Since Saturday morning, the Patihalne area has been bustling with activity. Tourists have flocked to the region to see the snow-covered forests, roads, and hills and to play in the snow. At the border of Baglung, Rolpa, and Eastern Rukum, Patihalne has recently become a popular destination for domestic tourists.
Visitors from Baglung, Eastern Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Gulmi, Pyuthan, and Butwal have traveled here to enjoy the snow. As snowfall began on Friday morning, tourists started heading to Patihalne. According to resident Thambadur Gharti, nearly 1,200 tourists visited on Friday and Saturday to play in the snow. Due to heavy snowfall, large vehicles have been unable to operate in the area.
Gharti mentioned that most tourists have arrived by motorcycle and jeep. Some have even traveled further to Rigtal. This is the second snowfall of the season in Patihalne, with around one and a half feet of snow accumulated.
He stated, “There was a long dry spell, but now, as summer approaches, snowfall has drawn hundreds of tourists from far and wide. The snow will not melt for another four to five days, so the crowd will remain. Tourists from all three districts are enjoying their time in Patihalne.”
Due to heavy snowfall, visitors have been unable to reach Tilachan Lake, about a 30-minute walk from Patihalne. The lake and surrounding areas are covered in a blanket of snow, creating a stunning landscape.
According to Bikash Chhetri, who traveled from Galkot, Patihalne looks incredibly beautiful with its snow-covered scenery. He recalled visiting the area during the monsoon season with friends and mentioned that he returned this time with a group of seven to enjoy the snow.
“Previously, I thought the border of Baglung, Eastern Rukum, and Rolpa was far away, but it turns out it’s quite close. We reached here in just two hours. Seeing the entire Patihalne area and the upper hills covered in snow was an amazing experience,” he said. “We came by motorcycle, but riding on snow was tricky as the bikes kept slipping. It was surprising to see hundreds of people arriving on the same day to play in the snow.”
A decade ago, Patihalne was relatively unknown. However, after being connected to the national pride project, the Mid-Hill Highway, it has gained popularity. As settlements have started growing in the high-altitude region, domestic tourists from various parts of Nepal have begun visiting. Patihalne is located about 135 kilometers west of Baglung Bazaar, the district headquarters.
