Tourists throng Bhurung hot spring in Myagdi

By Thakur Prasad Acharya

Myagdi, Oct. 27: The Bhurung Tatopani (hot spring), located along the Beni–Jomsom road section of the Kaligandaki Corridor in Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, has seen a surge in visitors, with domestic and foreign tourists crowding the natural hot-water pool throughout the day.

With a steady rise in tourists travelling to Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani, Mustang and other Himalayan destinations via Beni, the natural hot spring has become one of the busiest stopover points in the region.

According to Jitendra Chochangi, the operator of the hot spring, visitors returning from Mustang and other high-altitude destinations in Myagdi are flocking to the pools to relax and recover from long journeys. 

“The hot spring remains packed, especially in the mornings and evenings. Between 1,200 and 1,500 people bathe here daily,” he said.

In recent years, the Bhurung hot spring has developed into a popular rest point for trekkers to unwind, shake off the cold and relieve fatigue after days of travel in the mountainous region. 

The pool is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and has remained crowded throughout the festive holidays of Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.

Naturally heated water emerges at around 69°C from the source, which is then regulated to between 36°C and 45°C for bathing. The facility has managed dressing rooms, showers, public toilets and even a canteen for visitors.

A bathing fee of Rs. 50 is charged for Nepali nationals and Rs. 150 for foreign tourists. The hot spring is currently operated by a group of four local youths from Narchyang under an annual contract of nearly Rs. 5.5 million with the rural municipality.

The influx of visitors has revived local businesses. There are about 20 hotels in the area, with a combined capacity to accommodate more than 500 guests. 

“All rooms are full after Tihar due to the tourist influx,” said Raju Hamal, operator of Hotel Natural Spring. 

He added that more than half of the overnight guests are either heading towards Annapurna Base Camp or returning from Mustang.

Most travellers to Annapurna Base Camp now drive up to Humkhola in Narchyang from Bhurung Tatopani and begin their trek from there, hotel operators said.

The rejuvenating hot spring by the banks of the Kaligandaki River has, in a short time, become one of the most sought-after stopovers for those exploring the Annapurna region and Mustang.