Rise in tourist numbers prompts stakeholders to develop infrastructures at Mahare Danda

By Thakur Prasad Acharya,Beni, Mar. 15: Mahare Danda, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality – 8, Myagdi has started becoming an attractive tourist destination, prompting local stakeholders to develop infrastructures.

The community lodge operational in Mahare Danda has the capacity to house 150 individuals. 

But, according to lodge supervisor Navin Pun, there are plans to increase that in view of the increasing number of tourists coming here.

With the beginning of the tourist season this year, people have already started booking rooms, Pun informed.

The months from August to October and February to April bring in many Nepali and foreign visitors, he added, stating that he expected this year to be better than the last two.

“The last two year saw a drop in tourist activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, this year will be better,” he said. 

Located at a height of 3,313 metres above sea level, Mahare Danda is a great place for school trips and educational excursions too, said Bharat Thapa, a teacher at the Beni Community School. 

“Offering a mesmerising view of the mountains, Mahare Danda is a great place and we felt really happy when we went there with 80 of our students,” he said, adding, “It really is a piece of heaven on earth.”

Despite being a remote location, Thapa said that the place had good food and accommodation facilities. 

From the Danda, one can get a clear view of over two dozen mountains including Putali, Churen, Gurja, Dhaulagiri, Manapathi, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Lamjung, Dhampus, Mardi, Manaslu and Machhapuchchhre. Visitors can also see the main marketplace of Pokhara, Fewa Lake and the newly built Pokhara International Airport from here. It is also a great place to spot birds.

Those coming from Myagdi can reach Mahare Danda through the Beni-Nagi-Ramche-Aaldanda route or the Beni-Ghorepani-Poon Hill route and those coming from Kaski can arrive via Naya Pul, Ulleri, Banthanti and Kokhe. Similarly, travellers from Parbat can come along Milan Chowk, Salija and Jaljala.