nepal in the Eastern Rukum and some parts of Myagdi and Baglung Districts. In altitude it ranges from 2,850 to 5,500 m (9,350 to 18,040 ft). The landscape consists of forests, marshland (called ḍhor), and flat meadows (called pāṭan). The higher elevations remain snow-covered throughout the year. 58 vascular plants have been recorded in the reserve. Flowering plants include 36 endemic species. 18 mammal species include snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, and blue sheep. 137 bird species include koklass pheasant, cheer pheasant, and impeyan pheasant; and two reptile species also occur. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is surrounded by the village except in the North. There are seven hunting blocks in the hunting reserve. There are four blocks in the Southern part and three in the Northern part and each is given a separate name. These divisions are made to make hunting easy and effective. The following are the seven blocks of the reserve with the animals available for hunting:
Southern Hunting Block
Falguna: Blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr
Barse: Bluesheep
Gutsang: Blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr
Surtibang: Himalayan Tahr
Northern Hunting Block
Seng: Blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr
Dogadi: Bluesheep and Himalayan Tahr
Sundaha: Blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr
The best to visit the reserve is from March to May. Because the monsoon starts from June until the last of November. And the snowfall occurs till early April. Whereas, higher altitudes are covered by snow in all seasons.
Pupal Lekh Trek
Pupal Lek Trek is the newly explored trekking route in Nepal that lies in the Rukum district. Pupal Lek has got a different identity and famous for Yarshagumba. Yarshagumba is the herbal medicinal half plant and half animal. This can be found only in the high altitude Himalayan hills. The main objective of the trekking is to explore the place where local people flock to collect this highly demanded medicinal herb in the season, to promote local tourism, to see the changes after the civil war, to see the natural beauty of this region which is lagging in developmental infrastructure, to take part in local culture and be a part of this region. Pupal Yarsa Festival is organized in Pupal Lake (Daha) of Rukum district in May/June to promote Yarsagumba – a medicinal herb that grows only in the Himalayas – and local tourism attractions. The trekkers can explore Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve with this trekking.
Western Rukum is located in Province no. 6 (Karnali province) covering an area of 1,213.49 sq. km. Musikot is the administrative headquarter of this district. It is bordered with Eastern Rukum in east, Jajarkot district in west, Dolpa in north and Salyan and Rolpa in south. Located in western hill, western Rukum is mostly composed of hilly terrain with some basins and valley. Formally Western Rukum District was part of the Rukum District, which divided into two districts Western Rukum and Eastern Rukum after the state reconstructed administrative divisions as of 20 September 2015.
Tourism in Western Rukum
Commonly the Rukum Region is known as the district if 52 Lakes and 53 Hills. Later, the district is divided and the tourism destinations also divide. The largest lake, Syapru Lake lies in western Rukum. Salle Airport lies in Old-Musikot offering flights to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. Rapti Highway links Musikot to the Terai region of Nepal. There are many ancient fort and historical sites in western Rukum.
Places to visit in Western Rukum
Shyapru Lake
Shyapru Lake, located in the western Rukum, is one of the most popular and largest lake in the area. The lake is at a distance of 35km from Salle Airport, Musikot. The Syarpu Lake is prominent for the wide variety of aquatic species found in it. You can always spot different species in this Lake and enjoy the calmness of its surroundings. It is accessible with the road, so you can reach there on a 4WD vehicle. You can enjoy the boating on Syapru Lake.
Rafting in Badigad River
Rafting on the Badigad River is newly opened rafting activities of western Rukum. The local bodies of Musikot and Badigad had inaugurated rafting activities with the joint venture of Jhakkale Agro Resort Pvt Ltd. of Musikot. According to the rafting operator, each person has to pay Rs. 850 for rafting activities. Along with this, the visitors can stay at the resort in Musikot.
Baglung District is located in Province no. 4 (Gandaki Pradesh), covering an area of 1,784 sq. km. Baglung Bazar is the administrative headquarter. It is about 275 km west of Kathmandu. Baglung is surrounded by Parbat, Myagdi, Rukum, Rolpa, Pyuthan and Gulmi districts. Baglung has a moniker of "District of suspension bridges" as there are numerous suspension bridges. The map of this district looks like of Nepal. The altitude of Baglung varies from about 650 meters at Kharbang to about 4,300 meters in Dhorpatan.
Tourism in Baglung
Views of Himalayas from Baglung. Bhakunde and Panchakot are sites for views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Terraced fields, waterfalls, forests, deep gorges, and caves are abundant throughout the area. The terrain is suitable for trekking, biking, and rafting make Baglung a location for thrill-seekers. Baglung also served as a starting point for trekkers to Mustang, Dolpa, and Mt. Dhaulagiri in the past. However, with the expansion of road networks Baglung now mostly serves as a staging point for travelers to these areas. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the only hunting reserve in Nepal and a habitat for blue sheep and snow leopard, also falls within district boundaries. The recent surge in interest in the hunting reserve, Putha Himalaya range, round Dhaulagiri trekking, and "Guerrilla trek" have once again placed Baglung on tourist maps. Several temples in and around Baglung are pilgrimage sites. Most famous of all religious sites in Baglung, is the Kaliaka Bhagawati Temple, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. Panchakot is being developed under the patronage of Shree Muktinath Baba Kamalnayanacharya as a center for pilgrimage and religious education. Balewa Bhairavsthan is an ancient temple perched atop a mountain ridge that is frequented by devotees on Tuesdays. Balaji temple Kundule, Gaurighat, Niraheghat, Khaniyaghat, Malika, and Maikuti are other sites visited by pilgrims.
Places to visit in Baglung
Baglung Kalika Temple
Kalika Bhagawati Temple, also known as Baglung Kalika Bhagawati Temple, is a significant Hindu temple located south-east of the town of Báglung in western Nepal. It is situated on the southern banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The presiding deity of the temple is Kalika (or Kali), one of the fiercest forms of Shakti, the consort of Shiva. Kalika is one of the main goddess for the Shaiva sect. The temple courtyard has four entrances in each of the cardinal directions. The temple compound contains a sprawling collection of various other small temples dedicated to Shiva, Radha Krishna, Lakshmi Narayan, and others. According to local folklore the King of Parbat District, Pratap Narayan Singh Malla, received an idol of goddess Kalika as part of the dowry in his marriage with King Manimukunda Sen's daughter. Whilst returning to his residence after the marriage ceremony, the bride, groom, and others from the marriage procession took shelter in the forest. On the following day, not a single person was able to move the idol, so, the king constructed a temple on that spot.
Bhakunde
An hour-long drive from Baglung, there is a small village named Bhakunde – inhabited by the Magar community. It offers homestay and provides a cultural feel, especially to the domestic tourists. You can see the view of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna mountain ranges from the village.
Panchakot
Panchakot is made by symbolically merging the names of five different places (kots): Tatajalkot, Karikot, Majhkot, Raynaraynakot, and Sansaarkot. These places are also related with the ancient kings. The kings established different religious places to worship divine energy and to get power from it. You can see a 3-Storey-tall building for guests, pavement, and a temple of Gandaki goddess, a 5,555-kg bell, a statue of Lord Hanuman, Ganesh temple. Panchakot can be reached by a 30-minute bus ride from the district headquarters Baglung Bazar. Apart from the cultural and religious importance, Panchakot is also famous for a scenic view of Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges and Annapurna Ranges.
Pyuthan District is located in Province No. 5, covering an area of 1,365sq. km. Pyuthan Khalanga is the administrative headquarter. It is bordered by Arghakhanchi and Gulmi in east, Rolpa in west, Baglung in the north, and Dang in the south. It is about 250 km west of Kathmandu. The elevation of this district ranges from 305 m to 3,659 m from the sea level. Pyuthan was one of 24 small kingdoms in the Chaubisi Rajya confederation before Prithvi Narayan Shah unified modern Nepal in the second half of the 18th century.
Tourism in Pyuthan
Nepal is being enriched with historical places, natural wonders, ancient temples and religious destinations, are still need to explore and develop viable. Pyuthan district is rich in cultural diversity and it’s important from the historical point of view. Although the district encapsulates the diverse tourism perspective and promotion of ecotourism. The district has tremendous potential for village tourism through the generation of income, employment, and local markets for agricultural products and handicrafts.
Places to visit in Pyuthan
Swargadwari Temple
Swargadwari is located in the Pyuthan district in the western region of Nepal at 2,120m from the sea level. It is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. Swargadwari is also famous for the Vedic Yagya set up by Swami Shree Hansananda Giri Sworgadwari Mahaprabhu. Legend has it that the king of all deities; Indra had also performed a Yagya in Satya Yuga at this place. It is a must-see destination for Hindu pilgrims. There is the Swargadwari temple. Many believe that the Swargadwari Guru Maharaj was an incarnation of God.
Bhitrikot Palace
Bhitrikot Palace is located 9 km Northwest of Khalanga Pyuthan. It was the palace to King Chandrabansi. The view of green hills from the Durbar is magnificent. You can see the weapons preserved in the temple within the compound of the Palace. It was the ancient fort and has a great history. The remaining of the fort can be seen. You can visit Bhitrikot cave nearby to the Palace.
Ancient Forts and Temples
There are many ancient forts in Pyuthan. Asurkot, Bijulikot, Udayapurkot, Khungrikot, Sarikot, Dhunge Gadhi, etc. are the ancient fort. You can see the remaining of the forts. It has great historical importance. Khalanga Ganesh Temple, Devi Bhagawati Temple, Jalpadevi Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Khadga Temple, Barahadev Temple, Airawati etc are the religious and cultural sites of Pyuthan. Many fairs and festivals are organized in these temples and forts. Dalle Jatra, Chitikhola Pathsala Jatra are the famous among them. Lungko Dewali, Luplung Dewali are the major ceremony celebrated by different communities in Pyuthan. Thus, Pyuthan is rich in its historical and cultural importance.
Gaumukhi
Gaumikhi is a religious place situated in the northeast part of Pyuthan. The nature around the Gaumukhi is so attractive. It is also the origin of Jhumruk Khola. There is a cave from where the river originates. During the spring season, you can see the Rhododendron around the Gaumukhi.
Jhakristhan
Jhakristhan is the religious site located in the southeast of Khalanga. You can reach this site after walking for about an hour. It is believed that wishes can be fulfilled after worshipping.
Salyan District is located in Province No. 6 (Karnali province) covering an area of 1,462 sq.km. Salyan Khalanga is the administrative headquarter. Khalanga lies approximately 500 km west of Kathmandu. is bounded by Rolpa to the east, Surkhet & Bardiya to the west, Rukum & Jajarkot to the north, and Dang & Banke to the south. Salyan was one of the Baise Rajya, a confederation of 22 petty kingdoms in the Karnali (Ghagra) region. About 1760 AD all these kingdoms were annexed by the Shah Dynasty during the unification of Nepal.
Tourism in Salyan
There are many tourist places to visit in Salyan. It is bounded by mountains, lakes, charming valleys, caves, and many more tourist destinations. The district is known for its Hindu temples including Shiva temples in Chhayachhetra and Laxmipur, and the Devi temple at Khairabang in Shaarada municipality, one of nine in Nepal. In Salyan, there are natural, historical, and religious destinations like Kupinde Lake, Chandani cave, Khairawang Bhagwati temple, Mt. Maalika, Laxmipur shrine, Shiddhakumakh, Krishna temple, Darmakot Bhagwati temple, Shivagufa, Khadakdevi temple along with others. Kupinde Lake is believed to be one of the best eco destinations.
Places to visit in Salyan
Kapurkot Bajar
Kapurkot, the gateway to Salyan, has one of the country’s busiest markets from where fresh fruits and vegetables are dispatched to many cities of the country. You can visit The National Ginger Research Center in Kpurkot Bazar. Several guesthouses can be found there for fooding and accommodation.
Chhatreshwori Devi Temple in Khairabang
The temple dedicated to Chattreswori Devi in Chayachetra is the only Shaktipith in Nepal where animals are not sacrificed. It is believed that Lord Shiva rested the dead body of his wife Satidevi in this temple. The temple holds immense significance for Hindus. It is located 19 km away from the district headquarter Khalanga. Spread in over 50 ropanis of land, the sprawling temple complex is host to many rituals that are unique to the region. North to the temple, you can see a massive fossil, which is believed to hold the remnants of Satidevi. Locals believe that the fossil holds the entire district of Salyan (it is only visible to the faithful!).
Khairabang Temple
The temple of Khairabang is located at an altitude of 1600 ft above sea level. It is accessible via roadways from Khalanga. It is spread over 27 ropanies of land. The temple attracts visitors who want to do away with vices such as anger, greed, lust, and jealousy. The was renovated in 1985 AD after the visit of Lake king Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. You will find many inscriptions around the temple.
Kumakh Hill
Kumakh Hill is situated at an altitude of 2,537m north of Salyan which is the highest hill of Salyan District. At the top of this hill, a temple named Sidda Mandir is located which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a pilgrimage site for many Hindu devotees. The hill abounds in scenic grandeur and magnificent natural surroundings. A mere 2 hours climb on foot, one would reach the top of the hill. The impressive meadow on the hilltop is an ideal spot to view the breathtaking scenes of Sisne Himal, Dhaulagiri Himal, Chakhure Himal, and many more Himalayan peaks in the north to the lush green wide expanse of plains of Terai in the south. At the various part of this Kumakh Hill, many caves are situated there.
Mulpani Botanical Garden, Kapurkot
Mulpani botanical garden is established in 1990 and covers an area 5.5 ha. It is located near to the Mulpani Village, 2-3 km (approx) near to the Kapurkot Bajar. More than 30 orchid species are conserved in this garden. Some economic and medicinal plants like Amomum subulatum, Asparagus racemosus, Daphne bholua, Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, Rauwolfia serpentine, Swertia chiraita, Valeriana jatamansi, Zingiber officinale, Aloe vera, etc. are also cultivated successfully.
Kupinde Lake
Kupinde Lake is one of the greatest lakes of Nepal spreading over the area of 23.53 hectares with a depth of around 34m. It is located at an elevation of 1,120 m above the sea level and about 14 km from the Khalanga. The amazing feature of this lake is the color of the lake changes 3 times a year. A temple dedicated to Barahdev is located adjacent to the lake where devotees come to pay respect twice every year, once during February and the other time during April. The lake is in the shape of the Heart.
Shreenagar Bazaar
Shreenagar, Bazar is renowned as the main commercial place of Salyan. The surrounding green hills and the nearby Sharada River has enhanced the glory of Shreenagar Bazaar. It is also known as the transportation hub of Salyan. It is bounded by two small rivers named sukhekhola at east and Bhagwati Khola at the west. The Radhakrishna Mandir and a very historical Shiva than is located at Shreenagar.
This tourism area has many ancient sites which are rich in historical significance. However, there are many those sites which are still unexplored. The aim is to explore the tourist destinations in the national and international tourism market.
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