Tourists increased in Barah Lake

KATHMANDU, Dec 24: After the activity of the rural municipality, the Barah Lake of Baglung, which has been overshadowed due to publicity and lack of infrastructure, has started to see an increase in the number of tourists.
 

Located in Tamankhola Rural Municipality-2 Muthachaur, this lake is full of high mountains, peaceful environment and natural beauty. The lake is located at the head of the Taman Khola at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level.

The Barah Lake area, which was worshiped by the villagers until a few years ago, has recently become a center of tourist attraction. Domestic tourists have increased after Tamankhola rural municipality increased publicity. Tamankhola Rural Municipality-2 has started protecting and promoting Barah Lake in Muthachaur.

This year, the Gandaki provincial government has allocated 80 lakh rupees and the Tamankhola rural municipality has allocated 8 lakh rupees for the protection and promotion of Barah Lake, which has religious significance, said Hirakumari Chantyal, the vice president of the rural municipality.

"Barah Lake is the best lake in the district, in the past it was deserted due to the lack of publicity and infrastructure", she said, "Now, after increasing the publicity of the rural municipality, domestic tourists have increased, and we expect more tourists from next year."

Local Dil Bahadur Chantyal said that the tourist activity has increased in Barahtal now. He said that after the rural municipality has increased infrastructure construction and promotion in this area, domestic tourists from different places of the district are coming to visit.

"Earlier there was not much activity in this area except during Vaishakhe Purnima, when Puja was held at the nearby Siddha Barah temple," he said. He said that after the construction of the road leading to the lake, it will be convenient for the locals of Muthachaur and tourists will increase. He said that a request has been made to the rural municipality for the construction of a road leading to the lake.

Chairman of Tamankhola Rural Municipality, Joklal Budha Magar, said that the budget allocated by the provincial government and the rural municipality will be used to build fences, footpaths, and motor transport to the lake. President Budha Magar informed that last year, the rural municipality reconstructed the Barah temple, built toilets and drinking water.

"During the previous term, we started building some infrastructures here", he said, "There is a campaign to make the lake a tourist center by creating the master plan of the municipality." The municipality has been doing promotional work to attract tourists to the lake.

President Budha Magar said that plans are being made to build infrastructure in this area to attract more tourists including 'picnic spots', gardens, etc., and said that many facilities will be prepared here this year.

He said that since Muthachaur is a suitable place to stay near the lake, there is also a plan to make 'home-stays' and small hotels for tourists for food, accommodation and rest. Budha Magar said that even though drinking water and toilets are being managed for the tourists coming here, there is a problem for lunch and food.

It is believed that worshiping at the Siddha Barah temple near the lake will fulfill one's wishes. Because of this, during Vaishakha Purnima, devotees come from different places of Baglung as well as from Gulmi, Pyuthan, Arghakhanchi to worship. Dozens of snow ranges such as Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and others can be seen from here.