Rest shelters ease trek to Buki Patan
These wooden-and-metal-roofed shelters not only provide relief to hikers but are also used for overnight stays, though warm clothing is necessary due to the cold mountain climate.
KATHMANDU: Until last year, there were no rest stops along the trekking trail leading to Buki Patan, forcing exhausted trekkers to rest by the trailside.
Now, that problem has been addressed with the construction of rest shelters at key points along the route.
Located about five hours uphill on foot from Dhorpatan Valley, the first stop on the way to Buki Patan is Garpacheda.
To make the journey easier, the Tourism and Industry Office Baglung has invested Rs 2 million to construct rest shelters at three locations — Chepta Dhunga, Dhunge Deurali, and Garpacheda.
These wooden-and-metal-roofed shelters not only provide relief to hikers but are also used for overnight stays, though warm clothing is necessary due to the cold mountain climate.
Buki Patan, which gained wide attention last year, now attracts more than 100 tourists daily from Dhorpatan Valley. Many trekkers previously found themselves stranded midway, especially if they started late in the day.
Jeevan Pun, Chairperson of the Dhorpatan Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Association, advised tourists not to begin the trek after 2:00 p.m.
“Since Buki Patan lies above 4,000 meters, altitude sickness is possible. Trekkers should be cautious, carry food, hot water, and medicines, and use the newly built rest shelters if needed,” he said.
Visitors have already begun to appreciate the facilities. Rupesh Waiba, a tourist from Kathmandu, said he rested for two hours at Dhunge Deurali before continuing to Garpacheda. “The shelters are a big relief in such remote areas. Staying here is even more comfortable than staying in cattle sheds, though having proper doors would make them better,” he remarked.
Similarly, David Gurung from Pokhara shared that his group of four trekkers had to spend the night at Chepta Dhunga’s rest shelter after starting the hike late. “We laid out our sleeping bags and stayed there comfortably,” he said.
With these additions, the once-challenging journey to Buki Patan has become much easier and safer for both domestic and international tourists.
