Natural Hot Spring in Myagdi Becomes Major Destination for Therapeutic Tourism

Myagdi. The Singa Tatopani Kunda (Hot Spring) in Beni Municipality, Myagdi, has recently become a reliable destination for natural therapy. Patients from all 77 districts of the country and even from abroad are flocking here to immerse themselves in the natural hot water, which has a sulfuric smell and a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, for treatment.

Due to the popular belief that it cures ailments like gastric issues, arthritis, skin problems, back pain, and old injuries that haven't healed with hospital medications and prolonged treatment, the number of visitors now exceeds 20,000 annually. Many individuals, such as Ramlal Chalise from Kapilvastu and Chamelie Gharti Chhetri from Chitwan, have been visiting regularly for the past 10 years. They share their experience that their gastric problems and joint pain have been cured after bathing in the hot water.

The growing attraction among the general public is also due to the savings in both money and time compared to visiting hospitals. Currently, more than 1,200 people bathe in the Kunda daily. Although the season from Ashwin to Baishakh is considered suitable for bathing, the pressure, which had slightly decreased due to elections, has now increased again.

The Kunda Management Committee has set separate time schedules for women and men. The pool has been managed to accommodate up to 250 people at a time, and there is also a separate pool facility for those who prefer to bathe in privacy.

A fee of 350 Nepali Rupees per person has been set for bathing for 10 days. A certain portion of the collected tourist fee is paid as tax to the government and Beni Municipality. Last year alone, tourists came here from 66 districts of Nepal, as well as from countries including Korea, Ukraine, Russia, and India.

With the increasing rush of tourists and patients, local hotels and homestays are also fully occupied. It is becoming difficult to accommodate guests in the approximately 20 small and large hotels located in the Tatopani area.

Some guests have even arranged to cook for themselves by renting rooms and gas. Alongside the hot spring bath, the delicacy of Asala fish from the Myagdi River has become a main attraction here.

The influx of people from far and wide, hoping for natural healing, has established the Singa Tatopani Kunda as an important tourist and health center not just for Myagdi, but for the entire country.