Burtibang, the second commercial center of the district, is rapidly emerging as a vibrant hub for both tourism and commerce. While some local markets face declining business activities, Burtibang stands out as an exception, thriving in both sectors. Over the years, the town has witnessed remarkable growth, and it is now becoming a key point for tourists and traders alike. Located in the Dang District, Burtibang is an increasingly important market that has been officially listed as one of the 10 model towns in the country. The government’s initiative to promote Burtibang as a new urban center is beginning to show positive results, with both tourism and trade businesses booming in recent times.
Serving as the commercial and administrative heart of the Dhorpatan Municipality, it is strategically located between Nisikhola, Taman Khola, and Badigad municipalities. This central location allows it to function as the administrative hub for four municipalities, with important facilities such as the area administration office, land surveying office, and land revenue office based here.
Burtibang’s development has been further fueled by the increasing number of tourists visiting the area. Located near Nepal’s only hunting reserve, Dhorpatan, the town is witnessing an upsurge in tourist activities.
The growing interest of domestic tourists has given a significant boost to the hotel industry, and the town is steadily gaining popularity as a base for travelers heading towards the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and nearby attractions such as Dhorbarahi. With the construction of the Mid-Hill Highway, tourists from Rukum and other regions are also now able to easily access the area. The town’s hotels are bustling with activity, largely due to the influx of tourists from within Nepal. Jeet Bahadur Bhatt, a local hotel owner, explains, “Due to the high number of domestic tourists, we have seen significant investment in the hotel industry.
Tourists heading to Dhorpatan, Nisikhola, Taman Khola, and Badigad often stay in Burtibang. With the increasing number of visitors, the potential for tourism in Burtibang is growing every day, and more large hotels are being built to meet the demand.” Burtibang is more than just a commercial town it is also gaining recognition as an emerging urban center with robust public services. To cater to the growing population, a 50-bed provincial hospital has been established, ensuring that the local community has access to essential healthcare services. Additionally, the town is equipped with community camps, which further contribute to the wellbeing of its residents.
The construction of the Mid-Hill Highway, which connects Burtibang to major towns, has played a pivotal role in boosting the town’s economy. Heera Bahadur Bhandari, a local resident, notes, “The completion of the black-topped road from Burtibang to Dhorpatan has made the area more accessible. This road development will make travel even easier, particularly for those heading towards Rukum and other surrounding regions.”
Burtibang, with its population of over 1,200 households, has witnessed a steady increase in the number of people visiting for shopping and other commercial purposes. The town’s connectivity to major highways, such as the one linking it to Butwal, has also made it a key point for tourists traveling to different destinations in Nepal. Local residents have expressed that Burtibang is experiencing a revival, largely due to the influx of tourists.
Dhalendra Chhantyal, president of the Dhorpatan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attributes the town’s rising popularity to its strategic location. He says, “The Mid-Hill Highway and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve have contributed significantly to Burtibang’s growth. After the completion of the black-topped road, vehicles from Rukum and other regions can now travel easily through Burtibang to reach Kathmandu and other major cities. This has also facilitated the movement of goods and passengers, further boosting the local economy.”
Tourism in the region has expanded, especially with tourists using Burtibang as a base for their visits to Dhorpatan and Rara Lake. Chhantyal highlights, “Tourists traveling to Rara Lake, for example, are increasingly using Burtibang as a stopover. The town serves as an ideal resting point for travelers on their way to Rara, making it an essential part of the travel route. Additionally, the lack of well-equipped hotels in the Dhorpatan Valley makes Burtibang even more important as a place for tourists to spend the night.”
The town’s future looks even brighter with the ongoing development of infrastructure. The proposed Dhorpatan Saljhadi Road, which is being upgraded to a blacktop, is expected to provide a significant boost to the tourism business in Burtibang. As a part of a national pride project, this road is anticipated to enhance connectivity and further support the town’s commercial and tourist activities.
Overall, Burtibang is evolving into a promising town with substantial potential for both tourism and commerce. Its strategic location, improved infrastructure, and growing tourism industry position it as a key player in the region’s economic development. With continued investment in infrastructure and tourism, Burtibang is on track to become a major hub for travelers and traders in western Nepal.
