DHORPATAN: Jaljala in Baglng district remained largely overlooked until just five years ago. While occasional domestic tourists visited, the area had yet to gain wider recognition.
Recently, however, both domestic and international tourist arrivals have increased significantly, with visitors now frequenting Jaljala and the Dhorpatan Valley — home to Nepal’s only hunting reserve — on a near-daily basis.
Jaljala, located 22 kilometers east of Dhorpatan Valley, is accessible via dense forests and deep gorges. Tourists flock to this serene destination to enjoy its tranquil environment and the panoramic views of snow-capped mountain ranges.
The area attracts visitors year-round, including pilgrims heading to the nearby Dhorbarah Temple. Jaljala has become an ideal destination for nature lovers — offering lush greenery during the monsoon and snow-covered landscapes in winter.
Previously, most tourist activity in Jaljala was concentrated around Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), but according to Jeevan Pun, Chair of the Dhorpatan Valley Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, tourists now visit throughout the year.
Jaljala is reachable by an 18-kilometer drive followed by a four-kilometer hike from the valley.
Pun credits the recent surge in tourist numbers to increased publicity and improved road access. “Until a few years ago, Jaljala was largely neglected,” he said. “Now, thanks to better roads and awareness, up to 3,000 tourists are visiting each month.”
He added, “More people are coming to enjoy the peace, the proximity of over two dozen mountain peaks, and the unspoiled natural beauty. Visitors can travel to Jaljala and return to Dhorpatan the same day. The panoramic mountain views are especially popular.”
With the summer heat intensifying, many visitors from the Terai region have also started arriving. According to Pun, travelers can see stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manapathi, Putha, Churen, Gurja, and Nilgiri from Jaljala, situated at 3,400 meters above sea level.
The tourism boom has also boosted the local hotel industry, and Pun recommends that visitors contact hotels in advance to secure accommodations.
Sudip Subedi, a visitor from Bhairahawa, shared his experience: “It was scorching in the Terai, so we came to Dhorpatan to cool off. Locals suggested we visit Jaljala, and though we hesitated at first, we were amazed by what we saw — so many mountain peaks in one view. I’ve never seen anything like it. It felt like heaven.”
Nitesh Tamang, who traveled from Pokhara, said, “The Jaljala area is truly stunning. The road from Burtibang Bazaar to Dhorpatan is a bit treacherous, but reaching Jaljala brings a special kind of joy. If the government invests in organizing the roads and trails, we could attract many more foreign tourists.”
In recent months, tourists visiting Dhorpatan have also started exploring Bukipatan, especially during the rainy season. Located a four-and-a-half-hour hike from the valley, Bukipatan offers breathtaking views but is currently accessible only via a narrow and challenging trail.
To improve access, the Baglung Industry and Tourism Office has begun constructing a three-kilometer trail from Pakhathar to Garpacheda.
According to Parsingh Thapa, Chief of the Office, the Gandaki Province Government has allocated Rs 2 million for the current fiscal year for this project.
“The trail is being built to make it easier for tourists to reach Bukipatan,” Thapa said.
