At the top of the scenic valley of Jiri in Dolakha lies Guranse Park (2,700 meters). The park is now in full bloom with colorful rhododendrons. Located in the middle of a forest area, the park features a man-made pond and infrastructure built for picnics. It has started attracting domestic tourists for picnics, hiking, camping, and rhododendron viewing. The park is connected by a motorable road.
Intending to promote this beautiful destination, Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal has launched the “Let’s Go to Guranse Park” campaign. The campaign was officially inaugurated on Nepali New Year’s Day (Monday) at Guranse Park by provincial lawmaker Dipendra Shrestha, who is also the former Minister for Culture and Tourism of Bagmati Province.
The inauguration ceremony, held among a large crowd of New Year tourists, was attended by MP Shrestha, the Mayor and local representatives of Jiri Municipality, Ward Chairperson Hiralal Tandukar of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-11, guests from Kathmandu, and residents. Women from the Jirel Women’s Group of Ward 4 welcomed the guests with garlands of rhododendrons and traditional dances.
After visiting Guranse Park, MP Shrestha said the area has immense tourism potential. “This is one of the most beautiful tourist spots I’ve ever seen. Every Nepali should come visit,” he said. Through his efforts, NPR 1 million was allocated for the park’s infrastructure in the fiscal year 2080/81 BS.
Ward Chair Tandukar also praised the park for its natural beauty, and guest Bhakta Shankar Shrestha from Kathmandu suggested that Guranse Park could become one of Nepal’s premier tourist destinations, not just Jiri’s.
The campaign was initiated under the leadership of youth entrepreneur Lilaram Khadka with the banner of Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal. Khadka has been active in developing and promoting rural tourism in Jiri, Dolakha, and beyond for over 15 years. Previously, he had launched the “Let’s Go to Cherdung” campaign, which has since increased tourism activity in the hill station of Cherdung.
“We have launched this campaign to attract both domestic and international tourists to Guranse Park as well,” said campaign coordinator Khadka. “We will focus especially on promotional activities, including producing videos and brochures for Guranse Park and Cherdung.”
Guranse Park is 10.3 km from Jiri and can be reached in about 40 minutes by vehicle. Tourists can stay in hotels in Jiri and visit nearby attractions including Guranse Park and Cherdung.
