Sankhuwasabha: More than a hiking trail

Located in the Koshi zone, Sankhuwasabha used to be one of the biggest tourist destinations of eastern Nepal. It was widely popular for its natural hiking trails. People from all around the world used to visit Sankhuwasabha by hiking. But tourist flow was highly affected when a highway was built around 5 years ago as people no longer see it as a place to hike to. 

Tenzin Doma Sherpa, spokesperson of Yak Hotel, Sankhuwasabha says, "Before the highway was built, this place used to be packed with tourists. People no longer see Sankhuwasabha as an option for hiking". "Local tourists can be seen here and there but I rarely see foreigners anymore", she adds.

It is not like one can no longer hike to Sankhuwasabha now that there is a highway. Hiking is very much possible along with other activities to do at Sankhuwasabha. "We were pretty popular for hiking. People do not realise that there are other activities to do here too", Sherpa says. "It is important for other places of Sankhuwasabha to be promoted to keep tourism alive. People who depend on tourists for their income are having a difficult time", she adds.

Here are some things to do at Sankhuwasabha:

Shivadhara: Shivadhara is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of Sankhuwasabha. A big fair is held there on the full moon night of August every year. there. Many pilgrims from all over the world visit this sacred site to take a sacred bath.

Chhyankuti: Located on the way to Mt. Makalu Base Camp, Chhyankuti, is one of the most beautiful sites near Khandbari bazar. One can observe the snow capped Mt. Makalu and the other Himalayan Peaks, green forests of the Arun Valley and beautiful scenes of the Arun River. One can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the neighboring Bhojapur district.

Gupha Pokhari: Gupha Pokhari is a tranquil lake and faces the Kanchenjunga range on the east, and Makalu and Khumbu Himal (range) on the west. The creek of Milke Danda is a short walk from the lake. Walking forward towards the north takes you to Jaljale Himal, a remote region of lake dispersion with Tibetan mountains.

Milke Danda: Milke Danda (2,905 m), is a hill which lies on the way to Taplejung and is popular for its rhododendron trees. A majestic view of the mountains of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna can be observed from this hill when the weather is right. The sunrise and sunset sceneries from Milke Danda are magnificent.