NTB studies Sunapati-Shailung trekking route

By A Staff Reporter, Ramechhap, June 9: A feasibility study has been completed for the development of a new tourism trail linking Sunapati Rural Municipality in Ramechhap with the Shailung area of Dolakha.

The four-day field study, organised by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), concluded that the area, rich in religious, cultural, historical and natural heritage, has strong potential to be developed as an integrated tourism destination.

The study tour, conducted under the proposed Duhu-Sunapati Danda-Shailung Trail initiative, aimed to assess the region's potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. 

According to Gopal Bhandari, Senior Officer at NTB, the team carried out a detailed assessment of tourist attractions, accessibility, existing infrastructure and opportunities for tourism development across several sites in Ramechhap and Dolakha.

The team began its journey from Kathmandu, travelling via the renowned religious site of Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple in Sindhuli before conducting field visits in Sunapati Rural Municipality and Shailung Rural Municipality.

During the visit, the team explored various attractions in the Sunapati area, including religious and cultural heritage sites, scenic tea gardens and Lakhpatimane Hill.

The study also examined the tourism potential, religious significance and natural beauty of Sano Shailung, a shared pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, and the well-known Thulo Shailung, located along the border of Dolakha and Ramechhap districts. 

Situated at an elevation of over 3,000 metres above sea level, the Shailung region is recognised as a promising destination for nature tourism, pilgrimage, trekking and adventure activities.

Sunapati Rural Municipality Chairperson Thulo Kanchha Tamang said the local government has prioritised tourism as a key driver of economic development. He added that special emphasis has been placed on tourism infrastructure, trail management and the preservation of local culture.

Senior officers of the Nepal Tourism Board, including Gopal Bhandari, Robin Regmi and Pradip Gaire, stressed the need to give equal importance to environmental conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage and the protection of historical sites alongside tourism development.

They said sustainable tourism requires a balanced approach between conservation and development, which can also improve local livelihoods and income opportunities. They stressed that close cooperation between local communities and government agencies is essential to achieve this goal.

In recent years, Shailung has emerged as a popular destination among domestic tourists due to its proximity to Kathmandu and easy accessibility.

According to local hotel entrepreneur Dawa Lama, the area currently receives between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors each month. He said homestay services, local cuisine, cultural experiences and scenic landscapes have helped encourage longer stays by tourists.

The Nepal Tourism Board expected that the study will support the formal development of the new trekking route linking Ramechhap and Dolakha, while also guiding future infrastructure expansion and tourism promotion initiatives in the region.