By Our Correspondent
Lamjung, Aug. 5: Ghalegaun of Lamjung, a popular destination of village tourism, is opening for the visitors from August 17. The touristic village has been closed for visitors after the enforcement of lockdown on March 24.
The smart village located at Kybholasothar Gaunpalika-3 is all set to open for the visitors from August 17 adopting health precautions.
President of Tourism Management Committee of Ghalegaun Prem Bahadur Ghale said that the committee had decided to give first priority to the visitors of the district. The second priority will be given to visitors of the Gandaki State, he said.
“Due to the lockdown, the homestay business faced a severe crisis. Considering the losses we have decided to operate homestay service for the gradual revival of the tourism business in the village,” Ghale said.
As tourism is the main source of income of the villagers, it seems to be costly if the restriction enforced to visit the village is extended, he said. However, all the required health safety precautions will be maintained, he added.
Ghale said that the visitors should compulsorily wear mask and their fever will be measured by using a thermal gun.
Secretary of the committee Umal Bahadur BK said that the committee had decided to procure thermal guns to measure the temperature of the visitors. He said that fever of visitors would be measured before they entered the village.
Besides, homestays will have the facility of sanitizer and hand washing system using soaps for the safety of visitors from the coronavirus.
He said that the committee would manage to keep only two persons in a room and serve foods inside the room by maintaining social distancing.
Ghalegaun is offering homestay service from 2000. The homestay service initially started from 12 houses has now been expanded to 34 houses of the village.
A dozen snow-capped mountains, including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh can be seen from Ghalegaun. Traditional Gurung cultural dances including Ghatu, Sorathi as well as a model tea farm, Tije Uttarkanya Temple, SAARC Village Tourism Museum are other attractions of the village.
Besides, view of sunrise and sunset, Gorkha Army Park and local traditional cuisines are other attractions of the village. Ghalegaun is located 24 km away from Beshisahar, district headquarters of Lamjung.