With its growing natural beauty, Magar settlements have been adding vibrancy to the region’s culture, historical sites, and adventure travel destinations. Rukum Purba is now emerging on the new tourism map by incorporating all these features.
Its Himalayan and hilly geography, religious and cultural diversity, history of the People’s War, adventure sports, and community-based hospitality have attracted both domestic and international tourists to Rukum Purba in recent years.
Sisne and Putha mountains have become appealing new destinations for trekking enthusiasts—especially those seeking natural scenery, Himalayan lifestyles, and an immersive experience of Magar culture.
Maitya Gharti, a tourism entrepreneur and senior journalist from Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality, said, “While trekking around Sisne, Putha, Uttarganga, and Bhume rural municipalities, one can experience the mountain scenery, rural lifestyle, and traditional culture all at once. This shows great potential for tourism development here.”
Magar settlements such as Taksera, Kankri, Lukum, Dading, and Mahat in Rukum Purba hold immense potential for cultural tourism. Traditional dances like Bhume, Dhange, and Jhankri, as well as local fairs and the daily life of the Magar community, offer tourists a unique and enriching experience.
Renu Yadav, a tourist from Kathmandu who recently visited Rukum Purba, said, “The language, customs, culture, and hospitality of the people here touched me in a way I had never imagined.”
Tourist activity is increasing in various locations, including the living museum in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality; Kol Basti, Pupal, and Maukot Basti; Kamaldaha in Rukumkot of Sisne Rural Municipality; Shivalaya Temple; Bhatte Chaur; Thanthi Danda; Maring; Chauri Lake in Bhume Rural Municipality; the Organic Cooperative Market in Khabang Bagar; the war memorial in Mahat; and Bheri Danda of Chunwang, known for its connection to the People’s War.
Adventure tourism is expanding as well, with potential for exciting rafting trips on the Sani Bheri River. The combination of boating, trekking, and village lifestyle has positioned Rukum Purba as a multi-dimensional travel destination.
Local governments—Sisne, Bhume, and Putha Uttarganga rural municipalities—have initiated plans to expand tourism infrastructure, provide guide training, manage homestays, and promote the region based on their unique strengths.
The chairpersons of these municipalities—Krishna Regmi, Hom Prakash Shrestha, and Puniraj Ghartimagar—say they have recognized the region's tourism potential and are working to enhance infrastructure, promote the area, and build partnerships with the private sector and local communities in a planned and strategic manner.
