Rural Tourism in Lamjung Expanded by the Identity of the Gurung Community

Lamjung, Nepal – Once upon a time, the youth of the village used to gather in the village houses in the evenings and sing songs. Similarly, they would dance, share joys and sorrows and pass on the values of customs, culture and collective life from generation to generation.

For the Gurung community, the village houses were not only a place of entertainment but also a social school. Over time, the custom of living in villages has gradually declined due to modern lifestyle, foreign employment and migration.

The collectivity, intimacy and belonging to the original culture taught by the village houses have now become a strong foundation for rural tourism in Lamjung. By preserving this cultural heritage through 'homestays', the Gurung community is developing tourism as a reliable means of economic prosperity.

🏔️ Ghalegaun: The Pioneer of Rural Tourism

In Lamjung, which is considered the birthplace of the Gurung community, the campaign to connect the original identity with tourism has gained significant momentum in recent years. The language, costumes, art, culture, traditions, local cuisine, lifestyle and intimate hospitality of the community have now become the main attractions of domestic and foreign tourists.

Active mother groups, father groups, youth clubs, homestay management committees and local tourism committees in the village are promoting tourism along with preserving culture. It is believed that the organized start of rural tourism in Lamjung was from Ghalegaun, Kholasothar Rural Municipality-3. The homestay campaign, which was started with the festival in 2057 BS, has become the introduction of tourism today.

Since then, rural tourism has also been expanding in villages such as Bhujung, Siurung, Pasgaun, Ghanpokhara, Khasur, Rainaskot, Kaulepani, Ilampokhari, Nalma, Chapamimpra, Bhusme, Ghermu.

Located at an altitude of about 2,100 meters above sea level, Ghalegaun is known as a model rural tourism village in South Asia. From here, one can observe the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung and Himalchuli mountain ranges. Traditional Gurung settlements, local dishes, cultural performances and warm hospitality have been attracting tourists for years.

"Homestays have brought about significant changes in the economic, social and cultural life of the village. The income of the locals has increased from tourism, while the identity of the village has expanded to the national and international levels."
— Prem Bahadur Ghale, Chairman, Ghalegaun Rural Tourism Management Committee

He says that homestays have played an important role in preserving endangered customs, culture, traditional dishes and community lifestyles.

On the way to Bhujung village of Kholasothar Rural Municipality-4 is known as a living museum of Gurung culture, with homestays operating since 2064 BS.

🏡 Bhujung: Living Museum of Gurung Culture

Bhujung village of Kholasothar Rural Municipality-4 is known as a living museum of Gurung culture. Homestays have been operating in this village, filled with traditional stone houses, original customs, religious beliefs and natural beauty, since 2064 BS. Tourists who reach here get the opportunity to experience the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the Gurung community up close.

🌄 Siurung: In the Lap of Manaslu

Siurung village in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-3 is another attractive destination located in the lap of Manaslu Mountain. From there, one can see the winding view of the Marsyangdi River. Tourism promotion and cultural preservation campaigns are being continuously conducted with the active participation of the local community.

"Although the original culture is in danger due to modern lifestyle and foreign employment, everyone's interest in preserving it has increased after it was linked to tourism. Not only homestay operators but also milk farmers, organic vegetable producers, families producing local food crops, women involved in handicrafts and other small business owners have directly benefited from tourism."
— Purna Bahadur Gurung, Local Resident, Siurung

According to him, employment and income-generating opportunities are expanding in the village with the increase in tourists.

🍲 Preserving Local Flavors and Traditions

The villagers have been preserving seasonal produce to provide tourists with local flavors and original experiences. After the rainy season, local produce including niuro and mushrooms are collected from the lake, preserved and served to tourists as traditional dishes. Millet, phapar, maize, local lentils and other original dishes also connect tourists with the taste of the village.

Pasgaun, which is dominated by the Gurung community, has also created a distinct identity in rural tourism. The Krishnacharitra dance, Ghatu, Jhyaure, Sorathi and Sarangi original performances performed here have become a special attraction for tourists. Such cultural programs are preserving the identity of the Gurung community and also making a significant contribution to tourism promotion.

👩‍🌾 Role of Women and Youth in Tourism

The role of women is equally important in the development of rural tourism. In most homestays, the mother group has been leading the reception of guests, preparation of local dishes, sanitation management and cultural program operations. The young generation has started creating employment opportunities in the village by becoming guides, tourism entrepreneurs, cultural presenters and promoting through 'digital' media.

Kholasothar Rural Municipality Chairman Surya Prasad Gurung says that priority has been given to the construction of new tourism infrastructure along with conservation. According to him, work is underway to build parks in villages, protect and beautify natural waterfalls, develop new tourist destinations, build trekking routes and expand service facilities.

He informed that a trekking route is being built in the Memedanda area leading to Dudh Pokhari and said that once the trekking route is completed, the goal is to develop this area as an alternative trekking route for tourists coming from Kaski to reach Manang. The rural municipality center plans to develop new tourism activities, market local products and integrate agriculture and tourism to extend the stay of tourists.

Pokhara Regional International Airport has scheduled regular international flights, with Fly Dubai approved for regular service from September 2026.

✈️ Ministry of Tourism: From Health Tourism to Lifting EU Ban

Kathmandu – The government has prepared a blueprint with the goal of making various tourism sectors more systematic. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has prepared the blueprint for reliable tourism within 100 days of the formation of the current government.

The 100 agenda for governance reforms put forward by the government included two main issues related to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Point number 72 of governance reforms had set the goal of presenting an implementable blueprint within a month after conducting necessary studies for systematic tourism in areas such as Udayapur (around the Koshi River), Achham (Rama Roshan), Bajura Badimalika, Api Himal Trekking Route, Dordi Himal Trekking Route.

Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Jayanarayan Acharya said that the ministry has already prepared the blueprint as per the action plan.

"In the 100 agendas related to governance reforms, work has been done to identify the religious potential of the Chatara and Barah areas around Koshi, as well as other multidimensional potential areas. A blueprint has been prepared that includes in detail what can be built, including tourism infrastructure. How to get the most benefits from it."
— Jayanarayan Acharya, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Spokesperson Acharya said that the work of preparing the necessary blueprint has been completed, including what kind of tourism infrastructure and destinations to build in tourist areas including Api, Saipal, Badimalika, Rara.

🧘 Nepal Wellness Year 2027 and Health Tourism

Another important issue related to the Ministry of Tourism related to the government's upcoming governance reforms was making Nepal a hub for health tourism. The ministry has prepared a strategy to make Nepal a hub for health tourism including Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga, and naturopathy.

Ministry spokesperson Acharya said that the health tourism strategy has been approved by the Council of Ministers and has been implemented. "The health tourism strategy has been prepared and approved by the Council of Ministers. The health tourism strategy has now been implemented," he said, "The government has already started the necessary preparations to celebrate the year 2027 as Nepal Wellness Year 2027." Wellness includes various areas that reflect diversity, including yoga, trekking, and ancient cuisine.

Spokesperson Acharya said that the number of tourists will also increase due to wellness. "We have also given special priority to wellness to increase tourist attraction. Considering the global trend of wellness, the tourism sector can be promoted by utilizing it to its fullest."

🛫 Pokhara International Airport: Regular Flights Scheduled

A schedule for regular flights from Pokhara Regional International Airport has been set as part of the government's 100-day plan. Fly Dubai has approved the 'summer schedule' and winter season schedule for regular international flights from September 2026 at Pokhara Regional International Airport.

✈️ EU Ban Removal Efforts

A 'Corrective Action Plan' has been prepared and sent to the concerned body to remove the ban on flights of Nepali airlines to European countries. "Since Nepali airlines are on the European Union's Air Safety List, 'European Union Regional Safety Programs' are being operated to remove the ban on flights to European destinations," he said. "Recently, sufficient initiatives have been taken to lift the EU ban."

🚌 Airport Infrastructure Improvements

Significant reforms have been underway in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation within the first 100 days of the formation of the government. Electric buses have been brought into operation at Nepalgunj, Surkhet, and Dhangadhi airports to facilitate the movement of passengers from the airports. The shuttle buses brought into operation at all three airports have made it much easier for passengers.

The ministry has integrated API to display the details of the number of mountaineering permits, the collected reward amount, and other details in real time from the ministry's 'Central Information System'. "This will be of great help in organizing data in the mountaineering sector."

The ministry has made arrangements to sell tickets through the airline website system, e-payment portals including e-Seva, for the entire domestic segment until all tickets for the approved flight days of all airlines are sold within a period of 100 days.