MYAGDI: The Poon Hill, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6 of Myagdi, was limited to the Lungtung Hill until four decades ago. Once a grazing area for local farmers from Khiwang village, the Lungtung hill is now globally recognized in the tourism market under the name Poon Hill.

Situated at 3,210 meters above sea level, Poon Hill has become not only a center for nature-loving tourists but also a key source of income and economic empowerment for the previously underdeveloped settlement.

According to Dam Bahadur Pun, a hotel owner in Ghodepani at the base of Poon Hill and former chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, the late Tek Bahadur Pun of Khiwang played a significant role in promoting tourism in Poon Hill.

“If retired Indian Army Major Tek Bahadur had not led efforts to bring tourists to Lungtung hill in the 1970s, this area would have remained unnoticed despite its beauty,” Dam said. “Major Tek Bahadur popularized the hill under the name Poon Hill, which helped establish its identity nationally and internationally. Tourism activities improved the economic condition of local residents.”

Earlier, Ghodepani served as a resting place for travelers carrying salt from Mustang to Muktinath and for porters to water their horses. Travelers passing through from Pokhara via Ulleri to Muktinath would eat tea and snacks prepared at cattle sheds built by Khiwang residents for grazing cows and buffaloes. They would spend nights in Shikh and Gharma before continuing their journey.

Poon Hill offers a view of dozens of Himalayan peaks from a single location. The dream of creating a tourist destination, first envisioned by the late Major Tek Bahadur, changed the identity of Ghodepani and Poon Hill, former chairperson Dam Bahadur Pun said. Inclusion in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project further boosted international promotion of the region.

A wooden viewing tower was built at Poon Hill in 1978 under the design of local leader Hari Bahadur Pun, using community labor. As the wooden tower was not durable, an attractive and permanent viewing tower was constructed in 2000 with funds collected under the initiative of Major Pun’s son-in-law, Lieutenant Raju Pun.

According to local guide Rupak Rimal, visitors can observe sunrise, sunset, and Himalayan peaks, including Gurja, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchare, Nilgiri, and many others. “In the spring season, visitors can enjoy rhododendrons in full bloom, while in winter, playful snow activities are possible. Ghodepani–Poon Hill is an ideal destination for nature-loving tourists, offering peace and tranquility,” he said.

The best months to visit Ghodepani–Punhill are spring and autumn. According to Ghodepani Tourist Police data, around 30,000 tourists visit annually. Annapurna Rural Municipality has contracted Rs 5.4 million this fiscal year for entry fee collection and operation of tea shops in Punhill. Foreign tourists pay Rs 150 per person, and Nepali tourists pay Rs 50.

Sudeep Purja Pun, the contractor, reported that 150 to 200 foreign tourists visit daily. “Last year during this season, around 400 tourists arrived daily. Tourist arrivals are lower this year due to Gen Z protests and unfavorable weather,” he said. Tourists staying in Ghodepani typically hike for about 40 minutes in the early morning to reach Poon Hill for sunrise and mountain views.

Ghodepani has 23 hotels with facilities accommodating over 1,000 guests daily, offering organic meals, modern rooms, and internet access. Most hotels at 2,800 meters above sea level provide views of the mountains from the rooms. Visitors can reach Ghodepani in one day from Pokhara via Nayapul.

Other trekking routes include Ghandruk in Kaski, Bhurung Tatopani, and Mohare Danda in Myagdi. Footrails connect Birethanti–Ulleri–Ghodepani, Nayapul–Ghandruk–Ghodepani, Nagi–Mohare–Phoolbari–Ghodepani, and Tatopani–Ghara–Shikh–Ghodepani. Roads from Pokhare Bagar through Ghara and Shikh also lead to Ghodepani. The municipality is upgrading the road from Pokhre Bagar to Ghodepani in collaboration with federal and provincial governments.

Ram Bahadur Khadka, ward chair of Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, said, “A portion of the income from Poon Hill contracts is invested in local tourism infrastructure. We are trying to attract both foreign tourists interested in trekking and domestic tourists seeking transport facilities.”

The recently opened road from Nayapul in Kaski to Ghodepani via Pokhre Bagar is being developed as a shorter alternative route for travel between Pokhara and Jomsom, the ward chairperson added.

(RSS)