Karbakeli Eco Trek becoming popular among tourists

By Thakur Prasad Acharya, Myagdi, Dec. 13: Karbakeli Eco Trek brought into operation by the locals of Ramche of Annapurna Rural Municipality-8 four years ago has now become popular among the tourists. Rural life, ethnic wears and cultures, jungle safari, Himalayan range and others are the main attractions of the trek. 

 Many trekkers visiting Ghodepani and Poon Hill pass through the Karbakeli Eco Trek route that starts from Birethati in Kaski. The route passes through Tikhedunga and Ulleri of Kaski before reaching Ghodepani of Myagdi. Thereafter, a trail leads to Karbakeli  via Poon Hill, Fulbari, Mahare Danda and  finally ends in Beni Bazaar. Beautiful view of Annapurna Himalayan Range, Gurja Himal, Dhaulagiri Himal can be enjoyed from Karbakeli. 

Kham Bahadur Garbuja, ward Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality-8, Ramche, said that the Karbakeli Eco Trek was launched four years ago by the locals to attract the tourists who come to visit Ghodepani and Poon Hill, a famous tourist spot. The trekkers are attracted by the natural beauty and friendly locals, he added.

Ravi Pun, secretary of Karbakeli Eco Trek Management Committee, informed that the locals had initiated for the management of the trekking route to Karbakeli via Fulbari and Mahare Danda after observing sunrise from Ghodepani and Poon Hill. He said that the route has many aspects to attract both the domestic and international tourists. 

More than half dozen Himalayas including Gurja, Churen, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchre can be seen from Karbakeli. One can observe natural scenery, art and culture of the locals and tribes dressed in Magar costumes in Karbakeli. 

Secretary Pun said that the route is suitable for quiet, beautiful, short, easy and budget friendly trekking. Flow of tourists has increased after the cases of COVID-19 dropped, he added. The locals had collected donations amounting to around Rs. 20,000,000 and constructed tourism infrastructure in Karbakeli. 

Pun said that infrastructures such as shrines, museums, footpaths and roads were built. It is believed that Karbakeli holds the remaining of Karbakeli Caba, clan-deity of the Pun Magar community. He informed that a 22-room community lodge with a capacity to accommodate 50 people is in operation for the convenience of the visitors.