Pyaratal: A rising tourist hub on the Nepal-India border

July 25, Kathmandu: Pyaratal, located in Punarbas Municipality-9 of Kanchanpur district near the Nepal-India border, is rapidly becoming a favourite destination for tourists. The recent addition of artistic statues around the lake has significantly boosted its appeal, particularly among domestic visitors.

Situated 80 kilometres from Mahendranagar and approximately 25 kilometres from Dhangadhi in Kailali, the lake’s lush surroundings and scenic beauty are drawing both domestic and international tourists.

Local residents highlight that Pyaratal offers a rare opportunity to observe unique aquatic species, including otters and the endangered Dhure species of turtle. Deependra Basnet, coordinator of the Pyaratal Tourism Promotion and Conservation Committee, noted that the construction of attractions like picnic spots and statues of peacocks, crocodiles, fish, otters, and lotus flowers has significantly increased the lake’s allure.

Thanks to active community participation, the lake area received Rs 1.6 million last year for infrastructure development, including the creation of these statues.

Mayor Toyanath Sharma of Punarbas Municipality shared that embankment construction is underway to protect the lake, with Rs 9 million allocated last fiscal year and an additional Rs 1 million budgeted for the current year.

The municipality is committed to enhancing the lake’s tourism potential through proper management. However, Ward Chairperson Nar Bahadur BK of Punarbas-9 pointed out that comprehensive management of the border-area lake remains a challenge.

Local resident Sobaran Rana emphasised that while many tourist spots in the district remain overlooked, Pyaratal’s growing popularity calls for greater promotion to establish its identity on national and international platforms.