Aaldanda emerges as a major attraction on Karbakeli eco trek

By Thakur Prasad Acharya,Myagdi, Dec. 4: Aaldanda, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality–8 of Myagdi district, has rapidly become a prominent destination for trekkers along the Karbakeli Eco Trek. 

The number of tourists travelling through Aaldanda towards Ghorepani and Poon Hill has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Blessed with stunning natural scenery and close-up views of mountain peaks, Aaldanda has drawn growing interest from international visitors. 

Surrounded by rhododendron forests, the viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of Mount Gurja, Dhaulagiri, Manapathi, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu. The site is located at an altitude of 2,620 metres above sea level.

According to tourism entrepreneur Chitra Tilija, Aaldanda has become an excellent trekking stopover due to its proximity to renowned destinations such as Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Mohare Danda and Khopra Khayar Lake. 

On Tuesday, a group of 37 trekkers, including Korean tourists, travelled from Nagi to Ghorepani via Aaldanda as part of an initiative to promote the Karbakeli Eco Trek and its associated destinations both domestically and abroad.

Trekkers reaching Aaldanda typically spend a night there before continuing on to Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Mohare Danda or Khopra Khayar Lake, depending on their preferences.

Local tourism entrepreneur Bhakta Bahadur Pun, who operates a hotel in Aaldanda, said that domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have increased in recent years due to growing publicity about the Karbakeli Eco Trek. 

Pun invested around Rs. 4.5 million three years ago to open the Himalayan View and Guesthouse, which can accommodate up to 20 guests.

Aaldanda is also rich in biodiversity, offering sightings of rhododendron forests, various plant species, medicinal herbs, wildlife and birds. 

It serves as a central attraction along the Karbakeli Eco Trek and the Annapurna–Dhaulagiri Community Ecological Trail, which includes destinations such as Karbakeli, Ramche, Nagi, Mohare Danda, Kalidaha, Phulbari, Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Pyaaribarahi and Tikot.