Phalamedanda – A meeting point of nature and culture

MYAGDI: Phalamedanda, a hilltop spot situated along the Karbakeli trekking route, is developing into an attractive destination for nature and culture lovers.

The place is located on the border between Annapurna Rural Municipality-8 of Myagdi and Jaljala Rural Municipality-5 of Parbat district.

Local youth leader Purkha Purja said that Phalamedanda has become a place of choice for the domestic tourists. “Offering a blend of natural splendor and indigenous culture to the visitors at the highest place near the Beni Bazaar is the special feature of Phalamedanda,” he said.

According to Purja, holidayers and backpackers from Beni, Baglung and Kushma have been flocking to Phalamedanda. He said the road leading to this hill station situated at an altitude of 2,300 metres from the sea level is being upgraded and many community lodges are operation there.

There are high number of visitors at Phalamedanda on Saturday and other public holidays. Saturday is the weekly public holiday in Nepal. Tourists can also be seen here on other days as well.

The Karbakeli trekking route incorporates the touristic places, including Phalamedanda, of Myagdi and Parbat districts.

Phalamedanda is also an auxiliary tourism destination of the Annapurna Dhawalagiri Community Eco-Trek Route.

“One can get a mesmerizing view of the Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna range from Phalamedanda. It also offers eye-catching views of the Kaligandaki River and the rural settlements in Myagdi, Parbat and Baglungm besides the stunning view of the sunrise and sunset,” said Bimal Dhakal of Gyadi, Kushma, a backpacker.

The indigenous art and culture of the Magar community, local cuisine, warm hospitality and the rural way of life are the additional attractions of Phalamedanda.

The members of the Dhawalagiri Mothers Group welcome the visitors to Phalamedanda with the presentation of folk songs and dance.

The visitors are free to partake in the singing and dancing amidst the playing of the Panchai Baja, the traditional Nepali musical instruments.

Phalamedanda is two and half hours trek and one hour 20 minutes drive from Beni. A Guest House is also in operation there, providing accommodation to 20 persons. One can enjoy dishes comprising meat items of local chicken and goat, leafy vegetables, millet and buckwheat.

“We have expedited the infrastructure construction for development of tourism at Phalamedanda. The problem of food and accommodation has been solved with the construction of the Guest House and the dining hall.

This has also increased income and employment opportunities for the locals,” said Tilak GC, the Ward Chair of Jaljala Rural Municipality-5.

An owl festival was also organized here last year for tourism promotion. Vice-Chair of Jaljala Rural Municipality, Deepak Acharya said that the local government has emphasized on tourism promotion activities at Phalamedanda, Hampal, Bhume Thakur at Dhairing and Banau.

Similarly, it plans to develop Banskharka as the agro-tourism destination.