Sudurpaschim province offers diverse experiences for domestic and international tourists seeking destinations during the upcoming Dashain holidays, which run from Ghatasthapana on October 11 to Kojagrat Purnima on October 25, 2026.
The province, known for its mix of mountains, hills, forests, lakes, wildlife, religious sites, and distinctive local cultures, offers a variety of attractions. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) lists Khaptad, Shuklaphanta National Park, Badimalika, Api-Nampa Conservation Area, Ghodaghodi Lake, and Ramaroshan as major natural and religious destinations.
High-altitude spiritual and natural sites
Khaptad, situated at elevations between 1,400 and 3,300 metres above sea level, is a prime destination for its natural, religious, and spiritual appeal. The Khaptad National Park, established in 1984, spans 225 square kilometres with a 216 square kilometre buffer zone. It is home to around 270 species of birds and 224 species of medicinal plants, according to the Khaptad Area Tourism Development and Management Committee. Attractions include Khaptad Lake, Triveni, Sahasralinga, and Khaptad Baba’s Ashram, where Khaptad Baba meditated for over five decades. Activities here include hiking, nature observation, birdwatching, and spiritual tourism. The Khaptad Lake-Triveni area has also been proposed for inclusion in the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance.
For those seeking lakes and open mountain landscapes, Ramaroshan in Achham offers five traditional areas with lakes, green meadows, and surrounding hills. The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) is involved in biodiversity conservation and nature tourism projects in the Ramaroshan-Badimalika area, promoting local community participation. Visitors can enjoy walks around the lakes, hiking, nature and bird observation, and cultural experiences.
Badimalika Temple, a significant religious site, saw its renovation completed by the Nepali Army in 2025 at a cost of approximately Rs 20 million.
Lowland wildlife and cultural experiences
Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur provides a different nature experience, particularly known for its vast grasslands and swamp deer. A 2022 census recorded 2,312 swamp deer in the park. The park is also home to 44 Bengal tigers and 23 one-horned rhinoceros, according to the latest count. Other wildlife includes wild elephants, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, leopards, and mugger crocodiles, with over 350 bird species recorded. October to March is considered an appropriate season for visiting Shuklaphanta, making Dashain an ideal time for jungle safaris and wildlife observation. The park was first established as a hunting reserve in 2026 BS, declared a wildlife reserve in 2032 BS, and upgraded to a national park on Falgun 9, 2073 BS.
The Ghodaghodi Lake area in Kailali, an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland site, combines nature with local culture. Visitors can explore the lake, surrounding wetlands, and forests, observing birds and other natural features. The area also offers opportunities to experience Tharu villages and culture, making it suitable for shorter, relaxed family trips.
Dadeldhura, with its cool hill weather, expansive views, historic forts like Amargadhi Fort and Ajayamerukot, temples such as Ugratara Temple, and lakes, offers a blend of religious, historical, and hill tourism.
Tourism development and challenges
The Sudurpaschim provincial government has allocated Rs 60 million for tourism promotion in the current fiscal year 2080/81. Out of 47 identified tourist sites, five—Khaptad, Badimalika, Api Himal, Godawari Dham, and Shivapuri Dham—have been prioritised for infrastructure development. Projects include a 4.5-kilometre trail in Khaptad (Rs 10 million), temple railing and trail in Badimalika (Rs 6 million), a tourist building in Api (Rs 4 million), a Ramjanaki temple in Godawari Dham (Rs 3 million), and trace construction in Shivapuri Dham (Rs 3 million).
Despite these efforts, tourism entrepreneurs have expressed concerns that the allocated budget is insufficient for 47 identified sites. Additionally, the province faces a shortage of operational tourist information centres, with the centre in Gaddachauki, Kanchanpur, inactive and another in Chisapani yet to become operational. The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Sudurpaschim Province has also noted delays in establishing and staffing the Nepal Tourism Board’s provincial office, despite its inclusion in the current fiscal year 2082/83 policy and budget.
