A unique “Gothstay” (traditional cattle-shed stay) accommodation service has been launched at the scenic tourist destination of Jaljala in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality–2, Myagdi, to provide food and lodging facilities for visitors.
Located at an altitude of 3,414 meters above sea level, Jaljala lies far from human settlements and lacks hotels or restaurants. The area falls within the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and sits along trekking routes connecting Myagdi, Dhorpatan, and Dolpa.
Local livestock farmers have transformed traditional seasonal cattle sheds into temporary accommodations for tourists. According to Gothstay operator Ful Bahadur Bishwakarma, permanent structures are restricted due to conservation policies within the reserve, prompting locals to introduce the innovative concept of hosting travelers in traditional sheds.
“We started offering food and accommodation inside the cattle sheds after repeated requests from tourists,” Bishwakarma said. “It has created an additional source of income for herders while making travel easier for visitors.”
Tourists are required to book in advance by phone, and accommodations are managed on a rotation basis when visitor numbers exceed capacity.
With the opening of the Myagdi–Dhorpatan road linking eastern Rukum, tourist arrivals have increased significantly. Around 100 visitors now reach Jaljala daily, many traveling by jeep and motorcycle.
Visitors staying at the Gothstay can enjoy authentic local cuisine, including wild mushrooms, bamboo shoots, dhido, dairy products, and traditional meat dishes. Domestic tourists say the facility has eliminated the need to carry tents or search for caves and shelters overnight.
Jaljala is gaining popularity for its peaceful grasslands, shifting mountain weather, cool climate, and panoramic Himalayan views. The destination offers breathtaking sights of Sisne, Putha, Gurja, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu mountains, along with spectacular sunrise views.
The region is also rich in biodiversity and serves as a habitat for the endangered red panda. During spring, blooming rhododendron forests add further beauty to the landscape.
To support tourism growth, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality has allocated a budget for drinking water facilities and public toilets in the area. Plans are also underway to expand Gothstay capacity through temporary shelters coordinated with the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.
Travelers can reach Jaljala in about two hours by jeep or motorcycle from Muna, the center of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, while trekking routes from both directions take approximately five to six hours on foot.
