An emerging new tourism destination

Makwanpur District, a part of Narayani Zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. The district, with Hetauda as its district headquarters, covers an area of 2,426 km² and has a population (2001) of 392,604. Bhimfedi market of the district was the traditional route to enter Kathmandu valley from the south.

Chitlang VDC is located in ancient Newar settlement. Inscriptions dating back to Lichchavi era have been found in this place. An inscription was found in Toukhel, Ward 6 of Chitlang VDC, established by king Amshubarma (in sambat 37). According to the inscription, Amshubarma had given the land to shepherds and established a settlement for shepherds in Toukhel, Nhulgaun, Kunchhal etc. of Chitlang. Some historians believe that these people called Gopalis are the descendants of rulers of Gopal era. The main ethnic population are Newar, Tamang, Khas etc.

Within 14 zones and 75 districts of Nepal in the Naryani Zone, Makwanpur district having 1 municipality with 43 village development committees, Chitlang is one of the village development committee (VDC). It lies in the high level of the northern part of Makwanpur district and southern main path of the 8289 fts Chandragiri hill. Emperor Ashok who’d visited Nepal in the year B.S. 316 (Nepal Sambat 1153), A.D. 273 – 232 or 2265 years before had installed Ashok  pillars and also installed one Chaitya at the so called place Chilanche of Chitrapur of Chitlang village.

During that time there was no other alternate way to travel to India. Later during the year B.S. 692 – 693 Nepal Sambat – 245 – 246 famous Chinese Buddhist traveler Huan Sang traveled to India looking for Buddhist religion through this path. Hearing the death of King Ansu Barma in the year A.D. 635 – 636 or 1357 years before the traveler – Huan Sang traveled to Nepal through this path.

During the year B.S. 1799 during the ruling of King Narbhupal Shah, King Prithivi Narayan Shah who’d traveled to Kashi, India to see Sigdah Mahatma and later after getting the blessing from him returned to Nepal via Chiasapani Gadi through Chitlang to Kathmandu valley and later returned to Gorkha.

From North, it lies at the north-west of Kahtmandu city, 12 kms from Hanumandhoka. Similarly from South it lies 7 miles from Chisapani Gadi towards the entry point to the capital. And from East it lies 10 kms from Dashinkali temple towards  the east. From West it lies 2 kms from Tistung Panpu, where the temple Bajrabarahi temple is situated.

In ancient time, Chitlang was called Chitrapur and was divided in to five purs namely Chitrapur, Shudhapur, Kolapur, Hastinapur and Champapur.

Characteristics of the villages: Geographical diversity, flora and fauna. The village route was the only way to international link to India in the Rana regime. Most importantly the first car has brought through the village carried by human portage for Royal family. The village it self will be a unique destination for the visitors. Nepal has more than 36 different ethnic groups, among them Tamang, Magar, Chhetri, Bramin, Newar & Gurung who lives in the area and they all have their own culture, tradition according to their own religion.The villagers are deprived of many basic amenities. With the view to up grade the socio- economic condition of the villages, Dream Nepal Alliance has come up with a project to promote Community Based Village Tourism (CBVT).

The village route was the only way to international link to India in the Rana regime. Most importantly the first car was brought through the village carried by human porters for Royal family. Nepal has more than 36 different ethnic groups, among them Tamang, Magar, Chhetri, Bramin, Newar & Gurung live in this area and they all have their own culture, tradition. The villagers are deprived of many basic amenities. With the view to up grade the socio- economic condition of the villages, Dream Nepal Alliance has come up with a project to promote Community Based Village Tourism (CBVT).

The little-known Chandra Giri (Maharabat Hills) lies on the south west of Kathmandu Valley. The area itself has much natural resources, flora and fauna for developing tourism activities but has lagged behind due to less promotion and marketing. Therefore, this newly identified destination is being promoted by Dream Nepal Alliance where it offers an adventure holiday packages for keen travelers. The package offers an excellent breathtaking adventurous holidaying experience. The destination offers a great views ranging from Mt. Annapurna to Mt. Kanchenjanga. Even Mt. Everest can be viewed from here. In addition, over looking valley view of the Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur can also be relished from here.

The village itself will be an exciting destination for the visitors, Culturally, Naturally, Traditionally and Geographically. Nepal has more than 36 different ethnic groups, among them, Tamang, Magar, Chhetri Braman, Newar and gurung lives in this area. This trek programs offer you, tailor made, on any dates to suit you and your group. Traveling on foot is the only way to see much of Nepal, firstly the mountains and perhaps more importantly the people and their way of life. The trek offers you great opportunity to go to an area not visited by other trekking companies before.  Chitlang is ideal for Nature Lovers, religious Tours, Historical Places Sightseeing, Trekkers, Film Shooting, Study of Fishery, Bird Watching and Researchers (MA and PHD thesis writing). The villages are reachable within the 4-5 hrs by walking distance and 2-3 hrs village road drive to Chitlang. One can continue to Royal Chitwan National Park and Tarai (Lowland of Nepal) as extension of tour from Chitlang.

On 8th June 2010(25th Jestha, 2067) – a tourism committee was formed in presence of the VDC secretary of Chitlang. Soon sub-committees will be formed to promote Chitlang as Eco-Destination, which would hence help this area as one of the new product for the Nepal Tourism Year 2011

Photo and text by Bijaya Pradhan – Ex. Chairman Dream Nepal Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd.