about tourism place myagdi.

6.1Adventure Tourism

6.1.1 Mountaineering

6.1.1.1 Himalayan Peaks

Most significant resources of adventure tourism in the district is mountaineering, not only the district but are in the country as well. There are world famous the Dhaulagiri mountain range and peaks. The Annapurna Mountain is also connected with them. Major peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges can be looked from almost all hilltop of the district. Mountaineering expedition to the Dhaulagiri range is main attraction for adventure tourism .The majors peaks remained in the range are given in table.
Table 6.1.1.1.1 Peaks in Dhaulagiri mountain range
S.N. Name of peaks Height (in M) Range location
1 Dhaulagiri-I 8167 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
2 Dhaulagiri-II 7751 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
3 Dhaulagiri -III 7715 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
4 Churen Himal 7371 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
5 Putha Himchuli 7246 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
6 Mukut Himal 6639 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
7 Dhaulagiri-IV 7661 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
8 Dhaulagiri-V 7618 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
9 Dhaulagiri-VI 7268 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
10 Gurja Himal 7193 Dhaulagiri Myagdi
Source: DDC, Myagdi 2003 AD

The Dhaulagiri -I peak is the world 7nth and Nepal's 6nth tallest peak. Therefore, that is a major destination of mountaineering in Nepal. The first conquering on the peak was in 1960 may 13 by Swiss International expedition group headed by Max Eiselin.

6.1.1.2 Mountain Ridge

Middle Mountain Ridge, in hilly region is also so high and amazing. There are some reputed Mountain ridges in the district. They are potential viewpoint of the district.

Table 6.1.1.2.1
Major mountain ridges in the district
s.n Mt. ridges heights s.n Mt. ridges heights
Asman ko Dhuri 3507m Barun Dhuri 3273m
Raychaur ko Dhuri 5724m Sarpang Dhuri 5007
Malika Pahad Dhuri 3169 Niskot Dhuri 3033
Bhitribang Dhuri D 3531 Jugja Pahad 3721
Source : DDC, Myagdi2003

According to Topo-Map of Myagdi Published by, Survey Department of HMG/N, About 16 peaks are having more than 7000m height, About 20 peaks having altitude 6000 to 7000 m height and About 20 with 5000m to 6000 m height in Myagdi.
6.1.1.3 Glaciers
Glaciers are attractions in Himalayan. There are three major glaciers in the district.
They are as follows
1)Conaban Glacier,
2) Tsaurabong Glacier
3) Chhonbardon Glacier.

6.1.2 Trekking

Trekking is another field of adventure tourism. Almost portion of total tourists come in the district for trekking. Main rout of trekking in the district is Dhaulagiri round .It is a long trekking rout in the country. Some important parts (Ghorepani, Dana, Tatopani, Beni) of The Annapurna trek circuit also covers the district. There is immense prospective of short trekking in the district. There could be great pleasure adventure on crossing more than 5 thousand miter high leveled Dumpuse and French pass near the Dhaulagiri base camp. Anyone may feels heavenly pleasure into the hidden valley in the Himalayan.The main way to go Dhorpatan hunting conservation area, which situated in western border of the district pass through the district from Beni bazaar. Major routes for trekking in the district are described below.


6.1.2.1 Annapurna Circuit:

The most famous trekking destination in Nepal is Annapurna region. Some parts of Myagdi district lies in the region. Annapurna circuit is almost attractive/ popular trekking route in the country. More than 50 percent trekkers out of total trekkers in the country visit this region. Two VDCs of the district named Shikha and Narchang lies in the region of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Some famous places lie in the route of the Annapurna circuit trek.

Ghorepani is entry point to Myagdi from the eastern side. Trekkers when used trekking route from Pokhara to Kande, Lumle,Ghandruk or Nayapul, Ulleri then they come Ghorepani from eastern side. Ghorepani, Sikha, Tatopani, Dana are famous places in the route. There are available of number of lodges, hotels, restaurants. Poon hill viewpoint, rhododendron forest, hot sprint pond in Tatopani, Andha Galchhi and Rupse Chhahara of Dana are major attractions in the route. This route goes to Jomsom north from Dana, Tatopani. Some visitors use route through Beni Bazar along with KaliGandaki bank side. If they want catch vehicle quickly, tourists can go directly from Pokhara via Beni Bazar. There are available motor transport facilities to cross some parts of district. There seem almost tourists' returns through Galeshwor and Beni Bazar to Pokhara. Who enter from various ways there is another option of Khayar Barah Trek in the route.

6.1.2.2 Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Trekking of Dhaulagiri Circuit is recognized as a part of Annapurna Trekking Area in some parts there used same route in both trekking. Dhaulagiri round trekking begins from Beni, when trekkers come by bus from Pokhara. From Beni journey begins by foot. This flows with Myagdi River to west and north from Mudi. Singha Tatopani, Babiyachaur, Darbang,Takam, Muna, Mudi are main places on the route. After 3 day traveling from Beni Bazar there comes Italian camp where is located Chhonbarran glacier, across the glacier Dhaulagiri base camp comes, a rugged spot with same spectaculars view of the western face of Dhaulagiri.

From Dhaulagiri base camp the trial crosses French pass which at 5360m is the highest point of the trek. After crossing, the French there starts fascinating area of hidden valley. There is another high-level pass Dumpus-Pass roughly 100 m lower than French Pass. After crossing that, trekkers can reach Marpha or Tukche of Mustang, which lie on the way of Annapurna circuit. Dhaulagiri round trek the minimum time that should be allowed to these itinerary is 18 days Pokhara to Pokhara. However, a few extra days to allow for site trips or bad weather are advisable.

6.1.2.3 Dhorpatan Circuit

Dhorpatan is famous destination for tourists. There lies Royal Dhorpatan Hunting Reservation Area. This circuit recognized as 8 or 9 days treks from Tansen to Beni.

Dhorpatan is situated in a large valley surrounded by a ring of hills. There are several settles in the valley. There are living Tibetan refugees. There is unused airport also. There has to cross Jalajala Pass which lies in Myagdi district. From Jalajala Pass, by top of the ridge, view reward with extensive panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. When returning from Jalajala pass there meet to way of Dhaulagiri base camp trek in Muna VDC of Myagdi. Trekkers use the same routes of Dhaulagiri trek from Muna to Beni- Pokhara which take at least 3 days time. This way also used to go and return Dolpa trek.

6.1.2.2 Trekking Through Raghu Ganga to Kalapani from Beni

There are some tradition routes having extreme potentiality of modern trek. There are not explored yet as trekking way. Among them, one is very amazing route through Ranghu Ganga river valley. This route traditionally used by local people to go Mustang. That is relatively shorter than Dhaulagiri Circuit lying near southern face of Dhaulagiri and Mana Pathi. That route runs through Ghans Kharka, Duwari crossing high mountain ridge to Kalapani of Mustang.

There are many sites to search, explore and develop several trekking routes within the district. That may be short and long. There are immense potentiality of eco-trek and village-trek in the district.


6.1.3 Rivers for Rafting/Kayaking / Canoeing:

There are major three rivers, which may be used for rafting and kayaking in the district. Kalagandaki is the famous river in the country for rafting. Myagdi Khola and Ranghu Ganga are suitable for that with sufficient flow and speed of water current. These potentialities have to explore and highlighted.

6.1.4 Other Potentiality for Adventure Tourism

Mountain biking, rock climbing, mountain flight, bungy jumping, Mountain Race activities can be conducted in the district. There are suitable places in the district for adventure tourism.

6.2 Sight Seeing and Village Tourism

There some view points and places from where visitors could fulfill different types of recreational desires by multidimensional tourism activities. Any one can watch panoramic scene of Himalaya and landscape, can observe flora, fauna, and village life style also. Different kinds of tourism activities could occur in a place in a visit like recreational tourism, Eco-tourism, Village Tourism and Cultural Tourism etc. Some of them are described as below.
6.2.1 Ghorepani
Ghorpani is a most famous tourism spot in Annapurna region. It is entry point to Myagdi district, which lies on the way of Annapurna circuit through Nayapool, Ullery to Tatopani from Pokhara. Ghorepani is beautiful village of Magar ethnic group. It is situated at 2800 m altitude. It lies in Sikha V.D.C. of Myagdi district. There are hotels, lodges and restaurant facilities for tourists. Visitors can reach there in a day from Pokhara. Anyone can go to Beni from Ghorepani in a single day. Main attractions of that place are as follows:

Poon Hill— Poon Hill is famous view point for tourists. It is situated at the height of 3200 m. It takes just 2 / 3 hours to reach there from Ghorepani. From there all parts of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range, Phewa Lake of Pokhara, almost all parts of Myagdi, Baglung and Parbat district can be viewed. Tourists can also watch sunrise from there. There are facilities of tower and telescope for clear vision.

Forests: – In Ghorepani there is a large area covered by jungle of Rhododendron. It is considered as the largest jungle of Rhododendron in the world. Most than 16 species of Rhododendron flowers can be found. That is suitable for Jugle safari trek and eco-tour.

Magar Community:– Main dwellers of Ghorepani are Magars. Village of that community are the attractions for tourists. Nagi, Ramche, Sikha, Paudar, Khibang are attractive villages in this region. Life style and local culture, feast and festivals and rituals may impress visitors. Khayabaraha, Tatopani are native places of Ghorepani.

6.2.2 Dhorpatan

Dhorpatan is a large valley covered by dense forest and grassland. That is the habitat of different kinds of wild animals and birds. It is as recognized as Dhorpatan Hunting Reservation area which was declared in 1978 by government. This reservation area covers 1,325 sq. km. 126 km part of Dhorapat lies in Myagdi district. Other parts lie in Baglung and Rukum district. People of Tibetan origin are living around Dhorpatan. Flora is typical of middle hill with good strands of forests interspersed with agricultural and pasture lands. The northern sections of the walk is rich in wild life including musk deer, grey wolf, red panda and many more common spices. Dhorpatan is 75km far west from Beni Bazar, the district headquarter of Myagdi. It takes nealy 3 days to reach there from Beni by foot.

6.2.3 Gurja Khani

Gurja village is located far west from Beni. It is a small valley lies in the lap of Gurja Himal. It is the village of minority Chhantyal community. This is surrounded by dense forest. To reach there one has to cross Gurja Deurali of 3500 m height GurjaDeurali from where rare scene of moving glaciers without lens can be viewed. It takes 2 days time to reach there from Beni.

6.2.4 Todke-Gajane

Todke and Gajane are the middle mountain ridges near Beni Bazar. They are the viewpoints of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range and glaciers. Gajane is closer to Beni Bazar. It takes 3/4hours to reach at the summit from Beni, which lies in Pulachour VDC. Todke is farther from Beni. It takes 5/6 hours to reach there, which lay Kunhun V.D.C. It is famous for the vegetable, radish. There is a small village on the top of the hill surrounded by the jungle.

6.3 Eco-Tourism

Myagdi district is very suitable for eco-tourism .It has mostly geographical variation with significant bio-diversity. There are available various species of vegetation, mammals, birds and flora-fauna. The world famous Guranshe Ban (rhododendron forest) is remained here; which is assumed as largest rhododendron forest in the world. It is home place of famous animals and birds like Kasturee andDanfe.Some parts (12600h) of Royal Dhorpatan hunting reservation area covered the western parts of the district.

There are available almost kind of climates, vegetation, mammals, birds and flora-fauna including numbers of Khola-Nala and Jharana. Every settlement is close to forest with fully natural environment .So it has great prospects of eco-tourism point of view.

In the district, there are numbers of places to provide panoramic view of Himalayan, Rivers, and beautiful landscape. Ghorepani- punhill is the most reputed viewpoint spot for sight seeing with facility of view tower. Almost peaks of mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Nilgiri Himalayan ranges with very wide landscape of Mahabharat Parbat can be viewed to take fully natural relax from there. Such that other view point spot are available like Pula danda, Tudke, Bhakundechaur ,Niskot, Takum etc.


6.4 Cultural Tourism

There are numerous cultural, religious, Historical heritages and resources in the district for cultural tourism. Now a day, original life style of village is being interesting to tourists. The tradition, custom, festivals, agricultural system and instruments are important resources for that. Mostly typical lifestyle, custom and social system is alive until now, which are going too disappeared in modern world with latest development. Therefore, those create cultural tourism.

There are living different caste and indigenous groups like Brahmin, Chhetry, Damai ,Kami, etc of Khash- Aryan community and Magar, Chhantyal, Gurung , Thakali etc of Mongolian origin community . They are very rich own unique culture and custom. One of the cultural heritages of the district is Mela-Jatra. Every village has to conduct at least one Jatra in a year on occasion of sacred date and festivals. Then launch various program of Puja(worship),sports,dancing,singing etc.Those jatra often organize in new year, Chandi Purnima, Janaipurnima,Teeej, Dashai, Tihar,Maghe Sankranti,Fagu Purnima. It has commercial important as marketing and shopping activities.Main purpose of Jatra is to enjoy by traditional way.

There celebrates varies festivals by peoples. Some are of particular communities and some are common to all. Dashain, Tihar,Maghe Sankranti, Fagu purnima etc are common festivals in the district.

Myagdi is famous for folk culture in the country too. It has some original/typical: folk song, dance, music like Yanimaya, Salaijo, Rimai shirful etc. Therefore, it is rich in that.

Some local hand made products are reputed to other places in economics point of view. Galaicha,Radi, Pakhi, Bhangro etc are famous in clothes and Doka,Dala,Mandra etc .bombo made are important in daily life which are export goods of the district . There are traditional agricultural and industrial equipment and tools like Halo, Juwa, Diki, Janto,Kol etc to observe a glimpse of ancient life style.
6.5 Religious tourism
There are famous religious places carrying prospective of religious tourism. They were pilgrimages and living place of ethically reputed persons in ancient time. The history of that goes to pre-historical period.
6.5.1Galeswerdham

Galeswerdham is a famous pilgrimage of Hindus. There are temples of God Shive and others god. They are constructed on a huge rock .It is a pre-historical and ethical importance. Being place of God Jad bharat(an incarnation of God Vishnu) and King Raghugana it is very important pilgrimage of Hindus in national level. It is located bank of the KaliGandaki and Raghuganga Rivers 3 km far north from Beni bazaar.

6.5.2 Pulahshram:

Pulahshram (pachhai) is the ashram of Rishi Pulastya who assumed to be the grand father of Lankesh King Ravan in pre-historical era. Hindus take it as a sacred holey place. It has both religious and historical importance; located 2km North -West from Beni bazaar on 1750 m height. In the locality, called Pachhai is a very suitable viewpoint of sight seen to Himalayan range and landscape of river's valleys and hillside.

The Pulashram is an ethically important place. Its name is mentioned in Hindu's popular ethics like Shrimadvagbat Purana, Barah Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharat etc. According to that some great ethically heroes like as: Emporer Bharat,God Balaram(brother of god Krishna) , philosopher Kapilmuni, Ravan and his father Bishrawa had visited the Pulahshram. Therefore, it is great pilgrimage of Hindus with great potentiality of religious tourism.

 
6.5.3 Beni bazaar

Beni Bazaar; the district headquarter of Myagdi is a significant pilgrimage itself along with several temples and monuments. The Shivalay monument of 16th century that has uniqueness of structure. A big banyan tree is planted on the temple. thre are others famous temples and sacred place in the Beni. They are Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Bhagwati Mandir, Mahaarnisthan, Buddha Bihar, Kot Bhandar etc . Beni is the junction (Dovan) of KaliGandaki and Myagdi River, They are holey rivers of the Hindus as Mantra of " Jayanti Mangala Kali ………." . Therefore, it is renowned pilgrimage of Hindus with the immense potentiality of religious tourism.

6.5.4 Jagannath

Jagannath temple is famous pilgrimage in Myagdi. It was established by Parbate King, Dimba Bam Malla in 1550 B.S. It is located at the height of 2100 m in Pulachaur V.D.C. It is 6km west north far from Beni Bazar. It is near Dolthana and Pulaashram .

6.5.5 Others:

Malikasthan , Takumkot , Shikh Deurali, Rikhar - Mandali, Khayar Barah are others famous pilgrimage and holey places of the district. They are located in very remote area and high level. The Khayar Barah is located near to Annapurna Mountain, Rikhar is in near the the Dhaulagiri Himal and The malika is on hilltop of 3200m high.

6.6 Historical Tourism

Myagdi is historically important place in the country .It was under the Parbat state before the unification of Kingdom. Beni Bazaar was the winter capital of Pasrbat State and summer headquarter was in Dholthana. The Parbat state, a powerful member of the Chaubise region in that period and Bam Malls were Rulers. They ruled about 300 years over the state. Before then, Thapa chhetry ruled up to 15th century since 12 century. Takum was previous headquarter of the rulers. Magars were leaders (as king) in early time before 12 century. Being long history and important historical heritage, it might be destination of historical tourism.

6.6.1Takam:

Takam is important historical place in the district. It is 37km far West from Beni Bazar. It was the first capital of Parbate King, Dimbabam Malla and whole period of Thapa Chhetri rulers who ruled for 300 years. After the victory of Bam Malla, the capital was shifted to Dolthana during the reign of Dimba Bam Malla.

Takam is a beautiful village with attractive landscape. It is ancient settlement of mixed community of all tribes, Brahmin, Chhetri, Damai, Kami, Sarki, Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Chhantyal etc. Main inhabitants are Brahmin and Chhetri. It lies on the way of Dhaulagiri base camp and Dhorpatan Trek.

Takam is called a historically important place. War weapons of medieval time and ancient war trench can be still found in that area. Takam Kot is archaeologically and religiously important place.

6.6.2 Dholthana

Dholtana was the capital of Parbat State up to last time of the state. It is located 5 km northwest from Beni Bazar. There was a previous palace of Prabate King in Dadhekot near Dhloltana. The remains of that palace can be still found. Jagannath Mandir, Gajane, Pulaashram are neighboring places of Dolthana.

6.6.3 Beni Bazar

Beni was winter capital of Parbate State until the end of Parbate State. It was used as absolute administrative centre. It was trading centre of this region. Some religious temples and monuments were established during the Malla period and are still in existence. Beni kot is main sign of the state. There are traditional weapons such as Dhal, Tarbar, Bhala, Barsa, Khunda, Top etc. Shibalaya Temple, Laxmi Nayan Temple, Maharanisthan were built then.

Beni now is the district headquarters of Myagdi district. It is main trading centre and gateway to whole district. It is located juntion of the Myagdi and Kali Gandiki River. Beni was the trading point between India and Tibet during Medieval period. Now it is also on the way of Muktinath pilgrimage, Annapurna Trek, Dhaulagiri Base camp trek, Dhorpatan and Dolpa Trek. So it has become the centre point for various destinations of trekking and pilgrimage and it has become the important place itself.
6.7 Hot spring Tourism
There are hot spring pond spot, among them two are most famous for bathing in the pond. One is Bhurung Tatopani and another is singha Tatopani. The Bhurung Tatopani is using for relax bathing by tourists. The Singa Tatopani Pond is used for treatment of varies diseases like gastrotrich, Skin disease etc. Thousands peoples in a year come to take bath from far distance too. Those hot spring ponds are tourism-attracting spot itself for relax and used for treatment too. Therefore, it could be developed health tourism resource also.

6.8 Conclusions

Some sorts of glimpse is given in above description. That is hard to explain in detail. There are innumerable attractive resources and valuable heritages for various kinds of tourism activities. Myagdi is full of natural, cultural, historical and religious resources to be attractive tourism region.Various kinds of tourism activities like adventures, mountaineering, trekking, sightseeing, eco-tour village tour, religious pilgrimage, historical observation, research can be entertained in Myagdi district.

The figures described in preceding pages shows that Myagdi district has profound potentiality and attractions for tourism development. It is also observed that Myagdi district could be developed as a destination for adventure tourism, Historical Tourism, ethnic tourism, pilgrimage tourism, wild life tourism, nature tourism and health tourism as well. The following chapter observes the tourist flow in Myagdi district.