KAVREPALANCHOK – A special promotional event titled “Suntala (Orange) Hiking” was successfully held today along the historic trekking corridor connecting Dhulikhel, NamoBuddha, Shankhu, and Balthali.
The initiative aimed to breathe new life into one of the region’s oldest and most scenic walking routes, blending outdoor adventure with agritourism.
Promoting Agro-tourism and Local Heritage
The hike was organized by the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Kavre Chapter, in collaboration with the Dhulikhel Municipality Tourism Council, Rotary Club of Dhulikhel, and the Nepal Young Entrepreneurs Forum (NYEF) Kavre Chapter.
The event was officially inaugurated at the sacred Namo Buddha shrine by Ashok Kumar Byanju Shrestha, Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality.
Mayor Shrestha emphasized that events like these are vital for promoting agricultural tourism and putting local produce—specifically the region’s famous oranges—on the international map.
Highlights of the Journey
Over 150 participants, including tourism professionals, local officials, international visitors, and media representatives, took part in the trek.
Cultural Welcome in Shankhu: Upon reaching Shankhu (Dhulikhel-12), hikers were greeted with traditional Newari music. Ward Chairman Mohan Prasad Lamichhane briefed the group on the history of orange farming in the area and the current ecological efforts to preserve the orchards.
The Balthali Crossing: After sampling fresh local oranges, the team crossed the Roshi River to reach Balthali in Panauti-11, where they were welcomed by Ward Chairman Bipendra Lama.
Conclusion: The event concluded in Balthali with a closing ceremony led by Deepak Kumar Gautam, Chief of the District Coordination Committee Kavrepalanchok.
“Kavre offers world-class destinations that are often overlooked,” stated Mr. Gautam. “This hike adds a fresh perspective to the well-known Dhulikhel-Namo Buddha circuit, helping us showcase our hidden gems to both domestic and foreign tourists.”
Beyond the Mountains
Prahlad Pyakurel, President of HAN Kavre Chapter, noted that the goal was to diversify the tourist experience. “While the Himalayan views are spectacular, we want to offer more. This route allows hikers to engage with local communities and experience the authentic flavors of Nepal’s countryside,” he said.
This event marks a significant revival for the route; a similar “Suntala Hike” was last organized in November 2010 by the Nepal Environment and Tourism Initiative Foundation (NETIF).
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