In a bid to boost tourism at the Garlang Community Homestay in Pokhara Metropolitan City-16, Hikers Club Nepal has initiated a hiking campaign. The club marked its 49th monthly hiking event at Garlang, aiming to spotlight this emerging tourist spot through a one-day hike.
Krishna Ranabhat, President of Hikers Club Nepal, explained that the club has been conducting monthly hiking events on the last Saturday of each month to promote lesser-known tourist destinations around Pokhara. “We focus on highlighting destinations with untapped tourism potential through our hiking events,” Ranabhat said. “We bring together people from various professions and businesses in Pokhara to explore these destinations.”
The hikes see participants of all ages, contributing to the promotion of each location. Ranabhat emphasized that Garlang, with its rich natural and cultural heritage, offers breathtaking views that leave visitors spellbound. From Haripau, hikers can even see the Pokhara valley resembling Nepal’s national flag.
Garlang’s community homestay, which began before the COVID-19 pandemic, faced setbacks due to subsequent lockdowns. However, Chandra Gurung, a member of the homestay, noted a recent increase in interest. Gurung mentioned that five houses currently serve as homestays, accommodating 20 to 25 guests daily. Visitors enjoy local cuisine and the area’s natural and cultural beauty. Jhupraangkot, a viewpoint above the village, is popular for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and Pokhara.
Garlang can be reached via a one-hour walk from Jogimani through Devithan, Jaimure, Bhutedevi Thaan, and Bimre. Alternatively, visitors can travel by vehicle to Thum via Dhinkidanda, followed by a short hike. Ramchandra Acharya, a ward member of Pokhara Metropolitan City-16, stated that Garlang is a key tourist destination in their ward.
“We believe the hiking events organized by Hikers Club will boost tourism here,” Acharya said. “Such promotional activities help in the development of lesser-known destinations.” Jyoti Hamal, Vice President of Hikers Club Nepal, explained that the club conducts hikes every last Saturday of the month with the slogan ‘Hiking for Health and Tourism.’ The club chose Garlang Community Homestay for this event to promote the under-publicized homestay near Pokhara.
Tika Acharya, Treasurer of Hikers Club Nepal, shared that the club has launched a membership drive. The fee for general membership is NPR 500, while lifetime membership costs NPR 3,000. Non-members can also join hikes by paying an additional fee of NPR 50.
For the past six years, Hikers Club Nepal has been organizing regular hikes in and around Pokhara, attracting thousands of participants, both Nepali and foreign, ranging from 10 to 76 years old. Club Secretary Madhu Adhikari highlighted that each hike promotes a new destination through hiking.
This initiative by Hikers Club Nepal not only supports the promotion of Garlang Community Homestay but also underscores the importance of hiking in fostering tourism and local economic development.
