Rughachaur, located in Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-1, Gurja, in the Myagdi district, is waiting for tourists and better infrastructure. It is located in the Warse block of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which spreads across Myagdi, Baglung, and Eastern Rukum, but due to a lack of infrastructure and promotion, it has remained unnoticed. Situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level, Rughachaur serves as a key gateway on the trekking route between Gurja and Dhorpatan.
It offers breathtaking panoramic views of several stunning mountain ranges, including Annapurna, Gurja, Dhaulagiri, Sisne, Putha, and Churen Himal. This picturesque location is known for its magnificent sunrises and sunsets, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and travelers seeking scenic beauty.
Jhakal Bahadur Chhantyal, the ward chairperson of Gurja, Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-1, highlights the exceptional natural landscape that It provides to visitors, making it a prominent destination for trekking and sightseeing. It’s unmatched views of the towering peaks are a key attraction for tourists, drawing those who wish to experience the serenity of the Himalayas.
The sight of the sun rising over the mountain ranges and setting behind them creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, adding to it’s allure. As a part of Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality, Rughachaur stands out for its accessibility to visitors and its location, offering some of the best vistas of the region’s mountainous terrain. Whether it’s the panoramic views or the tranquil moments at dawn and dusk, it continues to captivate visitors seeking an unforgettable experience.
Rughachaur, a vast open field, acts as a grazing area for cattle and sheep during the monsoon season. Locals from the surrounding areas, including Munna, Dar, Lulang, Lamsung, and Khoriya, bring their livestock to graze in this fertile land. The field becomes a busy spot as the herders tend to their animals in the lush greenery provided by the rains.
However, outside of the monsoon, it remains largely deserted, with no livestock or activity taking place. The field lies empty, waiting for the next season when it once again becomes a hub of pastoral life. Rughachaur’s role as a grazing ground is vital for the locals, but its use is seasonal, reflecting the changing rhythms of the region’s agricultural and livestock practices.
“In ancient times, herders used the Dhorpatan-Rughachaur-Gurja route for travel, and we have now identified and built a trekking path from Gurja to Rughachaur,” Chhantyal said. “We are seeking support from the provincial and federal governments to develop infrastructure that will allow us to bring tourists from Dhorpatan to Gurja and vice versa via the Rughachaur route.”
The Rughachaur area is known for being home to the rare Hapre (Red Panda), as shared by Chhantyal. It is a stunning location, accessible by a four-hour walk from Gurja. However, Rughachaur currently lacks essential amenities, including hotels and restaurants, making it challenging for travelers. Additionally, there are no reliable drinking water facilities in the area, which could make the visit difficult for those planning to explore Rughachaur.
Ashwin Khatri, a resident from Dharapani, Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-7, who recently trekked from Gurja to Rughachaur via Gurjaghat, described Rughachaur as a treasure trove of natural beauty. He was amazed by the stunning mountains, wildlife, and birdlife encountered along the way. He also emphasized the need for temporary accommodations and signposts on the trekking route.
Chhantyal believes Rughachaur has the potential to become a “virgin” tourist destination and should be developed as an auxiliary destination to Dhorpatan.
In addition, a 3.6 km trekking path from Doptakhola to Rughachaur has been built with a budget of NPR 1.5 million. This path allows trekkers to reach Gurjaghat in a day, with attractions along the route including Himalayan views, waterfalls, lakes, rhododendron forests, forest products, and wildlife.
