Poon Hill, a popular tourist destination in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Myagdi, is grappling with severe electricity and water shortages. At an altitude of 3,210 meters above sea level, this scenic spot attracts visitors for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, sunrise, forests, and hilly landscapes. However, the lack of basic facilities is hampering the experience for tourists.
Visitors trekking from Ghorepani to Poon Hill in the early morning hours face challenges due to the absence of streetlights, potable water, and electricity for charging essential devices like mobile phones and cameras. Shyam Ranjitkar, a visitor from Kathmandu, expressed his concerns, stating, “Walking uphill in the dark without proper lighting is difficult. Having facilities to charge devices at Poon Hill would make the trek more convenient. The scarcity of water also poses problems, especially when using restrooms. Carrying bottled water is expensive.”
Despite efforts by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to address these issues, the situation remains unresolved. In Poush 2080, NEA’s Beni Distribution Center installed 15 poles and 1 km of ABC cables to extend the electricity line from Ghorepani to Poon Hill for NPR 2.5 million. However, the residents and the rural municipality have delayed installing meter boxes, leaving the power supply non-functional.
Julie Thakuri Pun, Vice-President of the Ghorepani Settlement Improvement Committee, criticized the rural municipality for neglecting meter box installations. Meanwhile, Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun of Annapurna Rural Municipality explained that the land at Poon Hill is not officially registered under the municipality’s name, complicating the installation process. Plans are underway to purchase five-meter boxes to address electricity supply issues for tourist spots, including Poon Hill and Tatopani.
Water scarcity is another significant challenge. Water is transported uphill from Ghorepani to Poon Hill using gallons, bottles, and drums, which takes over an hour per trip. This logistical difficulty increases the cost of beverages like tea and coffee, causing inconvenience for tourists.
Poon Hill attracts approximately 30,000 international and a higher number of domestic tourists annually. It offers breathtaking views of peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Manaslu, along with mesmerizing sunrises. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee—NPR 50 for Nepalis and NPR 150 for foreigners. The municipality has leased out the entry fee collection and tea stall operations for NPR 4.01 million this fiscal year.
Improving infrastructure at Poon Hill, including electricity and water facilities, is vital to ensuring a better experience for visitors and sustaining its reputation as a premier tourist destination.
Source: RSS