Homestays in Baglung deserted due to rains

BAGLUNG: Bhakunde Homestay, the most popular in Baglung, is known for its stunning Himalayan views and authentic rural experience.

Located in Baglung Municipality-10, it attracted many domestic and foreign tourists until the last week of Jestha. However, due to rain-damaged roads, the homestays have now become deserted.

With tourists no longer arriving, locals have returned to focusing on their fieldwork. Bhakunde village has around 15 homestays. According to homestay operator Yama Bahadur Thapa, tourist numbers rise when road travel is smooth in winter but drop sharply for about four months during the rainy season.

He added that when commercial homestays receive no guests for an entire year, much of their production goes to waste.

“If the road from Baglung Bazaar to Bhakunde village were in better condition, visitors would come year-round,” Thapa said. “Heavy rains halt vehicle movement, and people are less willing to walk. If the government maintains the road, it would ease travel and transportation of goods for the whole village.”

Thapa noted that visitors typically return around September and October, but during this period, locals are busy planting millet and harvesting potatoes.

Bhakunde is about an hour by car and an hour and a half by other means from Baglung Bazaar, close to the district headquarters.

Similarly, the Beldhunga community homestay in Dhamja, Kathekhola Rural Municipality-3, has also seen a decline in visitors. Owner Gopal Shree said tourists stopped coming since the last week of June.

Most visitors come from urban areas, but poor road conditions from Baglung Bazaar to the village hamper access. “Many guests still keep in touch, promising to visit, but the poor road access prevents it,” Shree said.

“The village road is difficult, and during this time, organic vegetables grown here cannot be used at homes or sent to market. Those running homestays commercially face hardships for three to four months every rainy season.”

Kathekhola Rural Municipality Chairman Raju Thapa said they are working to improve rural roads for year-round access. He added that the municipality plans to promote homestays and boost tourism, gradually improving difficult roads within the area.