The Himalayan Riders Society Hetauda has launched a promotional campaign to highlight the tourism potential of Gorakshya Taal, a scenic lake located in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-18. Despite its natural appeal and tourism potential, the destination has yet to receive adequate publicity and development.
Cycling Tour to Promote Gorakshya Taal
As part of its efforts to promote lesser-known tourist destinations through cycling, the society organized a promotional cycling trip to Gorakshya Taal on Sunday. Society President Raju Thapa Magar said the campaign aims to bring greater attention to the lake and encourage more visitors to explore the area. Gorakshya Taal is located around 20 kilometers east of Hetauda Bazaar along the main road connecting Hetauda with Chatara. The cycling campaign was intended not only to showcase the lake but also to demonstrate how cycling can be used to explore and promote tourism destinations.
From Irrigation Reservoir to Tourist Attraction
Gorakshya Taal was initially developed as a water reservoir rather than a tourism destination. The area once had only a small stream flowing through it. In 2003, local residents, with support from the then District Development Committee, constructed a dam in Harana Phant to collect water and provide irrigation facilities to the surrounding area. The resulting reservoir gradually developed into a scenic lake. Recognizing its tourism potential, the Gorakshya Taal Conservation Committee was established in 2013 with the objective of conserving the area and promoting its development as a tourist destination.
Natural Beauty and Peaceful Environment
The lake offers visitors a tranquil natural setting characterized by blooming flowers, birdsong and a peaceful environment. These features make Gorakshya Taal an attractive destination for visitors seeking a quiet retreat close to Hetauda.
According to Thapa Magar, the society organized the promotional visit to introduce the area’s natural attractions to a wider audience and encourage greater interest in the destination.
Cycling, Tourism and Environmental Awareness
The Himalayan Riders Society has been formally active in Hetauda for the past five years. The organization has been using cycling activities to promote tourism while also encouraging healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness. The society believes cycling can serve as an effective means of discovering and promoting destinations that remain relatively unfamiliar to domestic and international visitors. Its activities combine recreation, physical fitness, environmental awareness and tourism promotion.
Promoting Destinations Beyond Hetauda
Over the years, the society has also promoted a number of religious, historical and tourism destinations across Nepal. These include the 42-foot Krishna statue at Hatia Jurethum in Hetauda-17, regarded as one of the tallest Krishna statues in Asia, as well as historic Makwanpur Gadhi, Gorkha Durbar, Rasuwagadhi, Kerung, Thori, Gadhimai Temple, Chatara Dham in Dharan and Someshworgadhi in Chitwan. Through such promotional cycling tours, the society aims to increase public awareness of Nepal’s lesser-known destinations and contribute to the growth of sustainable tourism.
A New Opportunity for Local Tourism
The campaign at Gorakshya Taal highlights how community-led initiatives and adventure activities such as cycling can help bring lesser-known destinations into the tourism spotlight. With improved promotion, infrastructure and conservation efforts, Gorakshya Taal has the potential to emerge as a popular recreational destination for visitors from Hetauda and surrounding areas. The cycling initiative also demonstrates how active tourism can support local destinations while promoting health, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism.
