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Saiung – A Journey of Community, Celebration, and Learning
By Tilak B. Thapa Magar
As Nepal welcomed 2026, a group of Kathmandu-based tourism entrepreneurs chose to celebrate in a meaningful and unique way. Instead of bright city lights, crowded parties, and loud music, they sought the calm of the hills, the warmth of local communities, and the golden glow of sunrise at Sailung, known as the Land of a Hundred Hills in Dolakha District.
The journey was organised by Paryatan Sahayatri Sahakari Sanstha, a cooperative run by tourism entrepreneurs of Nepal. This cooperative works to promote rural and domestic tourism, support local communities, and create travel experiences that are both enjoyable and responsible.
For this journey, more than sixty participants, including entrepreneurs, spouses, and family members, travelled in two buses and one Hiace. The tour lasted 1 night and 2 days, departing Kathmandu on 2 January and returning on 3 January 2026, offering the chance to celebrate the New Year, enjoy rural hospitality, and explore the tourism potential of Sailung.
Over the two days, the trip became more than a celebration. It was a lesson in community, fellowship, and caring for nature—essential elements of meaningful travel.
The Journey from Kathmandu
The convoy left Kathmandu at 7:00 am on 2 January 2026, driving approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) through winding valleys, terraced fields, and small villages. The journey took about 7–8 hours, gradually leaving behind the city’s noise and traffic, and easing into the peaceful hills.
After a few hours, the group stopped for breakfast near Banepa, before leaving the valley, and later enjoyed lunch at Sukute, by the Bhote Koshi River, after another 2–3 hours of driving. These stops provided a chance to stretch, enjoy the views, and connect with fellow participants.
With over sixty people on board, the convoy was lively, full of chatter, laughter, and music. While many participants knew each other professionally, the presence of spouses and families meant that most had not truly met each other personally. A gentle suggestion for future tours would be to include a short introductory session or small group activity, to help participants get to know each other, build care and fellowship, and make the experience more personal.
Along the route, rivers meandered through valleys, terraces climbed the hillsides, and villages dotted the green landscape. The journey reminded everyone that the road itself can be as rewarding as the destination.
Overnight at Kalapani
After roughly two – three more hours of driving, the group reached Kalapani, situated at around 2,700 metres above sea level. The community-run lodge provided accommodation, offering a genuine rural experience.
In the evening, Bodhraj Bhandari and Yam Khadka, members of the coordination team, briefed the group about the next day’s plan. They also informed us that we could be free to explore Sailung Hill at our own pace—walking around, taking a leisurely stroll, having breakfast, and leaving the place by 11:00 am for Kathmandu. The climb to Sailung Danda was scheduled between 5:00 and 6:00 am, taking 45 minutes for fast walkers and up to 2 hours for slower walkers. My wife and I, moving gently due to her knee condition, started at 5:30 am and reached the top just in time for sunrise, after about one hour of steady walking.
Befpre dinner, participants who are non-vegetarian and non-sober enjoyed barbecue dishes of chicken, mutton, and pork, accompanied by local wine and Tongba, adding a festive touch to the evening. Music played, people danced, and a wood-fire camp was lit—a traditional practice, though not ideal for sustainable tourism, as it produces smoke and impacts the local environment.
I personally tried Tongba after many years. In a moment of exuberance, I accidentally hit the fabric roof of my room, injuring the upper part of my nose—a small reminder of the informal and celebratory atmosphere. I accept it as a momentary indulgence, even though it slightly broke my personal commitment to staying sober.
Arriving at Sailung Hill
Sailung Danda (hill) rises to approximately 3,200 metres (10,500 feet). It is not a single peak but a series of rolling hills, giving it the title Land of a Hundred Hills.
From the ridge, the group was treated to breathtaking views:
- Snow-capped Himalayan peaks above 7000 metres such as Gaurishankar, Rolwaling, and Jugal
- Green hills dotted with villages and terraced fields
- Rolling hills stretching into the distance, bathed in golden sunlight
The scenery was awe-inspiring, yet it reminded everyone that these hills are delicate. Small careless actions, like littering, loud music, or lighting wood fires, could have lasting negative impacts.
Community Stay and Celebration
The community lodge not only provided accommodation but also directly supported local livelihoods, ensuring tourism benefited the residents. Meals were prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a genuine taste of rural Nepalese life. The simplicity of the lodge encouraged appreciation of local culture and nature, rather than indulgence in comfort.
The evening was joyful, but it also provided lessons in sustainable tourism:
- A wood-fire camp was lit, which can harm forests and air quality
- Loud music played into the night, disturbing local wildlife and the peaceful environment
- Some plastic and non-biodegradable litter was left along the trails
These small observations reminded the group that even well-meaning tourism can impact the environment, highlighting the importance of awareness, planning, and mindfulness.
Additionally, the evening reinforced the importance of getting to know each other personally. With over sixty participants, organisers could consider:
- Small group activities or discussion circles
- Storytelling sessions
- Encouraging participants to meet and talk to people they do not already know
This gentle approach fosters friendship, connection, and fellowship, making large-group trips more meaningful.
Sunrise at Sailung
The sunrise on the morning of 3 January 2026 was magical. Valleys were cloaked in mist, and the hills glowed with soft golden sunlight. Families, couples, and entrepreneurs walked along the ridge, breathing crisp air, and taking in the spectacular scenery.
This moment highlighted two key lessons:
- Nature’s beauty is preserved through care and respect
- Fellowship grows when travellers take time to share stories, talk, and enjoy each other’s company
From the ridge, participants could see:
- Himalayan peaks catching the morning sun
- Green hills dotted with grazing livestock
- Villages blending harmoniously into the landscape
It was a reminder that travel is about both nature and people.
Sustainable Tourism: Simple Steps
During the trip, some practices were observed that are not ideal for protecting Sailung:
- Wood-fire camps that can harm forests and air quality
- Loud music disturbing wildlife
- Plastic and other litter left along paths
Simple actions can make a big difference:
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
| Stay in community lodges to support local families | Use hotels that do not benefit the local community |
| Carry reusable water bottles and reduce plastic use | Leave bottles or wrappers on trails |
| Use gas stoves or lodge facilities instead of wood fires | Light open wood fires |
| Keep music quiet | Play loud music late at night |
| Respect local culture and pace | Ignore customs or take photos without permission |
| Follow marked trails | Walk off paths or damage vegetation |
| Take all waste back | Leave litter behind |
| Support local guides and crafts | Buy imported souvenirs instead of local products |
| Leave the site better than you found it | Treat hills and forests carelessly |
Following these steps ensures that Sailung remains beautiful and welcoming for future visitors.
Community Life
Sailung, the home of the majority Tamang community—an indigenous people—is a place where people farm, raise livestock, and live closely with nature.
Families on the Hills
Sailung proved that rural tourism can be family-friendly. Children played safely, couples watched the sunrise, and older participants enjoyed gentle walks.
Even with a large group, splitting participants into smaller groups allows more interaction and makes the experience personal and memorable.
Nature and Fragility
The hills are home to birds, small animals, and medicinal plants. Even minor disruptions—fires, loud music, or litter—can affect the ecosystem. This trip highlighted that responsible tourism protects nature while enriching the visitor experience.
Gentle Advice for Organisers
The trip showed that familiarity should not be assumed. With over sixty participants, organisers might consider:
- Small group activities or discussion circles
- Shared storytelling sessions
- Encouraging participants to meet and talk to people they do not know personally
This strengthens bonds, fosters friendship, and ensures a more enjoyable trip for everyone.
Encouraging Domestic and International Tourism
Sailung is a hidden gem for both Nepali and international travellers. By promoting it thoughtfully and keeping sustainable practices in mind, travellers can:
- Support rural livelihoods
- Experience authentic culture and hospitality
- Enjoy nature while minimising environmental impact
Travellers are encouraged to respect local traditions, keep noise levels low, manage waste, and stay in community lodges, ensuring the beauty of Sailung continues for generations.
Looking Ahead: Sailung’s Potential
Sailung holds enormous potential:
- As a domestic tourism destination
- As a model for community-based tourism
- As a learning experience for schools and universities
- As a wellness or eco-tourism retreat
Its future depends on careful planning, respect for communities, and mindful travel practices. The recent New Year trip demonstrated that celebration, connection, and sustainability can coexist beautifully.
Welcoming 2026
The sunrise on 3 January 2026 was truly inspiring. Families celebrated, friends connected, and the hills revealed their quiet splendour.
This moment reminded everyone that responsible travel, thoughtful celebration, and meaningful fellowship are essential, and even small actions make a lasting difference.
Final Thoughts
As the group returned to Kathmandu, they carried more than memories:
- A commitment to mindful and sustainable travel
- Appreciation for local communities and their hospitality
- Awareness of the importance of fellowship in group travel
Sailung is more than a destination. It is a classroom, a mirror, and an invitation. Those who travel thoughtfully and responsibly will find beauty, connection, and inspiration for years to come.
Quick Guide to Sustainable Travel in Sailung
Do: Stay in community lodges, carry reusable bottles, respect culture, leave no trace.
Don’t: Light wood fires, play loud music, leave litter, disturb wildlife.
Domestic and international travellers are encouraged to promote Sailung as a top rural destination, while keeping sustainability and respect for local communities in mind.
