Kailali’s Ghodaghodi Lake, recognized as a Ramsar site, is experiencing a surge in tourist activity. Deepak Bahadur Shah, the president of the Ghodaghodi Community Forest, reported a significant increase in visitors since the onset of Dashain festival.
Visitors are required to pay a nominal entry fee of NPR 10 to access the lake area. Shah noted that ticket sales surged on the first day of Dashain, with a marked rise in the number of domestic tourists in recent days.
The influx of tourists has also benefitted local photographers, with more than 25 photographers operating in the area. Photographer Lakshman Sunar shared that before Dashain, daily earnings ranged from NPR 1,000 to NPR 1,500, but now, earnings have jumped to as much as NPR 5,000 per day due to the increased tourist footfall.
Alongside the growth in tourism, local hotel businesses are thriving. Hotelier Raju Awasti remarked that the influx of tourists has boosted the sales of local snacks and meals. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable tourism environment that attracts visitors not just during festivals but year-round.
The nearby Ojhuwa Lake, connected to Ghodaghodi Lake, is also drawing tourists. Double Shah, a tourism entrepreneur, explained that the extended holidays during Dashain, combined with favorable weather, have made this an ideal time for sightseeing.
Ghodaghodi has seen improvements in infrastructure, with newly established walking paths for tourists. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding and trekking on rocky terrains, further contributing to the increase in tourist numbers.
Located along the East-West Highway, Ghodaghodi Lake is a serene habitat for rare bird species. Its conservation of endangered aquatic species and rare butterflies led to its designation as a Ramsar site in 2003. Furthermore, on February 27, 2022, the area was declared Nepal’s first bird sanctuary, enhancing its appeal to bird watchers.
Dayaram Chaudhary, president of the Bird Conservation Network Kailali, noted that the declaration of the first bird sanctuary has contributed to a rise in tourist numbers. However, Double Shah pointed out that the current environment does not encourage long stays for tourists. He believes there is significant potential for tourism in Ghodaghodi if strategies can be developed to retain visitors longer.
Spanning 138 hectares, Ghodaghodi Lake resembles a hand with multiple fingers, as one lake flows seamlessly into another, creating a scenic cluster of water bodies amidst lush forests. This area serves as a vital ecological corridor connecting the Terai and the Chure hills, enriching its biodiversity. Chaudhary emphasized the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem while catering to the growing number of visitors.
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