Khaptad waits for essential infrastructure for tourists

Dhangadi / June 19: The travellers to Khaptad, a tourist destination donning the nickname of ‘Heaven on Earth’, have complained of the lack of essential facilities related to food and accommodation.

Former Chief Secretary, Lilamani Poudel, at an interaction held on Saturday by Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATAA), shared that during his visit he found out that travellers to Khaptad were faced with problems of food, accommodation, road and transportation, security and communication.

“It will not do by just building Pati-Pauwa (a traditional resting place),” Poudel said, adding further, “We must work to construct necessary infrastructure.”

Speakers at the programme said foreign tourists were unable to head to Khaptad due to lack of infrastructure although domestic tourists continued to visit the area on sentimental ground.

The government has formed Khaptad Tourism Development Committee, but it has not been working effectively, according to the local tourism entrepreneurs.

Khaptad, which borders Doti, Bajhang, Bajura and Achham districts, annually holds a carnival on auspicious occasion of Ganga Dashara. RSS