Exploring The Unexplored - Part II
The Barun Valley
Province: Province 1
Distance from Kathmandu: 173 km
Accessibility
By Road: 12 hour bus ride to Tumlingtar
By Air: Land at Tumlingtar Airport- 2 hours then a 3 hour drive
Attractions: Panoramic vista of the Himalayas, Makalu Himal- 5th highest mountain in the world, Makalu Base Camp, Salpa Pokhari, Thulo Pokhari, Barun Pokhari, Dudh Pokhari, Shiva Dhara, Kirat culture and monuments, plethora of flora and fauna.
The great himalayan outback is pristine and unexplored. Much of this great space is unknown to travellers. This remoteness has helped preserve the regions authenticity but it has also hindered it from advancing and truly meeting its tourism potential. Amongst such destinations is the Barun Valley. This beautiful valley, something straight out of a sci-fi plot is magical. It features breathtaking views of the great panoramic vista, and exotic flora and fauna species. This valley is located at the base of Mt. Makalu in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal. It is a part of Makalu Barun National Park.
This valley was created by the Barun River. In terms of inhabitants, historians believe that it was previously inhabited by Yakkha and Limbu people centuries ago. This valley is also mentioned in the ancient Buddhist books- seven Beyul (Nghe- Beyul Khimpalung). This book mentions great mystical lands in the Himalayas where no one gets old. It is said that if a great cataclysm occurs, these seven areas of the world will only survive. One of the seven Beyul is said to be situated in the Makalu- Barun region. Historians state that it could well be this pristine valley.
Palpa
Province: Lumbini
Distance from Kathmandu: 273.7 km
Accessibility:
By Road: 8 hours and 14 minutes
By Air: Land at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and drive 2 hours and 24 minutes to reach Palpa region
Attractions: Argeli Palace, Rambha Devi Temple, Ranighat Palace (Ranimahal), Rishikesh Complex, Tansen Bazzar, Bhairabsthan Temple (Tansen Bhairab), Shrinagar Hill, Tansen Durbar
Travel Season: Throughout the year
The region of Palpa has much to offer in multiple genres of tourism. The potential of this region as a religious site along with sightseeing and cultural tourism is strong. The central attraction of this place is the hill station of Tansen. In 2008 AD, UNESCO added this area to its tentative list for World Heritage in the cultural category.
The whole of Palpa has a strong note of Magar culture, but there is Newar influence in multiple locales. The souvenir of this region has always been Palpali Dhaka. It is a unique cloth produced by the local Newars. One of the most famous landmarks is the “Golghar”, an octagonal pavilion in the middle of Sitalpati, the main market square. Srinagar hill is a popular viewpoint that offers a beautiful panorama of the high Himalayas. Peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Himchuli and others are visible on a clear day.
The unique fusion of Palpa makes it a great destination. It offers something for all genre of travellers, which has always been its greatest strength. Exploring the core settlements of Tansen at times makes you feel like you are in Kathmandu due to the strong influence of Newar culture.