Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake

Lake & pondPahad1 min read

In Nepali: वीरेन्द्रनगर र बुलबुले ताल · Also known as: Birendranagar · Surkhet · बुलबुले

Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake, Surkhet
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The planned capital of Karnali Province in the Surkhet valley, with a spring-fed lake and park at its edge.

Birendranagar was laid out in the 1970s in the flat Surkhet valley and is now the capital of Karnali Province and the road gateway to Jumla, Dailekh and Kalikot. It is a green, relaxed city with a clock tower and a busy bazaar.

Bulbule Lake, fed by bubbling springs (bulbule), is a park with boating and shrines on the edge of town. Nearby are the Kakrebihar ruins, the Deuti Bajai temple and hill viewpoints over the valley.

What to see and do

Visit Bulbule Lake's park and temples, walk to Kakrebihar and Deuti Bajai, and climb to viewpoints on the valley rim. Birendranagar's markets and restaurants make it a comfortable stop before heading into Karnali's mountains.

Good to know

Birendranagar has a good range of hotels and an airport with flights to Kathmandu and mountain destinations. Summers are warm; winters are pleasant.

Quick answers

Where is Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake is in Surkhet district, Karnali Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
What is the altitude of Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
About 650 m (2,133 ft) above sea level.
How much does it cost to visit Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
For a 3-day trip from Nepalgunj, about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 15,000 (≈ US$110) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
How many days do I need for Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
Plan 1 night there; with travel from Nepalgunj and back, about 3 days in all.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
When is the best time to visit Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
October–March
How do I get to Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake?
Flights from Kathmandu; about 2.5 hours by road from Nepalgunj. It is about 59 km (straight line) from Nepalgunj.
What is Birendranagar and Bulbule Lake called in Nepali?
वीरेन्द्रनगर र बुलबुले ताल
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