The Badimalika region, straddling the Kalikot and Bajura districts of Nepal, holds immense religious and touristic importance. Despite its potential, the development of this area has been hindered due to the lack of a comprehensive master plan, as highlighted by local representatives.
Nestled within Kalikot’s Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality-8, Triveni Patan is a sight to behold. During the monsoon, its lush green meadows resemble a terrestrial paradise, while winter cloaks it in a blanket of snow, creating a mesmerizing landscape. Standing at an elevation of 4,219 meters above sea level, Triveni Patan is not only a visual marvel but also holds significant religious value. The nearby Badimalika Temple further enhances the area’s appeal, drawing visitors with its religious significance and breathtaking natural beauty.
Triveni Patan is best visited from April to October. The region comes alive during the Janai Purnima festival in August, attracting thousands of visitors from various parts of Nepal and India. Despite this, the full potential of the area remains untapped. Local leaders have emphasized the need for a tourism master plan to harness the region’s potential effectively. The area is home to over 100 species of rare flowers and numerous wildlife species, including musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and Himalayan bears.
The vastness of the Badimalika region spans multiple municipalities across the Bajura and Kalikot districts, including Triveni Municipality, Badimalika Municipality, Budhinanda Municipality, and Jagannath Rural Municipality. It also extends into parts of Achham, highlighting the interconnected nature of these regions. The dense forests of Badimalika are rich in over 45 species of valuable herbs, such as Panchaule, Sunpati, Chiraito, and more, which are now at risk due to overgrazing and other factors.
Local representatives have previously convened to discuss the creation of a tourism master plan for this region. However, these discussions have yet to materialize into concrete actions. The local demand is strong for linking the tourist attractions of Achham’s Ramaroshan Lake, Kalikot’s Triveni Patan, and Bajura’s Badimalika into a cohesive tourism strategy.
The area is also ideal for winter sports like skiing. Kalikot’s Raskot Municipality and Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality are considered suitable for developing skiing facilities, and recent training sessions have been held to promote this sport in the region. This initiative aims to bolster adventure tourism in Karnali, contributing to the broader development of the area’s tourism sector.
While the Badimalika region holds immense potential for tourism, its development is contingent upon a well-structured master plan and coordinated efforts from local and government authorities. By addressing these challenges, Nepal can unlock the full potential of this hidden gem, attracting both domestic and international tourists and fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.
