Location
Located in Belaka Municipality, ward no. 8 of Udayapur district, it is the paragliding spot, and known as Boptang Dada.
Belaka Municipality starts right from the Koshi River, and the river separates two districts: Sunsari and Udayapur. On the other side of the Belaka and Koshi River, Barahakshetra municipality lies. So, from this Boptang Dada, we can sightsee the beautiful Koshi River, grassland and flatland of Belaka and Barahakshetra Municipality.
Attractions
Barahakshetra is a Hindu and Kirat pilgrimage site in Nepal, situated at the confluence of the Koka and Koshi rivers. It is known for its ancient temples, including the Bhu Varaha Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Varaha (boar) incarnation. The site is revered for its religious significance, particularly during festivals like Kartik Purnima and Makar Sankranti, attracting pilgrims from both India and Nepal.
Similarly, we get to have a better glance on Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River, is one of the country’s most important wetlands and a haven for biodiversity. Established in 1976 and covering an area of 175 square kilometers, the reserve is renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 500 species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. It is also the last refuge of the endangered wild water buffalo, known locally as “Arna.” The reserve’s diverse habitats—including rivers, grasslands, and marshes—support a wide range of flora and fauna, including deer, wild boar, and occasional sightings of Gangetic dolphins. As a Ramsar site, Koshi Tappu plays a crucial role in wetland conservation and attracts ecotourists, researchers, and nature lovers from around the world.
Visitors from Udayapur, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Saptari, Morang, and the Indian state of Bihar frequently travel here to admire the region’s stunning landscapes. The area is also known for paragliding, and during favorable weather conditions, one can enjoy watching paragliders soar through the skies above Belaka. Paragliding sessions can be booked by those seeking an adventurous experience. Additionally, the growing presence of TikTok content creators has helped broaden the area’s visibility and appeal.
How to reach there?
If you’re coming via Itahari or any other areas of Sunsari, Morang, or Jhapa, your first stop should be Chatara, near the Koshi Bridge. You can use Google Maps to help you navigate. From Chatara, take the Madan Bhandari Highway toward Belaka Municipality. About five minutes after crossing the bridge, you’ll see the gate of Belaka Rivers Beach Resort on your left. From there, take a right turn and head uphill.
The road is pitched but has plenty of potholes, so be cautious while driving or riding. You can take a car as well. After a 10 to 15-minute ride, you’ll come across a sign for the paragliding spot with directions displayed on a board. You can park your vehicle on the roadside and take a 7 to 10-minute walk to reach this beautiful place.
Restaurants and hotels
You don’t need to carry water or snacks, as there are plenty of small hotels where you can eat. If you’re planning to stay overnight, it might be better to come down and stay at one of the highway hotels—although Belaka Rivers Beach Resort also offers good facilities if you decide to spend the night there.