The Lost Balcony delivering on The Himalayas
Shailung is a beautiful remote mountain rural municipality in the Center of Nepal. Hardly ever visited by foreign tourists, and still unknown from most inside travelers. The Valley hides the richest and most colorful cultural aspects Nepal has to offer.
After a day of Jeep, a day of Hicking, and a beautiful sunrise on the Himalayan chain, we were invited in one of its villages as a “Guest of Honour” during their New Years celebration. A magical experience we will forever carry. And a perfect illustration of the human treasures these mountains protect.
In only 48 hours, you as well, you can live inside one of the countries most beautiful paintings!
By reading this article, you will have an overview of the experience that awaits those ready to explore this region… And admire a few pictures brought back only for your eyes.
We hope this will inspire some of our readers to be the next one(s). And help the local heritage to be maintained.
Which way you’ll have to take to live this unique experience?
With exactly 128.67 kilometers square of land, it is easy to get lost in Shailung! But first, you have to arrive there.
Leaving Kathmandu, follow the Aranikho highway towards Dohlaka.
On the way, don’t hesitate to stop in the local villages to drink tasty organic coffee and tea. Especially if you need something to keep you up during the morning drive. As for passengers, don’t miss the opportunity of a car ride through the Bagmati Central Region countryside, where there is always a theatrical scene of Nepal being played.
At 900 meters above the sea level, the lowest Rural municipality you’ll encounter is Chanrnawat Dham. Then, you will have to follow the mountains earth roads in order to appreciate the highest point a view, in Shailung and it’s surroundings.
In Shailung itself, you will easily find Guesthouses where for a reasonable price you will have a nice bed, hot water, and delicious local food such as Dhido. A chance to take rest after this long 5 or 6-hour journey, and be ready for your next day of exploration.
Maybe a drink of Tongba, traditional drink alcoholic beverage of the Lumba culture, will help socialize with the locals before having a good night of sleep.
Sun Rise on the Himalaya, A Glimpse of Paradise.
Wake Up at 5 o’clock a.m, put on some warm clothing, find a local who knows the way, and please go see that amazing morning light the sunrise offers while reaching the mountain tops.
After a bumpy Jeep ride, an hour or two of walking, you will be able to witness the rooftop of our world, as the sun brushes the summits with a dark amber blaze. A unique scenery, not a many can brag to have lived.
Once on top of the mountain, you will be at an altitude of 3145 meters. Above the lowest clouds, floating in a Nepali dream formed by a rich biodiversity, green layouts, and challenging rock paths to follow.
A Sacred Place
Continue your journey towards the highest summit of “the Mountain with a hundred hills”. You will find a view tower and Religious Architecture, hard to miss.
The faithful can pray and meditate while listening to the wind sing its eternal song.
Shailung, is one of the most important religious and historical areas of the Dolakha District. People practice Buddhism, Hindu, and Bon. It is told (but not confirmed) that Buddha Sanghe Mhamorche shared is knowledge in these mountains after meditating in its fresh embrace. Thus, the first name carried by the municipality “Sangelung” Gods whispers.
The adventurous and curious can explore the numerous stone formations hidden between the 100 hills, take pictures facing the great emptiness of the sky, reaching the Himalayan mountain wall, under the multicolored banners. Those who like a bit more action can play in the fresh crispy snow!
Then go visits the cultural magic of Its valleys.
Mountains are not the only thing Shailung municipality has to offer…
We were lucky to be Guests of Honour during the New Years celebration of a small village. Dances were organized, politics talked, food and drinks were served. These people know how to offer hospitality. Their warm welcome is a blessing. Beautiful smiles are shared, while memories are forever saved.
This Year, the village was celebrating the New Year of the Pig. A moment enjoyed by every age group of the valley.
Local Political figures attended the ceremony, in order to share their visions and ideas regarding the future of the district. Tourism playing a great part in it.
Traditional music was played, followed by the villager’s voices and cheers! This man is playing local melodies with his Damphu Drum.
They are 10 thousand women in the rural municipality (more than 50% of the population). They make the most of the occasion by putting out their most beautiful flashy floral dresses, and shiny jewelry.
A Growing Region
In Shailung, around 90% of the families depend on agricultural activities. The breed of Yaks and sheep are the most popular on hillsides. Consequently, selling dairy products is the first source of income in this area.
The Government recently announced that main roads joining the important villages are soon to be black-topped, even if no official date has been released for the project. This will make connections and visit easier in the future.
As for education, the rural district can count 39 schools, but only one High School.
Also, it is important to note there are 6 health points and one police station. Safety and security are assured on a small scale.
Politicians are very positive regarding their future development projects, but proofs of advancement are still needed to be shown. Tourism is an economical key that can profit to everyone and would push forward the progress.
You have enjoyed this Article? You want to see or learn more about Shailung? Go and visit Nepal Tribune Media’s video pages on Youtube and on the internet. You will find amazing videos with explanations and interviews! On www.ntmdigitaltv.com
