BAGLUNG: Beldhunga, which was little known until a decade ago, has now emerged as a popular tourist destination in Baglung district.
Known as a natural viewing point, Beldhunga, located on the border of Baglung and Myagdi districts, has become a preferred spot for tourists seeking panoramic views of the Himalayas.
With increased local awareness, promotion, and development efforts, Beldhunga has gained recognition and has become a favoured destination for domestic tourists. The site lies on the boundary of Dhamja Okhale of Kathekhola Rural Municipality–3 in Baglung and Bhakimli of Beni Municipality–3 in Myagdi.
The breathtaking view of dozens of mountain peaks visible from Beldhunga has captivated visitors. The site derives its name from a tall, bell-shaped rock, which has been known as Beldhunga since ancient times. Infrastructure, including railings and viewing facilities, has now been developed at the site.
Lal Bahadur Thapa of Baglung–9, Titiang, said he was mesmerised after seeing the Himalayan views from Beldhunga, which he had only heard about previously. According to him, the panoramic view of more than a dozen mountain ranges along with lush forests is the area’s main attraction.
Situated at an altitude of 2,614 metres above sea level, Beldhunga is rich in scenic natural beauty. Local resident Gopal Shree said Beldhunga is one of the few places in Nepal where many mountain ranges can be seen at once.
According to him, peaks stretching from Putha Himal in Rukum to Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and as far as Langtang in Rasuwa are visible from the spot.
A motorable road has reached Deurali, located slightly below Beldhunga. From Deurali Dhuri, Beldhunga can be accessed via a trekking trail of nearly one kilometre, which takes about 10 minutes to walk.
“Beldhunga is among the few places in Nepal where a dozen mountains can be seen at a single glance,” said Shree. “Infrastructure development has picked up pace here, and efforts are under way to supply drinking water to Deurali after the road connection.”
He added that tourists staying in Beldhunga homestays usually visit the viewpoint early in the morning to watch the mountains, while the village becomes vibrant with blooming rhododendrons during Chaitra and Baishakh.
Further downhill from Beldhunga lies Swargashram, a religious tourism site in Myagdi, which attracts a large number of visitors due to religious faith. The Gandaki Provincial Government is also investing in the construction of a trekking route connecting Beldhunga with Panchakot.
Kathekhola Rural Municipality and the Gandaki Provincial Government have already invested Rs 4 million in infrastructure development, including trekking routes to Beldhunga. In the current fiscal year, an additional Rs 1 million has been allocated for the construction of a cycle lane and the promotion of Kanchho Dhaulagiri.
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