Standing on the top of a hill and looking at the lush green forests, distant hills and picturesque landscapes, the mind automatically calms down. This is the feeling that the Khanchikot Hill Station in Arghakhanchi provides. In recent times, the number of domestic tourists has increased significantly due to its natural beauty, cool weather and attractive views.

Khanchikot Hill Station, located at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level, is currently becoming a popular tourist destination in the district. The brisk wind, the weather that is covered with fog and opens up again in a moment, the dense green forest, the melodious voice of birds and the natural scenery spread all around attract anyone who reaches here.

On clear days, the mountain ranges including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre are clearly visible from here. The 2,000-meter-high Masina Lake, which is about an hour's walk from the hill station, also attracts tourists. The forest area around Masina Lake is rich in biodiversity. As various species of birds, plants and wildlife are found here, this area has also become a suitable destination for nature lovers and researchers.

The hill station is reached about four kilometers from Narpani along the Sandhikharka-Gorusinghe road section. The hill station can be reached after walking uphill for about one and a half hours from Khanchikot village in Sandhikharka Municipality-7.

According to Ward Chairman of Sandhikharka Municipality-7, Chura Bahadur KC, a pond has also been constructed in the area to ensure that there is no shortage of water for wildlife and birds. 'Many hills of the mountains, the district headquarters Sandhikharka and some areas of the Terai are visible from here,' he said. 'Pilgrims who come to visit Supa Deurali reach Narpani to receive prasad. With the construction of roads and footpaths in recent times, many of them have also reached the hill station.'

Tourists from the Terai and Indian border areas who come to escape the heat are staying at Narpani resorts and enjoying nature after reaching the hill station, he said. According to him, about one million pilgrims visit the Supa Deurali temple annually. Some of them are pilgrims and tourists who come to escape the heat, so more than one hundred thousand visitors arrive at the hill station annually.

The attraction of nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, groups traveling with families and youth looking for new destinations is increasing. Locals say that there is a heavy presence of employees, teachers and students, especially on holidays. Many who come here take TikToks, reels and photos of various scenes. Ward Chairman KC says that the number of tourists has increased significantly after increased publicity through social media.

Mount Nartananjal in Narpani can also be easily viewed from the hill station. Narpani tourism entrepreneur Padam KC Supa says that Deurali-Narapani-Khanchikot Hill Station-Masina Lake can be developed as a single tourism package. 'There is a good potential for eco-tourism by combining the biodiversity, green forests, clean environment and rural lifestyle here,' he said.

Pritam Poudel, who had reached Nawalparasi on Monday, took more than a hundred photos and videos on his mobile phone. He even made a TikTok video while tasting ripe forest fruits in the forest. 'The view all around me captivated me,' he said, 'The snow-capped mountains, the hills, the cold wind and the sounds of birds gave me so much joy that I have planned to visit with my family for a whole day next time.'

Local residents also reach the hill station from the district headquarters Sandhikharka on a daily basis. On Monday, a group led by the Mahina Netri of Sandhikharka celebrated the festival by eating curd and chiura at the hill station on the occasion of Asad 15 and enjoying nature all day long.