Home Features Marsyangdi Gears Up for Eco-Tourism with “FAM Trip” on Chinkhola-Bahrpokhri Trail
June 16, 2024

Marsyangdi Gears Up for Eco-Tourism with “FAM Trip” on Chinkhola-Bahrpokhri Trail

The Marsyangdi rural municipality, in collaboration with Eco-Himal, has launched a unique tourism initiative – a “FAM trip” along the Chinkhola-Barahpokhri trekking trail. This trail connects the homestays of ward no. 7 of rural municipality with the revered spiritual site Barahpokhri.

The trip highlights the region’s homestay potential and its thriving cardamom cultivation. Over 52 households in Chinkhola, Ludi, Tara Chowk, and Sera operate homestays alongside cultivating cardamom on over 1000 ropanis of land.

These homestays, united under the name “Cardamom B&B Homestay,” can accommodate up to 80 guests. Visitors can expect a taste of local culture through delicious meals featuring millet dishes, Niuro, Sisno, and of course, cardamom tea.

The FAM trip also sheds light on the economic empowerment brought about by cardamom cultivation. Ajay Tamang, Chairman of the Cardamom Management Committee, credits Eco-Himal’s support for the significant price increase, from an initial 150 rupees per kg to a current market value of 2200 rupees. Annual sales reach up to 100 quintals, generating an income of approximately 10.5 million rupees for the villages.

Reaching the starting point, Chinkhola, is easy – a mere 19 km drive from Bensisahar, Lamjung district headquarters. Here, amidst the tranquility of the countryside, guests can immerse themselves in cardamom plantations, savor cardamom tea, and be enthralled by vibrant Tamang cultural performances.

Executive Director of Eco-Himal, Narayan Dhakal, emphasized their collaborative efforts with the rural municipality to promote sustainable development and prosperity through homestay and cardamom cultivation. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to develop Barahpokhri, a spiritual destination at an altitude of 3100 meters, although visitors currently need to arrange their own food and accommodation there.

Arjun Gurung, Chairman of Marsyangdi Rural Municipality, underscored their commitment to fostering tourism-driven prosperity for the local communities. He added that they have allocated necessary budget resources to support this vision.

Dhan Bahadur Gurung, vice president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), highlighted the potential for further growth. He believes promoting the Buddha Himal Great Lakh Trail Route from Barahpokhri to Meme Pokhari would significantly enhance the homestay business.

The inaugural FAM trip witnessed participation from 50 individuals, including representatives of RM, Eco-Himal officials, representatives from various tourism-related organizations, and journalists. This initiative marks a promising step towards sustainable eco-tourism development in the Marsyangdi region.

Photo and text by Lala Gurung/HighlightsTourism

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