Suntala-Hiking Revived: Kavrepalanchowk Launches Orange Tourism Trail 2025

In the quiet hills of the Kavrepalanchowk district, a vibrant splash of orange is signaling more than just a change of season. On December 25, 2025, the “Land of the Sun” officially launched its revived ‘Suntala-Hiking’ (Orange-Hiking) program. This initiative, born from a partnership between local hospitality leaders and agricultural experts, aims to bridge the gap between the soil and the traveler, turning a simple hike into a celebration of Himalayan bounty.

For the residents of Kavrepalanchowk, this isn’t just a new tourism product—it’s the return of a beloved tradition. Fifteen years ago, a similar program captured the hearts of trekkers before fading away. Today, with the special support of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) and the Dhulikhel Municipality Tourism Council, the orange orchards of the Pahelpur region are once again opening their gates to the world.

The Route: From Sacred Sites to Citrus Groves

The ‘Suntala-Hiking’ trail is a carefully curated journey that begins at Namobuddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Known for the legendary tale of the Buddha offering his own flesh to a starving tigress, Namobuddha provides a spiritual start to the trek.

As hikers descend from the monastery, the landscape transforms. The path winds toward Balthali, a village often described as a “hidden eden.” Along this stretch, the primary attraction takes center stage: the orange orchards of Pahelpur.

Highlights of the Trail:

• Farm-to-Table Experience: Unlike traditional treks, this program encourages participants to step off the path and into the groves. Hikers can taste fresh oranges directly from the trees, meeting the farmers whose families have cultivated these hills for generations.
• The World’s Tallest Trident: The route includes a visit to the Ladkeshwor Mahadevsthan complex. This religious marvel features a 108-foot-tall Trishul (trident), a towering symbol of Lord Shiva that has become a major draw for both devotees and photographers.
• Scenic Serenity: The trail offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range, providing a crisp, winter backdrop to the vibrant green and orange of the valleys.

A Trial Run with Big Ambitions

The launch on Christmas Day served as a strategic “trial and promotional” event. With over 100 participants—including content creators, travel agents, and government officials—the goal was to showcase the route’s viability as a premier winter destination.

But the organizers are looking far beyond a single day. Prahlad Pyakurel, President of HAN Kavrepalanchowk, shared a vision for a month-long tourism package during the peak orange season (November–December). Starting in 2026, the district aims to host at least 1,000 tourists annually specifically for this program.

To support this growth, HAN’s 32 affiliated quality hotels and resorts are planning to offer special tariff discounts and unique “Orange Season” itineraries to make the district a competitive alternative to the crowded hubs of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Agriculture: The Backbone of the Boom

The revival of Suntala-Hiking comes at a time of agricultural optimism. Despite the devastating floods and landslides that hampered production in 2024, the District Agricultural Development Office projects a 10 to 15 percent increase in orange output this year.

With approximately 1,300 hectares (30,000 ropanis) under cultivation, the district expects a total harvest of around 8,000 metric tons this season. By inviting tourists into the orchards, the program creates a secondary revenue stream for farmers, allowing them to sell their produce at premium “farm-gate” prices while promoting the district as a hub for organic agriculture.

The Human Heart of the Initiative

At its core, Suntala-Hiking is about human connection. It’s about the exchange between a city-dwelling content creator and a farmer in Pahelpur. It’s about the local entrepreneur who sees an opportunity to turn a family home into a homestay.

By reconnecting agriculture with tourism, Kavrepalanchowk is proving that the most sustainable way to move forward is to look back at the roots—both literal and cultural—that make the region special. The “Dragon” might be in the Land of Fire, but the “Orange” is firmly in the heart of Kavrepalanchowk.

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