BAGLUNG: Lush green hills, expansive alpine meadows, and pristine natural beauty—these are now drawing increasing numbers of trekkers to the scenic highlands of Bukipatan in Baglung.
Located at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 meters, Bukipatan is fast becoming a sought-after trekking destination in Nepal.
Once used only by shepherds and cattle herders, Bukipatan has witnessed a noticeable rise in both domestic and international tourist footfall over the past five years.
The serene environment, cool high-altitude climate, and spectacular mountain views have made it particularly attractive, especially during the summer months.
Local resident Gun Bahadur Budhamagar of Dhorpatan Municipality–9 shared that the area’s popularity has surged thanks to increased visibility through social media and media coverage.
“Tourists now climb to Bukipatan instead of just stopping at the valley,” he said, adding that trekkers can enjoy close-up views of numerous mountain ranges and experience the traditional valley lifestyle.
Bukipatan lies within Nepal’s only hunting reserve, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. The trek to Bukipatan from the Dhorpatan Valley takes approximately four and a half hours.
The prime trekking season is between Asar and Asoj (roughly June to October), when the trails are most scenic and the weather favorable.
Recalling earlier days, Budhamagar noted, “We used to take livestock up to Bukipatan during the monsoon and return to the valley in winter. Outsiders rarely came here back then. But now, around 50 young trekkers hike up to Bukipatan each day during the season.”
“Young people come full of energy,” he added. “They carry bags and steel poles, take photos, and ask us about the old days. Some say they’ll share our stories through the media. It’s fun for them—and for us, too.”
Dhirendra Gharti Magar, a hotelier in the Dhorpatan Valley, confirmed the growing popularity of Bukipatan. “Young trekkers are now coming from Pokhara, Kathmandu, Butwal, Chitwan, and elsewhere,” he said. “Thanks to social media and media coverage, Bukipatan—once an overlooked gem—is now receiving the attention it deserves.”
Rewan Kumar Shakya, a visitor from Chitwan, shared that he and four friends trekked to Bukipatan to escape the heat of the Terai. “We drove to Dhorpatan and then hiked up,” he said. “There were many trekkers along the way. The trail is beautiful, but the local government should invest in making it more organized and accessible.”
Recognizing Bukipatan’s growing appeal, the Gandaki Province government has allocated Rs. 2 million in the current fiscal year to develop infrastructure, including the trekking route.
Parsingh Thapa, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office in Baglung, said a five-kilometer trail has already been constructed from Pakhathar (Dhorpatan Municipality–9) to Garpacheda. “Wooden bridges have been built along the route, and additional improvements are planned,” he added.
With rising interest and ongoing development, Bukipatan is quickly establishing itself as one of Nepal’s newest and most promising trekking destinations.
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