Tourism Info Nepal

Hyangswara: A Rising Domestic Tourist Destination in Nuwakot

Hyangswara: A Rising Domestic Tourist Destination in Nuwakot

Hyangswara, a historic religious and tourist site located in Panchkanya Rural Municipality-4, Nuwakot, has become increasingly popular among domestic tourists. Situated 36 kilometers from the federal capital Kathmandu at an elevation of 2,200 meters, the area offers breathtaking views, making it a favored spot for tourists, particularly during the winter season.

According to Panchkanya Rural Municipality Chairman Tej Bahadur Tamang (Ramesh), hundreds of domestic tourists visit the site daily. The municipality is enhancing the area’s infrastructure under the Prime Minister’s Employment Program by clearing shrubs and creating essential structures for religious and tourism purposes.

Tamang shared, “To attract tourists, we have developed necessary facilities including the management of the Bumedevi Temple, a playground, and the construction of homestays. As a result, we are now seeing around 1,000 domestic tourists daily from surrounding areas like Nuwakot, who come for picnics, sightseeing, and various formal events.” He added that local economic activities are also thriving, with increased consumption and trade of local agricultural products.

The rural municipality has also built a park dedicated to the martyrs who lost their lives during the armed conflict, and the community has planted tea saplings with voluntary labor. The area is known for its lush tea gardens, and visitors are attracted by amenities such as water, lighting, toilets, free internet, and well-designed “selfie points.”

Local resident Purushottam Khadka noted that in the last five years, Hyangswara has emerged as one of Nuwakot’s top tourist destinations. He emphasized that the increase in domestic visitors has led to greater awareness and promotion of the site. With Kathmandu being nearby, the open spaces have drawn people seeking relaxation, food, and experiences centered around local agricultural products and homestays. Moreover, the sale of local produce and the income from homestays and hotels have risen significantly.

Chairman Tamang further informed that the municipality has built government-funded homestays, with private sector participation in constructing attractive hotels and restaurants. “The rural municipality has facilitated the construction of homestays and infrastructure, helping local residents focus on economic opportunities,” he added.

Hyangswara, spread across 150 ropanis of land and ranging in height from 1,700 to 2,200 meters, is known as an open valley. The footpath leading to the Ganesh Temple at the highest point has been constructed through the middle of a tea garden, making it not only a tourist destination but also an important religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

While the main road to the municipality center, Lakuribhyanjyang, is paved, the remaining five kilometers to Hyangswara are on rural roads. To address this, the municipality has requested assistance from the federal government to build additional infrastructure and roads.

Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, a representative in the federal parliament and spokesperson for the Nepali Congress, expressed interest in transforming the under-construction sports ground into a multi-purpose stadium. Chairman Tamang highlighted that with this commitment, the local government will continue to enhance infrastructure, including constructing roads and preserving the Bumedevi Temple, which will further boost tourism.

Tourism officials believe that with its spectacular views of the Himalayan range and serene environment, Hyangswara has the potential to become a major attraction. In the upcoming fiscal year, the municipality plans to allocate the necessary budget to complete these infrastructural developments.

Chairman Tamang also mentioned plans to connect the area with other parts of the region by constructing a road from Duphyeshwar Golphubhyang to Sindhupalchowk, creating a more accessible tourism route.

In addition to Hyangswara, local residents are benefiting from tourism growth in Nuwakot, with nearby attractions like Kockani, Suryachaur, and Shivapuri National Park also gaining attention.

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