5 Best Place to Visit in Rukum District

Rukum District is located at the northernmost part of the Rapti Zone at the basin of Bheri River. Rukum district covers the area of 2,877 kilometer square with Musikot as the district’s headquarter. Most of this district is drained by west-flowing tributaries like Uttar Ganga draining Dhorpatan Valley to the north side, Sani Bheri to southern slopes of the western Dhaulagiri Himalayas. The elevation ranges from 800 meters low along the Bheri and 6000 meters high in Dhaulagiri with climate ranges from sub-tropical to perpetual snow and ice.

Rukum district is rich in unexplored attractions including Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinesis), caravan trails, historical sites, and loaded biodiversity. It is also said that the Rukum district is the district of 52 lakes and 53 hills.

How To Reach There

By Land

Rukum is easily connected through road and there are several local buses and hired vehicle which will take you to Rukum. You will find a local bus from Gongabu Bus Park which will take you to Chanute. From there you have to change vehicle to go Rangsi and upper part of Rukum. To go to Chanauta takes about 8 hours from Gongabu Bus Park and it is about 328 km far. The bus fare of one way to Chanauta is about Rs. 800 to 1000 per person.

By Air

From flight, there is two way to travel Rukum. The first route is from Kathmandu to Nepaljung flight and then drive to Rukum. Flight from Kathmandu to Rukum takes about 50 minutes which costs you USD 80 to USD 160. The cost differs according to seasons and festivals so there is no actual price. From Nepalgunj, you can find local vehicles or hire some to go to Rukum. It takes 4 to 6 hours according to your last destination.

The second route is Kathmandu to Surkhet flight and drives to Rukum. Flight from Kathmandu takes about 1 hour with a price range of USD 100 to USD 300. From Surkhet you can catch the local vehicle or hire and head towards Rukum. It takes about 3 to 5 hours according to your last point.

Best Time to Visit There

Rukum is a valley bounded with beautiful hills and biodiversity. Many parts of Rukum valley is covered with hills and high altitude lands. So, please avoid monsoon season and winter season as these seasons may not be favorable for you. You can get the best experience between October to November and June to August.

Best Destination in Rukum District

1. Rukmini Lake

Rukmini Lake is also called Kamal Daha which is a popular lake in the whole Rukum District. This lake is surrounded by green and beautiful hills which look amazing. During the spring season, this lake will be more beautiful with attractive lotus flowers. Many domestic tourists are attracted by the beauty of this lake.

2. Deurali Cave

Deurali cave lies in the eastern part of Rukumkot which is another famous destination in this district. This cave lies on the bank of the Rumgad River. Till now there is no motorable road so we have to hike from the town. During the walk, we also see many attractive ponds and dense forests which makes us forget the tiredness.

3. Shibalaya

Shibalaya temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and also the famed Hindu Temple of Rukum. This temple is the oldest in this district which is made during the Rana Regime. This is only a monument that is old in the mid-western region constructed by Ranas. This Hindu temple is on the northern shore of Rukmini Lake. The main shrine in this temple is the lingam of Shiva. Many devotees come here during Shivaratri, Teej, and Chaturdashi to worship Lord Shiva.

4. Syarpu Lake

Syarpu lake is located in Baphikot VDC and it is another beautiful tourist place in Rukum. Syarpu Lake is 35 KM far from Musikot Airport of Rukum. This triangular-shaped lake covers an area of about 2.6 sq. km. This lake is also rich in varieties of aquatic species.

5. Guerilla Trek

Explore remote woodland and the nomadic village of the mid-hills of Nepal. This trek offers you the attack and escape during ear and visit historic war centers of Maoist Guerrillas. This trail is also decorated with dense forest and beautiful rhododendron forests.

Guerilla trek also provides you a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. You will get the experience of the Jersey culture. You will also get a chance to see the culture dance performing Danphe and Peacock dance.