BAGLUNG: Surrounded by towering mountains and with calm, clear waters at its center, Jalpatal in Baglung district is a serene and picturesque lake ready to welcome visitors.
Colorful flowers add to the charm of this beautiful, clean lake, captivating those who manage to reach it.
Located in Dhorpatan Municipality-9 of Baglung at an altitude of 4,400 meters, Jalpatal remains largely unknown despite its immense potential.
During the rainy season, shepherds bring their flocks to graze in the pastures around the lake, spending about four months in these heavenly highlands. However, tourists have yet to make their way to Jalpatal, where only sheep herders regularly venture.
Jalpatal lies on the border of Baglung’s Dhorpatan Municipality and Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality of Rukum. Shepherds from both districts live in the area.
The lake can be reached on foot within two days from Dhorpatan Valley, but the lack of well-established hiking trails deters most visitors. Sporadic tourist visits usually end with a quick stop to take in the view before returning.
The route to Jalpatal from Pakhathar in Dhorpatan passes through Garpacheda, Furse Deurali, and Falgun. Jiwan Pun, President of the Dhorpatan Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, emphasizes the need to promote the lake and its surrounding natural beauty to attract more tourists.
“Tourists have not been able to reach Jalpatal yet, and the state should take responsibility for promoting it,” Pun said.
He highlighted the need for building proper hiking trails and urged local, provincial, and federal governments, along with the tourism board, to take joint initiatives to develop Jalpatal, a home to many shepherds, as a tourist destination.
Pun pointed to Bukipatan as a successful example: “Until last year, Bukipatan was underdeveloped. But after infrastructure improvements and building footpaths, over 100 tourists visit Tikadhara and Garpacheda daily. Now, it’s time to publicize Jalpatal and improve its infrastructure. While we locals are doing our part, the state must also step up.”
Besides trail development, the area lacks information boards for visitors. Journalist Binod Dhungana, who traveled from Tanahun to visit the lake, says better promotion could increase tourist numbers since Jalpatal is a relatively untouched destination. “Seeing Jalpatal feels like discovering a piece of heaven,” he said.
Dhungana described it as an excellent spot for both domestic and international tourists seeking a new trekking destination far from the crowds. However, he stressed the importance of clear hiking paths and informative signage.
“The lake and its surroundings are very attractive, but the hills on three sides are eroding, which risks the lake shrinking in the near future. It needs protection along with development and promotion. There’s no doubt Jalpatal could become as popular as Bukipatan,” he added.
Dhan Bahadur Kayat, Deputy Mayor of Dhorpatan Municipality, confirmed plans to install information boards and develop trekking trails to promote Jalpatal as a tourist hotspot.
He acknowledged that local resources alone are insufficient due to Dhorpatan’s remoteness and that collaboration with provincial and federal governments is essential.
Kayat shared plans to hold a tourism festival to boost Jalpatal and other nearby destinations. “Though some tourists from around Dhorpatan visit occasionally, few come from other regions due to lack of publicity,” he said.
“We have planned to promote Bukipatan alongside Jalpatal this year, with information boards and some trail construction. We will work with higher authorities to complete the remaining infrastructure.”
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