Scarlet rhododendron blossoms cover Ghodepani

BY THAKUR PRASAD ACHARYA,Myagdi, Mar. 29: With the onset of spring, Ghodepani, an attractive tourist destination in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6 of Myagdi, gleams with blooming rhododendrons. As hundreds of domestic and international tourists have begun visiting daily to enjoy the hills covered in vibrant red rhododendrons and the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, tourism activities in the area have increased significantly. Hotels are becoming fully occupied, and tourism entrepreneurs are feeling encouraged.

With the rise in visitor numbers, hotels in the area are all occupied and hotel operators are increasingly enthusiastic. Situated at an altitude of 2,800 metres above sea level, the forests of the Ghodepani region have become especially charming and picturesque with the arrival of spring.

Julie Thakuri Pun, Vice Chairperson of the Ghodepani Hotel Management Subcommittee, stated that tourists had started visiting Ghodepani as the rhododendrons began to bloom. According to her, around 300 to 500 tourists visit Ghodepani daily.

Suren Gurung, a local youth from Shikha in Annapurna Rural Municipality-5, said that the hills and slopes of Ghodepani and Poon Hill had been beautifully adorned with blooming rhododendrons, creating a captivating environment. He said, “With the beginning of the spring season, rhododendrons have started to bloom in the forests, colouring the hillsides. It feels as though the blooming rhododendrons are welcoming tourists. Ghodepani looks even more beautiful when the weather is clear.”

According to Sudip Purja, an entrepreneur authorised by the rural municipality to operate a tea shop and collect entry fees at Poon Hill, more than 300 domestic tourists visit Poon Hill daily with the start of the tourist season.

From Poon Hill, visitors can observe sunrise views along with more than 16 Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Gurja, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The Ghodepani region is home to 16 species of rhododendrons. Locals have also been conducting awareness programmes to help conserve these flowers.