Ranishain: A hidden paradise awaiting tourists

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Feb. 27: Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Bajura, Ranishain stands as an undiscovered paradise for tourists. Despite its natural beauty and cultural significance, the site remains largely unexplored due to a lack of infrastructure and government support.

Perched at an altitude of 4,400 to 5,000 metres, Ranishain is surrounded by majestic mountains, often described as the valley of Bajura. 

The site is accessible throughout the year and offers stunning views. However, without proper roads, trekking routes, and accommodation, it remains a challenge for visitors to explore this hidden gem.

Ranishain is home to an annual gathering of Buddhist devotees from Bajura and Humla, who visit a large monastery situated in the area. 

Himali Rural Municipality allocates Rs. 200,000 annually for the monastery’s maintenance and ensures lodging for pilgrims during the event. Yet, beyond these efforts, the broader conservation and promotion of Ranishain remains neglected, said locals.

Apart from its cultural relevance, Ranishain is also a rich source of medicinal herbs. However, the lack of security in the area has led to illegal smuggling of these valuable resources. 

Locals, including the Chairperson of Himali Rural Municipality, Govindra Bahadur Malla, emphasise the need for a security post to protect the region’s natural wealth.

Compared to other tourist sites in the district, such as Khaptad, Chededaha, Badimalika, Kalajagra, Bire Jharna, and Porkaigadi, Ranishain is far more captivating, Malla stated. 

However, it has yet to receive conservation or promotional efforts. While the local government has built foot trails and a monastery for Buddhist pilgrims, the provincial and central governments have shown little interest, he said.

Despite repeated requests to the Ministry of Industry, Forests, and Tourism for its conservation and promotion, no action has been taken, said Malla. “Ranishain is a natural treasure, but due to the lack of state attention, even preserving its existence has become a challenge,” he said.

The distance from Sanfebagar in Achham to Martadi in Bajura is approximately 57 km, from Martadi to Kolti is 42 km, and from Kakelti to Dhulachaur is 16 km. 

Previously, it took around seven days on foot to reach this place from Himali Rural Municipality. However, with the new road to Himali-3, the journey now takes about two to three days on foot, said Malla.

The ice bridge

Adding to its allure, Ranishain is home to a naturally formed ice bridge, which serves as the only crossing over the Kawadi River. 

Above Ranishain lie towering snow-capped mountains. Melted snow from these peaks forms the Kawadi River, which lacks a manmade bridge. Instead, a naturally formed ice bridge provides passage across the river.

The river flows beneath while the ice bridge stands above it. Locals and travellers, including horses and mules, use the bridge regularly, said Malla. 

This ice bridge is another of nature’s wonders. While other rivers in the area have man-made bridges, this one relies entirely on its naturally frozen formation.

Many tourists who visit Ranishain are amazed by the ice bridge. Beneath it, the river flows continuously, while above, the thick ice forms a sturdy crossing. 

“In Bajura, large bridges have been built over many rivers, but this one remains unique. Anyone visiting Ranishain now must use the ice bridge,” he added.

Since it will take years to construct a road, tourists could be brought in by helicopter. For this, a fuel centre must be established at Kolti, Malla suggested.