Rup Narayan Dhakal

Sarangkot (Kaski), January 4

Shikhar Tented Camp has started a camping service with seven tents in Torapani of Sarangkot VDC from the New Year. The two-and-a-half ropani land in Sarangkot-5 is barred with bamboos and barbwires to develop this place as a camping spot, which has already cost Rs 70,000.

Sanjeev Thapa, managing director of Shikhar Tented Camp, said that the fees per person for foreigners would be $40 and Rs 800-1200 for Nepali. The camp would also introduce a two-day package with Kshayapi culture road trek, dinner, breakfast, porter and guide.

Thapa further added that the trek would be challenging as well as adventurous for those who wish to stay overnight in the village.

'One can view Fewa Lake, Kaskikot and Sarangkot villages from the camping spot,' he said.

The camping spot has been developed in order to make both local and foreigners familiar with the lifestyle of a Nepali village. This would also enable the villagers to keep their places clean and make them aware of tourism.

'Tourists do not take interest in camping around the lakeside since they are located in the market place and are not properly managed. They are more inclined towards camping in rural areas like Panchase, Dhumpus and Thulakot,' said Dambar Bahadur KC, president of Pokhara Tourism Board.

The spot intends to prioritise local food products, create awareness among people, provide employment to locals and promote local handicrafts.

The camping spot is around a half an hour uphill from the gravelled road. Another half an hour uphill leads to the sunset point in Bahakot.