Rainaskot, located in the Lamjung district of Nepal at an altitude of 1,700 meters, is a historical and cultural gem offering visitors a combination of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. The village is renowned for its comfortable homestay accommodations and breathtaking views of 18 mountain ranges, including Annapurna, Fishtail, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal, along with panoramic landscapes of 16 districts like Kaski, Gorkha, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi.

1. Historical and Cultural Significance

Rainaskot holds historical importance as it was once ruled by Drabya Shah, a member of the royal family, in the 15th century. He became the king of the region after winning a race at Ligligkot. The village is surrounded by ancient forts like Kalika, Koteswhar, Mahadev, and Thanimai, which were built in the 14th century.

2. Homestay Accommodations

Following the devastating earthquake, 14 houses in the village were rebuilt with a generous donation of NPR 20.75 million by American national Natasha Wajniyak. These houses have been transformed into comfortable homestays. A total of 84 tourists can be accommodated in the homestays, which are managed by the local Gurung community. The homestays offer organic food, including local delicacies such as selroti made from millet flour, local chicken, mutton, and millet-based alcohol. A typical cost for a night's stay, including three meals, is NPR 1,000 per person for Nepali tourists (twin sharing).

3. Scenic Views

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, valleys, rivers, and hills. The sunrise and sunset views from Rainaskot are particularly enchanting.

4. Activities

Rainaskot offers paragliding and rock climbing opportunities. Paragliding flights begin at Rainas Hill and land in the valley below. The rock climbing spot has been developed by professional climbers. Tourists can also engage in cultural experiences, observing Gurung traditions and enjoying cultural performances.

5. Tented Accommodation

After the COVID-19 pandemic, tented camp accommodations have been established for domestic tourists. While they provide basic services, such as a kitchen and tents (single or double at NPR 1,000 per night), the facilities are limited compared to homestays.

Tented camps are ideal for budget travelers or those looking for adventure, but they lack proper beds, bathrooms, and food options compared to the homestays.

How to reach Raiinaskot?

Rainaskot can be accessed through multiple routes:

• Via Paudi: Drive 43 km from Damauli to Paudi, then turn onto a paved road leading to Rainaskot. Local buses are available but may require a one-hour hike from the main road.
• Via Panthadanda: From Dumre, take a route that follows Barangkhola and leads uphill to Panthadanda and Rainaskot. This path is only suitable for 4WD vehicles.
• By Public Transport and Hiking: Take a local bus to Sailitar School Chok, followed by another bus to Panthadanda. From there, a 1.5-hour hike leads to Rainaskot.

Recommendation

For an authentic experience, staying in a homestay is highly recommended. The homestays not only offer a glimpse into local life but also provide better facilities compared to tented camps. However, tented camps can be an adventurous option for trekkers or groups looking to explore the area more informally.

Conclusion

Rainaskot is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Whether it's spending a night in a cozy homestay, exploring historical sites, indulging in local cuisine, or enjoying thrilling activities like paragliding and rock climbing, Rainaskot offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. A trip to Rainaskot promises a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the warmth of the Gurung community and the pristine beauty of Nepal's hills and mountains.