The village of Pasgaun, situated at an altitude of about 1,050 meters above sea level, has been recognized for its ancient heritage and natural beauty. The traditional culture of the Gurung community, such as the Krishna Charitra dance, Sarangi dance, Jhyāure dance, and Sati Ghatu dance, has been preserved alongside the scenic beauty of the village.
With the goal of integrating nature and culture with tourism, Pasgaun has been operating homestays since 2060 BS (2003 AD), as informed by Surya Prasad Gurung, the former chairman of the Pasgaun Community Homestay and the current chairman of Kholasothar Rural Municipality-6. He stated, “We have been continuously working to develop tourism by linking nature and culture through homestays. Preserving ancient heritage while promoting tourism is our goal.”
Around 100 to 150 tourists can stay in homestays every day, according to Gurung. He further mentioned, “Homes have been constructed to protect the locally made mud-brick houses. Stone carvings and pathways in the village are also preserved.” Out of the 153 homes in the area, Chandrabahadur Gurung, a local, claims that the majority are constructed of mud bricks. He continued by saying that although sheep farming used to be profitable, there has been a downturn recently as a result of the younger generation’s intolerance to farming.
Chandrabahadur also emphasized the value of the region’s natural wonders, which add to its religious significance, such the Kailash mountain and other stone-carved religious sculptures.
He emphasized the necessity of integrating these natural features into tourism, considering the potential of the stone carvings located below the village. He stated that studying and researching the natural stones located below the village and linking them with tourism is essential.
Padma Bahadur Gurung, a 78-year-old resident, mentioned the historical identity of the village, which has been united since 2060 BS (2003 AD). He highlighted the unique features of the village, such as the Khomredanda hill, natural stone formations, and the blowing of natural musical instruments made from rocks. He also pointed out the importance of the stone blowing in the tourism sector.
Padma Bahadur further explained the local beliefs associated with the white rocks located in the Pwal area. He mentioned the ancient belief that guns would fire automatically during the lunar eclipse, which he personally experienced during his childhood. He expressed his belief that the religious significance of the area has increased due to the worship of the natural statue of the deity located in the Pwal.
Padma Bahadur also emphasized the importance of the natural musical instruments made by blowing rocks in the Pwal for tourists. He said that the blowing of rocks, which can be heard up to neighboring villages, adds to the attraction of the area and is called the “Bhwābhvān Baja.”
Anil Gurung, a local transportation entrepreneur, mentioned the difficulties faced by tourists due to the lack of proper roads, especially from Kaski. He expressed his belief that regular traffic would increase with the construction of roads in some parts of the Pwal area.
Bobarjang Gurung, the chairman of the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, emphasized the need for state attention to improve the road network to reach naturally and culturally rich villages like Pasgaun. He said, “It is essential to organize the road network for tourism in naturally and culturally rich villages. When the state organizes the road, local tourism activities will further flourish.”
Navin Pokharel, the head of the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, expressed his confidence in providing strong support from the board to promote tourism, along with the active participation of locals in tourism development. He expressed confidence in providing strong support from the board to promote tourism, along with the active participation of locals in tourism development, along with raising awareness among locals.
