POKHARA: The villages of Ghandruk, Sikles and Lwang in Kaski district have witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals during the peak tourism season, coinciding with the Tihar and Chhath holidays.
The influx of domestic visitors has filled hotels and homestays, making it difficult for some tourists to find accommodation, particularly those without advance bookings.
Ghandruk, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-10 and 11, has experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals since the day after Tihar. According to Bikram Gurung, chairperson of the Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee, around 3,400 to 3,500 tourists are visiting the village daily.
With hotel rooms increasingly difficult to find, the committee has urged visitors to make advance reservations to avoid accommodation problems.
Most visitors to Ghandruk are domestic tourists, although travellers from India and other countries are also arriving. A major destination along the Annapurna trekking circuit, Ghandruk serves as a popular stopover for trekkers heading towards Annapurna Base Camp and the Poon Hill-Ghorepani trekking route.
Panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, the traditional culture of the Gurung community, rural surroundings and local hospitality are among the village’s main attractions. Local tourism entrepreneurs say domestic tourist arrivals have increased further following improvements in road connectivity.
According to the Tourism Management Committee, the village currently has around 80 hotels and 35 guesthouses, including resorts.
Similar tourist pressure has been reported in Sikles village of Madi Rural Municipality-1. According to the Tourist Information Centre, a total of 1,324 tourists visited the village on the day after Tihar. Local tourism entrepreneurs say the sudden influx of visitors has made accommodation management challenging.
Jharana Gurung, operator of Namaste Guest House, said her establishment was fully booked until Sunday. She added that tourists have been advised to make advance reservations after checking room availability, as accommodating additional visitors has become difficult.
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikles is renowned for its natural beauty and traditional Gurung culture. Its distinctive stone houses with zinc roofs, stone courtyards and pathways, traditional doors and windows, and narrow alleys reflect the village’s unique architectural heritage. The Madi River, lush greenery and surrounding mountain scenery further enhance its appeal.
The Gurung Museum, Peace Memorial, Sikles Park, traditional costumes, cultural dances and local cuisine are among the village’s additional attractions.
Local entrepreneurs say tourist arrivals for trekking have also increased following the development of the Sikles-Kapuche-Kori trekking route. Tourism in the village, which began with community homestays around two decades ago, has gradually expanded to include hotels and other accommodation facilities.
Tourist arrivals have also increased in Lwang village of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-8, which is accessible from Pokhara Metropolitan City. Manju Gurung, outgoing chairperson of the Lwang Community Homestay Management Committee, said accommodation management had become challenging after hotels and homestays filled up with visitors from the day after Tihar.
The homestay initiative in Lwang, which began with seven households in 2067 BS, has now expanded to 26 households. Together, these homestays can accommodate up to 400 guests per night.
Located at an altitude of around 1,400 metres, Lwang is emerging as a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience nature and traditional Gurung culture. The sunrise views over the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna mountain ranges are among its major attractions.
The tea plantation covering around 1,200 ropanis of land above the village is another highlight. Domestic and international tourists visit Lwang to explore the tea gardens, experience Gurung culture, enjoy traditional food and observe the local way of life.
Visitors can also learn about local cuisine, agricultural practices and traditional skills, including the making of doko baskets and sekhu items from straw. Tourists travelling to Annapurna Base Camp and the Mardi Himal trekking route also use the village as a resting destination. Nearby attractions, including Pokhara Canyoning and Ghalel village, have further enhanced the area’s tourism appeal.
Improved road connectivity from Pokhara has made Ghandruk, Sikles and Lwang increasingly accessible to visitors. Their natural beauty, distinctive cultural heritage, trekking opportunities and homestay experiences have established them as popular tourism destinations.
While the surge in visitors during the Tihar and Chhath holidays has boosted local tourism businesses, ensuring adequate accommodation and managing the growing tourist numbers remain major challenges for these villages.
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