|
With the globalization of the village tourism,
many countries, including Nepal, have been promoting beautiful
villages as destinations for village tourism. Throughout the
world, village tourism has been identified as an important tool
to alleviate poverty in rural areas. In Nepal too, many villages
has been identified as destination for village tourism. Visitors
visiting the area not only consume the locally grown products
but also buy local handicrafts as souvenirs. This provides
villagers with alternative source of income apart from the
traditional farming, which will in turn help alleviate poverty
thereby lifting the living standards of the locals. |
|
Siurung
Trekking in Nepal’s terrains are not the way to observed
mountain views and sceneries only but visitors can also learn
about the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the local
community too. There are numerous others route that have
potentials but they are yet to be explored well. One among them
is trekking to Siurung of Lamjung district on the west Nepal.
Very rich in natural resources, Siurung is one of the ideal
destinations for mountain viewing. From Siurung one can enjoy
the view of almost all peaks of the magnificent Annapurna and
Manaslu ranges. The pioneer destinations in village tourism, the
Siurung Village is also developing itself as a destination for
village tourism.
Visitors come to the village, sit in their homes as paying
guests and consume the locally grown products. By this, they
also happen to experience the daily activities of the locals and
also know about their culture and tradition.
Siurung Village can be reached after a trek of about six or
seven hours from Khudi Bazaar of Lamjung district. A bus ride
from Kathmandu will take us to Khudi. It is advised that you
spend your night here before heading towards Siurung. Khudi is a
beautiful village and various hotels and lodges are established
in Khudi these days to serve visitors. After spending one night
in Khudi, trekking to Siurung begins. The trekking route is not
so difficult and during trekking one will be enthralled by
chirping of birds and the cries of wild animals. In the route,
the Gurung people will greet the visitors in their own
traditional way. In addition, visitors will experience the
lifestyle of the inhabitants of the area.
Siurung is very beautiful and it is not less in beauty and
attractions as compared with other tourist destinations. Apart
from these one can enjoy the unobstructed views of mountain
peaks of the Annapurna range from Siurung village. Similarly the
clustered houses in the Gurung village are another attraction is
Siurung. Above of them all is the simplicity and hospitability
of the local people who treat visitors like their own family
members. Similarly, the White Mountains, beautiful falls and
inclined terraces are other attractions in the trekking route.
Bridim
One among such is the beautiful Bridim village, lying in the
Rasuwa district. Bridim is a beautiful village mostly inhabited
by the Tamangs. The village is very rich in terms of natural and
cultural heritage. Bridim village has been identified by Tourism
for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program (TRPAP) as one of its
pilot tourism destinations and is promoting the village and
developing infrastructures accordingly. Because of its cultural
resemblance with the locals of Tibet, this village has been
often termed as Mini Tibet.
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Mt. Langtang, Bridim village
is very rich in its culture, tradition and lifestyle. The
cultural, tradition and lifestyle of the locals of Bridim
resemble with that of Tibet. No hotels and lodges as such are
available in Bridim village. While in Bridim, visitors will have
to stay in the home of locals as home stay. During their home
stay, visitors can have the insights of the rural community and
enjoy their warm hospitality. Visitors have been staying in 19
of the 42 houses of the villages as paying guest.
Bridim village can be reached after a trek of three hours from
Syafrubensi, the nearest motorable village. A bus ride from
Kathmandu will bring the visitors to Syafrubensi via Trishuli.
On reaching the Bridim village, visitors will be accorded warm
welcome in traditional way. While their stay in Bridim, visitors
would be able to experience the Tamang cultural attractions like
Khamb, Tabu and Yal dances. Similarly, visitors would be treated
with special tea (made using salt and butter), Tibetan bread,
apple wine, Bridim Raksi (locally brewed hard drink) and other
ethnic cuisines.
While in Bridim, visitors can visit many centuries old
monasteries and learn about Buddhism. They can also get an
insight of the daily activities and lifestyle of the people
residing in high altitudes. The mountain views that can be
enjoyed from Bridim village are very magnificent. One can enjoy
the view of mountains like Ganesh Himal, the Langtang range,
Sangzen, Kerung and others.
The forefathers of the locals of Bridim are believed to have
migrated from Lhasa centuries ago. According to the elders,
their forefathers had come with bull and yaks. In Tibetan, bulls
and yaks were called Lango and Bhrim respectively. Then, Bridim
was called by the name Bhrim Thim. Later on, that Bhrim Thim
changed into Bridim.
|
