Tourist activity, both domestic and international, has surged at Galkot Durbar in Baglung, following its renovation. Located in Galkot Municipality-5, Harichaur, the palace, originally built in 1922 AD (1979 BS), has become a growing attraction since its restoration, drawing more visitors daily.
The palace, nestled between the artistic Teuwa sculpture and the Gaighat waterfall, is becoming a prime destination for tourists. It has become a popular spot for photography, TikTok videos, and leisure activities. According to Pawan Hamal, Chairperson of Galkot Municipality-5, the restoration cost around NPR 5 million, covering essential repairs to the balconies, windows, doors, and roof, which had been deteriorating over time. A garden and recreational park with swings are also being constructed around the palace.
Chairperson Hamal reported that the palace now attracts over 150 tourists daily, with visitor numbers rising to about 500 on holidays. Initially, most visitors were domestic tourists, but now international travelers heading to destinations like Dhorpatan, Muktinath, and Rukum also stop by. The palace is also being developed as a museum, with plans to showcase artifacts such as weapons, clothing, televisions, and sofas once used by the former kings.
“We’ve renovated the palace while preserving its historical style and artistry,” Hamal said. “This palace holds historical significance, and its restoration was necessary for its conservation. Today, it has become an attractive destination for tourists, and visitors, both local and international, are steadily increasing.”
Promotion through social media has further fueled the interest of tourists from various districts. Thanks to its proximity to the Mid-Hill Highway, Galkot Durbar is only a 10-minute drive from Hatia Bazaar, making it easily accessible for tourists heading to Rolpa, Rukum, or Dhorpatan.
Prerana Sharma, a tourist from Devdaha, Rupandehi, praised the palace’s charm, saying, “I had seen pictures and videos of the palace on social media, and decided to visit while I was in Baglung to visit Kalika Temple. The palace is over 100 years old and beautifully preserved. I came here with my family, and we were all impressed by its beauty.”
Restaurant Established for Tourists at Galkot Durbar
To accommodate the growing number of tourists, Galkot Durbar Pvt. Ltd. has opened a restaurant at the palace. Vijay Malla, a member of Galkot Durbar Pvt. Ltd., said that the restaurant, which has been in operation for three months, offers food and lodging for tourists who want to stay longer at the site. The company has invested around NPR 5 million to renovate a nearby house and establish the restaurant, which can serve up to 20 guests at a time.
Malla explained that many visitors had expressed a desire to stay at the palace, leading to the restaurant’s establishment. Galkot Durbar spans approximately five ropanis of land and was the administrative, judicial, and economic hub of the Galkot state until 1960 AD (2017 BS), when the last King of Galkot, Bharatbam Malla, played a significant role in the abolition of the monarchy as a member of the first elected government of Nepal.
Today, the palace remains a significant historical and cultural landmark in Baglung, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Nepal’s regal past. Despite the displacement of the royal family during the conflict in 2002, the legacy of the palace continues, now as a cherished tourist attraction.
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