More tourists visit Barahapokhari

By Navin Raj Kuinkel,Lamjung, May 22: Surrounded by white snow-capped mountains, green hilly pastures and open grasslands, Barahapokhari Lake is adorned with blooming rhododendrons (laligurans) of various colours, enhancing its natural beauty.

A renowned tourist destination, Barahapokhari lies in Bhulbhule of Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-8, Lamjung. Domestic tourists have started gathering to this site, which holds natural, cultural, historical and religious significance.

Previously, devotees used to visit mainly during the full moon days of April/May and August/September for religious rituals. However, nowadays tourists visit Barahapokhari throughout the year to enjoy its scenic beauty. Groups of 10 to 15 domestic tourists visit  the place daily.

Located at an altitude of 3,200 metres above sea level, Barahapokhari offers panoramic views of dozens of peaks in the Annapurna and Manaslu Mountain ranges. With its religious and natural importance, proper conservation of this area could attract not just domestic but international tourists as well.

Since there are no human settlements nearby, visitors must arrange their own food. Due to the high altitude and cold climate, warm clothes are necessary regardless of the season. 

During warmer months, sheep and cattle graze in the pastures near the lake. The sight of sheep herders in the alpine pastures is also a thrilling experience for trekkers, said Arjun Gurung, Chairperson of Marsyangdi Rural Municipality.

According to Anuj Adhikari, a domestic tourist who recently returned from a trek to Barahapokhari, there is only one shelter (thati) in the area, which is not enough to accommodate all trekkers. So, visitors often camp using tents, tarps or take shelter under trees or cliffs.

To reach Barahapokhari, one can travel through Bhulbhule and Bhusme from Khudi, located in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality or via Chiti, Majhgaun and old Dubar from the district headquarters, Besisahar. 

Similarly, it is also possible to reach Barahapokhari in a single day from Chhinkhola and Dubar, according to local resident Ajay Tamang.