Myagdi, Mar. 25: The slopes of the Ghorepani Poon Hill area, a popular tourist destination in Annapurna Rural Municipality of Myagdi, are now adorned with blooming Laligurans (rhododendron).  As the Laliguras begin to embellish the slopes, the influx of both domestic and foreign tourists has surged, drawn by the enchanting beauty of the landscape.

Out of the 32 species of Laligurans found in Nepal, eight species are present in the area. During the spring season, the Poon Hill area becomes particularly enchanting with the vibrant red blooms of Laligurans decorating the landscape.

After being deserted for three months, this area has experienced a surge in tourist activity since the last week of February. Tourists have been flocking to the area, capturing photos and videos while enjoying the blooming Laligurans around Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

With the onset of the second tourist season, the number of tourists visiting the world-famous Annapurna region for trekking has begun to increase, said Captain Dam Bahadur Garbuja, a hotelier from Ghorepani.

He said, “As the tourist season kicks off, hotels in Ghorepani are quickly filling up. We are seeing between 100 to 150 foreign tourists arriving daily. The number of domestic tourists enjoying Laligurans is also on the rise. With this surge in tourist arrivals, hoteliers are feeling optimistic and excited.”

Amrit Pun, who oversees ticket management in Poon Hill, reported that 100 to 150 foreign tourists visit the area daily to witness the sunrise, admire the glaciers, and explore the Laligurans forest.

Bir Bahadur Giri, Chairman of Barekot Rural Municipality in Jajarkot District, visiting Ghorepani for the first time, shared his delightful experience of the area. He expressed, “I felt immense joy seeing the Laligurans blooming all over the hills. The stunning views of Laliguras forests and mountains brought me great happiness.”

A fine of up to Rs. 500 has been enforced for the picking of Laligurans flowers in the Ghorepani and Poon Hill areas. However, in the lower regions of Khibang, Ghaar, and Sikh, tourists are greeted with garlands crafted from Laliguras flowers.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill area offers an ideal setting for viewing mountains, mountain topography, sunrise, and Laligurans forests.

Situated at an altitude of 3,210 metres above sea level, Poon Hill is renowned as the premier tourist destination along the Annapurna Trail.

Visitors can behold more than a dozen snow-capped peaks and marvel at the breathtaking sunrise from Poon Hill.