ILAM: Tinkune Pokhari (pond), located in Chulachuli Rural Municipality-2 of Ilam, has recently emerged as a popular destination for domestic tourists.
The site has been witnessing a growing influx of visitors who come to enjoy its natural beauty, take photographs, create videos, and organize picnics. Local resident Chetan Angthupo said the area has become increasingly attractive due to improved infrastructure, rich biodiversity, and easy accessibility.
“There is a surge of visitors, especially on Saturdays and public holidays,” he said, adding that the area has become more vibrant with tourist activity.
To further promote tourism, a “Tinkune Tourism Festival” has begun at the pond premises from today. The event, organized by the Tinkune Pond Wetland Area Committee, is being held in an open field near the pond and will continue until April 14.
According to organizing committee coordinator Nagindra Shrestha, the festival aims to preserve and promote local culture, art, literature, music, and history while boosting domestic tourism. Held under the slogan “Identity of Chulachuli, Tourism Campaign,” the event features cultural performances representing various ethnic communities.
These include Chhyabrung (Kelang) dance of the Limbu community, Sakela dance of the Rai community, Lakhe dance of the Newar community, Selo of the Tamang community, Maruni of the Magar community, and Sangini of the Khas Arya community. The festival also showcases local art, handicrafts, and traditional food items.
“Our goal is to promote tourism by preserving indigenous culture and connecting local products with markets to generate employment opportunities for youth,” Shrestha said.
The event also includes musical performances by popular artists Rajesh Payal Rai, Sahil Limbu, Puja Lama, Padam Rai, and Alina Chauhan, along with other local performers, said organizing committee secretary Semanta Khanal.
Spread over approximately six bighas within the Morange Jhoda community forest, Tinkune Pokhari holds ecological as well as tourism significance.
Situated at an altitude of around 185 meters above sea level, the pond lies about 5.5 kilometers north of the East-West Highway and is accessible by various modes of transport via Uttar Nursery from Kerkha Bazaar-Padajungi in Jhapa.
Chulachuli Rural Municipality Chairperson Rajendra Kerung expressed confidence that the festival will further enhance the promotion of Tinkune Pond as a key tourist destination.
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