Rukum : “Virgin land - a new tourism destination in Nepal”

[Nepal2011]

The exploring team was first welcomed early morning by Mt.Sisne Himal (5849m) at Khaula, in Rukum. And started to visit several People’s war related regions, explored the war spots, its remnants,Communes, met martyrs families and  local witnesses of people’s war during 10 years long revolution  in Nepal. 

Major tourism potentials like Syarpu Lake, Kamal Lake, waterfalls ,hot springs, Deurali Caves and various pilgrimage centers around Rukum would be most attracting destination for tourism in Rukum.

In the midway of the tour, we reached Kankri, a typical-grouped village of ethnic Kham Magar and took part in the famous Bhumey Dance, observed Jhakri cultures (shamanism cutlure), Nacharu, Jholi naach, Digrey naach, fanka etc. The rich Kham culture would be another  tourist attraction in Rukum. 

Throughout our journey we met several villages, local people, their rich cultures, awesome Himalayan ranges of Sisne, Putha, Dhaulagiri, Chouri peaks etc. Friendly behaviors and warm welcome of the local people, their smiles, mouth watering local organic foods like Maize cakes, lotus chutney, curds, Dhindo, chicken  curry, nettle curry added flavors to our journey energizing us, making our journey more interesting, memorable and steady keeping our hopes alive to take every steps ahead .

During our research and campaign visit, our team has explored various war spots, the route once used by Guerilla during people's war, the remnants of war, various lakes, caves, Dhorpatan conservation region and Kham villages and their unique culture. The team has successfully completed 10 days media campaign and discovered great possibility of tourism prospect in Rukum.

War tourism, Eco-tourism, Agro-tourism, culture tourism, herbal tourism (famous Yarshagumba- cordyceps sinensis ) and adventure tourism are potential tourism activities awaiting eagerly in Rukum for all regional and international tourists. Rukum soon will become the main new tourism destination in the next few years.

News source :“Virgin land - a new tourism destination in Nepal”

Featured by: Surendra Rana (campaign researcher)

Photos by : Suraj Sapkota