Khotang, Dec. 29: Rupakot, a naturally scenic and culturally significant destination in Khotang district, remains largely unexplored despite its immense tourism potential. The lack of promotion and proper management has kept this picturesque location from gaining wider recognition among domestic and international tourists.
Situated atop a hill near the district headquarters of Diktel, Rupakot offers spectacular panoramic views. On clear days, visitors can witness breathtaking sights of Mount Everest along with other prominent Himalayan peaks such as Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam. The area also provides views of Salpa Silichung, the final destination of the internationally recognised Mundhum Trail.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Rupakot is rich in natural biodiversity. The region features expansive grasslands and dense forests suitable for both short and long trekking routes. According to environmentalist Surya Rai, the area is home to various medicinal plants, endangered wildlife, and a wide range of bird species, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. To enhance awareness, community forests have installed nameplates on trees along hiking trails to help visitors identify different species.
Rupakot lies at an elevation of about 2,600 meters and is located just a short walking distance from the Mid-Hill Highway. It can be accessed on foot from nearby settlements such as Mude and Hurlung, which are connected to the highway.
In an effort to promote tourism, a view tower was constructed in Rupakot a few years ago. However, due to insufficient maintenance and limited publicity, the site has not attracted a steady flow of tourists. Local resident Furlamu Sherpa of Mude shared that while staff and students occasionally visit the area for picnics on Saturdays and public holidays, most visitors prefer stopping at Bhulke because Rupakot lacks basic facilities such as drinking water.
The area also holds deep religious and cultural importance. According to local beliefs, Rupakot was once home to powerful lamas and yogis. A stone cave known as Jogi Kuti still stands as evidence of their presence and has been preserved by Buddhist followers. Even today, yogis and spiritual seekers visit the cave for meditation. Locals believe that meditation at the site can grant spiritual strength, particularly to traditional healers such as Dhami and Jhakri.
Another culturally important site is Shiddhathan, a sacred place for the Rai community where regular rituals and prayers are performed.
Educational activist Surya Rai, who has been involved in promoting tourism in the area, emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, including water facilities and shelters for visitors. He also suggested integrating Rupakot into a broader tourism network by linking it with Halesi and the Mundhum Trail.
According to Rai, connecting the route from Halesi to Rupakot and further to the Mundhum Trail could create a unique cultural and spiritual tourism circuit. However, he stressed that effective management, infrastructure development, and strong promotional efforts are essential for Rupakot to emerge as a popular tourist destination.
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