Bhedetar in Dhankuta busting with tourists

BY SANTODH SUBEDI,Pakhribas, Apr. 5: Bhedetar, a popular tourist destination in eastern Nepal, attracts a steady flow of visitors, resulting in the establishment of numerous hotels. The area is bustling with both domestic and international tourists, with a notable increase in the number of Indian tourists in recent times. 

Furthermore, a food festival is organised each year to draw in more tourists. Located in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6, Bhedetar is situated along the Dharan-Dhankuta Koshi Highway. 

Not only Bhedetar, but also nearby attractions like Namaste Waterfall, homestays in Namje and surrounding hotels are often fully booked. According to Tumraj Limbu, the president of the Hotel Association, the hospitality industry in Bhedetar is flourishing. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic initially affected tourism, hoteliers report that the industry is currently on the path to recovery.  Bhedetar, which remains cool throughout the year, sees a surge of visitors from the lowlands during the summer months. 

ccording to former Hotel Association president Lilaraj Lawati, around 200 hotels, both small and large, operate in the area. 

The provincial government has been actively promoting tourism by investing in infrastructure. Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality Chairman Jitendra Rumdali Rai said that funds have been allocated for developing tourist destination areas.  

Construction of the Indigenous Park in Namje Thumki is progressing. The project was initiated to develop it into the largest park in the municipality. 

To preserve the tradition and culture of indigenous communities while promoting tourism, the Koshi Province government began constructing the park in the fiscal year 2018/19 with a budget of Rs. 13.5 million. However, the province has since spent Rs. 14.4 million on the project, and additional funds are required to complete the park, including a conference hall, cultural monuments and other facilities.  

Namje village, located two kilometres southeast of Bhedetar, is famous for its Magar culture and homestays. Recognised by CNN in 2012 as one of the world's most unique destinations, Namje lies at 1,585 metres above sea level, offering breathtaking sunrise views and panoramic sights of the Tarai plains. Its homestay business has flourished, with around 95 per cent of residents belonging to the Magar community.  

Local homestays serve traditional dishes such as boiled potatoes, squash roots, mustard greens, maize, rice, local chicken and barbecued pork. Anil Kumar Rana, chairman of the Namje Thumki Community Homestay Management Committee said that he earns between Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000 monthly from the homestay business. In the fiscal year 2018/19, the government recognised Namje Homestay as the best community homestay.