Dulegauda Khareni is a small village in Tanahun’s Sukla Gandaki Municipality. It lies approximately 25 km east of Pokhara, along the Seti Gandaki River. This is where you’ll see the majestic Annapurna range, including the iconic Machhapuchre, if you travel to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. This area is becoming an economic center of the district. It also serves as the gateway to the famous temple, ‘Dhor Barahi. The highest view of the majestic Annapurna range, the wide Pokhara valley, and the beautiful Seti Gandaki Valley downstream is from ‘Bhujikot’ at approximately 1300m. It’s located just 30 minutes away from the town and only a few kilometers to the north. Although not yet a popular tourist destination, there are plans to develop this area as an alternative to Pokhara Valley.
Tibetan foods near Tibetan Settlement Camp
Many people don’t know that the Tibetan Settlements Camp is located in Dulegauda. It serves Tibetan refugees who were forced to flee during the 1959 conflict. For Tibetan refugees, the government of Nepal had given almost deserted land across the Seti Gandaki River. Jampaling Tibetan Settlement is one of 12 Tibetan settlement camps in Nepal. They have transformed this deserted area into a green, arable, and habitable place, as I have seen. When I was young, it was a vibrant community. But most people have moved away from the area to pursue education and economic opportunities in India and Nepal. The Government of Nepal has not granted citizenship to the second generation of Tibetan refugees, which has restricted their access to economic opportunities and limited their ability to work. These places will be populated mainly by elderly people, except during mid-winter when young people return home to enjoy the winter holidays.
The Tibetans brought with them their culture and food when they arrived in Nepal. Locals may have had the opportunity to try Tibetan cuisine, especially at festivals if they know someone from Tibet. You will now find Tibetan-owned restaurants that serve Tibetan food. For Tibetan food, try the ‘Tashi Restaurant’ at Jampaling Tibetan Settlement Camp. They offer Tibetan-style Momo and Thukpa as well as Chowmein. You can ask them to make Thenthuk, but they don’t have it on the menu. It’s flavored with Tibetan dry cheese ( Churpi), parsley, and Tibetan garlic-chili condiments. You can request them to make the Tibetan butter tea and Su Cha, which are two of my favorites drinks. Another restaurant, which serves Tibetan food, has recently opened in the Dulegauda Bazaar’s inner lane. It is located behind an old Tibetan carpet factory. Other Tibetan foods include Tingmo and Aluphing. Shyabhalep is also available. You can also buy Tsampa made of Mustang naked barley, Tibetan Tea, and other Tibetan products at a nearby shop.
Fish from the Kyangdi river
The long suspension bridge can be found at the Seti-Gandaki Hospital in Khaireni. Few restaurants serve fish dishes at either end of the bridge. The fishes come from the Kyangdi Khola river. Fresh tomato achaar is served with fried small fishes. They can also make fish curry. This is a great place to relax in the summer heat, especially at dusk. Clear weather will allow you to see the Annapurna range and the Seti River below.
