Gufapatal blossoms into Ilam’s new tourist hotspot
The tourist site, located in Suryodaya Municipality-4, has been attracting visitors from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
KATHMANDU: Gufapatal in Ilam has emerged as a vibrant new tourist destination as thousands of Angelia flowers bloom across the hilltop landscape during the spring season.
The tourist site, located in Suryodaya Municipality-4, has been attracting visitors from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan with its colourful flower gardens, panoramic mountain views, and peaceful natural surroundings.
Tourists are particularly drawn to the garden and recreational park built on seven ropanis of land, which also features a viewpoint tower offering breathtaking views of sunrise, sunset, and the Himalayan range. From the site, visitors can observe scenic areas of Ilam, Panchthar, Terhathum, Jhapa, as well as Darjeeling and Sikkim in India’s West Bengal state.
“Once all the flowers bloom together, the place looks like a beautifully decorated bride,” said Sharada Subedi, a visitor from Pokhara. “I felt like staying there longer. Tourists are truly fascinated, although some road improvements are still needed.”
Angelia is a species of rhododendron that blossoms during the spring season. Around 5,000 Angelia plants have been cultivated in the area, transforming Gufapatal into a colourful attraction during peak flowering time.
According to Bijay Lawati, secretary of the Gufapatal Tourism Committee, the site has been witnessing a growing influx of domestic and foreign tourists.
“Visitors come not only for photography and videography, but also to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, mountain scenery, and surrounding landscapes,” he said. “Many Nepali tourists also travel through India because it is easier for Indian-side visitors to reach the destination.”
The road leading to Gufapatal from the Nepali side remains partially unpaved, making travel somewhat difficult for visitors unfamiliar with hill driving.
About three kilometres of the road are still under construction, although stone soling has already been completed.
Travelers can reach the destination by leaving the Mechi Highway at Fikkal Chipitar and driving toward the Shree Antu road.
From Chhiruwa Chowk, the route continues north for around six kilometres to Gufapatal. Visitors can also travel through India via Pashupatinagar and Mechi Bazaar using blacktopped roads.
Ward Chairperson Saran Rai said that blacktopping work on 2.6 kilometres of the road has already been completed and the remaining section is under construction.
“There is nothing artificial here. Everything is natural,” Rai said. “The cool breeze, floral fragrance, and stunning views are attracting tourists. Infrastructure development is also progressing steadily.”
Gufapatal is located near the source of the Mechi River along the Nepal-India border. Locals have long performed religious rituals at the river’s origin and have been safeguarding the border area for generations, according to local representatives.
