Todke, a breathtaking viewpoint in Nepal, offers a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas, attracting nature lovers and photographers alike. Since early morning, the weather remained overcast, making it almost certain that the Himalayas would not be visible. Despite this, visitors remained hopeful, eagerly awaiting a break in the clouds to witness the majestic peaks. Although the desire to view the mountain range from Todke remained unfulfilled, the cool mountain air and warm hospitality made the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Last Friday, when the team reached Todke at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level, the surrounding villages and hills played hide and seek with the clouds. The locals of that places, where nine-colored rhododendrons bloom, welcomed visitors with flower bouquets and traditional Tika.
A team of media entrepreneurs and journalists visited Todke to celebrate the 18th anniversary of Dhaulagiri Jagran, a daily publication of Adarsha Communication Cooperative, the first media cooperative in the Dhaulagiri region. The event aimed to support the promotion of Todke as a growing tourist destination.
Once known as a grazing land, It is located at the confluence of Raghuganga, Mangala Rural Municipality, and Beni Municipality in Myagdi. Due to its difficult terrain, it was previously inaccessible to many, with only farmers from nearby villages using it for cattle grazing and fodder collection.
Infrastructure development arrived late, but local leaders have since worked to develop Todke as a tourist destination. Five years ago, Todke Hill Resort was established, and since then, tourism activities have gradually increased, attracting domestic travelers.
Tourism entrepreneur Bhim Sherchan stated that 33 investors jointly invested NPR 30 million to operate the resort. Visitors enjoy not only the area’s natural beauty but also its hospitality. The resort serves local delicacies such as nettle soup, fermented greens (sinki), buckwheat greens, maize, soybeans, and radish.
The main local produce includes potatoes and radishes, and the resort even raises chickens to provide fresh meat dishes. The resort has a capacity of accommodating 60 guests at a time. It’s name originates from a local legend. It is said that in ancient times, cattle used to get trapped in a cave (Todko) in the forest, where they would be eaten by tigers and bears.
The area has now seen significant transformation, with improved roads, communication, and electricity. Through the Todke Development Fund, infrastructure for tourism is being developed. According to Ward Chairman Man Bahadur Shermanja of Raghuganga-5, Todke is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and scenic retreat.
From Todke, one can simultaneously view the peaks of Gurja, Churen, Mana pathi, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Lamjung Himal. Todke also holds religious significance, as saints including Swargadwari Mahaprabhu have meditated here.
The Shivalaya Temple and Ashram in Todke are considered branches of the Swargadwari Ashram in Pyuthan. The region, predominantly inhabited by the Magar community, has preserved its traditional cultural practices, including Sorathi, Salaijo, Yanima, bhajan-kirtan, and Panche Baja. Nearby, a park has been developed in the Siddha Community Forest, and other tourist facilities, including picnic spots, are under construction.
Todke is accessible via five different road routes from Beni, with distances ranging from 14 to 29 kilometers. Additionally, there are trekking routes from Beni via Arthunge and other villages, including an old horse trail. Homestay facilities are available in villages like Jhin and Purnagaun, making it convenient for trekkers.
A new cultural trekking route concept, the Todke-Dhaulagiri Panorama Cultural Trail, has been introduced. This trail extends from Todke to the base camp of Mount Dhaulagiri, passing through Malika Dhuri, Thadakhani, Kuinekani, and Icefall before reaching Thasang Rural Municipality in Mustang. As the traditional trekking route via Beni-Jomsom has been largely replaced by a road, this new route offers a promising alternative for cultural and adventure tourism in Myagdi and Mustang.
