|
Location:
Dhulikhel is the smallest municipality of Nepal in terms of
population. It is situated only 30 km east of Kathmandu, the capital
city of Nepal on the Arniko Highway at an elevation of 1,550 metre
above the mean sea level and along the ridge that seperates the
valley of Banepa and Paanchkhal. According to census of 1991, there
were 9,664 population living in 1,616 households on an area of
approximately 1,087 hactres. The projected population of Dhulikhel
for the year 2000 is about 11,000.
How to Reach ?
It takes about forty five minutes to reach Dhulikhel in a taxi or
private car, or two-and-a-half to three hours by bicycle from
Kathmandu. On the way, one can enjoy the spectrum of Nepalese
landscape from lush green rice fields to the women washing clothes
and winnowing grains, children carrying water in clay jugs or
playing lively games.
Dhulikhel: The Gateway to Tibet
Dhulikhel has for many centuries been an important trading centre on
the ancient commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. Since time
immemorial, people of Nepal travel to Tibet to bring home salt and
gold. Likewise, the Tibetans every year with their flocks of sheep
enter into Nepal during Dashain, the greatest Hindu festival. They
purchased chilies and other daily necessities in Nepal and return to
their homeland. In those days, a whole day walk from Kathmandu to
Dhulikhel was comfortable for Tibet trippers with easily available
of food and water at Dhulikhel at the evening for overnight stay.
Even now, a bird's eye view from the resorts at Dhulikhel to the
landscapes; highway to Tibet and horizons far to the Tibetan
borders, clearly exhibits Dhulikhel as the gateway of Tibet. After
adjoining with Tibet by motorable road in 1965, Dhulikhel got a face
lift and developed as a tourist destination both for Tibet trippers
and tourists. Many travel agents operate tours to Tibet. And of
course, Dhulikhel is an ideal station to stop for overnight stay
while going to Tibet and coming back to Kathmandu.
The Mountains - A Tourist Paradise
The spectacular snowfed mountains seen from Dhuklikhel must be one
of the finest panoramic views in the world. When a blue haze covers
the lower portion of the mountains, they seem to be floating in the
air. With the snowy mountains on the backdrop, Dhulikhel is a stage
of immense beauty and a paradise for nature lovers. Green inviting
hills of which still virgin and some turned into beautifully carved
agricultural terraces cater to the beholders' pleasure.
Geographically, the plains rise up gradually up to the green
mountains and further into the snow capped Himalayas. The panorama
offers a majestic undisturbed views of the Himalayan ranges
stretching from Mount Annapurna in the far west to Mount Karolung in
the far east. More than twenty Himalayan peaks including Mt.
Annapurna (8091) m), Mt. Ganesh Himal (7429 m), Mt. Langtang (7234
m), Mt. Phuribichyachu (6637 m), Mt. Gaurishanker (7134 m), Mt.
Lhotse (2516 m) and many others can be seen in their full glory from
the different vantage points in Dhulikhel. In short, it is the
foremost point for the mountain-oriented sight seeing since time
immemorial. The eco-himalayan atmosphere will surprise any one an
unforgettable experience in lifetime.
Dhulikhel is an exotic place to magnify a dramatic and beautiful
changing color of the mountain range from gray to silver and to gold
with the rising of the sun. Both sunrise and sunset views are really
breathtaking and sensational.
To enjoy the best mountain views, one should get up at dawn and
watch the changing light as the sun reaches the southern side of the
mountains. Many people walk up to the Kali Temple (half an hour from
the town) where one can see a breathtaking view of snow-fed peaks
from Annapurna to the Everest range. But one can also enjoy this
view nearly as much in the comfort of many hotel roof-tops and
terraces.
The Old Town
The oldest area of the town, the southern end, is an assembly of
fine old Newari houses, often occupied by 20 or more members of the
local extended families. They may not all have glazed windows, hot
water or modern furniture, but they have dignity and a friendly
atmosphere. Their most valuable assets are the beautifully carved
windows and doors, fine examples of traditional Newari
craftsmanship.
As one wanders down the traffic free narrow streets, one passes
through a medieval city inhabited for at least five centuries and
may have a feeling that he is in the garden of cultural theme park.
The plan of the city is based on ancient Hindu planning doctrine
with the position, shape, scale & dominance between buildings,
temples, public squares all having their own meaning and harmony.
The artistic skill and urban ethos of its Newar inhabitants have
created a place of charm and beauty. Here, people greet the
visitors, with smiles and a leisurely pace of life. The cobbled lane
and worn brick buildings, and the open yards surrounded by the
traditional houses with flower pots, old pagoda-style temples with
glittering gajurs and a typical mountain lifestyle of the people
speak silently of the rich history and the cultural heritage of the
people. This all creates an aura, which is unique, but at the same
time blends so well into what is often described as Nepali Style.
There are organically developed compact settlements around Dhulikhel.
These settlements in one hand conserved heat in the cold valley, and
at the same time maximized land for agricultural use. One of such
old settlements is Shrikhandapur, which lies 2 kms west of the core
city near the Kathmandu University, and is also a centuries old
Newari settlement. The settlement is protected by Swet Bhairav (an
incarnation of Lord Shiva) and Narayan (Vishnu) deties.
Temples
There are numerious temples in the town depicting an example of
traditional and old Newari craftsmanship of Dhulikhel. These are
important places of worship for local people. The core area of
Dhulikhel has interesting narrow cobbled streets and lanes embedded
with number of Hindu Shrines and a few Buddhist Stupa.
In the centre of the old town is the Narayan Temple with its yellow
metal roofs. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna whose birthday is
joyfully celebrated here in August. Alongside is the Harisiddhi
Temple whose God responds to the worshippers' problems and sees
their good and wrong doings. Both the temples are adorned with
profuese wood carvings and fronted by two Garudas in quite different
attitude. Bhagwati Temple situated at the top of the western part of
the town is considered as one of the best place to see around
Dhulikhel and also to enjoy the best mountain views. The
Gaukhureshwor Mahadev Temple is about 20 minutes walk to the east of
the town near Tundikhel Recreation Park and is located in a peaceful
and quite environment. It is probably the most scenic religious
centre, beside a small river surrounded by trees. Further up hill,
one reaches, within half an hour trek, the Bhagwati (Kali) Temple.
This is a beautiful pagoda that one can see on the skyline as one
drives into Dhulikhel. One can get a bird's eye view of Dhulikhel
town and other surrounding areas from this height. This is one of
the best sites around Dhulikhel for viewing snow-fed peaks from Mt.
Annapurna to Mt. Everest range, sunrise, sunset and the ever
changing play of light on the sky and hills in a fine twilight show.
While going to Bhagwati (Kali) Temple, again about 100m from the
Tundikhel Recreation Park lies 'Buddha Vihar', a Buddhist Monastery
amid lush green 'Dipendra Greenery Park', where cool breeze whispers
an ambience of eternal peace and tranquility. About 9 kms from
Dhulikhel on the way to Palanchowk Bhagwati lies a holy temple of 'Sankat
Mochan Hanuman', the Monkey God, which represents symbol of courage
& strength practiced through true celibacy.
What is Ecotourism and Why Ecotourism ?
According to World Tourism Organisation (WTO, 1989), tourism has
been the world's third largest industry after oil and vehicle
production that contributes about 12% of the global GNP. Nepal is
one of the best touristic destination in the world because of its
geographical diversity, unparalled natural beauty, enormous
biological resources, distinct cultural heritage, live culture,
religious diversity, splendid hospitalities etc. and tourism is the
main source of foreign currency earning. The rich natural and
man-made heritage have made our country an unique tourist spot for
the foreigners. Our image as the country of Mt. Everest, the
birthplace of Lord Buddha and the country of Hindu Kingdom has
rendered as a distinct competitive edge in tourism industry.
Although tourism in Nepal started developing towards 70s, the
economic impact of it have been found to be concentrated in only few
destinations and the benefits from the tourism to the local people
in term of income generation and employment opportunities have been
received only in few mountainous areas. Further, due to the lack of
well planned tourism development, it has not only destroyed the
environment but also the local culture, historical art and music,
which are essential to the communities' ambience.
"Tourism in Nepal has created three different environmental
problems, first overcrowding of campsites and littering along
trekking trails, thereby resulting in sanitation problems, second
increased consumption of firewood by trekker and lodge owner thereby
accelerating regional deforestation and thirdly the erosion of
indigenous socio-cultural structures and tradition" (A Legislative
and Environmental Framework for Environmental Management in Nepal,
IUCN, Nepal).
Without the development of comprehensive program for the regulation
of the tourism, Nepal may loose some of its very scenic and other
attractive environmental qualities, which are the essence of its
appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Now, the global travel and tourism industry is becoming increasingly
influenced by the need to protect the environment and
social-cultural values. The western world is conscious about the
ecology and environment. Green marketing concept is working very
effectively. Thus, the environmental and socio-cultural concerns in
recent years have given rise to the concept of "Eco-tourism", which
is believed to be coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurian in 1983, who
defined ecotourism as:
"Tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural
areas with the objective of admiring, studying and enjoying the
scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any cultural
features found there".
According to the Ecotourism Society, 1991, ecotourism is a nature
based travel defined as "the responsible travel to natural areas
that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local
people".
Wood (1980) described it as "purposeful travel to natural areas to
understand the culture and natural history of the environment,
taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem while
producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of
natural resources financially beneficial to local citizens".
Boo (1991), explains that ecotourism should be participatory and
nature-oriented and stresses the importance of maximizing the local
benefits. The second line of thought is that ecotourism should be
entirely ecologically responsible, leaving no impact on the
ecosystem it accesses (Zell, 1991).
"The approach will be in accordance with the principle that the
local population must be made custodians of their own environment" (Sherpa
et. al. 1989)
From the above said, it is very clear that if tourism is to be
sustainable and natural and cultural environments are to be
conserved, tourism management needs to be integrated with community
development and benefit the local inhabitants themselves and this
can be achieved only through ecotourism. Some definitions and
characterizations of ecotourism are as follows:
" Ecotourism is a subset of Nature tourism in which conservation and
tourist interests work together to preserve environmental quality
while mutually protecting tourism
" Ecotourism is purposely focused on enhancing and maintaining
natural systems through tourism. It is a contemporary strategy that
is vital to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.
" Currently the term ecotourism is apt to be used as a catchhall
applied indiscriminately to almost anything that links tourism and
nature.
" Ecotourism, narrowly defined, is a nature-oriented tour program
based on Nature and Archaeological resources. In a broader sense, it
would include indigenous or local culture as a natural resource
" Ecotourism, a new tourism strategy that balances development and
economic gains, is seen as a new force that can benefit both nature
and developing destinations.
Since recent past, it is because of the increasing concern of the
people about environmental and socio-cultural damages, eco-tourism
has become popular to minimize the negative impact of tourism. This
fact has been realised by His Majesty's Government of Nepal and
Ministry of Tourism and National Planning Commission have also
emphasized on the promotion of eco-tourism in Nepal. Among others,
the following are the benefits to be received from the ecotourism:
" Ecotourism consists of nature and village tourism. 90% of the
people of Nepal live in the villages. Hence, villagers are the
backbone of Nepal. Without development of villages and village
resources, the national development is not possible. Village tourism
will assist to develop villages through tourist trade and business.
It will provide employment opportunities, generate income for rural
people including to poor and disadvantaged group and uplift quality
of life thus helping in national tourism development and poverty
alleviation program of the government
" The revenue generated through tourism activities will assist in
conservation of biodiversity and natural environment, which is the
key objectives of ecotourism.
" Ecotourism will help to minimize conflicts between hosts and
guests and tourism quality will improve and will have contribution
in foreign currency earnings even in rural areas.
" Women are more related to the natural environment than men as they
are the principal users of the firewood, fodder and other natural
products. In this context, the involvement of women in promotion of
ecotourism is must, which means lots of women will also get
employment opportunities and generate income
" Ecotourism will help to establish several indigenous industries,
cash crop farming, milk production etc., which will again generate
additional income for the local people.
Why in Dhulikhel ?
The first destination of most of the tourists visiting Nepal is the
capital city of Kathmandu and whole of the Kathmandu valley is
becoming more and more overcrowded and polluted. The valley is
converting into a chaotic "Concrete Jungle". Hence, there is a
growing need to develop a touristic destination in a nearly
pollution free environment to diversify the centralised stay of the
tourists in Kathmandu valley. Nagarkot, Kakani and Dhulikhel could
be such nearest touristic destinations. Out of these three
destinations. Dhulikhel is the most idyllic hill destination because
of its locational advantage and natural gift. Besides, it is a
medieval city full of ancient heritage and rich traditional
socio-cultural millieu, which both Nagarkot and Kakani lack and also
the industries that Dhulikhel is seeking are tourism related.
Dhulikhel already has about 24 hotels and resorts, and visitors can
find accommodation ranging from the budget class to luxury
lodges/resorts. These resorts have hospitable staff, lovely gardens
with peaceful and pleasant environment, neat and clean rooms with
attached bath running hot and cold water, STD, ISTD, money exchange
facilities and mailing services. They serve popular menus -
Continental, Chinese, Indian and exquisite Nepalese cuisine. They
also have conference halls for seminar, training sessions, workshops
and meetings. But, tourists in Dhulikhel come through the personal
contacts of the individual resort promoters. There is a cut-throat
competition and there is no joint efforts of the hoteliers for
introducing an efficient marketing strategy to promote Dhulikhel as
one of the best touristic destination. Because of this lack,
Dhulikhel has not gained due recognition and popularity among the
local and foreign travel agents and they are selling other
destinations like Pokhara and Nagarkot.
Further, except few short treks, walking through old city and
watching mountains, there are no such recreational activities/programmes
run by hoteliers, which attracts tourists more and prolong their
numbers of days of stay. Hence, until and unless the Dhulikhel Dream
Land Project (discussed in separate Article in this Souvenir) is not
realized and the Ecotourism (Nature and Village Tourism) is not
introduced in Dhulikhel, the desire to make Dhulikhel an idyllic
touristic hill destination will remain only in dreams.
Potentials and Prospects of Ecotourism in Dhulikhel
There is tremendous potential and prospects of Ecotourism in
Dhullikhel because of the following privileges and advantages
Dhulikhel has:
" Very close, only 30 km away from Tribhuvan International Airport
at Kathmandu
" An easy and smooth drive from Airport along the newly constructed
Arniko Highway
" Dhulikhel has all the prerequisites such as good hotels/resorts,
good hospital, one of the best universities "Kathmandu University"
including best water supply system and is bestowed with beautiful
natural landscapes, awesome view of majestic snowclad peaks, thick
forests and tranquil rural settings.
" The major features of Dhulikhel is the pollution free environment
and village atmosphere
" The Dhulikhel municipality covers an area of 1,087 hactre of land
out of which 50% of the area is slopy area, more than 30 degree with
terraces, 40% is covered by forest and agriculture and remaining 10%
of the area includes residential, commercial and institutional
areas.
" The municipality is surrounded by villages with floral and faunal
diversities and the settlement is composed of various ethnic groups
dominated by Tamang caste.
" Dhulikhel has a forest area of 150 hactare, which includes "Thulo
Ban" (Big Forest) and Gokhureshwor Community Forest in ward no.1
(12.4 hacture). The scattered bushes of rhododendron (national
flower) and other diverse type of plants and orchids have further
enhanced the beauty of these forests.
" Bird and Butterfly Watching: There is a great range of beautiful
species of exotic birds found in the woodlands of Dhulikhel. Also
there are many varieties of butterfly in the fields, gardens and
woodland, including some rare species. In all the resorts/hotels,
one can admire the winged creature fluttering from tree to tree.
" Deers, foxes, ant eaters, squirrels, porcupines, mongoose,
pheasants and sometimes tigers and leopards can be seen in the
forests of Dhulikhel.
" Most of the people inside and outside Dhulikhel are involved in
agriculture and animal husbandary. They have poor economic status.
Hence, ecotourism in Dhulikhel will have dual benefits-protection of
the natural beauty/biodiversity and upliftment of economic status of
urban and rural population by keeping the tourism and environment in
harmony. This way, the environment will benefit from the tourism and
tourism will benefit from the environment.
" Mountain Biking: Dhulikhhel is a paradise for people who love
two-wheeled adventure. This place provides some of the world's most
challenging terrains for mountain bike trips. There is no other
place in Asia that offers such a diversity of terrain passing
through ethnic groups with ancient living culture and backdrop of
mighty Himalayas.
Mountain biking is a joy with hill trails and rough road radiating
in all directions from Dhulikhel. Some popular routes are Dhulikhel
- Panauti - Dhulikhel, Dhulikhel - Banepa - Nala - Dhulikhel and
Dhulikhel-Namura-Dapeha-Panauti-Banepa-Dhulikhel.
" The River and Rafting: With two hours drive from Dhulikhel, one
can have an exciting rafting experience easily arranged by the
Hotels and resorts of Dhulikhel at Bhote Koshi. The 'Bhote'
signifies as river from Tibet.
The Bhote Koshi is the main branch of Sunkoshi river which heads-on
very steeply before Kodari as a youthful mountain torrent. It then
becomes quite and relaxed as the gradient gradually eases before
Dolalghat. The upper valley above Barabise is impressively steep and
narrow with some dramatic and scenic gorges. Driving along the
highway and a cursory look at the river is truly awesome. Emerald
green fields on terraced valley, precipitous slopes, and inquisitive
villagers on suspension bridges are in fact the matters of amazement
as one plunges through cascading waves. A half day long rafting is a
really pleasant trip where one can behold blue river, few small
rapids and gleaming white beaches waiting with barbecues.
Thus, Dhulikhel can be developed as a Model Touristic Area by
introducing eco-tourism and protecting the environment, and
socio-economic condition of the area benefitting the hoteliers and
the entire urban and ruaral people in and around Dhulikhel.
2.4 Why Dhulikhel a Hub for Ecotourism ?
It is evident from Sections 2.2 and 2.4 above that Dhulikhel itself
has a very high potential and prospects for ecotourism. Further,
Dhulikhel is surrounded by culturally and naturally abundant places
as described below to develope it as a hub for ecotourism, with the
centre of stay of tourists at Dhulikhel. These places around
Dhulikhel can be reached both by walking and through excursion by
car/jeep.
Walking
(1) Trekking Namobuddha:a Historical, Religious and Cultural Tour/ a
Adventurous Nature Walk. Namobuddha is the historically important
place where a prince sacrificed himself for the sake of a sick and
hungry tigress and her cubs. One can still find an old historical
stone slab depicting the whole story of Namobuddha. This is an
important Buddhist shrine attracting many pilgrims. Candidly,
Namobuddha is a Buddhist retreat and a pilgrimage site perched atop
a hill. Namobuddha, which means, "Hail to Buddha" has been a holy
site from century and will be for next millennium.
A one-day mini trek out of Dhulikhel to Namobudha is an exciting way
to see the glimpse of typical Nepalese lifestyles of country side.
It gives the advantage of trekking without any problems of arranging
porters, lodging or food. The country side is idyllic due to green
fields and blue sky; wind carrying the smell of sun warmed grasses,
incredibly steep walled valleys. The voices of the village people
calling each other and a woman singing while she works in the fields
and her children playing aside are equally noteworthy to observe. As
one passes through the trails, one will see traditional Nepalese
houses made of clay of various color and hard working people toiling
in their fields. One can get the real taste of what life is like in
most parts of Nepal. One may feel he is kissing and embracing the
beauty of nature. May be one of the best memories, one will take
back home from Nepal will be the feeling of incomparable peace and
tranquility.
While going to Namobuddha one can also visit the organic vegetable
farming at Phulbari.
There are actually two important sites here. One is the white washed
stupa and another is the prayer chapel at the end of the roadway.
People enjoy sipping "chiyaa" (tea) and watching Buddhist pilgrims
spinning prayer wheels and reciting "mantras" as they encircle the
stupa.
A trail from this site climbs up for about five minutes to the other
site of the hill where there are several more stupas which is
considered as a retreat center for Buddhist monks. An ancient carved
stone reflecting the legend of Namobuddha is still there which
highlights the historical momentous of Buddha who was moved by
compassion at the pitable sight of a tigress and her cubs that he
offered his own body as food.
(2) Panauti Trekking (2 hours walk):
The historic and ancient small township of Panauti is located at the
confluence of two rivers namely Roshi and Punyamati at the south
east of Dhulikhel and is the manifestation of urban design, elegant
architecture and refined culture of Nepal in the 12th century. The
entire city is an important centre for Hindus and is beautyfully
adorned with "Patis" (open-air rest houses), natural waterspouts,
ghats and temples. The statues and the temples raised along the bank
of the holy rivers are beyond description. Panauti is famous for the
recently restored Indreshwor Mahadev Temple, particularly well known
for its classic design. It is believed that the temple of Indreshwor
Mahadev was built over the Shiva Lingam in 1294 at the beginning of
the Malla period. This is another ancient city that has been planned
according to ancient Hindu doctrine.
One can have a nature walk to Panauti and return by bus via Banepa
or can combine it with walk to Namobuddha.
(3) Trekking from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel:
A trek (about 5 hrs) from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel via Banepa and Nala
is another exhilarating nature walk from where awe-inspiring
panoramic view of entire Kathmandu Valley together with Phulchowki,
Nagarjun and Shivapuri ridges can be seen against the northern
boundary of Majestic Himalayas. The moderate trail passes mostly
downhill and at some points it descends rather steeply. Ridges are
followed all the way to Nala and import continuous views into the
valley. The trail goes on through Ghimiregaun. Even in the month of
February, some of the trails may look a bit muddy and slippery. One
should not miss a visit of Chandeswhori Temple while venturing to
Banepa. Similarly two major Temples an outstand four storeyed temple
of Nala Bhagwati and a Buddist Shrine of Lokeshwor also known as
Nala Karunamaya are to be visited at Nala.
(4) Trekking to Helambu:
From the rooftops of resorts & hotels having a north-east vista, one
can enjoy the natural sloping terain and vast flat lands of
Paanchkhal Valley. From here, one can undertake a wonderful trek
towards the north to Helambu, one of the most beautiful Sherpa
villages with awesome views of the Himalayan range. It is famous for
its apples and the hospitality of its Sherpa people.
(5) Villages and Nature Walk:
As stated above, Dhulikhel is bestowed with such a rich natural
serenity and vista that one can also enjoy very short treks through
nooks and crannies where there lie spots full of natural settings,
woodlands, ponds and view points. One of such spot is Gosainkunda, a
holy pond with half an hour walk from the centre of Dhulikhel.
Other suggested short walks are
" Kali Temple Hill
" Gaukhureswar Temple
" Dhulikhel Historical Town etc.
Conclusions
Dhulikhel possess excellent natural landscape and vista necessary
for developing eco-tourism in the area. To enhance the richness of
nature along with a recreational unit such as "Dream Land" will
attract a large number of foreign as well as domestic tourist in
Dhulikhel. It also lies as a center for other nearby touristic
destinations and can serve as facilitating locale for trekkers,
rafters, picnickers, nature lovers etc. In short, Dhulikhel has all
the locational as well as environmental advantage to function as hub
of eco-tourism activities in the region. Implementation of "Dream
Land Project" and other complimentary components, as discussed
above, will surely bring economic dynamism, employment generation
and overall development of the region. The need is quick action from
HMGN agencies and commitment and whole hearted support and
motivation to private promoters from District Development Committee
of Kavre and Dhulikhel Municipality as one of their priority
development projects.
Namobuddha is situated at an
elevation of 1750m. It is very important Buddhist Pilgrimage which
lies about 38 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The Stupa and shrines
built in this lovely little hill mark a very ancient holy site
significantly enough where a legendary prince named Mahasattva
offered himself to a starving Tigress with its several underfed
cubs. This legendary episode is depicted in a very nice stone slab
and depicted right next to a holy Stupa.
Early in the morning, you drive from Kathmandu for about one and
half hours to the place called Dhapasi, 35 kilometers east of
Kathmandu.
The trail heads northeast and the trail become narrow as you move
further. You cross on a suspension bridge and pass through many
small villages to huge rice fields, which gives you a chance to see
how Nepalese People plant and harvest the crop (during on the
appropriate season). The trail goes steep uphill about an hour
nearby reaching to Namobuddha. After detouring sometimes here, you
will drive to Kathmandu via Dhulikhel in about one & half hours. |
