Tuesday, September 6, 2011

SINDHUPALCHOWK- Full of fun

         Sindhupalchwok is the largest among the 8 districts of the Bagmati one in the Central Development Region. The topography of the beautiful district, rich in natural diversity, mostly comprises rugged hills. The Langtang range at the North and the surrounding green hills have added to the beauty of the district. It is bounded by Dolakha and Ramechhap districts in the east, Nuwakot and Rasuwa Districts in the west and Kavre, Kathmandu and Ramechhap districts in the south, To the north lies the Chinese Autonomous region of Tibet. Chautara is the administrative centre of the district that posseses a wide variety of tourist attaraction.The less developed mountainous regions of the district are more beautiful and attaractive compared to the district's business areas. The district is considered suitable for observing the natural beauty and the various aspects of country life. The famous Helambu region of the Sherpa community is also located within the district. Sindhupalchowk is also popular for the fascinating trek to the Gangjal Bhanjyang Pass at an altitude of 5500 meters. Bhairavkunda, Chyochyo Dada, Nailiklek, Chhipumanche, Panchpokhari, Suryakunda are some of the popular trekking routes of the district. Likewise the Panchpokhari, Tatopani kunda, Bhairavkunda, Palchowk Bhagawati and Tripurasundari Temples are some of the important religious centres of the district, located 85 km from Kathmandu.


PALCHOWK   BHAGAWATI
         The Palchowk Bhagawati, considered as a centre of faith for the Hindus, is located at Palchowk of Sindhupalchowk district. The actual name of the Goddess who is believed to fulfill the wish of the devotee is Jaya Bageshwori but it is popularly reffered as Palchowk Bhagawati because of its location. According to a popular belief, once a farmer was tending his farm when suddenly his toe hit a rock and blood gushed out of it. At the same time milk started to flow from another side of the rock. Since then locals began to worship the front side of the rock as Goddess Bhagawati and the black side as Lord Shiva. Devotees worship at the temple everyday but the number reaches maximum during the Dashain festival. Sacrifice of Ducks, Duck eggs, Pigeon, Rooster, Male-goat and Male-Buffalo are orrered to the Goddess. To reach the Palchowk temple one has to climb 7 km uphill from Taramarang located at a road distance of 75 km from Kathmandu along Banepa, Dhulikhel, Lamidada, Kunta, Melamchi. Budget class lodging and food services are available arround the temple. Buses leave to Palchowk every morning from Narayantar near Dakshindhoka of Kathmandu. Likewise, the road adjacent to the temple leads to Helambu.
PANCHPOKHARI
        The Panchpokhari located within the boundary of Langtang National Park at the Bhotang village of Northern Sindhupalchowk is important both naturaly and religiously. Five lakes of different colours are situated at the foothills of mountains giving the name of Panchpokhari to the area. Situated at an average altitude of 4200 m, Panchpokhari is ranked ninth among the world's highest watershed area. The lake provides habitat to various species of birds and flowers. The area full of magnifcent natural beauty is a very beautiful tourist destination. Abundance of Himalayan flora and fauna, various species of Rhododendron and herbs, plethora of colourful birds as well as richness in terms of indigeneous culture, costumes and lifestyles are the main attaraction of the area.
        Ther Panchpokhari is also rich in terms of bio-diversity. It provides suitable habitat for Himalayan bear, Red panda, Snow Leopard, Yak and other wild animals. A major festival is organized here from 4 days ahead of the Janai purnima festival. Thousands of Devotees gather  here during the festival exhibiting their traditional culture and costumes. In the tourist season the area is favourite among tourists for trekking as well as sightseeing. Furthermore, The area is suitable for camping while one can also experience the Sherpa cuisine and their traditional culture.
KODARI
       Kodari is located is the hilly region 115 km north-east of Kathmandu. Located near the Chinese border, Kodari is famous for shopping Chinese goods. This is only the  existing point in Nepal-China traversed by roadways. Nepali citizens are alllowed  to enter the border and reach as far as the town of Khasa if they show their citizenship certificate. The border crossing is  secured on both sides by Nepalese and Chinese Police check posts.
         The market town of Khasa is just 8 km from Kodari where Chinese goods are available at a reasonable price. Chinese police do not allow anyone else to enter. Most visitors to the Tatopani cross into Khasa for shopping.
BUNGEE
        Bungee jumping is one of the many extreme sports popular in Nepal. The Bungee jumping operated at Sindhupalchwok's Nayapul is ranked one of the best in the world. Thousands of tourists from arround the world jump into the 160 m deep gorge considered on of the most thrilling in the world. According to the bungee aspirants, the jump though looks exciting and enjoyable, it takes one to the veru edge of death.
       The last resort is reached from Kathmandu after a 100 km ride, 15 km nearer than Kodari. Threre is regular bus service from Kathmandu.
TATOPANI
          The Tatopani region of Sindhupalchowk district located 112 km northeast of Kathmandu holds special significance histirically and religiously. The region derives its name from the hot water springs abundant in the area.
           According to traditional bilief, a sage on his way to Himalaya fro meditation felt very cold. He then dug a hole in the ground with his trident where hot water emerged out. He then took a bath in the hot water to warm his body. The sage returned back from the Himalaya after hearing the news of the birth of Lord Rama. On his return trip too he took a bath in the hot water spring. From then onwards, people throng the hot water springs to take a bath.
         The hot water contains dissolved sulphur and is believed to cure skin ailments as well as rheumatism. People from the various part of the country thus visit Tatopani just to take a bath. Famous among the tourists, Tatopani is just 3 km ahead from the Kodari(entry point of the China border). The Bhotekoshi River flowing from the base of Tatopani is popular for rafting all year arround. There is however a lack of proper hotels for staying and eating in Tatopani. Buses leave to Tatopani everyday from Old Buspark in Kathmandu.

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