Stone-roofed houses, Gurung culture, traditional local cuisine and the warm hospitality of rural communities are giving Singdi Village a distinct identity as an emerging rural tourism destination in Lamjung. Located in Kwholasothar Rural Municipality-5 of Lamjung, Singdi is surrounded by green hills and a peaceful natural environment.
The village offers visitors an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle, culture and natural beauty of the Gurung community. The combination of nature, culture and traditional rural life has gradually placed Singdi on the tourism map, particularly after the introduction of homestay facilities and its connection with the Gurung Heritage Trail.
Homestay Brings More Tourists to Singdi
Singdi remained relatively unknown to tourists for years due to limited promotion and accessibility. The situation began to change after homestay operations started in the village in 2019 (B.S. 2076). The homestay was formally registered in B.S. 2081. Of the 235 households in Singdi, homestay facilities are currently operated by 18 households.
According to Hukumbahadur Gurung, chairperson of Singdi Community Homestay, most visitors stay in the village for one night. Singdi has increasingly become a preferred destination for groups of tourists who travel by reserving vehicles collectively. Although tourist arrivals are not consistent throughout the year, the village receives up to around 100 visitors a month, according to Gurung.
“Tourists hardly used to visit the village in the past. They gradually started coming after Singdi was connected with the Gurung Heritage Trail,” Gurung said. “In particular, the number of college students and visitors coming in different groups has been increasing.”
Gurung Culture Becomes a Major Attraction
Singdi has a dense Gurung settlement, allowing visitors to experience the community’s traditional culture and lifestyle. Visitors are offered cultural performances including Ghatu, Sorathi and Krishna Charitra, providing an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the Gurung community.
Religious and cultural sites, including monasteries and Devi temples, are additional attractions in and around the village. The homestays also prioritize locally produced food. Visitors are served dishes prepared from locally grown rice, millet, green vegetables and local chicken, allowing them to experience the traditional flavors and food culture of the area. A one-night homestay package costs around Rs 1,100 per person, according to the homestay association.
Gurung Heritage Trail Expands Tourism Potential
Singdi’s tourism potential extends beyond homestay tourism. The village is connected to the Gurung Heritage Trail, a trekking route that links Gurung settlements across the region. The trail runs from Tangting in Kaski through Krapu Danda and various Gurung settlements in Lamjung to Timang in Manang, with Singdi included along the route.
The trail incorporates old walking and trading routes, traditional sheep and cattle herding areas, and pasturelands into the tourism experience. Trekkers along the route can also enjoy views of several Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Himlung, Ganesh, Himalchuli and Manaslu.
1,300 Metres of Steps Constructed
Work is currently underway to improve the trail connecting Singdi with Krapu Danda in Madi Rural Municipality-2 of Kaski. Around 1,300 metres of steps have already been constructed along the route, while work to improve and manage the remaining sections is being advanced. The development of the trail is expected to improve access between Singdi and neighboring destinations while strengthening the village’s connection with the wider Gurung Heritage Trail.
Local Government Prioritizes Tourism Infrastructure
Surya Prasad Gurung, chairperson of Kwholasothar Rural Municipality, said the local government has prioritized the development of roads and trekking trails to promote tourism in Singdi. According to him, the municipality is also supporting the production of value-added local products such as pickles, along with skills-based training related to tourism.
The local government has also been emphasizing sports, cultural programs and tourism promotion as part of its efforts to increase visitor arrivals and strengthen the local economy. Infrastructure development is also underway to promote religious tourism, including the construction of structures such as monasteries and entrance gateways.
Homestay Changes Village Life
The growth of tourism is bringing changes not only to the local economy but also to the social and household practices of Singdi. According to 66-year-old local resident Yog Prasad Gurung, homestay operations have encouraged residents to pay greater attention to cleanliness and the management of their homes.
He said tourism has provided an additional source of income while also helping introduce Singdi to a wider audience. “In the past, we were more dependent on agriculture. The village was also not widely known. Since the operation of homestays, another source of income has been created, and the arrival of tourists has helped promote the village,” he said.
Preserving Authenticity Alongside Tourism Growth
The expansion of road and trekking access, the growth of homestays, local skills development and cultural activities are gradually establishing Singdi as a new rural tourism destination in Lamjung. The village’s traditional stone-roofed houses, Gurung culture, local cuisine, religious sites and rural lifestyle provide an experience distinct from conventional tourism destinations.
As modern infrastructure and facilities expand, preserving the traditions, culture, food practices and rural lifestyle that have been maintained for generations will remain important to Singdi’s tourism development. With sustainable tourism planning and continued investment in infrastructure, local skills and cultural preservation, Singdi has the potential to strengthen its local economy while retaining the authentic character that makes the village attractive to visitors.
