New hill station in Sandakpur to attract tourists

By Kokila Dhakal,Ilam, July 30: Sandakpur Rural Municipality in Ilam has launched initiatives to develop a new hill station to attract more tourists.

Hari Lungeli, the municipality’s Vice Chairperson, stated that since tourists enjoy exploring new destinations, discussions have begun at the ward level to establish a hill station.

“We initially planned to declare two wards as hill stations, but now other wards have also shown interest,” he said. “There are 24 community forests in Sandakpur, and we aim to work together with them to draft an annual tourism programme.”

Since the northeast region of Ilam already has several tourist spots, the development of a hill station can attract more tourists to Ilam. Places such as Sandakpur (3,636 metres), Chhintapu, Garuwale, Phusre Pokhari, Kalpokhari and Jaubari are emerging as major tourist areas in Ilam. The cultural identity of the Gurung and Sunuwar communities is also a highlight.

“If we can build proper accommodation for visitors in yak sheds (chauri goth), tourists could be encouraged to stay for several days,” Lungeli added. He also said that a health centre in Kalpokhari and a permanent security post in Garuwale are necessary and the rural municipality is preparing to work on these amenities.

Local youth Prashant Giri, who works as a tourist guide, said that Ilam is becoming a favourite destination for many tourists. Most visitors arriving in Ilam head towards places like Patenagi, Chhintapu, Sandakpur Hill and Jaubari, before exiting through Manebhanjyang.

Ilam, located in eastern Nepal, is increasingly recognised as a secure destination for tourists, which adds to Ilam's allure.

However, he stressed that strong, coordinated policies at the local, provincial and federal levels are needed to attract more tourists. “All tourism enterprises should be included in a unified system, and essential travel information must be made available online. When tourists do not find the information they need online, it creates problems,” Giri said.

Sharoj Shrestha, who studied hotel management and now runs a hotel in Ilam, said that with community-based planning, Ilam could become a top destination for tourists.

“If each local government prepares clear policies and manages services such as hotels and homestays, Ilam can see the influx of tourists,” he said. “Sandakpur’s idea of a hill station is praiseworthy, but we also need creative strategies to promote and market our natural beauty.”

Ilam already offers popular attractions such as Nepal’s oldest tea gardens and factories, the Ramsar-listed Mai Pokhari wetland, religious sites like Gajurmukhi Dham and Pathibhara, views of the Himalayan ranges from Sandakpur and Chhintapu, and sunrise viewpoints like Antu Hill.