Upardang Gadhi developing into new tourist destination in Chitwan

Chitwan, May 23: The old headquarters located in the hilly area of the district, Upardang Gadhi, has been developed as a new tourist destination.

Tourists visit the place to escape the heat and watch the sunrise. There are 35 families residing in Upardang Gadhi, Ichhakamana Rural Municipality-7. Among them, homestays are operated in 10 houses. Homestay service was started here in 2017.

According to Ganesh Bahadur Thapa, the operator of Sirai Chuli Homestay, homestay is the main source of their income.

Currently, 60 to 70 visitors on an average are coming to this area daily. Another homestay operator, Bil Bahadur Thapa Magar, shared that arrangements have been made to accommodate up to 150 guests in the village.

Mangal Bahadur Thapa Magar, another homestay operator, said the income from the homestay is sufficient to pay his children's school fees and manage household expenses. He mentions that since he has no other means of income, he is engaged in the homestay business and farming.

Upardang Gadhi is predominantly settled by Chepang, Gurung, and Magar ethnic groups. The guests are offered local organic food and products. 

Dan Bahadur Gurung, the Chairperson of Ichhakamana Rural Municipality, said they are carrying out restoration works on the historical structures like the fort, the kotghar (armoury), and the well in the area. The armoury has been built at a cost of 13.5 million rupees. (RSS)