Barahatal, a scenic lake located in Bhakunde near Baglung Bazaar/RSS

BAGLUNG: Barahatal, a scenic lake located in Bhakunde near Baglung Bazaar, is fast becoming a favored destination for domestic tourists.

Nestled amid lush green farmlands, the tranquil setting is drawing increasing footfall, particularly from young visitors.

Bhakunde, often referred to as a tourist village in Baglung, has earned recognition for its homestays offering organic local cuisine. Located in Ward No. 10 of Baglung Municipality, Barahatal can be reached via a one-hour hike from Baglung Bazaar. The area has undergone significant transformation with the development of tourism infrastructure.

Local resident Som Bahadur Thapa Magar said Barahatal has become more attractive following the construction of retaining walls, protective fencing, and a footpath with railings around the lake.

“Tourist flow here remains steady year-round, but the lake becomes especially beautiful during the rainy season,” he said. “The reflection of Dhaulagiri Himal on the water and the panoramic view of Baglung Bazaar add to its charm.”

According to Thapa Magar, improvements were made with a total investment of around Rs 5 million, funded jointly by the former District Development Committee (now under the Federal Ministry of Tourism), the Provincial Ministry, and Baglung Municipality.

While tourist numbers dip slightly during the monsoon, the area sees a surge in visitors on holidays. “Domestic tourists, especially from nearby districts, come here to escape the heat and avoid the crowds of larger tourist markets,” Thapa said. “Now that the lake is well-organized and clean, it looks far more appealing compared to when it was overgrown with grass.”

Barahatal holds not only natural beauty but also historical and religious significance. A major fair is organized on the occasion of Baikuntha Purnima. Nar Bahadur Thapa, a Constituent Assembly member and local leader, shared that a traditional ram sacrifice takes place on the full moon days of Asoj and Jestha.

“It is believed that prayers offered at the Barahatal temple—located near the lake—fulfill one’s wishes,” he said. “The site is ideal for both nature lovers and those with religious beliefs.”

Thapa also mentioned that over Rs 5 million has been invested in lake-area infrastructure to support local income through tourism. Spanning 2,826 square meters and situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, Barahatal is part of a broader tourist circuit that includes Bhakunde’s view tower and Bhairavathan in Balewa.

Renovation of the Barahatal temple, lake expansion, fencing, and wall construction are now complete. Additionally, the access road from Baglung Bazaar via Titiang is under upgrade, which is expected to further increase tourist arrivals.

Bhakunde, home to Baglung’s first homestay established in 2068 BS, continues to be a pioneer in community-based tourism. Yam Thapa, a local homestay owner, said that visitors often hike to Mulabari for sunrise and sunset views, snowcapped mountain panoramas, and stop at Barahatal along the way.

“Since it’s the closest natural getaway from Baglung Bazaar, the number of domestic visitors remains high,” he said, noting that the actual depth of the lake remains unknown.

Data from the BdP, shows that, compared to May 2024, tourism revenue—which is measured by spending by foreign tourists in Portugal—grew by 149.84 million euros.

Compared to the previous month of April, which included Easter celebrations, the increase in tourism revenue was even more significant, reaching 15.5%, representing an increase of 348.57 million euros.

Similar to tourism revenue, tourism imports – which are measured by Portuguese tourists’ spending abroad – also increased by 4.8%, reaching €629.33 million, representing a €29 million increase compared to tourism imports in May 2024.

Compared to April, when tourism imports totalled €633.73 million, there was a decrease in Portuguese travel abroad, with a contraction of €4.4 million or 0.7%. This indicates that the Portuguese travelled more abroad in April, likely due to the Easter holidays.

BdP data also shows that, in May, the Travel and Tourism balance was €1,972.29 million, representing a 6.5% increase compared to May 2024, with this indicator increasing by €120.84 million.

However, compared to April, the Travel and Tourism balance grew by 21.8%, representing an increase of €352.97 million compared to the €1,619.32 million recorded in April.

The accumulated total through May is already close to €10 million.

Data from the BdP also indicates that, through May, tourism revenue has already reached €9,843.92 million, representing an increase of 5.6%, or €524.43 million, compared to the €9,319.49 million recorded through May 2024.

Regarding tourism imports, which totaled €2,271.99 million through May, there was a 4.4% increase, with this indicator increasing €95.47 million compared to the €2,176.52 million.

The balance reached €7,554.44 million, an increase of 5.6%, or €402.47 million, compared to the €7,151.97 million recorded between January and May 2024.