BAGLUNG: A picturesque destination adorned with colorful wildflowers, drifting clouds, and a soothing breeze is drawing increasing numbers of tourists to Chaurikharka—locally known as Chungri.
Nestled in the green hills at an altitude of around 4,000 meters, the area has recently emerged as a serene getaway for nature lovers.
Chaurikharka, located on the border of Baglung and East Rukum, offers panoramic views of mountain ranges and open sheep pastures to the north, creating a perfect escape for those seeking natural beauty and peace.
Once largely unknown, the area has seen growing interest from visitors after gaining attention through media and social media platforms.
Easily accessible from Paatihalne along the Mid-Hill Highway—a national pride project—Chaurikharka now receives daily footfall from domestic tourists.
Shepherds from Baglung, Purbi Rukum, Rolpa, and Myagdi have traditionally brought their sheep here during the monsoon season, drawn by the alpine climate and nutritious grass. What was once a quiet, pastoral setting has now become a popular destination.
“It was around September last year when a group of 12 to 15 people visited Chaurikharka. Since then, the number has steadily increased,” said Bhagbir Gharti Magar, a shepherd from Nisikhola Rural Municipality–6, Baglung.
He added that he arrived in Chaurikharka in the last week of Jestha with his sheepfold, and by the month of July, hundreds of tourists had already visited the lake.
“This lake used to be special only to us shepherds, but now visitors are enjoying it too. Some come just for the day, while others camp overnight,” Gharti Magar said. “These days, about a hundred people visit daily. On holidays, the hills are full of people. They love taking pictures with the sheep, flowers, and even us shepherds.”
To accommodate the rising number of visitors, a hiking trail was constructed last year. During the rainy season, the entire area bursts into life with greenery, blooming wildflowers, and traditional sheepfolds, said Namsingh Gurung, a shepherd from Bhume Rural Municipality–1, Purbi Rukum. He noted a noticeable increase in tourist arrivals.
Tankanath Khanal, Chief of the Tourism Division Office in Banke, confirmed that a five-kilometer trekking route was built last year at a cost of Rs 1 million, connecting Chaurikharka via Ranibas–Paipa in East Rukum.
He added that the Lumbini Provincial Government has allocated an additional Rs 2.5 million this year for further infrastructure development, including improvements to the trekking trail.
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