Completed Projects of CEST Nepal:

SN	Name of Projects	Location	Partners/Clients	Project Period
1	Preparation of Life-Time Experience Product Report of 30 destination for Visit Nepal Year (VNY 2020).	30 selected tourism destinations and products, including Kathmandu Valley Rim, Greater Lumbini Area, Rara-Phoksundo Lake Trail, Bardia NP, Limi Valley, Karnali River Rafting, TMJ (Eastern region) etc.	GoN/Secretariat of Visit Nepal Year 2020	15 Sept. 2019 to 15 Jan. 2020
2	Preparation of National Document on Buddhist Circuit of Nepal (BCN) Lumbini Development Trust/Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation together with Mountain Heritage Pvt. Ltd.	Major Buddhist Heritage sites of Nepal, including Greater Lumbini Area, Mustang, Dolpa, Karnali, Tsum Valley, Kathmandu Valley, Lapchi, Rolwaling, Everest region, Khempalung, Upper Arun, Upper Tamor etc.	Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation/Lumbini Development Trust	May 2017 to July 2018
3	Organization of Homestay Management and Skill Development Training	Dupcheshwor, Nuwakot	CARDSN Nuwakot (OXFAM funded program)	7-20 Feb. 2018
4	Implementation of Lumbini Heritage Based Tourism Promotion Project under SATIDP	Greater Lumbini Area	South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project-SATIDP/MoCTCA/ADB	2014 to 2017
5	Assessment of Current Status of Homestays of Nepal	Various community and private homestays established in 24 districts	Nepal Tourism Board	May-June 2013
6	Undertaking survey of 4th and 5th National Tourism Fair	Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu	Nepal Tourism Board	2011, 2013
7	Preparation of Inventory of Tourist Accommodations (Hotels and Lodges) of major tourist sites of Nepal	15 major tourism destinations of Nepal	Nepal Tourism Board	April-June 2010
8	Implementation of Community Awareness and Tourism Promotion Programme (CATPP), Changunarayan (UNESCO WHS)	Changunarayan area, Bhaktapur	Surya Nepal	Dec. 2007 to March 2009
9	Facilitating Tourism and Hospitality Management Training for tourism entrepreneurs and chamber members in Palpa	Tansen, Palpa	Nepal Tourism Board, Palpa Chamber of Commerce and Industry	2-9 February 2008
10	Providing Technical Services to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve for preparing Eco-tourism component of the Integrated Management Plan of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.	Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (Baglung, Myagdi and Rukum districts)	Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR)	Feb. to March 2008.
11	Preparation of Tourism Development and Management Plan of Manakamana, Betini and Bakreshwori areas, Gorkha.	Manakamana, Betini, Bakreshwori areas of Gorkha	Nepal Tourism Board, DDC Gorkha, Manakamana Area Development Committee	Nov. to Dec. 2007
12	Preliminary feasibility studies of new tourism destinations.	Budhanilkantha-Gosaikunda Trekking Trail (Kathmandu-Nuwakot-Rasuwa).	Local communities	Nov. 2007
13	Preliminary feasibility studies of new tourism destinations.	Helambu-Panchpokhari Trekking Trail (Sindhupalchowk).	Local Communities	April 2008

 

Preparation of Life-time Experience Product Promotion Report for the selected 30 Tourism Destinations/Products under Visit Nepal Year 2020.

CEST Nepal delivered its technical services to the Government of Nepal/Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation-Secretariat of Visit Nepal Year 2020 Year for the preparation of Life-time Experience Product Promotion Report for the selected 30 Tourism Destinations/Products. The project started on 15 September 2019 and was completed on 15 January 2020.

The selected tourism destinations and products included Kanchenjunga and TMJ Area, Greater Janakpur Dham, Sunkoshi River Rafting, Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sites and Rims, Panchpokhari Area, Helambu-Gonja La-Kyanjin Valley trail, Ruby Valley, Tsum/Manaslu region, 7 Pass Trek of Annapurna, Guerrilla Trail, Dhorpatan-Dolpa Trail, Greater Lumbini Area, Bardia NP, Ghodaghodi-Shuklaphanta NP, Lake to Lake Trek (Phoksundo-Rara Lake), Karnali River Rafting, Khaptad-Ramasoshan-Badimalika, Limi Valley and so on.

The study team reviewed available literatures on the selected tourism destinations (30) in-terms of its tourism attractiveness/potential, existing products/activities, markets/market segments, infrastructures and capacity of relevant stakeholders; carried out consultations and focus group discussions (FGDs) with Kathmandu based relevant tour operators and Trekking/Tour Guides and made a field visit of Greater Janakpur Dham.

Based on the study, the study team identified the unique tourist experiences that Nepal can offer to the visitors during 2020 as life-time experiences; developed a competitive product-market mix for each selected tourism destinations/products and developed contents, packages and itineraries for each selected products.

Finally, the team recommended actions for improving tourism products/experiences, undertaking marketing/promotional activities (including branding), improving infrastructures, and strengthening the capacity of relevant stakeholders.

 

Preparation of National Document on Buddhist Circuit of Nepal (MoCTCA/LDT-2017/18).

CEST Nepal in association with Mountain Heritage Private Limited delivered its technical services to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation/Lumbini Development Trust for the preparation of 'National Document on Buddhist Circuit of Nepal'. The project started on 30 May 2017 and was completed on 15 July 2018 with the selection and design of key Buddhist Circuits in Nepal.

The study team visited and assessed more than 23 key Buddhist heritage sites, including Ghunsa, Walungchunggola, Upper Arun-Khempalung, Everest region, Rolwaling, Lapchi, Bighu, Maratika (Halesi), Jiri, Charikot, Helambu region, Kyanjin (Langtang), Briddim, Gatlang, Nuwakot (Kabilas, Nuwakot Durbar, Kispang), Kathmandu Valley (Manichud, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, Pharping, Patan, Charumati Vihara, Manjushree Cave, Bhaktapur, Namo Buddha), Rikheshwor (Daman), Tsum Valley, Nubri Valley, Pokhara, Lower and Upper Mustang, Tansen, Greater Lumbini Area (GLA), Kakre Vihara, Dullu, Sinja/Jumla, Upper Dolpa (Dho Tarap, Saldang, Shey Gomba, Rigmo Gomba), Raling Gomba, Yalbang Gomba, Halji Gomba and so on.

The team organized two inception workshops in Kathmandu and Lumbini and 21 site-level consultation workshops. The draft findings were shared with the Buddhist Organizations and other relevant stakeholders by organizing sharing and consultation workshops in three provincial capital (Surkhet, Lumbini and Pokhara) and Kathmandu.  

So far, nine Buddhist circuits were selected, designed and validated, including Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit (GLBC), Om Mane Padme Hum Circuit to Mt. Kailash (from Lumbini). The study team also identified and assessed current and potential markets and market segments for the selected circuits.

Moreover, the study also explored the linkage opportunities for the selected Buddhist circuit and sub-circuits with similar products such as Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) in the northern mountain region of Nepal and Buddhist heritage sites in India and TAR China to be connected by trans-national Buddhist Heritage routes. The tourism infrastructure development needs of the selected sites, trails and sub-circuits were identified and desired activities were recommended with plan of action for executing as a national priority project for Nepal.

The list of selected Buddhist Circuits and Sub-circuits include the following:

1. Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit (GLBC)
2. Om Mane Padme Hum Circuit to Mt. Kailash
3. Dolpo Buddhist and Bon Heritage Circuit
4. Lumbini-Lo Kingdom  (Mustang) Buddhist Circuit
5. Tsum -Nubri Valley Sacred Kyimolung Circuit
6. Nepal Mandala Buddhist Circuit-Kathmandu Valley
7. Maratika (Haleshi)-Sailung-Timal Padmasambhava Meditation Cave Circuit
8. Everest-Rolwaling Sacred Beyul Circuit
9. Beyul Khempalung – Upper Arun-Upper Tamor Buddhist Circuit

Likewise, the selected extended Buddhist Circuit (s) include the following:

1. Swayambhu- Nuwakot Mahamandala- Sing La- Beyul Namgo-dagam (Langtang) Sub-circuit
2. Sankhu- Vajrayogini- Beyul Hyolmo Sub-circuit
3. Pharping - Chitlang- Daman- Rekheshwor- Sub-circuit

 

Organization of Homestay Management and Skill Development Training in Dupcheshwor, Nuwakot

CEST Nepal delivered its technical services for the Homestay Management and Skill Development Training held in Kutumsang, Dupcheshwor, Nuwakot from 7 to 20 February 2018. Funded by OXFAM, 14-days training was executed by CARDSN under the Earthquake Rehabitation Programme.

CEST Nepal mobilized a team of four resource persons; selected 20 potential women participants and developed training session plan for the training. Training content included basic concept of tourism/homestay; potential tourism markets; significance for establishing homestays; selection of local resources-based menu and discs; cooking, housekeeping and guest welcoming; waste management; packaging of cultural programme; study/exposure visit to successful homestay (in Patle Homestay, Kavre) etc. and so on.

The training programme was closed amidst a function attended by the Chairperson of Dupcheshwor Rural Municipality, Senior Officer of Taragaon Development Committee and other relevant authorities from CEST Nepal, CARDSN, OXFAM and Dupcheshwor RM.

 

Implementation of Lumbini Heritage Based Tourism Promotion Project under SATIDP

CEST Nepal in association with NCYDS-Kathmandu implemented the third component of Community Participation Programme (CPP), called ' Lumbini Heritage Based Tourism Promotion Project' under South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project-SATIDP (MoCTCA/LDT-ADB Loan and Grant No. L2579, G0179) from 2014 to 2017.

The primary aim of CPP was to promote the Greater Lumbini Area (GLA) as pilgrimage and tourism hub in the context of the upgrading of Gautam Buddha Airport as an International Airport. Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) was the executing body of the entire SATIDP activities though the CPP component was executed by Lumbini Development Trust (LDT).

During the period of 3 years, a team of four professional experts delivered technical services to implement the 3rd component of CPP/SATIDP. So far, following key outcoputs were achieved during the project period:

1. Established linkage with the relevant stakeholders and actors including LDT, Local Government, Tourism Operators and Associations (Lumbini, Bhairahawa, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Buddhist Sites-India), NTB, MoCTCA etc.
2. Conducted market demand survey, visitor perception survey and skill mapping exercise among the hotel/tour operators.
3. Organized tour package development workshops and designed pilgrimage, spirituality, peace, culture, nature and birdlife based tour packages, activities and itineraries for Greater Lumbini Area (GLA) following the tour package development workshops.
4. Designed, developed and placed tourism information and interpretation materials in GLA.
5. Produced tourism promotional collaterals and tools such as GLA visitor Guidebook, Calendar of Festivals and Events, brochures, Booklets, posters, maps, high quality web-sites etc.
6. Prepared a tourism promotion and marketing strategic plan for Greater Lumbini Area.
7. Disseminated information on GLA to private sectors through radio/TV program, workshops, social media and promotional collaterals etc.
8. Implemented institutional development and capacity building activities for LDT, tourism associations, local governments and tour operators.
9. Supported to carry out various promotional campaigns and events (tourism fairs, familiarization tours etc.).
10. Conducted training and workshops to design and promote and brand local crafts, food, culture and art based products and services.

 

Preparation of Current Status of Homestays in Nepal for NTB (2013).

CEST Nepal provided its technical services to Nepal Tourism Board to assess the current status of homestays in Nepal (2013). The assessment was carried out between May to June 2013 and covered all community and private homestays in 24 districts of Nepal. The study assessed the existing tour package and activities of homestays, conditions of homestay infrastructures, quality of homestay facilities and services, linkages with markets and promotional efforts, income from homestays and its distribution and effectiveness of homestay management committees.

 

Undertaking survey of 4th and 5th National Tourism Fair for NTB (2011, 2013).

CEST Nepal provided its technical services to Nepal Tourism Board to carry out 'Exhibition Effectiveness and Visitor Satisfaction Survey" of 4^th and 5^th National Tourism Fair held in 2011 and 2013. The survey were aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the exhibition stalls, including use of exhibition products and methods and management effectiveness of the organizers. The survey also tried to obtain the feedback and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such exhibitions and fairs in coming days.  

 

Preparation of Inventory of Tourist Accommodations (Hotels and Lodges) of major tourist sites of Nepal for NTB (2010).

CEST Nepal provided its technical services to Research Planning and Monitoring Department of NTB to carry out a research study on tourist accommodation enterprises entitled, ‘Inventory of formal accommodation facilities in the major selected tourist areas of Nepal’ from April to June 2010. The study team covered the following major tourism destinations:

1. Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
2. Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Namobuddha.
3. Pokhara Valley Pokhara city and nearest surroundings.
4. Annapurna Region
5. Chitwan Area Chitwan NP and surroundings.
6. Everest Region.
7. Rolwaling, Numbur, Sailung, Charikot.
8. Langtang, Helambu Region, Tamang Heritage Trail.
9. Biratnagar, Jhapa, Ilam, Dharan and Dhankuta.
10. Kanchenjunga Region.
11. Hetauda, Birgunj, Janakpur.
12. Trishuli, Gorkha, Bandipur, Besisahar.
13. Lumbini, Bhairahawa, Butwal Tansen.
14. Nepalgunj, Bardiya and Surkhet.
15. Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar.
16. Other sites.

A total of 2,604 tourist accommodation enterprises, comprising all lodges, Tourist Standard Hotel, resorts, star hotels, homestays and community lodges, were recorded in the selected 15 major tourist sites and five minor tourist areas of Nepal. These enterprises offer a total of 35,789 tourist rooms and 69,040 tourist beds a day for the visitors in the selected tourist sites.

Of the total selected areas, Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts comprise the largest number of tourist beds with 259 enterprises, 8,679 tourist rooms and 16,606 tourist beds. After Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts, Pokhara Valley comprises the second largest number of tourist beds with 254 enterprises, 7,213 tourist rooms and 11,577 tourist beds. Annapurna region comprises the third largest number of tourist beds with 821 tourist enterprises, 5,590 tourist rooms and 11,114 tourist beds.

 

By the number of accommodation enterprises, the Annapurna region comprises the largest number of enterprises (821 tourist enterprises) followed by the Everest region (313 tourist enterprises), athmandu and Lalitpur (259 tourist enterprises), Pokhara Valley (254 tourist enterprises), Langtang and Helambu region (221 tourist enterprises), Biratnagar, Jhapa, Ilam, Dharan, Dhankuta (146 tourist enterprises), Bhaktapur, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel (105 tourist enterprises), Chitwan and Nawalparasi (97 tourist enterprises), Trishuli, Gorkha, Bandipur, Lamjung (73 tourist enterprises), Rolwaling, Numbur and Sailung (72 tourist enterprises), Palpa, Butwal, Bhairahawa and Lumbini (52 tourist enterprises), Kanchenjunga region (31 tourist enterprises) and Hetauda, Birgunj, Janakpur (23 tourist enterprises). Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar comprise the least number of enterprises (17 tourist enterprises) amongst the selected tourist sites.

 

Implementation of Community Awareness and Tourism Promotion Programme (CATPP), Changunarayan.

CEST Nepal implemented a community based tourism promotion project entitled "Community Awareness and Tourism Promotion Project-CATPP" at Changunarayan from Dec. 2007 to March 2009. Changunarayan area is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established during the reign of late king Mandev, Changunarayan temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The significance of the temple can be realized with the presence of ten incarnations of Gods, as well as some master pieces of arts such as Bishowrupa and Garuda.

Changunarayan area is already known to the tourism market. Changunarayan area is included in the combined tour package of Bhaktapur-Nagarkot only as a short-stay visitor site. The aim of the project was to increase the number and stay period of visitors in Changunarayan area.

CATPP was a joint effort of CEST Nepal and Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee (BTDC) with some financial support from Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component under the theme of Surya Nepal Prakriti and Khel Paryatan.

The CATPP in Changunarayan aims at strengthening the capacity of local community and entrepreneurs to improve and diversify tourism products and services while attracting more visitors through effective promotion.

So far, following activities were carried out in Chagunarayan area under the CATPP:

1. Orientation workshop on the Community Awareness and Tourism Promotion Project (CATPP).
2. Orientation training on tourism development and management.
3. Training on environment management and waste management.
4. Capacity building training on sustainable tourism development to the newly formed Changunarayan Tourism development Committee (CTDC).
5. Organization of 2 cleaning and waste collection campaigns.
6. Installation of 10 rubbish bins (5 bins for degradable waste and 5 for non-degradable).
7. Placement of tourism attractions boards reflecting the major tourism attractions, routes, facilities and services.
8. Placement of visitor information signage and arrow posts
9. Preparation of promotional brochure on Changunarayan area.

 

Providing Technical services to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) for preparing Eco-tourism component of the Integrated Management Plan of DHR.

CEST Nepal provided technical services to Dhorpatan Hunting reserve (DHR) for preparing the Eco-tourism Component of DHR Integrated Management Plan. Mr. Nabin Kumar Gupta visited and interacted with the community of Gurja, Dhorpatan, Maikot areas during May 2008. Mr. Ram Chandra Sedai visited DHR headquarters, prepared draft plan (eco-tourism component) and shared it with the stakeholders at Baglung.

The DHR Integrated Management Plan comprised of various components, including Eco-Tourism, Core Area Management, Hunting Management and Buffer Zone Management. DHR is the only trophy hunting destination in Nepal which offers adventure trophy hunting of Blue Ship and Himalayan Thar. DHR is equally potential for other eco-tourism and sports tourism activities such as trekking, wilderness walking, cycling, cultural tour, biodiversity research and so on. Scenic view of Gurja Himal, Manapathi Himal, Dhaulagiri Himal and Annapurna range can be seen from DHR. DHR is also a home to many indigenous people such as Nauthar, Chhantyal, Magar and marginalized people like Bishwokarma. DHR is also the gateway to Dolpo trek.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve can be promoted for the following three distinct packages:

• Trophy hunting of Blue ship and Himalayan Tahr.
• 9 days soft trekking through Beni-Jaljala-Dhorpatan-Burtibang Trail.
• 18 to 24 days Long haul trekking to Dolpa via Dhorpatan.

 

Taking part in the National Tourism Fair 2007; exhibiting and disseminating information on Sustainable Tourism Development in Nepal.

With the aim of disseminating information on sustainable tourism product development process and Nepal's potential for promoting sustainable tourism, CEST Nepal has been participating in the various tourism related exhibitions and fairs. As a part of this mission, CEST Nepal participated in the following two exhibition/fair held at Kathmandu.

1. Participating in the National Tourism Exhibition Programme jointly organized by FNCCI and Nepal Tourism Board at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu from 6 to 10 December 2007. During the exhibition, CEST Nepal exhibited the following:

• Flex printed materials on rural tourism development process to inform planners and academicians with the best practices on rural tourism development in Nepal.
• Displayed steel photographs of major tourism attractions of Nepal.
• Displayed digital photographs of major tourism attractions and tourism development processes in Nepal.
• Displayed various crafts items of Rasuwa relevant to rural tourism.

 

2. Provided technical assistance to the District Development Committee, Rasuwa for exhibiting the rural tourism products of Rasuwa in National Tourism Exhibition organized by Nepal Tourism Board at United World Trade Centre, Tripureshwor, 2008.

 

Facilitating Tourism and Hospitality Management Training for Tourism Entrepreneurs and Chamber Member of Palpa for Nepal Tourism Board

On behalf of Nepal Tourism Board, CEST Nepal facilitated a two days training programme on Tourism and Hospitality Management Training for the tourism entrepreneurs and sector leaders at Tansen, Palpa. The training programme was jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Palpa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Palpa on the eve of Trade Fair and Tourism Festival 2008. Whereas Mr. Ram Chandra Sedai delivered technical sessions on tourism management, Mr. Paras Sharma delivered sessions on hospitality management.

The participants of the training were oriented on the basic concepts of tourism and tourism management, tourism potentials of Palpa, possible tourism markets and market segments for Palpa and suitable tour packages for Palpa. The participants were also oriented on the basic principles and practice of hospitality for tourism industry.

 

Preparation of Tourism Development and Management Plan of Manakamana, Betini and Bakreshwori areas, Gorkha (Nov. to Dec 2007).

On behalf of Nepal Tourism Board, CEST Nepal prepared the Tourism Development and Management Plan of Manakamana, Betini and Bakreswori areas of Gorkha district. Manakamana temple is already a developed and popular pilgrimage site with Nepal's first Cable car. The aim of tourism plan is to attract more visitors in Manakamana areas and expanding the flow of visitors into culturally rich Betini village and another equally important religious site, Bakreshwori hill. Betini village is one of the largest and beautiful Magar villages full of potential for Home-stay and other cultural activities. Bakreshwori hill located at an elevation of 1700m in the Mahabharat range is another best place for the scenic view of Mountain peaks and ranges such as Annapurna range, Manaslu Himal, Buddhha Himal, Ganesh Himal,  Langtang Himal range etc. Bakreshwari is also the best location for observing the scenic landscape of Mahabharat range, Daraundi River valley and Marsyangdi River valley. Bakreshwori temple and Siddha Gufa are some of the significant religious sites located in the hill-top filled with lush green forest.  

 

During the preparation of plan, a series of activities such as household survey, field observations, accommodation facilities survey, village level planning workshop were carried out and a draft plan was prepared and shared with the relevant actors and stakeholders at the DDC Gorkha. The final draft plan was then shared at Nepal Tourism Board. The workshop held at NTB was participated by concerned NTB experts. Renowned tourism expert Mr. Dipendra Purush Dhakal, Dr. Siddhartha Bajracharya and Mr. Manoj Manandhar (of Manakamana Darsan Pvt. Ltd) provided technical feedback on the draft plan. Manakamana Area development Committee, respective VDCs and DDC Gorkha, Manakamana Darsan Pvt. Ltd, Nepal Tourism Board are the key stakeholders responsible for the implementation of this plan.

 

Preliminary Feasibility Study of Helambu-Panchpokhari Trekking Trail (Sindhupalchowk).

A preliminary feasibility study of Helambu-Panchpokhari-Chautara Circuit Trail was carried out by CEST Nepal in January 2008. Located in the eastern flank of Langtang National Park (LNP) in the lap of Dorje-Lakpa Himal, this area is highly potential for trekking with its pristine forest and wild animals such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard etc.; rich culture of Hyolmo and Tamang; beautiful wetland like Panch Pokhari, mesmerizing landscape of Melamchi and Indrabati River valley and majestic mountain views of Dorje-Lakpa and Gaurishankar range (to the east). Panchpokhari Lake is also one of the popular pilgrimage sites in the region for the Hindu and Buddhist community.

Helambu is an established tourism destination in the region with its popular Sherpa/Hyolmo culture and lifestyle. Panchpokhari area which is being emerged as a promising trekking destination can be linked with Helambu and Goshaikunda Lake areas.  In the long run, Panchpokhari Lake area can be linked with Kyanjin area in Langtang Valley via Til Man pass.

A team of explorer comprised of Ram Chandra Sedai and Nabin Kumar Gupta of CEST Nepal and a local Mr. Kanchha Tamang of Bhotang VDC, Sindhupalchowk visited and explored the new trail. Whereas the combination of tea-house lodge and homestay based trekking can be promoted up to the Bhotang VDC with some improvement on infrastructure, a completely new accommodation facilities (camping sites or eco-lodges) should be built in the section of Bhotang village and Panchpokhari with the collective efforts to be made by Langtang National Park, respective VDCs, DDC Sindhupalchowk and TAAN.

 

Preliminary Feasibility Study of Budhanilkantha-Samudratar-Sagarkunda-Gosaikunda Trekking Trail (Kathmandu-Nuwakot-Rasuwa)

A preliminary feasibility study of Budhanilkantha-Samundratar-Gosaikunda Trekking Trail was carried out by CEST Nepal in December 2007. A team of explorer comprised of Mr. Ram Chandra Sedai of CEST Nepal, Journalist Mr. Krishna Thapa and Mr. Krishna Bahadur Tamang of Samundratar, Nuwakot completed the exploratory visit. Gosaikunda Lake series which is listed in the Ramsar site of wetland is widely popular for trekking tourism as well as pilgrimage. Currently, it can be reached via Dhunche of Rasuwa and Thadepati of Sindhupalchowk/Nuwakot.

If developed with required infrastructures, the new Budhanilkantha-Samundratar-Gosaikunda trekking trail would be the shortest and virgin trekking trail from Kathmandu to Gosaikunda traversing through the two National Parks, Shivapuri National Park in the mid-hill and Langtang National Park in the High Mountain. Moreover, this trail would connect the popular pilgrimage site, the Budhanilkantha (Abode of Lord Vishnu) at Kathmandu with the Gosaikunda (abode of Lord Shiva). This trail features varieties of beautifully folded landscape, lush green forest, wetlands (more than 15 lakes), and ethnic villages. The majestic view of Gaurishankar, Dorje-Lakpa and Ganesh Himal range can also be seen while trekking through this trail.

Starting from the Budhanilkantha, the trail passes through the Shivapuri ridge, Likhu River valley, Manebhanjung (Sun-set view), Samundratar (famous for local fish), Bhagmara (terraced hill), Malabhanjang, Sagar Kunda etc. before it reaches Nagkunda and Bhairab Kunda in Goshaikunda.

The route requires substantial improvement of trekking trails, construction of camping sites, tourist information facilities, communication facilities and other logistic facilities. In later stage, some eco-lodge may also be established in between Malabhanjang to Gosaikunda section of the trail.

From Gosaikunda visitor can trek back to Kathmandu either following the Goshaikunda-Dhunche route or Goshaikunda-Thadepati-Sundarijal/Helambu route.