By Nabin Shishir BK, Baglung, Mar. 10: The Niluwa lake of Galkot Municipality-4 in Baglung district has become a must-go place for tourists who enjoy nature and beauty.

The beauty of snow-capped mountains and the melodious music of birds are what pull the tourists to the place.

With the support of Rs. 7.5 million from Galkot Municipality and from the locals, roads were expanded to Galkot.  The tourists have been flocking to the place after the construction of roads.

The local, Ishwor Subedi said, “The place is compared to Kathmandu and is named, ‘Mini Kathmandu,’ because of the prevalence of the plain landscape and the low hills with jungles that surround the valley".

Furthermore, infrastructure construction work has been started under the leadership of the Niluwa Tourism Area Promotion Center.

Omkar Subedi, Chairman of the center, claims that Niluwa has become an excellent destination for scenic views as it is connected by road infrastructure and some new structures are being built.

 The center has invested Rs. 4 lakhs and 46 thousand for the construction of the sitting place. Modern toilets and drinking water have been managed through forest tourism programs and internal investment centers.

About Rs. 10 million has been spent for the construction of infrastructure in the area, said Chairman Subedi.

 The Neluwa lake stands at the height of 2, 500 meters. Tourists visit the place for picnics, sightseeing, photographing and camping.

The process of land management has been taken forward for the construction of an artistic pagoda-style Barah temple.

Chairman Subedi said that coordination has been made with the Department of Archeology for the construction of the temple, which is being constructed for the first time in Dhaulagiri area. The construction of the temple will commence in April.

Shanta Bastola, who has reached Galkot for sightseeing, said, “The landscape, topography, and the environment of the place is tempting.” She added that the place feels like a piece of heaven after climbing the steep slopes. One can enjoy the sight of dozens of Himalayas from here, she added.

From Niluwa, one can observe more than half a dozen mountain ranges including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. More than 55 traditional cattle shed also lure tourists to Galkot.

The center has initiated to save the cattle shed which showcases the traditional lifestyle of the farmers.

Tikaram Subedi, advisor of the Niluwa Tourist Area Promotion Center, said that the center plans to renovate the shed and promote it in the old style as a homestay.

According to Subedi, the center will also be active in the conservation of wild animals and birds including deer.

There is also another exciting thing to do on Niluwa that is honey hunting. There used to be a honey hunting fair just two years ago.

One can reach Niluwa through 45 kilometers of motor vehicle travel from the district headquarters of Baglung.