Gurja: The highest village, with none above it

By Sadhan Gharti, Myagdi (Darbang), Jan 1: "There is no place higher than the top of the hill, no village higher than Gurja village", is the proverb that describes Gurja village. The flat terrain, the settlement made up of beautiful houses built in the traditional style, and the village lifestyle are all Gurja. 

Gurja village, located at Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-1, Myagdi district, is located about some kilometers away from Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi.

There are 208 households in the village, nestled between the mountains at the foot of the Gurja and Chure hills.

Gurja, which is dominated by the Chhantyal community, is also home to Dalits.

One can reach the base camp of Gurja Himal after a 7 hour hike from Gurja village, which is famous for its agriculture and animal husbandry.

Half a decade ago, Gurja village was reached after a day's journey from neighboring Lulang village. Now, with the road network reaching the ward, Gurja village can be reached after a walk of about an hour and a half.

There are two blocks in the Gurja area where hunting is permitted with the permission of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.

About 40 percent of the reserve area is spread in Myagdi. There is a copper mine here, hunters come to the mountains to harvest Himalayan giant honey bee . Red mushrooms are found in the forests.

Stones used in precious metals, herbs that are beneficial to the body, and Yarsagumba are abundantly available.

The natural beauty of Gurja, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is home to the endangered red panda, wild animals such as leopards, bears, hyenas, ghorals, hyenas, and birds.

Annual worship is performed in the Siddha Barah and Barahthan temples.