Lamjung is the ancestral home of the Gurung community, where locals have sustained their livelihoods from the Himalayan foothills to the high mountains, preserving their unique art, language, attire, customs, and culture.
The Gurung community shares a strong sense of unity, residing together in the same locality. In recent years, various community groups such as the Elderly Group, Father’s Group, and Youth Club have come together for tourism development, aiming to enhance the village’s progress through collective efforts.
Located in Ward No. 3 of Kwholasothar Rural Municipality, Lamjung, from Ghalegaun to Bhujung Village, exemplifies South Asia’s model rural tourism destination. While Gurung origin is not exclusive to Kwholasothar, the collective unity initiated from this village has spread to neighboring communities.
The campaign for collective unity, initiated by community groups, has also been instrumental in boosting tourism development. Despite the country’s challenging circumstances, rural tourism began from Ghalegaun in Lamjung.
Since 2057 BS (2000 AD), Ghalegaun has been hosting annual festivals and has seen a surge in homestay programs. The concept of rural tourism, which began in Ghalegaun, has expanded to other communities in recent years.
Expansion of Rural Tourism in Lamjung
Rural tourism has expanded to various villages such as Bhujung, Siurung, Pasgaun, Ghanpokhara, Khasur, Rainaskot, Kaulepani, Ilampokhari, Nalma, Chapamimpra, Bhusme, and Ghumulagaon. Local tourism committees have been formed in these villages to attract tourists.
Especially noteworthy are Lamjung, Dhara Peak, and the Manaslu Himal, which serve as major attractions. Tourists also have the opportunity to see rivers like Marsyangdi and Khudi originating from these areas.
All Gurung villages in Lamjung have become tourist destinations, particularly due to their proximity to the internationally renowned Annapurna Circuit. Rural tourism initiatives have been primarily led by the Gurung community, making Ghalegaun a renowned model village.
Challenges and Achievements
The local tourism management committee, chaired by Prem Bahadur Ghale, highlights the economic benefits derived from rural tourism. Currently, 44 homestays operate in Ghalegaun, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Ghalegaun has become synonymous with the Gurung community’s cultural performances and is renowned for its homestay services. Additionally, neighboring villages like Bhujung, with around 500 households, are also flourishing in rural tourism.
Bhujung has been offering homestay services since 2064 BS, currently operating 32 households and some hotels. The village frequently organizes festivals and events to promote tourism, contributing to the overall development of the region.
Moreover, the expansion of rural tourism has led to the development of infrastructure such as pre-tourism parks and extending tourists’ stays through homestays. Presently, Pasgaun operates 21 homestays, known for cultural dances like Krishna Charitra, Jhyare Nach, Sarangi Nritya, and Ghatu Jasta Lopong Mukha Nritya.
Tourism in the vicinity has also revived historical sites such as Harshinghada in Siurung, which was previously a significant pilgrimage site but had seen a decline in recent years.
In conclusion, rural tourism has not only brought economic prosperity to these villages but has also preserved and showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung community, ultimately uplifting their standard of living.
Also Read:https://whatthenepal.com/2024/02/16/temples-everywhere-exploring-pithatola-village/
