Jiri, Once Gateway to Everest, Awaits Tourism Revival Amidst Neglect

Jiri, known as the Switzerland of Nepal, is a prime tourist destination in the Dolakha district. Jiri awaits the arrival of tourists with its lush green hills, open meadows, traditional settlements, and cool climate.

Jiri, once considered the main entry point for foreign tourists heading towards Everest expeditions, currently sees very little tourist activity. Locals complain that despite road network expansion, Jiri has been overshadowed due to a lack of adequate promotion, infrastructure development, and organized tourism planning.

Attractive destinations nearby Jiri, such as Chyardung Danda, Hanumante Danda, Jireshwori Mahadev, Sailung Danda, Kalinchowk Bhagwati, Bigu Monastery, the Tamakoshi River area, and the Rolwaling region, hold great potential for tourism. Tourism entrepreneurs suggest that connecting these destinations with Jiri and promoting them as packages could attract both domestic and international tourists.

Locals believe that Jiri can once again become an attractive tourist destination if sustainable tourism development is achieved while preserving the local culture, agricultural lifestyle, and natural scenery. Manish Aryal/Nepal Photo Library