Untapped Potential: Sudurpashchim Struggles to Boost Tourism Despite Rich Heritage

Kailali. Despite immense potential for natural and religious tourism, the Sudurpashchim Province has failed to see the expected level of tourist activity. The lack of effective promotion and marketing of tourist destinations has hindered the growth of tourism.

This province is considered rich in terms of geographical and biological diversity, unique culture, and historical and religious heritage. Although there are many beautiful and captivating places, the number of visiting tourists remains low. Experts argue that the lack of effective implementation of plans formulated by various levels of government has prevented concrete progress in tourism promotion.

Tourism entrepreneurs suggest that special programs are needed to retain international tourists. They attribute the lack of promotion and development of tourist areas to policy ambiguity and complex legal processes.

Tourism entrepreneur Shivahari Pandey stated that despite the immense potential for natural and religious tourism in Sudurpashchim, tourism activities are not increasing. He said, “Basic infrastructure is missing in many destinations. There is a lack of branding and timely publicity, and connectivity issues for tourists from third countries have also prevented the expected growth in activity.”

Along with poor road conditions, the lack of proper accommodation in tourist areas and the failure to identify some sites often leave tourists confused about where to visit. Tourism is not just an economic activity; it is also linked to youth employment, markets for local products, cultural preservation, and regional development.

Most tourists entering Nepal through the international border points of Sudurpashchim Province do not stay in this region. According to data from the Immigration Office in Kailali, tourists entering Nepal from third countries typically head to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Manang, Mustang, and Kagbeni.

Dabal Rawal, head of the tourism unit at the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of the provincial government, said that planned work is underway for tourism promotion. He said, “A budget of Rs 600 million has been allocated for the development of tourist areas in the current fiscal year, and some projects are already in the construction process.”

According to ministry data, 259,683 tourists, including domestic, Indian, and third-country nationals, entered through various border points in the fiscal year 2081/82. Tourism information centers are operating in Trinagar, Gaddachauki, Khakraula, Chisapani, and Darchula. Most foreign tourists entering through these borders do not stay in Sudurpashchim and instead travel to eastern Nepal.

Rawal said, “Some religious tourists entering through the border points do visit religious sites in the hilly districts of the province.” In the fiscal year 2082/83, the provincial government has adopted the policy of ‘Tourism Infrastructure: The Foundation of a Prosperous Province.’ Under this, the ‘Bankabir Tourism Promotion Program’ is being implemented for the conservation and development of religious, cultural, historical, archaeological, wetland, and lake areas across the province.

There are also plans to build a religious tourism circuit, develop tourist areas like Khaptad, Badimalika, Mallikarjun, Sigas Dham, and Ramaroshan, and conduct studies for the installation of cable cars. Because of the many temples and shrines, Sudurpashchim Province is known as Devbhumi (Land of Gods). The Uttarakhand region of India, across the Mahakali River, is also considered Devbhumi.

Legend has it that Ravana performed penance at the famous religious site of Baijnath Dham in Achham. It is said that after Lord Shiva appeared and cut off Ravana's head, a physician (Vaidya) came and reattached it. Experts say the place became known as Baijnath Dham after Lord Shiva's name.

Along with this Dham, there are many tourist areas such as the Khaptad region, Badimalika, Api-Nampa Himal, Shuklaphanta, Ghodaghodi Lake, Ramaroshan, Badikedar, Parashuram Dham, Shaileshwari, Ugratara Temple, Tripurasundari, Ninglasaini, Godavari Dham, Shivapuri Dham, and Behadababa Dham. Attractive destinations like the single-pillar bridge over the Karnali River and the suspension bridge over the Mahakali River also have the potential to attract international tourists.

Tikapur Park is famous as a place where various species of roses can be observed. History shows that the then King Mahendra stayed here for a month in 2028 BS to conduct state affairs. Similarly, the Ghodaghodi Lake, listed as a Ramsar site, is considered attractive for its hundreds of bird species, crocodiles, ducks, and wild rice.

In the Chure hill region of the district, there is also the Garba Palace built during the Rana era. However, this palace has turned into ruins due to a lack of conservation. The Mohana and Pathariya rivers of Kailali are famous for dolphin watching. Dolphins can be observed in these rivers during the months of Shrawan and Bhadra.

In the Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur, one can observe herds of swamp deer and other wildlife. Kanchanpur also features Linga, a naturally formed Shiva Linga, Betkot Lake, and the historical Amargadhi Fort in Dadeldhura. The Ajayamerukot Palace in Dadeldhura carries a unique history. Here, one can observe traditional artistic water taps (Naula) and ancient physical heritage.

The Khaptad region, located at the confluence of Bajhang, Bajura, Doti, and Achham districts, appears to be an excellent destination for domestic and international tourists. The Triveni Temple in Khaptad and the 22 surrounding meadows (Patan) delight tourists. The period from Jestha/Ashar to Mangsir is considered suitable for visiting Khaptad.

Although the Khaptad National Park, spread over 225 square kilometers at an altitude of 2,700 to 3,227 meters above sea level, is considered a rare wetland meadow, it has not been promoted accordingly, said Chief Rawal.

The meadows amidst forests of pine and rhododendron, colorful flowers, ponds, Triveni, Nagdhunga, Khaptad Baba's ashram, and the beautiful dense forest are the captivating attractions of Khaptad. While observing such natural scenery, the dozens of flowing streams, the Triveni Sitapaila Temple, and the beauty of the Triveni Dham and 22 meadows add fragrance to the charm of this place.

Chief Rawal emphasized that since Badimalika in Bajura is an excellent destination from both natural and religious perspectives, all three levels of government should work in a planned manner for its publicity and promotion. Believed to be the place where Lord Shiva resided for a long time, Badimalika is important not only for its beauty but also for its religious significance. The beautiful mountains visible nearby, the privilege of walking on snow, and the charming natural scenery are the jewels of Badimalika.

The beauty here lies in the vast meadows. Since it is cold and foggy throughout the year, one has to wait for a special time to observe its natural beauty. This place is located at an altitude of 4,219 meters above sea level.