Badimalika

Badi Malika Temple is a popular shrine in Bajura district. Situated at an altitude of around 15,000 ft above sea level, the temple sits atop a small hillock. The area is rich in bio-diversity and climate is pleasing.

Badi Malika is popular among deities as a wish-fulfilling goddess. The temple premises wears a festive look during the Janai Poornima and Ganga Dashara festival. During these festivals, thousands of people from different parts of the mid and far western Nepal as well as from bordering Indian towns visit the temple.

Journey to Badi Malika begins with a drive to Jadanga in Bajura. The trail then passes through Korda, Bodha Korda, Bhito Charne and Tribeni before reaching Badi Malika temple. The temple premises offers beautiful views of different mountain peaks in the far-western region including the famous Api and Saipal.

Visitors get to see large grasslands, nomadic shepherds and terrace fields on the way to Badi Malika. As there are no hotels, lodges and teahouses along the trail, visitors need to be self-sufficient – they need to arrange food and accommodations on their own. The trail is narrow and difficult in must of the places.

Realizing the immense tourism potentials that the area holds, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized an exploration trip to Badi Malika. The association plans to upgrade trails, prepare detailed itinerary and promote the area among domestic and foreign tourists by publishing promotional DVDs, posters and maps. The association is also studying the possibility of linking Badi Malika with Khaptad National Park for its better promotion and development.

Image Nepal presents you the never-seen-before pictures of the trail to Badi Malika Temple.

(Photo Courtsey: Kishor Khadka)