NEPAL TOURISM YEAR 2011

Prospectus of Nepal Tourism Year 2011


Government of Nepal in consultation with Nepalese travel trade sector and concerned organizations/experts decided on October 25, 2008 to launch a national tourism campaign "Nepal Tourism Year 2011". This announcement reflects the government’s anticipation to bring into Nepal at least one million international tourists by the year 2011 and tourism industry’s exigency to organize a tourism promotion campaign for wider impact.

With the badge of adventure destination glittering and the adage “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) embedded in our culture, the portfolio of tourism products never cease to mesmerize the visitors. The unparallel cultural, geographical, ethnic and bio diversities of the country allure visitors to Nepal time and again which truly substantiates the spirit of Nepal tourism brand ‘Naturally Nepal, once is not enough !'

The concept of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 envisions harnessing these opportunities and strengths and bringing together the commitment of the government, expertise and experiences of the organizations like Nepal Tourism Board, aptitude and dynamism of the private sector and communities for further tourism development in the country. Representation and active participation from the major political parties, members of the Constitution Assembly and Right groups is always taken into prominence in order to make the campaign inclusive and participatory in modus operandi and effective in result. The campaign will also focus on mobilizing the networks of the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) communities, Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad, INGOs and NGOs, airlines and national and international media. Similarly, friends and well-wishers of Nepal, tourism academicians and celebrities will be approached in order to highlight the campaign internally as well as internationally.

Rurukshetra, a Pilgrimage and Religious Site

There are four religious centers of Hindus in Nepal. They are Muktikshetra, Rurukshetra, Barahakshetra and Pashupatikshetra. Two of them, Muktikshetra and Rurukshetra are located on the Kali Gandaki River. Ruru Region lies in the western Nepal. About 96 km to the north of Lumbini and 30 km to the northwest of Tansen lies Rurukshetra, at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi rivers. Ruru is on the tarred road linking Tansen with Tamghas. Ruru region covers Ruru, Thanapani and Aslewa VDCs of Gulmi district, Argali VDC of Palpa district and Karikot of Chanjebhanjyang VDC of Syangja district.

Ruru, commonly known as Ridi, was named after a mythological girl named Ruru. She was born to a fairy named Pramlocha and brought up by a doe. Ruru, through her penance, pleased Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu appeared before her and asked her to beg of him for a boon, she asked him to stay there forever. So, Lord Vishnu stayed there as Hrishikeshav. There are two separate temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Ruru Kanya. A four armed stone- image is seen inside the Hrishikeshav Temple. Other places worth visiting are Bhrigutungeshwor Mahadev, cave, Achammeshwor, Ram temple at Rudrabeni etc.

Ruru is known as Banaras of Nepal because all the Hindu rituals which are performed on the bank of Ganges in Banaras are also performed here. The most important festival at Ridi is Maghesankranti, the first day of the Nepali month Magh (mid-January). Thousands of Hindu devotees have a holy dip in the water of Kali Gandaki River. This is also done on every Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the new moon and eclipses. It is believed that the holy dip cleanses their bodies and souls free from sins and prepare the souls for salvation. Most Hindus in surrounding areas wish to be cremated after their death on the bank of the Kali Gandaki at Ridi for salvation. In case of failure to bring dead bodies here for cremation, ashes are flowed in the water of Kali Gandaki.

Resunga; a Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage

Ruru and Resunga are co-related pilgrimages. A black topped road connects them. 45 km away from Ruru, at the end of the black topped road lies Tamghas, the headquarters of Gulmi district. The Resunga hill overlooks Tamghas. Mythologically, Ruru hosted saints, yogis and hrishis in the winter season whereas Resunga provided a place for yoga, meditation and arduous practice to them in the summer season. Resunga inspired many spiritually. Mythologically, Hrishya-shringa, a horned sage, meditated here. So, this hill was named Resunga after him. Of the known history, Swami Shasidhar, Mahaprabhu Lakshmi Narayan, Thakur Prasad, Yadukananda etc. meditated and practiced Yoga at the top of Resunga. Swami Shashidhar founded Josmani cult (a progressive and inclusive thought) here and it spreads all over Nepal, parts of India, Bhutan, Burma and other parts of south Asia. The shrines and relics left by these sages are still there on and around Resunga. There is a large historical pond built by Mahaprabhu Lakshminarayan in the upper reach of the Resunga hill. Mahaprabhu brought waters from all the places of Hindu Pilgrimage in Nepal and India and poured into it so that people who feel these places of pilgrimage to be economically beyond their reach could bathe in it. Resunga, a hill of amazing geographical setting and fascinating beauty, is very much rich in biodiversity. It is a store-house of diverse wild lives and wild plants ranging from semi-tropical to temperate forests. It is a majestic natural tower providing fascinating views of surrounding vista. From the top of Resunga, to the north, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre peaks of Himalaya can be seen. To the south, the plains of the Terai (even Gorakhpur) and the hills of the intervening Chure range are also seen from here. It has numerous water springs supplying drinking water to the eleven VDCs surrounding it immediately. The VDCs are also benefited by Resunga with medicinal herbs, timber, fodder and firewood. The surrounding VDCs are rich in cultural heritage. Resunga region covers the Resunga forest and eleven VDCs; Tamghas, Arkhale, Hastichaur, Bandagaun, Paralmi, Balithum, Jubhung, Gaudakot, Dubichaur, Darbar Devisthan, Simichaur and surrounding area of Bichitra Cave in Dhurkot Bastu. Arjun hill stands to the west of Resunga hill, adding to the beauty of Tamghas. This hill is historically important for political past. Remains of an old fort are on its top.

“Welcome to Dolakha, “Rural Development through Tourism”

Dolakha, one of the high historical, natural, adventurous, religious, important touristic place lies 130 km east of Kathmandu. We first reach Kharidhunga, 110 km from Kathmandu from where one can get splendid views of Himalayan range. Kharidhunga, located about 2660 m above the sea level, boasts one of the world’s best magnesites deposits. Dolakha is one of the rare tourist spots of Nepal in the sense that from this single place the heart-touching views of Himalaya, forest, rivers, landscapes and villages can be observed.

Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha, has unique geographical settings. The spectacular views of many Himalayas including Mt. Gaurishankar of Rolwaling Himalayan range can be observed from here. Charikot is a business center having all facilities for the tourists. It is a hill station for sunrise and sunset programs.

Dolakha is regarded as the home of ancient civilization. There are more than dozen of temples and stupas including temples of Bhimeshwor, Tripura Sundari, and Kali with various cultural festivals. It is believed that the statue of Bhimeshwor perspires before the grave crisis of misfortune in the country.

Kalinchowk, the religious and natural snow peaked peak is famous as a pilgrimage sites of Nepal. It is a place to see and enjoy Rhododendron and other different colorful flowers of all high altitudes. It is the best place for trekking, to see the views of panorama of Himalayas as well as sunrise and sunset and also the place to introduce Snow-skiing, Golf course, Cable car, rock climbing etc. great festivals take places here during Janai Purnima (Aug- Sept), Bada Dashain (Sept- Oct) and Chaite Dashain (Apr-May).

Jiri is a place of Yak farming and Cheese industry and is also the gateway of Mt. Everest. Jatapokhari is a worth visiting place of this region. Jirels are the main habitants of here having with their own culture and way of life.

Tashi Gumba at Bigu is another important place for trekking. Bahula Pokhari near this area is the very beautiful touristic place where religious festival takes place during Rishi Tarpani Purnima (Aug). Beding is the place having 60 houses with 300 populations and maximum summiteers of Mt. Everest.

One can also observe the greatest glacier lake, Cho-Rolpa which is situated at the highest place of the country. Lama Bagar (Lapchi), gateway of Tibet, is another important place of Dolakha having 33 meditation centers established by the religious leader Melareppa about 1000 years ago. Here are Chhewar Gumba for Tibetan refugees and Pema Chhitin Gumba of Nepalese people, established 1300 years ago.

Shailungeshwor Danda, the hill of 100 hillocks, is a holy place of Shailungeshwor Mahadev and religious festival take place every year during Janai Purnima (Aug), and 12 year Godawari Festival. It is the best place for trekking, to see sunrise and sunset programs and to enjoy the panoramic views of most of the snow peaked mountains of Nepal. Tamakoshi is the best river to perform rafting and so on.

The major temples situated at Bandipur

Khadga Devi, the highly revered temple of Khadga Devi could be mistaken for a residential house where it not for the finial. The shrine does not contain any ideal, but a Khadga, a scared sword- a gift from Lord Shiva to Mukunda Sen, the king of Palpa. Wrapped in layer of cloth, legend has it that anyone looking at the bare sword invites instant death. The Khadga is worshipped as a symbol of the female power. This temple is opened to devotees only once a year on the day of Phulpati, the seventh day of Hindu festival of Dashain usually in October.

Bindhebasini Temple, the pagoda- style temple is located in main bazaar. Enshrined here is an image of goddess Bindhebasini. It also contains idols of other goddesses. During the New Year celebration in April, the image of Bindhebasini is put on the chariot and pulled through the town amidst other revelry.

Mahalaxmi Temple, the pagoda-style temple from the medieval period is located to the south-east of main bazaar. Its struts and tympanum are adorned with fingers of Bhimsen and various mythical creatures.

As with the Newar town elsewhere, Bandipur also boasts year round festivals and plethora of other culture shows. The unique festival of Bandipur include the Khadga Jatra (October) and Bisket Jatra (April). The Magars mark the full moon day of Baishakh Purnima (April), in which unmarried women perform the Ghatu Jatra with married women singing the folk songs. The Sorathi and Chutka are the other popular dance of Bandipur.

Important Places for visiting at Bandipur

The heart of Bandipur is the medieval-looking Bandipur Bazaar that sweeps in a gentle curve along the top of the hill in an east-west axis. The stone-paved main street is lined with compact town houses with ornate windows and doorways and roofs of tin or slate. All along the street, a covered veranda extends in front of the rows of houses providing shade in summer sun and monsoon rain. Tundikhel, a field to the northern end of Bandipur’s main Bazaar, is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Marsyangdi valley and the magnificent Himalayan Range in a single frame. It includes the spectacular peaks of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuhhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, among others. The legendary Gorkha Palace and the famous Manakamana peak are clearly visible from here. Other sites include Bimalnagar and Dumre Bazaar. Purano Kot, originally a fort, lies a distance of about 500 m to the west of the main bazaar. It takes about twenty minutes of easy and gentle climbing to reach the top. There is a small temple nearby containing a number of old statues. Next to it stands a newly built temple of Thanithan Mai. The local people believe that praying to the god Mahadev at this spot during a drought will bring rain. Since this spot lies on a hilltop above the bazaar, it provides stunning views of the mountains and the bazaar especially at sunrise and sunset. Teendhara, a best picnic spot lies to the east of the main bazaar and can be reached in fifteen minutes. The name of this place derives from the original three water spouts which is still the main source of water for the villagers. The shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva lies nearby with rest houses and shady spots scattered around making this a favorite place for picnickers. Raniban, the mixed Sal forest is located to the east of main bazaar. It is a tranquil heaven for the nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and fauna, including lungurs, orchids, butterflies etc. Bandipur’s hillsides are dotted with caves, often carrying religious significance for the locals. The must-see destination here is the Siddha Cave discovered only in 1987. Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it is said to be the largest cave in the Himalayan region. Siddha Cave is situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar, from where it is a 30-minutes climb. Ramkot is a two-hour easy hike to the west of Bandipur. It passes through Muchuk Village from where you can also visit Mukundeswari. Ramkot is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses, untouched by modern development offering an opportunity to experience authentic lifestyles of rural Nepal. From here, one can go on to Chabdi Barahi, a pilgrimage spot, which can be reached after two hours of easy hiking. Bandipur hosts more than 24 species of orchids. The month of June is the best season to enjoy the different varieties of orchid in full bloom. Although you can see orchids in most part of Bandipur, the best route to enjoy this beautiful flower is on the way to the silk farm west of Bandipur Bazaar.

Bandipur, A Naturally Exciting, Beautiful and Surprising corner

Midway on the Prithivi Highway, between the capital Kathmandu and the resort town of Pokhara lies Bandipur, a picturesque Newar town that still retains much of its centuries-old appeal. Situated in the Mahabharat Range in Tanahu district, it lies 143 km to the west of Kathmandu, 73 km to the south of Pokhara, 70 km to the north of Chitawan and 8 km from Dumre Bazaar on the Prithivi Highway.

Bandipur bazaar is situated on a ridge above the highway town of Dumre, and presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. Located at an altitude of 1,030 m, Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower, providing a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang to the Marsyangdi valley which is below 500 m. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life that reflects the refined civilization of the Kathmandu Valley.

Bandipur was once a prosperous trading centre, as its charming building with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows, will attest. Originally a simple Magar village, Newars from Bhaktapur settled here in the early nineteenth century, taking advantage of its malaria-free location to develop it into an important stop on the India-Tibet trade route. Bandipur is also a great place for adventure sports like paragliding, caving, rock climbing, rafting and hiking.

Quality accommodation is available at the hotels and resorts in Bandipur. For budget travelers, home stay is available in several old Newar homes that provide bed and breakfast.

Bandipur is easily accessible by driving from Pokhara or Kathmandu to arrive at Dumre Bazaar by midday, and then it’s about an half hour bus ride to Bandipur Bazaar from Piple, 1 km west of Dumre. From Dumre, one can find the local rides shuttling between Dumre and Bandipur.

Temperatures in the summer (March-July) hover between maximum of 32-33 degree Celsius and a minimum of 12-13 degree Celsius. In the winter (October-February), the temperature fluctuates between 18-21 and 2-3 degree Celsius. The clear sky over Bandipour at the time of the year provides magnificent views of the mountains. Heavy downpours mark the rainy season from June to August.