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Runchet (Nepali: रुन्चेत) is a village located in Ward No. 2 of Dharche Rural Municipality in the Gorkha District of Gandaki Province, Nepal. It is the second-largest village in the ward and lies along the Manaslu trekking route, surrounded by forested hills, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung settlements.The village is known for its natural beauty, eco-tourism potential, and its role in preserving the traditional Gurung culture of the northern Gorkha region.
Runchet
| Native name | रुन्चेत |
|---|---|
| Country | Nepal |
| Province | Gandaki Province |
| District | Gorkha District |
| Municipality | Dharche Rural Municipality (Ward No. 2) |
| Coordinates | 28.30°N, 84.85°E (approx.) |
| Elevation | ≈ 1,700 m (5,577 ft) |
| Region | Manaslu trekking corridor |
| Population (2021) | 1,476 (775 females, 701 males) |
| Ethnic groups | Gurung, Ghale, Bishwakarma |
| Languages | Gurung, Nepali |
| Time zone | UTC+5:45 (Nepal Time) |
Etymology and Geography
Runchet lies on a flat area surrounded by green hills. In the Gurung language, “Chet” means “flat land.” According to oral traditions, “Runchet” evolved from the term “Rukhchet,” meaning “flat land with trees.”
The village is about 66 km northwest of Gorkha Bazaar and lies close to the Nepal–China border. It sits at an altitude of around 1,700 meters (5,577 ft) above sea level, along the Manaslu trekking route, above Khola Besi and Tatopani (natural hot springs). The area is bordered by Ganesh Himal to the east, Hulchuk to the north, Kerouja Besi to the west, and Kerouja to the south.
Natural Attractions
Runchet Village is surrounded by terraced fields, waterfalls, and dense forests. The Runchet Khola stream flows beside the settlement, adding to its charm. In 2013, a group of canyoning experts from Spain, the ECH Team, explored the Runchet Khola and identified 76 waterfalls suitable for canyoning, descending from 3,349 m to 880 m near the Budhigandaki River. The tallest waterfall measures approximately 65 meters.
Medicinal herbs like Titepati (Artemisia), Panchaunle (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), and Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis) grow in the region. Common trees include pine, rhododendron, alder, and bamboo.
Economy and Livelihood
Agriculture, livestock farming, and foreign employment form the backbone of the local economy. The nearby Nyauli Khola stream has potential for small-scale hydropower development. Crops such as maize, millet, wheat, and barley are cultivated, along with vegetables like potatoes, beans, and mustard greens. Livestock includes cows, goats, and sheep.
Men traditionally make doko (baskets) and bhakari (grain bins), while women weave pakhi, bakkhu, and raddi using natural fibers.
Population and Culture
According to the 2021 Nepal Census (2078 BS), Runchet had 1,476 residents in 293 households (775 females, 701 males). Major ethnic groups are Gurung and Ghale. The villagers celebrate Lhosar, Chandi Purnima, Dashain, and Tihar.
Traditional clothing includes gunyu-cholo for women and bakkhu and khasto for men. The local cuisine includes dhindo, gundruk, sisnu soup, and rice. The main spoken language is Gurung, though Nepali is also widely understood.
Education
The Gandaki Secondary School in Runchet serves students from Ward No. 1 (Hulchuk) and Ward No. 2 (Runchet). The school faces challenges due to landslides, river crossings, and remoteness, yet it has played an important role in improving literacy and reducing social barriers in the area.
Tourism and Accessibility
From Aarughat, the journey to Runchet takes about two days on foot via Soti, Machhakhola, and Khorlabesi. The route passes over the Budhigandaki River before climbing up through forest trails. Runchet is part of the eco-tourism corridor connecting Manaslu and Ganesh Himal regions, with growing potential for cultural and adventure tourism.