The Dhaulagiri Icefall, located in Thasang Rural Municipality-2 of Mustang, is gaining increasing attention from tourists as a new destination. This site has recently become popular for its unique and breathtaking natural beauty.
To reach the Dhaulagiri Icefall, visitors embark on a five-hour trek from Tangchhara on the Beni-Jomsom road section. The icefall is connected with the icefall of the Manapathi Himal, offering a relatively short trekking route to the glacier area. According to Suren Gurung, a guide from Magdi who recently visited the area, the Dhaulagiri Icefall has quickly established itself as a notable tourist destination.
Gurung described the experience, saying, “It’s amazing how you can reach the base of the mountain in a short time. The sight of continuous snowfall from the peak is captivating. The surrounding mountains add to the allure of the place.” He believes that the trekking route and the icefall area, which also provide opportunities to observe local wildlife, could become a top new tourist destination.
Situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level, the Dhaulagiri and Manapathi icefalls offer spectacular views of surrounding mountain ranges including Nilgiri and Annapurna. From the Bukki Pattan area on Handing Danda in Thasang, visitors can enjoy close-up views of the icefalls. Additionally, traditional yak farming in Bukki Pattan adds to the region’s appeal for tourists.
According to Singh Bahadur Tamang, a caretaker of the yak sheds, both domestic and international tourists visit the area from Ashwin to Kartik and from Fagun to Asar. Many trekkers who reach Handing Danda also take the opportunity to observe the yaks up close.
Tourists visiting the Dhaulagiri Icefall often camp at Bukki Pattan, situated at the foot of the icefall. Due to the relatively short trek of just five hours, some tourists choose to stay in local hotels at Tangchhara and complete their visit to the icefall in a single day before returning.
Local hotelier Raju Gauchan sees great potential in the Dhaulagiri Icefall as a prime destination for those traveling to Mustang. He notes that many tourists currently visit only Upper Mustang and Muktinath before heading back, leaving many excellent and attractive secondary tourist destinations like the Dhaulagiri Icefall underexplored. Additionally, the Sekong Lake along the trekking route offers further attraction for visitors.
For tourist convenience, accommodation has been established at Sekong Lake and Photho Kharka along the trekking route. Information poles have been installed along the trail to guide visitors. The view from the icefall area includes stunning vistas of Mustang’s various settlements as well as the planes flying from Pokhara to Jomsom.
The Dhaulagiri Icefall is poised to become a significant attraction for those visiting Mustang, promising to enhance the region’s tourism landscape with its natural charm and accessibility.
