In a significant boost to tourism, a new trekking trail connecting Khopara, a tourist destination in Annapurna Rural Municipality-5 of Myagdi, has been constructed. This project was undertaken jointly by Annapurna Rural Municipality, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Tourism and Industry Office of Myagdi, resulting in over two kilometers of trekking trails, two shelters, drinking water facilities, and observation points.
The infrastructure was developed with a budget of Rs 13 lakh from the provincial government and Rs 12 lakh each from the rural municipality and UNDP. Hari Prasad Tilija, the chairman of the Consumer Committee, provided these details. The new infrastructure will benefit tourists visiting Khopara, pilgrims heading to Khayer Lake, and other travelers.
Suman Bogati, an engineer at the Tourism and Industry Office, mentioned that the budget allocation facilitated the construction of a 1.2 km earthen trail and a 245-meter stone-paved path from Khopara to Khayer. Five water storage tanks have also been installed for drinking water supply.
To ensure comfort for trekkers, 16 iron benches have been placed along the trail. Additionally, water tanks have been set up at Lakuche’s spring to supply the trail and the community lodge at Khopara. A 53-meter iron railing was installed along the narrow path of Chamki Odar with the partnership program between UNDP and Annapurna Rural Municipality. Rohit Bastakoti, a technician from Annapurna Rural Municipality-5, informed that 236 meters of stone steps, 798 meters of earthen trail, and two shelters were built. These shelters, roofed with tin, can accommodate 10 to 15 people each.
The community lodge at Khopara has been protected with a retaining wall. Khopara, situated at an altitude of 3,660 meters, serves as a hub for the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri community trail. With the expansion of roads shortening the Annapurna circuit trek, Khopara is being developed as an alternative destination to extend tourists’ stay and journey, stated Rajesh Tilija Pun, the ward chairman of Annapurna-5.
Khopara, located within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), can be accessed via trekking routes from Ghorepani, Shikha, Paudwar, and Narchyang. The community lodge at Khopara, with a capacity of 60 people, is operated by the local community. Originally started to fund the salaries of teachers in community schools, the community lodge is now managed by a tourism cooperative.
According to Raju Pun, a local leader in Khopara’s development, the area was previously limited to buffalo sheds due to a lack of infrastructure and tourists. Khopara, nestled amidst rhododendron forests on a hilly terrain, boasts rich biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gurja Himal, sunrises and sunsets, hilly landscapes, forests, wildlife, pastures, lakes, and waterfalls. Tourists often describe Khopara’s natural beauty as a remedy for travel fatigue and discomfort.
Residents of Paudwar have also constructed over 10 kilometers of trails, 100 resting places, three dharmashalas, and 10 water taps on the path connecting Khopara and Khayer Bharani Temple, funded by more than Rs 1.6 crore in donations. These facilities were built in memory of their departed loved ones along the forested, rugged, and challenging mountain paths.
