Muna Malika: Hidden tourist gem in Dhaulagiri seeks development & promotion

KATHMANDU: The Muna Malika area, located in Dhaulagiri Municipality-3, remains overlooked due to a lack of infrastructure development and promotion, despite its potential as a tourist destination.

At an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, the site offers stunning views of mountain ranges, sunrise, hilly landscapes, forest resources, and wildlife.

However, the lack of infrastructure and publicity has prevented the growth of tourism activities in the area, according to Devendra Roka, the ward chairperson of the municipality.

From this vantage point, visitors can observe the Putha, Gurja, Sisne, Dhaulagiri, Manapathi, Annapurna, and Nilgiri mountain ranges.

The views of villages in Magdi and Baglung, along with cloud formations and the interplay of hills, are also visible. The path from Muna to Malika Dhuri is home to the rare red panda (Hapre), a wildlife species residing in the area.

Muna Malika hosts a fair every year on Buddha Purnima. The region is home to temples dedicated to Jalika, Malika, and Kalika Devi, and it is believed that worshipping here on Buddha Purnima fulfills one’s wishes.

Devotees from Malika Rural Municipality and the residents of Dhawalagiri’s Muna come here for prayers. It is also said that earlier, religious fairs and competitions like the “Thelo Phalne” used to be organized here.

Furthermore, Muna serves as a key area for local farmers who graze their cattle and sheep.

Located five hours uphill from the center of Dhawalagiri, Malika Dhuri offers a picturesque yet remote experience. However, due to the lack of hotels and restaurants, visitors, tourists, and pilgrims are required to bring their own food and supplies.

Recently, both the local and provincial governments have started to show interest in developing the area.

A team comprising Dhaulagiri Municipality Chairperson Prem Prasad Pun, Vice-Chairperson Resham Pun Magar, Ward Chairperson Roka, local representatives, tourism workers, journalists, locals, and municipal staff recently visited Muna Malika to promote tourism in the region.

Additionally, the provincial government has allocated Rs 2 million for road construction this year, with another Rs 1.5 million from the municipality’s budget.

The local government believes this infrastructure development will significantly contribute to the area’s progress. Once the road is built, the journey to Muna Malika will be shortened to less than an hour, according to Ward Chairperson Roka.

The municipality has also indicated that a feasibility study is being conducted for a trekking route linking Muna Malika with the pilgrimage sites of Devistan, Takamkot, and Dhorpatan’s water bodies.

This initiative aims to shorten the travel time and enhance accessibility to the area.