Until about four years ago, giant rocks standing on the banks of the Marshyangdi river at Khani Gaon in Lamjung offered little to no value.

But, those very rocks have now become a new attraction for tourists.

All thanks to the locals, who built railings along the edge of the rocks for safety measures and staircases to ensure easy movements on them as well as several resting places.

To facilitate visitors, the locals have set up Khani Gaon Rock Garden Homestay in 14 homes of the area.

The homestay as well as the “rock garden”, which lies on the Annapurna Circuit, have become a new destination for visitors, especially the vloggers.

The Rs900-package offers visitors snacks, dinner, a night’s stay and breakfast for the next morning.

The tourists are welcomed with tea or the locally-brewed liquor in the evening and offered makai bhatmas, or popcorn as well as roasted soybean. The dinner includes local chicken curry along with two pieces of millet bread and vegetables. An egg and a cup of tea are given for breakfast.

The homestays offer free Wifi services as well.

“The mother’s group showcases a cultural dance performance for the tourists coming in a group of more than 10 members,” said Kaam Sharki Gurung, the founder of the homestay.

The homestay also has a scheme for those visiting the area for picnics.

Those bringing the food themselves are provided with the utensils and charged Rs2,000 for the services.

The visitors also have the option to spend the night at the homestay for which they are charged Rs150 per person per night, according to Gurung.

“The washrooms and water taps have been made at several places in the area to facilitate the visitors,” said Brikh Gurung, a local.

Besides Khani Gaau, several other homestays are also operational at Ghan Pokhara, Siurung, Dhagaun, Mipra and Bhusme among other villages in the rural municipality.

A 21-kilometre-long motor vehicle ride from Besisahar–the district headquarters through Bhulbhule and Bhaun Dada in Annapurna Circuit takes one to Lili, from where it takes 10 to 15 minutes on foot to reach the Khani Gaau Rock Garden Homestay.

The visitors can also take an alternative route from Besisahar to Ram Bazaar along the Besi Sahar-Chame road. From there, one can cross the suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and walk for 15 minutes to reach the homestay.