KATHMANDU: Pattale Danda in Dudhkunda Municipality-11, Solukhumbu, is gaining popularity as a destination for mountain views and local hospitality.
Located in a region where Mount Everest and several other peaks are clearly visible, it has become a preferred stop for tourists heading toward Pique Peak or Gauritap. Among the local establishments, Muna Hotel, run by 54-year-old Sangita Magar, is known for its warm, family-like service.
The transformation of Pattale has been a gradual process. Sangita’s father, Bhalkaji Magar, played a key role in developing the settlement by providing shelter to travelers and securing land for local infrastructure. With the expansion of road networks, the region has shifted from relying on transported goods to local agriculture, now producing potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower.
For the past 15 years, Sangita has maintained an intimate approach to hospitality. She serves organic local dishes including dhindo made from millet and buckwheat, bean soup, and the traditional Himalayan dish ‘rilduk’. The organic potatoes from the Bung region and local chicken curry are among the most requested items. While her daughters work in Portugal, Sangita continues to run her business alongside her husband and son, finding satisfaction in serving guests on her own land.
New investment is also flowing into the area. In Thade, located in Siddhicharan Municipality-6, health worker Uttam Magar opened the Hill Tower Views hotel three months ago. Situated about 215 kilometers from Kathmandu, the location offers views of Mount Everest and 10 to 12 other mountain ranges. Magar noted that the hotel, which currently offers four rooms, caters to tourists who stop over before continuing their journey toward Pique Peak. The business remains particularly busy during the autumn season and festivals, when clear weather provides optimal conditions for mountain viewing.
