Baglung Bazaar is a city in western Nepal 275 km far to the west of Kathmandu. It is the administrative headquarters of Baglung District and Dhawalagiri Zone. Baglung is the largest and most populous of the Tri-cities area of the Kali Gandaki valley composed of two other district headquarters Beni (Myagdi) and Kushma (Parbat). Population of Baglung Bazaar is proper is estimated to be close to 30000. The Tri-cities area of the Kaligandaki valley is home to a population of 132783 permanent residents. Baglung is a major business, financial, educational and healthcare center for the people of Kali Gandaki valley.
Geography and climate
Baglung Bazar is situated on a plateau overlooking the Kali Gandaki gorge directly south of the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Steep cliffs rising from the valley flank the platue on three sides. City limits are roughly determined by the Kathe Khola to the south, Kali Gandaki River to the east and Dhodeni Khola to the north. Baglung enjoys warm summers and mild winters. Annual average temperatures range from a maximum of 26.6°C and a minimum of 19.1°C. Highs above 35C (95 F) and lows below 0C (32F) are rare. The average annual rainfall recorded is 1060.9 ml Rainfall is heavily affected by the Monsoon and most of it occurs during the months of Jun-Sept. Rest of the year is mostly dry and sunny.
How to Reach?
Baglung Bazaar is connected to Beni Bazar of Myagdi to the north and Kusma Bazar of Parbat which are located 13 km to the north and 12 km to the south, respectively. A paved highway connects the town with Pokhara, 72 km to the east. Tracks for the highways to connect Tibet to the north via Mustang, Rukum to the west via Burtibang and Sera Bazar to the south via Balewa airport have been completed recently. There is ongoing work to open track along the Kali Gandaki valley to connect the Tri-cities region directly with the southern border towns.
Places of interest to visit
Bhakunde:
A place near very near to Baglung is a good to place to see the panorama of the various range of Himalayas. Terraced fields, waterfalls, forests, deep gorges and caves are abundant throughout the area. The temples in and around Baglung make an excellent pilgrimage.
Baglung Kalika temple:
Baglung Kalika temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year especially during the festivals of Dashain and Chaitre Dashain. Trekking, biking, and rafting make it an ideal location for thrill seekers.
Baglung is also the vantage point for trekkers to Mustang, Dolpa and Mt. Dhaulagiri. Baglung has the only hunting reserve in Nepal.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is a prime habitat for blue sheep and snow leopard.
Hotels in Baglung
There are several clean and neat hotels in Baglung Bazaar. Many tourist lodges are available to stay. Some popular hotels in Baglung Bazaar are as follows:
- Hotel Peace Palace, Baglung
- Hotel Red Apple, Baglung Bazar
Culture in Baglung
Baglung and adjacent areas are well known for the folk Nepali music. The area has given rise to some of the more prominent names in folk music. Annual folk song competition held during the Chaitre Dashain festival attracts artists from all over the nation. In recent years music by artists such as The Sky Band, S K Shrestha and Godhuli Band have gained main stream success.
