सिङ्दी गाउँमा पर्यटनको पाइला
Lamjung, September 29
Slate-roofed houses, Gurung culture, local delicacies, and warm rural hospitality set against green hills and a tranquil environment—these distinct features highlight the authentic identity of Singdi village, located in Kwholasothar Rural Municipality-5 of Lamjung.
Serving as a confluence of nature, culture, and traditional lifestyle, Singdi has recently been developing into a prime destination for rural tourism.
Once shadowed due to a lack of publicity, visitor arrivals in Singdi began to increase after homestays were introduced in 2019 (2076 BS). The homestay initiative was formally registered in 2024 (2081 BS). Currently, 18 out of the 235 households in the village operate homestays.
According to Hukum Bahadur Gurung, Chairman of the Singdi Community Homestay, visiting tourists typically stay for one night. The village has become a preferred destination for group travelers reserving vehicles. Although tourist arrivals are not continuous, the village receives up to 100 visitors per month.
“Earlier, tourists rarely visited. Ever since the village was connected to the Gurung Heritage Trail, tourist arrivals have gradually increased,” he said. “In particular, visits by college youths and organized groups have risen.”
In Singdi, a village predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community, cultural performances such as Ghatu, Sorathi, and Krishnacharitra are presented to visitors. Religious and cultural sites like local monasteries (Gumbas) and the Devisthan Temple also serve as major attractions. The homestays prioritize local produce, serving dishes made from locally grown rice, millet, vegetables, and free-range chicken. A one-night stay package is priced at NRs 1,100 per person, Chairman Gurung shared.
The tourism potential of Singdi extends beyond homestays. The village is situated along the Gurung Heritage Trail, which spans from Tangting in Kaski through Krapu Danda and various Gurung settlements in Lamjung, extending up to Timang in Manang.
This trail connects traditional trekking and trade routes, sheep sheds, and high pastures with tourism, offering views of major mountain ranges including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Himlung, Ganesh, Himalchuli, and Manaslu.
Work is currently underway to connect the trail from Singdi toward Krapu Danda in Madi Rural Municipality-2 of Kaski. As part of this project, approximately 1,300 meters of stone steps have been constructed, and work to manage the remaining section is progressing.
According to Surya Prasad Gurung, Chairman of Kwholasothar Rural Municipality, the local government has prioritized road and trail development to promote tourism in Singdi. He stated that emphasis is also being placed on skill-based training related to tourism—such as preparing pickles and other items from local produce—alongside sports, cultural programs, and promotional activities.
He added that structures such as monasteries and entrance gates are being constructed to promote religious tourism. Locals note that tourism has brought noticeable changes to the village’s social life. Sixty-six-year-old Yog Prasad Gurung mentioned that since the inception of homestays, residents have become more attentive to household management and cleanliness. It has also generated an additional source of income and boosted publicity for the village.
“Previously, we had to rely heavily on farming, and the village was not well known. Now, homestays have provided an additional source of income, and with tourists visiting, the village has gained wide publicity,” he said.
With expanding road and trail access, homestay operations, local skill development, and cultural activities, Singdi village is establishing itself as a new tourism destination. Local observers note that while modern amenities continue to expand, preserving generations-old traditions, culture, cuisine, and rural lifestyles will enable Singdi to maintain its authenticity while strengthening the local economy through tourism.
— National News Agency (RSS)
