Tourist infrastructure being built in Myagdi’s Khopralek

By Thakur Prasad Acharya,Myagdi, May 20: An infrastructure development project has been launched at Khopralek, a scenic tourist destination situated at an altitude of 3,600 metres in Ward 5 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Myagdi. 

The project, funded by the current fiscal year's budget allocated by the Gandaki Provincial Government, aims to enhance the visitor experience in this rapidly growing trekking region.

According to Suman Bogati, an engineer from the Office of Tourism and Industry, a budget of Rs. 2 million has been dedicated to the construction of shelters, trekking trails, and drinking water facilities. The development works are being carried out through a consumer committee and are scheduled to be completed by mid-July 2025.

Hari Paija, Chairperson of the consumer committee, shared that due to the remote location, labourers have been staying on-site and working daily shifts of 8 to 10 hours to complete the project on time. “Since Khopralek is far from the village, the workers have been residing at the site and working every day to meet the deadline,” he said.

With a six-hour uphill trek from Paudwar village, Khopralek has seen a significant rise in tourist footfall in recent years. In response, local residents of Paudwar have collectively expanded hospitality capacity by establishing the Paudwar Tourism Cooperative and operating a well-equipped community lodge at Khopralek. Situated along the Annapurna Community Trail, the area has recently experienced a surge in the arrivals of local tourists.

Visitors to Khopralek often continue their journey to Khayerlek, which lies at an elevation of 4,600 metres. From Khopralek, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gurja Himal, and vibrant sunrises and sunsets, as well as the diverse geography, forests, wildlife, pasturelands, lakes, and waterfalls of the region. The Annapurna trekking route is widely acclaimed for offering some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is also home to rare wildlife species such as leopards, musk deer, chiru, Tibetan wild ass, Himalayan hare, and blue sheep. The region is equally known for its rich cultural heritage, showcasing the traditional lifestyles, costumes, and artistic expressions of various indigenous communities.

Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun stated that the municipality aims to promote both domestic and international tourism in the region by improving infrastructure and visibility through increased publicity.