With the first rays of the morning sun, a distant mountain range appeared from Sukepokhari in Panchthar. Within moments, the mountains disappeared behind the mist. The clear sky was soon covered by clouds again. This playful hide-and-seek between mist and sunlight made the landscape around Sukepokhari even more enchanting.
Sukepokhari takes on a unique charm during the monsoon. Lush greenery stretches in every direction, clouds drift across the hills, cool mountain air blows through the area, and colourful flowers bloom here and there, compelling visitors to pause and admire nature. Located near Pauwa Bhanjyang Bazaar along the Mechi Highway, Sukepokhari is an attractive tourist destination in Panchthar. Its landscape changes with the seasons.
While Sukepokhari is covered in mist and greenery during the monsoon, the mountain ranges, including Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna, become clearly visible after a few weeks. In Chaitra and Baisakh, the same area bursts into bloom with rhododendrons. The wide-open meadows around Sukepokhari are currently lush and green. The sky is reflected in ponds of various sizes. Clouds racing over the hills and mist drifting across the landscape make the scenery look like a painting. As a high-altitude area, Sukepokhari also enjoys a cool and refreshing climate.
The rural lifestyle here is equally appealing. Farmers remain busy working in their fields, while others are preparing to plant radishes in fields where potatoes have recently been harvested. Agriculture and livestock farming are also important sources of livelihood for residents. Various species of trees, plants and seasonal flowers reflect the rich natural diversity of Sukepokhari.
Visitors to Sukepokhari can enjoy local delicacies alongside the natural scenery. According to resident Ajay Rai, the number of homestays and hotels has been increasing as the number of domestic tourists continues to grow. Along with Sukepokhari, areas such as Lohakil are also emerging as attractive tourist destinations. The Falgunanda Trail passes through this area, further expanding its tourism potential. The trail has been promoted as an important tourism project in Koshi Province.
“The scenery changes with the season, but it remains attractive throughout the year,” says resident Suresh Rai. Locals say the number of domestic tourists visiting Sukepokhari during the monsoon has increased in recent years, particularly as road access to the area has become easier.
Sukepokhari is not a destination where visitors have to wait for the perfect weather to see the mountains. Sometimes the mist conceals the mountains; at other times, sunlight illuminates the hills. Clouds race across the ridges, while flowers bloom amid the greenery. This ever-changing landscape, shaped by the shifting weather, is what makes Sukepokhari especially captivating during the monsoon.
