With the festive season underway, a growing number of tourists are visiting popular destinations like Dhorpatan and Mustang, leading to a bustling hotel scene in Baglung. This influx has resulted in Baglung’s hotels operating at near-full capacity, particularly during the post-Dashain period, as more travelers opt to explore the scenic and cultural landmarks the region offers.
The ongoing construction on the Beni-Baglung section of the Kaligandaki Corridor has boosted the number of visitors traveling to Mustang via Baglung. According to local tourism entrepreneurs, the increase in post-Dashain visitors has significantly boosted Baglung’s hospitality sector. Notable attractions such as the Kalika Temple, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, Panchakot, and the sacred Shaligram sites have also contributed to this rise in tourist numbers, with many visitors extending their stay in Baglung before proceeding to Mustang.
Mustang’s famed Muktinath Temple, a revered site for Indian pilgrims, has drawn attention to Baglung’s religious sites as well, with visitors spending time exploring local landmarks before continuing their journey. Additionally, the Mid-Hill Highway has enabled more tourists from western regions like Dang, Surkhet, and Nepalgunj to reach Baglung.
Arjun Chokhal, President of the Hotel Association in Gandaki Province, noted that Mustang-bound tourists from areas such as Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Chitwan often briefly visit Baglung, heading directly to Kalika Temple or making a stop en route to Mustang. However, with the improved Mid-Hill Highway, districts like Rukum and Dang are now connecting to Baglung as an emerging destination for those visiting Dhorpatan, Kalika Temple, and Muktinath.
Baglung’s tourism sector has gained significant traction, with popular destinations like Baglung Kalika, the renowned Panchakot, the second-longest suspension bridge, and the Shaligram Museum. This growth is especially noticeable after Dashain, as increased hotel occupancy reflects a surge in visitors, prompting further investments in Baglung’s hospitality sector.
The Kalika Temple parking area now frequently hosts vehicles labeled “Muktinath Darshan” as pilgrims pause here before proceeding to Panchakot and Muktinath. According to Kumar Khadka, Chairperson of the Kalika Temple Committee, additional parking has been arranged to accommodate the increase in visitors following Dashain.
Baglung has become an attractive stop for both domestic and international tourists heading to or from Mustang, particularly as a convenient overnight option before traveling to Muktinath the following day. Angel Shakya, proprietor of Hotel The Raj, shared that their rooms have been fully booked since Dashain’s Purnima, redirecting additional guests to other hotels. Shakya noted that the surge is primarily due to the increasing number of tourists visiting Dhorpatan, Mustang, and Kalika Temple.
With the presence of more than two dozen well-equipped hotels, Baglung has established itself as an essential tourism hub, benefiting from a growing demand for its unique attractions and amenities amidst the festive season.
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