Sutaiya Lake, nestled in Baijnath Gaunpalika-3 of Banke district, is a natural wonder that remains largely overlooked despite its breathtaking beauty. Situated near the Banke National Park, this serene lake offers stunning landscapes and is home to various wildlife species. However, due to a lack of promotion and infrastructure, the lake has not gained the attention it deserves, much to the disappointment of the residents.
During the winter months, wild animals from the national park frequently visit Sutaiya Lake to quench their thirst, creating a mesmerizing sight for onlookers. Ram Bahadur Thapa, a resident, mentioned that while domestic tourism has seen some increase recently, the numbers have not grown significantly due to insufficient promotion. “Different species of wildlife, including rare animals, come here to drink water. The lake becomes especially attractive during the dry season when many animals migrate here due to forest fires in the national park,” Thapa noted. “This rare sight could draw more tourists if properly advertised.”
Located approximately six kilometers north of Kohalpur Bazaar on the Surkhet-bound Ratna Highway, the lake has been under the care and conservation of the local community for over a decade. Mahendra Tharu, former chairman of the Deurali Janaashrit Madhyabarti Community Forest Users Group, shared that locals have been actively involved in the preservation and promotion of the lake. “For the past decade, we have been working to protect this lake. We are excited to see that wildlife from the national park now regularly visit to drink water here,” Tharu said. “Surrounded by dense forests, the lake has become an ideal spot for animals like tigers, deer, and boars.”
Despite the potential for tourism-related income through activities like homestays and boating, the lack of resources has prevented the development of necessary infrastructure. “While domestic tourists do visit the lake, there are no proper facilities for lodging or dining. The state has not given the necessary attention to preserving and promoting the lake, leaving its beauty hidden,” Tharu added.
Locals are urging the collaboration of all three levels of government to develop tourism infrastructure and further protect the lake. However, the lake’s location within the Banke National Park’s buffer zone has posed legal challenges, hindering infrastructure development. Ram Bahadur Malla, founding chairman of the Western Tourism Concern Group, emphasized the need for legal adjustments. “Sutaiya Lake has immense potential as a tourist destination, but the national park’s regulations are a barrier,” Malla said. “With proper coordination and legal amendments, the government can focus on infrastructure development, which could boost internal tourism and contribute to economic growth. Introducing programs like homestays and boating would also create employment opportunities for locals.”
Prakash Bahadur Shahi, chairman of Baijnath Gaunpalika, shared that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared to integrate the lake into the region’s tourism framework. “We have completed the DPR for the lake. However, with limited budget availability at the local level, there is only so much we can do. The federal and provincial governments need to allocate funds to develop this area as a tourist destination,” Shahi stated.
Sutaiya Lake spans an area of approximately seven hectares, offering immense potential for tourism if properly developed.
