Those who have been thereswear by its beauty and returnmesmerised by the unparal-leled view of mountain ranges,lush greenery, traditional vil-

lages and the raging Marshyangdiriver. Situated on the way of majortrekking trails like the world famousAnnapurna Circuit, Lamjung is aparadise for nature lovers.

Ghale GaunGhale Gaun is a picturesque vil-

lage situated at an altitude of morethan 2,000 metres above sea level andcan be reached by jeep from Besi-sahar. For those who prefer to hike ,it will take around six hours fromthe same. At Ghale Gaun, you get to experience fantastic hospitality of

Ghales — the indigenous people ofNepal — their culture and stunningmountain views of Lamjung Himal,Annapurna II, Manasalu and many

other peaks. You also get an op-portunity

to stay with a local family and enjoydelicious organic food cooked on a traditional stove. This SAARC Model Tourism Village is definitelyworth a visit while in Lamjung.

Honey huntingThis part of Nepal is home to

thousands of Himalayan Cliff bees.Every year, Lamjung hosts Honey

Hunting Festival which usuallytakes place in the months of

April to May or October to No-vember. For those with deeppockets, private honey hunt-ing trips are also organ-ised. The trip will providean amazing opportunityto experience the age-oldlivelihood of honeyhunters firsthand, andtaste the sweetest honeymankind has everknown. No wonder theygo all out to harvest it.

AdventureRafting and kayaking

down the Marshyangdiriver makes the districtthe playground for river

adventure lovers. Themany hidden canyons and

waterfalls in the districthas the potential to be

a Mecca for canyoning professionals and enthusiast

alike. The picturesque land-scape of Lamjung has the

potential to become a majorparagliding destination.

Baraha PokhariJust two days’ trek from Chiti at

an elevation of 3,200 metres liesBaraha Pokhari. Beautified by plen-ty of colourful rhododendron trees

the pokhari on a clear

day reflects the surrounding moun-tains, hills and trees. The place, rela-tively untouched by modernisation,offers superb up close views of Man-aslu, Himalchuli, Boudha Himal,Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.The trail does not just stop here andif you are adventurous enough, you

can head to the beautifulMim Pokhari and DudhPokhari. You will need aself-supporting tent anda guide with local know-

ledge. No special permit is requiredfor this trek.

Lamjung DurbarHolding significant historical

importance, Lamjung Durbar isthe first palace of the Shah dynastyof Nepal. From the palace, on aclear day, one can enjoy fantasticviews of Besisahar, Marshynagadivalley, Lamjung Himal, Himalchuli,Manaslu, Boudha Himal and manyother smaller peaks.

Hile TaksarHile Taksar, situated at an

altitude of 1,700 metres, is roughlya three-hour hike from Phaliya-sangu. On a clear day, you willget a fantastic 360 degree viewof the hills, villages, Dordi andMarshyangdi valley as well assuperb views of Lamjung Himal,Annapurna II, Himalchuli, BoudhaHimal, Manaslu, Dr Harka Peakand many yet-to-be-named smallpeaks. — HNS

CMYK

2 Thursday, Kathmandu, August 15, 2013 The Himalayan Times

Mango Tree Eco Resort(MTER) in Chiti VDCof Lamjung is thebrainchild of local

lad, Devendra Babu Tiwari.Having spent one-third ofhis life in the United Kingdom, he built MTER to promote Lamjung as atourist destination, rural ecotourism and perma-culture in the region. Sit-uated in a quiet and tranquilspot by the mid-Marsh-yangdi dam side, MTER isjust seven kilometres aheadof Besisahar.

True to its permacultureprinciple and tagline — ‘Simplicity at its best’ — the infrastructure is built

with local sustainable materials like bamboo,timbre, stone and adobe. Theresort comprises of a communal stone roundhouse, separate outdoor toi-lets and shower rooms, arestaurant, bar and the huge Mango Tree right at theedge of the property —hence, the name. The veggiesare grown organically. Rice,eggs, milk, fruits, meat all come from the local farms and farmlands surrounding the resort.

For accommodation, thereare two bamboo adobe hutsand six double tents. The resort’s location makes it an ideal base to explore the

beautiful village and thewhole of Lamjung. Forthose who love to hike,Hile Taksar is just threehours away. Tanje, a traditional Gurung village right on thefoothills of Mount Himalchuli situated at an altitude of more than2,000 metres, is just a day hike away. Gadi Maiee(an ancient fort), RainbowFalls and Gaie Khure water-falls are nearby as well.

For those who prefer to laze around, fishing at theMarshyangdi river is a great timepass. Other optionsinclude taking a stroll around the nearby villages,

m i n -gling withlocals over a cup of tea, awalk through green paddyfields. and the possibility tosubmerge in natural water-

holes. If yogais on yourm i n d , t h ev i l l a g e ’ syoga in-s t r u c t o rwho givesf a n t a s t i cy o g i c

massage aswell is just

a call away.At MTER, life

is simple andfocused on the basics

with delicious food,striking scenery, friendlypeople and peace in abun-dance. A stay at MTERwill inspire you to live inharmony with nature. — HNS

Simplicity

bestThe Mango Tree Eco Resort inspires harmony with nature

Money TalkRates and packages:

• One-night and two-day package at Rs 2,000 for Nepalis

(USD 35 for non-Nepalis)• Two-night and three-day package

at Rs 3,000 for Nepalis (USD 60 for non-Nepalis)

Packages are valid until September 1,2013 and are on full board basis and covers activities like hikes

and village walks.Contact: 9808366861

at its

Explore

unlimited possibilitiesLamjung’s

Indulgein a historical,cultural andnaturalodyssey

Trav

elle

r’s T

ales

Photos: Courtesy Sunil Chandra Sharma

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