Tourist influx rises at Humpal Lake following infrastructure expansion – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 23

The number of visitors to the scenic Humpal Lake and Jaljala area, located at the tri-border of Parbat, Myagdi, and Kaski districts, has risen significantly following recent tourism infrastructure upgrades.

With the end of the monsoon, dozens of domestic and international trekkers have been arriving daily to explore the high-altitude region. The construction of new stone-paved trails, resting spots, access roads, and lodges has made the area more accessible, drawing a steady flow of visitors.

Under a Rs 2 million budget from the Gandaki Province Government, a two-kilometre-long stone stairway trail has been built from Mate in Modi Rural Municipality-1 to Jaljala. Three resting shelters have also been constructed along the route, according to consumer committee secretary Tika Pun. The trail includes new viewpoints at Dulekhani and Waifai Danda, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as the villages of Parbat, Kaski, Baglung, and Myagdi.

Pun noted that earlier, the lack of proper trails discouraged visitors, but improved infrastructure has led to a visible rise in tourist arrivals. Visitors from Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, Kaski, Lamjung, Chitwan, and Kathmandu are now frequenting the region, Jaljala Rural Municipality vice-chairperson Deepak Acharya said.

The picturesque area, situated around 3,000 metres above sea level, is also gaining popularity among filmmakers and music video producers. A senior cardiologist who recently trekked to Humpal Lake described it as one of Nepal’s most beautiful and serene destinations, emphasizing the potential for attracting thousands of tourists with better promotion.

Part of the route is now being used by international trekkers as an extension of the Annapurna Circuit. With road expansion up to Ghandruk and Tikhedhunga, more foreign hikers are choosing the Humpal route, said tourism entrepreneur Man Bahadur Bhandari.

An additional Rs 2 million has been allocated this fiscal year to extend the trail from Jaljala to Mohare Danda in Myagdi. Electricity has already reached Jaljala, and a shelter building has been constructed at Waifai Danda.

Described in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the mythic Kalanjara Mountain, Jaljala is rich in medicinal herbs and biodiversity. Plans are also underway to develop a religious site and create an artificial lake by constructing a dam in the nearby hill basin.

Local lodge operator Pun said hotel bookings have increased steadily and are expected to surge further after the festive season. Humpal Lake, accessible by both trekking and vehicle routes, continues to emerge as a promising high-altitude destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

(With inputs from RSS)