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A growing number of domestic and international tourists are urging the development of essential infrastructure to enhance access to Shey Phoksundo Lake. They argue that constructing the necessary facilities from Suligad, near the Dolpa district's headquarters, to the lake could significantly boost tourism prospects in the area.
Currently, visitors to the lake navigate through Jajarkot district headquarters and the Mid-Hill Highway, spending a night in Dolpa's district headquarters before reaching the lake. Crossing the Suligad River requires traversing a dozen decrepit wooden bridges, putting lives at risk, according to Ram Prasad Khatri of Nalgad Municipality-8. One can reach Dunai in Dolpa by means of transport, and from Suligad, the lake can be reached on foot within two days. Stakeholders believe that constructing a concrete bridge over the Suligad River and establishing a reliable trekking route would make it more feasible for both domestic and foreign tourists to access the lake.
Sitting at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, Shey Phoksundo Lake spans an area of 4.94 square kilometers near Rigmo village in Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality-8. While it is said to have a depth of 145 meters, local accounts claim it is as deep as 650 meters. The lake, known for changing color with the weather and resembling the shape of the letter Y, is also noted for its striking resemblance to a human lung.
Visitors are encouraged to use the footpath leading to Shey Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Phoksundo Waterfall, and Upper Dolpa Suligad. Various areas along this route have been given local names, such as Kathepul, Thoso, Lapku, and Sankul.
Although suspension bridges have been constructed over many rivers in Dolpa, the route from Suligad to Phoksundo still relies on traditional wooden bridges. Nima Lama, the ward chair of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, believes that, as the area serves as a trekking route, preserving these wooden bridges should be a priority to attract tourists.
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