Nepal, Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Koshi Province are developing the Laligurans Trail Tourism Development Project as a new trekking network connecting rhododendron forests, Himalayan landscapes, lakes, rural settlements and local culture. The project covers 12 local government areas across the two districts and is designed to expand trail-based tourism in eastern Nepal. Online Khabar
The route brings together established natural attractions and communities across the eastern hills. Visitors can explore Tinjure, Milke and Jaljale, Gupha Pokhari, Basantapur and other locations while experiencing homestays, local food, traditional culture and mountain scenery.
Laligurans Trail Connects Eastern Nepal’s Tourism Assets
The project is being developed across Tehrathum and Sankhuwasabha, with the tourism network covering Laligurans, Myanglung, Phedap, Dharmadevi, Madi, Chainpur, Panchkhapan, Sabhapokhari, Makalu, Chichila, Khandbari and Silichong. Online Khabar
The wider trail-based tourism programme is a partnership involving the governments of Nepal and Switzerland, provincial authorities and local governments. The Laligurans route forms part of a broader initiative covering trail construction, restoration, destination branding, hospitality development and promotion of local culture and gastronomy. Helvetas Nepal Exam
For trekkers, the project creates opportunities to combine several destinations rather than treating individual villages or viewpoints as separate excursions.
Rhododendron Forests Become A Major Attraction
Nature is central to the Laligurans Trail experience. The region is known for extensive rhododendron forests, with 28 of Nepal’s approximately 32 rhododendron species reported in the area. Spring brings the forests into bloom, creating one of the trail network’s defining seasonal attractions. Rising Nepal
The Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale region has long been recognised for rhododendron viewing, particularly during April and May. Existing tourism planning for eastern Nepal identifies the forests as a key attraction for visitors seeking nature and trekking experiences. Ministry of Culture and Tourism
The landscape also includes cool streams, green hills and views towards some of Nepal’s major Himalayan ranges, including Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Everest. Rising Nepal
Lakes Waterfalls And Mountain Views Add Variety
The trekking experience extends beyond forests. Gupha Pokhari, Rat Pokhari, Dhan Pokhari and Khoping Pokhari are among the natural sites included along the route, while Hyatrung Waterfall adds another landscape feature for visitors exploring the region. Rising Nepal
The combination gives trekkers different experiences across the journey, from forest walking and lake visits to panoramic viewpoints and village routes.
Basantapur is particularly relevant as a gateway within the trail network. Laligurans Municipality describes the town as being at the junction of the Mid-Hill Highway and Koshi Highway and as an entry point towards Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung. Laligurans Mun Government
Homestays Bring Local Culture Into The Journey
The project also places communities directly within the tourism experience. Homestays are being promoted alongside local cuisine, traditional houses, indigenous arts and cultural activities, giving visitors opportunities to stay within rural communities rather than relying only on conventional accommodation. Online Khabar
Local food is another planned component. The tourism project includes promotion of regional gastronomy and efforts to strengthen hospitality standards, helping connect trekking routes with village businesses and locally produced products. Helvetas Nepal Exam
For travellers, this means a trekking itinerary can include overnight village stays, regional meals and cultural encounters alongside outdoor activities.
Trail Infrastructure Is Being Upgraded
The development programme includes physical improvements designed to make the route more usable for visitors. Current works include stone steps, dry-stone walls, retaining structures, drainage, rest areas, public toilets, drinking-water facilities and trail signage. Online Khabar
The project is also incorporating environmental considerations into trail development. Rhododendron, malingo bamboo and paryang plants are being planted along sections of the route, while conservation measures include protection of red panda habitat. Online Khabar
These measures connect visitor infrastructure with the ecological character of the eastern hills.
Adventure Tourism Adds Another Layer
The Laligurans project is also identifying opportunities for adventure activities beyond conventional trekking. Proposed areas for private-sector tourism investment include paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking and canoeing. Online Khabar
Not every activity is necessarily available across the entire route, but their inclusion in the development programme indicates an effort to broaden the tourism product around the trail.
Eastern Nepal Gains A Wider Trekking Route
The Laligurans Trail connects nature, culture and rural tourism across a substantial section of eastern Nepal. For visitors, the attraction lies in being able to combine rhododendron forests, Himalayan viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls, village stays, local cuisine and cultural experiences within one regional itinerary.
As trail restoration and visitor facilities continue, Tehrathum and Sankhuwasabha are gaining a more connected tourism network. The Laligurans route adds another option for travellers exploring Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes beyond the country’s best-known trekking corridors.
