BAGLUNG: Once a remote and little-known destination, Bukipatan in Dhorpatan has seen a rise in tourism thanks to recent infrastructure development.
Just five years ago, Bukipatan was difficult to reach, with only shepherds and their livestock navigating the narrow trails. Now, it is emerging as a popular spot for nature lovers and trekkers.
In response to the growing number of visitors, new trekking infrastructure has been built, including a footpath, rest areas, and wooden bridges.
This year, the Gandaki Province Government allocated Rs 2 million for the construction of these facilities to improve accessibility from the Dhorpatan Valley to Garpacheda, a key location on the way to Bukipatan.
Previously, tourists risked injury while walking along the steep and narrow paths. However, that situation has improved significantly with the completion of a new five-kilometer trekking route, which stretches from Pakhathar to Garpacheda in Dhorpatan Municipality-9.
The route was built under the supervision of the Industry and Tourism Office, Baglung, and executed by a local Consumers’ Committee. The construction began in late Chaitra and was completed in the third week of June.
“This trekking route was constructed to ease access for tourists heading to Bukipatan,” said Parsingh Thapa, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, Baglung.
“The route has already started attracting visitors. Some sections are paved, while others remain unpaved. Wooden bridges and rest stops have been added to enhance the travel experience.”
Bukipatan, situated at an altitude of around 4,500 meters above sea level, remains uninhabited during the winter. It comes to life during the rainy season when shepherds bring their livestock to graze.
According to local hotelier Jeevan Adai, most tourists who visit Dhorpatan now make their way to Bukipatan as well. He noted that the increase in tourist activity during the rainy season has even led to the establishment of a sheep farm in Garpacheda.
“Previously, only shepherds and thousands of sheep, goats, and cattle could be seen in Bukipatan. But with the arrival of tourists, the area has become much more active. The path used to be very risky—shepherds and animals often slipped and got injured. With the construction of the trekking route, such risks have significantly reduced,” said Adai.
Three wooden bridges and three rest areas have been constructed along the route. Tourists have started arriving in Bukipatan since the first week of Jestha.
According to Til Bahadur Pun of Dhorpatan, interest is also increasing in other scenic locations nearby, such as Tikadhar, Falgune, and Garpacheda.
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