Gulmi – Land of Coffee, Culture & Hills Draped in Green

Welcome to Gulmi

Gulmi doesn’t shout for attention — it simply welcomes you with warm smiles, forested hills, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Nestled in western Nepal’s Lumbini Province, it’s a land of terraced fields, slow sunrises, and gentle people. No big hotels. No honking crowds. Just the steady rhythm of a place that hasn’t rushed to catch up with the modern world — and is better off for it.

 A Little History of Gulmi

Before Nepal became one unified kingdom, this region was part of the 24 Chaubisi Rajyas — independent principalities that ruled the mid-hills. Gulmi had its own rulers, forts, and culture. Many of those roots still exist today in the form of old palaces, fort remains, and ancestral shrines.

The name Gulmi likely comes from Magar dialect, meaning “valley” or “midway hill.” This makes sense — it sits right in the fold between the low plains and the distant peaks. Through history, Gulmi was also a key center for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims, especially in places like Ruru Kshetra (Ridi), which still draws thousands every year.

 Gulmi at a Glance

• Province: Lumbini

• Altitude: 600m to 2,800m

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (clear views, orange season)

• Languages: Nepali, Magar, Gurung, Newar

• Daily Budget: NPR 1,500–3,500 ($12–$30)

• Nearest City: Butwal (6–7 hours by bus)

• Local Phrase: "Ramailo cha, hai!" — “It’s beautiful/fun, isn’t it?”

 Top Places to Explore

 Resunga Hill

Sacred, serene, and scenic. Hike up early and watch the sun light up the valley. In spring, rhododendrons color the trails. This hill is tied to ancient meditation practices, and some say it has energy points — like Nepal’s very own mini Machu Picchu.

 Ruru Kshetra (Ridi)

One of Nepal’s char dham (four holy pilgrimage sites), Ridi is where the Kali Gandaki River flows gently past stone temples. People come here especially during Maghe Sankranti to bathe and pray. Fossilized Shaligram stones are also found here.

 Madanpokhara Coffee Belt

Terraced slopes covered in green — not rice, but coffee plants. Visit a homestay, try picking cherries, and sip some of Nepal’s best brew with a mountain view.

 Musikot Bazaar

The district hub. Colorful shops, markets, teahouses, and warm conversations. Don’t miss the local metal workshops — handmade khukuris are still crafted here.

 Bichitra Cave

A natural limestone cave near Arkhale village. There’s a belief that sages meditated here, and the inner chambers feel ancient, echoey, and mystical.

 Culture & People

Gulmi is home to Magars, Newars, Brahmins, Dalits, and a growing community of artists and returnee migrants. Despite diversity, the lifestyle is simple and community-centered. People farm together, sing together, and celebrate together.

• Traditional music like panche baja and madal drums are still played at weddings.

• Magar dances, especially during Tihar and Dashain, are lively and colorful.

• Locals may invite you for bhailo (evening singing) if you visit during Tihar.

Say “Namaste, aja ramailo cha?” (Hello, are you enjoying today?) — and watch faces light up.

 What to Eat

Food is simple, seasonal, and packed with flavor:

• Kodo ko dhido – Thick porridge made from millet, served with spicy pickle and ghee

• Aalu tama – Potato and bamboo shoot curry, tangy and warm

• Mas ko dal – Black lentil soup with garlic and wood-smoke flavor

• Orange achar – Sweet-spicy chutney made from Gulmi’s famous oranges

• Jhol momo – Dumplings in tomato-coriander soup

• Homemade coffee – Freshly roasted and ground, brewed with care

 Most meals are served family-style, with locals happy to feed guests.

 Where to Stay

You won’t find fancy resorts here — but you’ll find kindness and comfort.

• Community Homestays (Resunga, Madanpokhara) – Expect organic meals and cozy rooms

• Local Guesthouses in Musikot – Around ₹1000–1500 per night

• Farm Retreats – Try the coffee farms or citrus growers who often host visitors

💡 Tip: Call ahead or ask locals. Booking happens more by word-of-mouth.

 Things to Do in Gulmi

• Hike Resunga Hill – Morning mist + sacred legends = magical trek

• Roast Coffee – Try your hand at traditional fire-roasting in Madanpokhara

• Join a local puja – If you're lucky, attend a village ritual

• Visit Ridi Riverbank – Sit by the water, listen to bells, and let it all sink in

• Photography – Old wooden houses, orange groves, and foggy ridgelines

• Join festivals – Dashain, Maghe Sankranti, Tihar — each with dances and drama

• Buy local – Coffee beans, wooden trays, wool shawls, handwoven baskets

 Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Arrive in Musikot, visit local market

• Walk around villages, enjoy tea at sunset

• Overnight in local homestay

Day 2:

• Early hike to Resunga (carry snacks!)

• Explore nearby herbal plant areas

• Return and join dinner dance at village home

Day 3:

• Day trip to Ridi and riverside temples

• Pick oranges from groves (seasonal)

• Return via coffee village — roast & taste

Day 4:

• Lazy morning coffee walk

• Visit metal artisan or potter’s village

• Head back to Pokhara or Butwal

 Travel Tips

• Cash is king – ATMs may be unreliable

• Slow is better – Don’t try to pack too much in

• Ask before photos, especially of elders

• Carry torchlights – Power cuts happen

• Respect rituals – Step back and observe before joining in

• Greet with a smile – “Namaste” always works wonders

 Local Phrases to Try

• “Pailaa parchha, ghumna parcha” – You must visit, you must explore

• “Dherai mitho cha” – It’s very tasty

• “Gulmi manparcha” – I love Gulmi

• “Feri bhetaula hai” – Let’s meet again

• “Timi yahan ko ho?” – Are you from here?

 Final Thoughts

Gulmi doesn’t sell itself — and maybe that’s its best quality.

This is a place where you don’t just see Nepal, you feel it. You smell the cardamom in the tea, feel the sun on stone steps, hear the echo of drums in the distance. You meet people who’ll insist you eat more and leave with a bag full of oranges and stories.