Efforts have been initiated to develop Chhimkeshwori, the district’s highest point, as a tourist destination. Situated at an altitude of 2,134 meters above sea level, this initiative aims to boost tourism activities in Chhimkeshwori and uplift the economic status of the residents. Chhimkeshwori, located in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality-5, attracts around 100,000 tourists annually. The chairman of the rural municipality, Shukra Chuman, stated that the goal is to bring in more tourists by constructing the necessary tourism infrastructure.
He said, “We are committed to the integrated tourism development of Chhimkeshwori. To achieve this, we will collaborate with the federal and provincial governments,” adding that the municipality has undertaken infrastructure development in Chhimkeshwori as part of its broader development plans. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among federal, provincial, and local governments, public participation, and private sector investment in this endeavor.
Chairman Chuman mentioned that issues such as poor road access, lack of drinking water, electricity shortages, and the absence of a mobile network tower are gradually being addressed. Road network upgrades are already underway, and a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared to secure a budget source for the drinking water project. He explained, “An integrated Chhimkeshwori drinking water project covering Wards 4, 5, and 6 is in progress, and once the DPR is completed, the ministry will invite tenders.” The estimated cost for the drinking water project is around NPR 100 million.
Similarly, due to the lack of a telecommunications tower in Chhimkeshwori, communication has been challenging. Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to address this issue. Additionally, as there is no electricity supply in the area, efforts are being made to coordinate with the Electricity Authority to end reliance on solar power. To promote tourism activities, there are also plans to build a meditation center near the Budhimai temple. Krishna Man Tamang, chairman of the Chhimkeshwori Tourism Development Committee, expressed confidence that once these plans are completed, the annual tourist numbers, which currently stand at 100,000, will significantly increase.
The Chhimkeshwori Temple holds religious significance, as it is worshiped as the sister of Gorkha Manakamana. There is a strong belief that worshiping at this temple fulfills devotees’ wishes. Among the seven deities in the region, Jethi Budhimaai (Eldest Goddess) and Maili Chhimkeshwori Maai (Middle Goddess) are situated in this area, while Saili Gorakh Kalimai, Kaili Manakamana Mai, Antari Ichchakamana Mai, Jantari Annapurna Mai, and Kanchi Akala Mai can be viewed from this site.
Moreover, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges from Chhimkeshwori. To facilitate access to the temple, the Gandaki Provincial Government has supported the construction of a footpath and railings. In the fiscal year 2075/76 (BS), a 486-meter stone staircase was built for NPR 4.16 million, while in the fiscal year 2076/77 (BS), a 305-meter stone staircase and railings were completed for NPR 3.6 million.
