Blooming rhododendrons please tourists

By Navin Raj Kuinkel,Lamjung, Mar. 15: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vibrant rhododendron forests above the village, the breathtaking scenery of Kaulepani in Lamjung district has been attracting tourists.

Visitors who reach Kaulepani are captivated by the stunning views of the mountains and the forests full of blooming rhododendrons.

Kaulepani Homestay, which has won awards as a model homestay in Nepal, is leveraging the rhododendron blooming season by offering a special “Laligurans Package” to tourists. This package, which runs from February to March as part of a year-round offering, has been drawing domestic tourists, according to the Homestay Management Committee.

 Committee chairperson Dev Bahadur Gurung said that the number of daily visitors has been increasing. “Right now, the entire forest is full of blooming rhododendrons  and the mountains are visible, he said. "Our homestay is packed with tourists coming to witness this stunning combination of rhododendrons and mountain views,” he added.

Tourists encounter these breathtaking sights from the very route leading to Kaulepani, with rhododendrons blooming all around to the hilltop at Purankot. This season also offers some of the best mountain views. Gurung said that visitors are mesmerised by the scenery. However, tourists are prohibited from picking the rhododendrons.

According to the Kaulepani Homestay Management Committee, various seasonal packages are offered throughout the year. The “Aiselu-Kafal Package” runs in April to May, followed by the “Herbal Package” in May/June, the “Rice Planting Package” in June/July and the “Millet Planting Package” in July/August. 

Similarly, the “Jatra Package” is offered in August/September, the “Cultural Festival Package” in September/October, the “Chestnut Package” in October/November and the “Daai (Harvest) Package” in November/December. The year concludes with the “Millet Harvesting Package” in December/January and the “Yam Package” in January/February.

Kaulepani has 25 households, with 15 of them operating homestay services, offering a total of 84 beds. The village is located at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level and is accessible via a half-hour drive from the district headquarters, Besisahar.

From Kaulepani, visitors can enjoy views of 14 mountain ranges, including Buddha, Manaslu, Annapurna and Lamjung. The area is rich in cultural and historical significance, featuring landmarks such as Lamjung Durbar and the Kaulepani Devi Temple. The village is home to Gurung, Newar, Bhujel and other ethnic communities.

With its homestay services integrated with local art, culture and traditions, Kaulepani has been emerging as a popular tourist destination. During guest visits, locals warmly welcome visitors by performing traditional dances like Kauda, Chutka and Ghantu. Visitors are also treated with a grand reception and farewell organised by the Shir Khola Mothers’ Group.