Lamjung Village Offers Unique Blend of Nature, Culture, and Spirituality

Dordi. Lamjung's Dordi Rural Municipality-3, Shrimanjyang Lamagaun has become a unique confluence of nature, culture, religious faith, and belief.

The village, adorned in a traditional style, reflects the ancient originality of its houses, with clean courtyards and stone-paved paths. This village, accessible after crossing Bhelaghari Bridge via Dumre, Madhya Nepal, Bhortetar, Sundarbazar, Bhote Odar from tourist capital Pokhara, and then via Lamabagar, Thapa Khet, can be reached from Pokhara in about four hours.

The glory and dignity of this place are further enhanced by two monasteries and four chortens, especially for Buddhist followers, said Indrajeet Gurung, Chairman of Mhanja Naso Tamu Society. He stated that efforts have been initiated recently to connect the natural beauty, historical, and religious significance of the village with tourism.

He informed that homestays are being operated in 12 houses in the village in search of prosperity through rural tourism. "We first started homestays in seven houses in the village in 2076 BS," he said, "Currently, homestays are being operated in 12 houses here. Tourist arrivals are also gradually increasing."

He informed that up to 60 tourists can be accommodated daily when tourists arrive. Krishna Bahadur Gurung, Ward Chairman of Dordi Rural Municipality-3, stated that the goal is to attract tourists through the tourism development of this village, which has significant tourism potential but remains overlooked.

He mentioned that the road is a major problem for reaching the village, and the eight-kilometer road from Lama Bagar to Thapa Khet, via Laxmi Secondary School, to Lamagaun needs to be constructed immediately.

He stated that the road from Hadikhola via Lama Bagar to the rural municipality office is under blacktopping.

Krishna Prasad Acharya, Chairman of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, said that this village can be connected with the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Trek.

He mentioned that the 76th Annapurna Climbing Day was celebrated in this village this year to highlight the village's tourism potential. He suggested that the Dordi trekking route, promoted by the government, could be a suitable alternative as trekking routes are disappearing due to various reasons, and this route can also be developed as a 'camping trail'.

TAAN Gandaki Province, with the support of Dordi Rural Municipality, has been promoting a five-day trekking route from Naunthar Sera via Shrimanjyang, Jorane, Ilampokhari, Lipelek, and Damrang, returning to Naunthar Sera.

He also identified a 10-day trekking route from Lipelek via Damrang, Notache, Ukhanda, Memepokhari, Komrodanda, and Barahpokhari to Hiletaksar, and an eight-day trekking route from Peacehill to Bhulbhule.

Similarly, a new trekking route connecting Gorkha's Barpak-Sulikot, Ajirkot, Dudhpokhari, Dordi, and Thulagi to Ghermu of Lamjung has been identified with the active involvement of the central TAAN.

Acharya informed that Annapurna Climbing Day is celebrated on June 3, 1950, the day French citizens Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal first climbed Annapurna I, one of the world's eight-thousanders. This year, Annapurna Climbing Day was celebrated in this village with various programs.

Annapurna Himal is considered the elder of climbing expeditions because the ascent of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, occurred only after the successful ascent of Annapurna I.

The goal is to repopulate this village, which is facing the brunt of migration despite having immense tourism potential, through tourism.

Ranjit Chaudhary, Manager of Molikot Organic Agro Farm, informed that a view tower has been constructed at the head of the village targeting tourists.

Tourists visiting Shrimanjyang Lamagaun also enjoy the tea garden at the Agro Farm, he informed. He stated that tea cultivation has been in operation on about 14 ropanis of land for the past seven years. He mentioned that tourists have been visiting recently, and the village can be reached by vehicle from Besisahar of Lamjung in about two hours.

Ward Chairman Gurung stated that places like Molakot, View Tower, Devisthan Temple, Syange Chhyeoling Buddhist Monastery, I Love Manjyang, Lavam Chorten, Pebong, Ri Chorten, Phurb Sandup Dhonak Chhyeoling Monastery, Vyangsuk Chorten, etc., around the village further highlight its religious and cultural significance.

He stated that the long-term goal is to achieve economic prosperity by increasing tourist arrivals through the development of rural tourism.