By Badri Raj Timalsina
KAVREPALANCHOWK – In a significant move to bridge agriculture with tourism, the historic ‘Orange Hiking’ event is set to make a comeback in Kavrepalanchowk after a 15-year hiatus. The revival is being launched as a promotional and pilot phase to reinvigorate the local economy.
The event is organized by the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Kavre Chapter, with special support from the Dhulikhel Municipality Tourism Council. Partnering in the initiative are the Nepal Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum (NYEF) Kavre Chapter and the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel.
A Decade and a Half of Anticipation
The hiking program, once immensely popular, was suspended due to various reasons. It was last held on November 27, 2010, organized by the Nepal Environment and Tourism Initiative Foundation (NETIF) with support from the Nepal Tourism Board. Since then, enthusiasts and locals had frequently expressed regret over the discontinuation of the Namobuddha–Balthali ‘Orange Hiking’ circuit.
Following the recent convention of HAN Kavre—held after a five-year gap—the new executive committee, led by Pralhad Pyakurel, Managing Director of Hotel Sarathi Ltd., prioritized the revival of this package to coincide with the orange harvesting season.
“We have breathed new life into a project that was grandly successful 15 years ago,” said Pyakurel. “This will not only boost Kavre’s tourism but also provide a major impetus to local orange farming and promote agro-tourism.”
Route and Key Attractions
The trail primarily connects the religious landmark of Namobuddha to the scenic village of Balthali. Hikers will traverse through lush orchards laden with golden oranges, where they can enjoy fresh fruit directly from the trees.
Key highlights of the trek include:
The spiritual ambiance of Namobuddha and the natural serenity of Balthali.
A visit to Ladkeshwor Mahadev, home to the world’s tallest Trishul (trident).
Observation of ongoing religious and cultural tourism developments along the route.
The upcoming hike, scheduled for Christmas Day, expects around 100 participants, including tourism entrepreneurs, industrialists, local representatives, media personnel, content creators, and security officials.
Vision for the Future
HAN Kavre aims to scale this initiative significantly. “Based on the feedback from this promotional hike, we plan to launch a month-long travel package during the orange season (November-December) starting next year,” Pyakurel explained. “We intend to offer special tariffs at hotels and resorts and aim to attract at least 1,000 tourists annually for this specific experience.”
Currently, Kavre boasts 32 standardized hotels and resorts affiliated with HAN, alongside approximately 150 smaller establishments.
Pyakurel, who previously worked with the District Development Committee to establish tourism profiles and information centers, believes the region must offer more than just mountain views.
“We cannot rely solely on the Himalayas to attract tourists. We must diversify through local festivals, food fairs, and adventure sports,” he stated. Beyond the established hubs of Dhulikhel, Panauti, and Nagarkot, HAN Kavre is exploring the potential of:
Bethanchowk’s Narayansthan and Tintale Waterfall.
The Mahabharat Trekking Trail.
The waterfalls of Roshi, Bhimsensthan in Bhumlu, and Palanchowk in Panchkhal.
Infrastructure and Security
Infrastructure upgrades are already underway. The stretch from Pipalbot Chautara to Kavre Bhanjyang has been dubbed the “Resort Route,” with new footpaths, street lighting, and greenery projects. The Bagmati Provincial Government has allocated 5.5 million NPR for blacktopping and landslide management in the area.
Furthermore, HAN Kavre is coordinating with the Sindhupalchowk chapter to create integrated packages for adventure sports like bungee jumping and rafting. To ensure visitor safety and convenience, efforts are also being made to establish a dedicated Tourist Police unit and a permanent Tourist Information Center in Dhulikhel.
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