On the outskirts of Pokhara, in the midst of nature, sits the lovely Kushma Valley. It is tucked away among the high mountain ranges, bordered by high cliffs, roaring rivers, and a verdant landscape. But Kushma is not just known for its natural wonders, it is also becoming more well-known for the thrilling activities it provides. Kushma Municipality was established and consists of 7 VDCs: Pang, Khurkot, Durlung, Shivalaya, Katuwa Chaupari, Pipaltari, and Pakuwa.
The total area of the municipality is 93.18 square kilometers. The valley is bordered to the west by the Kali Gandaki River and to the east by the Modi River. The administrative center for the Parbat district is also Kushma Bazaar. The valley was known as “Kushumpur” in Sanskrit in the past because it was rich in fruits and a particular plant known as “Kush.”
According to tradition, the goddess Parvati visited Kushumpur to gather the fruits after taking a dip in the river. She took it to the Gupteshwar cave, where she was blessed by Lord Shiva. Hindus regard the location as sacred ever since. It eventually acquired the name “Kushma” in overall usage. The majestic peaks of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Nilgiri may be seen from this lovely valley.
The village’s pure, fresh air provides a variety of excellent hiking options. Kushma was a vital commerce hub for the west at a time when there were no interdistrict roadways. Locals used to go through Kushma to reach Palpa before continuing south to the Madhesh. These people came from Myagdi, Mustang, Baglung, Rolpa, Dolpa, Rukum, and Jumla. Additionally, traders would go on foot across the valley to get to Pokhara, Gorkha, Nuwakot, and ultimately Kathmandu.
As more bus routes were available, the number of traders using Kushma decreased, which helped the valley regain its previous sense of tranquility. However, Kushma’s standing rose again following the opening of “The Cliff.” Raju Karki of Sindhupalchowk established “The Cliff,” a business with a location in Kushma that provides adventurous activities, in October 2020. Since then, Kushma has developed into a center for daring souls, and both domestically and internationally, it has started to gain popularity. The commotion has returned because Kushma has come to represent environment, culture, spirituality, and adventure. Visitors can come here for a thrilling experience with one of the many activities available.
Tall suspension bridges, rafting, bungee jumping, swinging, ziplining, sky riding, mechanical bridges, exploring caverns, Satabdi Ghar, visiting Durlungkot, and other activities are some of the region’s main draws. Conservation efforts are also being made in the areas of culture and history. RK Adipta Giri, a journalist, and art enthusiast initiated the “Kushma Art Project” and the preservation of a three-hundred-year-old house as a “Heritage Home.” Kushma has developed into one of Nepal’s burgeoning tourist destinations because of these initiatives.
It is past time for the valley to receive official recognition from the government. The valley has significant potential to develop into a major international tourism destination. Local and foreign tourists are currently pouring into the valley.
The Cliff
When Raju Karki built The Cliff, the valley was transformed, and today it is a well-liked tourist destination. At Kushma, The Cliff Pvt. Ltd. has been providing a range of adventurous activities. The interesting bungee leap is located on the 520-meter-long bridge that connects Kushma Bazaar and Balewa. The jump is made 228 meters down to the emerald-green Kaligandaki River from the center of the bridge.
This bungee experience is one-of-a-kind because of the breathtaking perspective of the untamed river. Currently, Macau is home to the highest bungee, which is 235 meters high. This makes the bungee over Kaligandaki, which is 228 meters high, the second-highest in the world. You can see the swing by crossing the bridge. The swing, which stands 228 meters over the Kaligandaki, is allegedly the tallest in the world, according to the firm. Both bungee and swinging can be done singly or in pairs. There are neighboring attractions like the Wishing Hand, the family-friendly swing, and ‘guleli’ ping for those seeking a less spooky experience.
The nearby cliffside sky chairs also provide just the proper amount of thrill. The business also offers horseback riding along the clifftop above the river, an activity that is open to both adults and children. The “sky rope cycling” at The Cliff is an additional draw. With a height of 255 meters and a length of 300 meters, it is the highest place for cycling in the entire world. For safety, both the bicycle and the rider are fastened to harnesses. It runs along a track like a train. The rope is followed by the fix-handled cycle.
The Cliff also provides a one-of-a-kind experience with The Sky Cafe. It is a cafe that is hung from steel cables. The cafe provides its clients with the opportunity to dine 255 meters above the ground with the use of safety straps. A table may accommodate up to 4 persons at once. Raju Karki, the company’s executive director, claims that all of the adventures developed here are run using high-security tools and procedures. The 30-hectare ‘The Cliff Resort’ is located on the Balewa side of the bridge. The resort has 21 safari tents with adjoining toilets that can accommodate 60 people at once.
Zipline
The Kali Gandaki River now has zipline services thanks to Harness Pvt. Ltd. With a length of 1480 meters and a height of 250 meters, the business says that this is the second-longest zipline in the world. It can be shared by two individuals at once.
Yantrik Pool
The cable ropeway should not be overlooked if you are traveling to Kushma. Customers can ride the cable across Kushma-Balewa for 558 meters. You will most definitely be confused by the view of Kaligandaki from the top. Up to 6 passengers can fit in the pod at once, and the crossing across the river takes one minute.
Tallest Suspension Bridges
Long suspension bridges provide access to the impressive cliffs and captivating river. Looking down at the untamed, flowing river from the bridge below requires a strong heart. Kushma and Balewa are connected by a 351-m-long suspension bridge that spans Kaligandaki. Over 156 meters high, it is located. Kushma and Gyadi are connected by a second, 335 m-long bridge that spans the Modi River. It is located 144 meters above the river. Similar to it, there is the 359-meter-long, 155-meter-above-the-river bridge that links Wada village and Mudikuwa. Another 520-meter-long bridge was constructed above the Kaligandaki for bungee jumping, which is done at a height of 228 meters.
Beni Dhaam Modi
Modi Beni is the name of the confluence of the Modi River and the Kali Gandaki River. Here is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Narsingha, where enormous statues of Lord Narasingha and Lord Shiva are housed. The dead from the regions of Kaski, Syangja, and Parbat are transported to a wharf by the river for cremation and last rites. The temple comes alive with activity on the occasions of Bhaisakh Sankranti, Ekadasi, and Maghe Sankranti when visitors from the local areas come to participate in the auspicious celebrations hosted here. Priests and spiritual ladies ( ‘Maataas’) live in the temple.
Caves
In Gupteshwar and Kushma-Alapeshwor, there are two main caves. The 1200m-long Gupteshwar cave is located close to the Kushma market along the Kaligandaki River. It is possible to take a tour of the cave because there is electricity there. Alapeshwor Cave is a one-kilometer distance from the Kushma bazaar and can be reached by foot in 30 minutes.
Here, inside the Alapeshwor Cave, you can find a waterfall and a lake. Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Pandav, and Saraswati, among others, are depicted in statues formed in caverns, which have strong religious significance. Another draw inside the caves is the presence of bats.
Sahasradhara
As you travel from Kushma to Baglung or Beni, you will pass across magical tiny streams. They appear at first to be tiny, glistening waterfalls that will enchant you. Hindus think that bathing in these streams, where the pure water flows down from the hills, can lead to salvation. For this use, 108 taps and a bathing facility have been constructed. You might add to your adventure in Kushma by taking a plunge here.
Rafting
Rafting on the Kaligandaki River is well-liked. Rafting starts at the Parbat district’s Maaldhunga, passes through Nayapul, and concludes in Syangja. It is a must-have experience to witness the untamed yet alluring water waves of this river.
Shatabdi Ghar
A 300-year-old home in Majhgaun, Kushma has been designated as “Shatabdi Ghar.” This traditional home has a tin roof despite being built from stones, mud, and wood. It also contains a courtyard, verandah, and other buildings. The distinctive home, now owned by a local man named Ram Giri, was once a Panchayat Era official residence.
The house has been kept for 15 years by the Kushma Art Project, who have been renting it. This mansion is progressively converted into a museum by housing obsolete traditional tools, clothing, weapons, and musical instruments. However, the house itself is already deserving of praise. There are also plans to build a library and a theater in Kusumpur.
Additionally, a house for scholars who work in the arts sector is now under the building. A variety of activities relating to art will be held in the courtyard as it is being turned into an art hub. In conclusion, it will be transformed into a vital hub for information and art.
These days, visitors take pictures of the Shatabdi Ghar, record films on Tiktok, and broadcast live on Facebook. The Shatabdi Ghar makes the point that a city must have culture, heritage, and civilization in order to be beautiful.
Durlungkot
Durlungkot is located to the north of Kushma Bazaar at an altitude of 1700 meters. It is the perfect place to escape the bazaar’s heat and breathe in the cool air coming from some of the highest mountains, like Macchapucchre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many others. The Malla Kings controlled Durlungkot for centuries. In the midst of the lush forest that covers the hills, there sits a temple. Durlungkot and Kushma bazar are separated by 11 kilometers.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails for adventurers on the hills that surround the valley. You will have a happy experience of country life on every walk thanks to the calm surroundings and the alluring nature’s abundance of various plant and bird species. Routes leading to locations like Dahare Deurali, Panchase, Hampaal, Durlungkot, and Halljure, among others, range in length from three to six hours.
The circuit that goes around the Kushma market itself is one of the well-liked hiking trails. The Chuwa region, Dobilla, Silmi, Katuwachaupari, Mudikuwa, and many other locations are all visited throughout the four-hour trek. You’ll be given a tour of the bazaar’s bustle and all that the valley has to offer.
Souvenirs
You can buy priceless mementos in the valley of Kushma in addition to leaving with life-changing experiences. Making loofah clothing is a specialty of the natives. In addition, they are wealthy producers of organic coffee, Nepali hog plum (lapsi) candies, and seasonal fruits and vegetables that you can bring back with you after your vacation.
