Prospectus and challenges of village Tourism in Nepal

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EVOLUTION OF TOURISM IN NEPAL

Tourism before 1950s

Tourism after 1950s (after the ascending of Mt. Everest)

Adventure tourism (Mountaineering, Trekking, rafting,)

Tourism in the part was limited to those who could travel on foot or trek, in the face of great natural hazards because of the lack of facilities as road, communication network and crude means of tourissm existed in some way or other. The development of arts, architecture, culture and religion drew the attention of foreign travelers, mostly scholars and people with missionary zeal. Tourism in Nepal is said to be initiated during the Gopas, the ruling dynasty in Nepal. Being impressed by Nepalese arts and architecture, many famous people visited Nepal during the ruling period of Lichhivis, Mallas and Ranas, but practically, tourism in Nepal was initiated after the revolution of 1951. The people were liberated and the gates of Nepal opened still winder for all foreign visitors. With the establishment of Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, the tourist inflow has increased considerably. New hotels, travel agencies and restaurants were opened to promote tourism. From the point of view of tourism , the great revolution of 19551 was aboon for Nepal. In realization of this fact, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation was established, in order to develop tourism by government sector. Also, NATA(Nepal Association of Travelers Agents)and HAN (Hotel Association of Nepal played a vital role in development of tourism from its initial stage to the present stage.

In the present contest, the government and private sector jointly trying to develop the infrastructure for the tourism, Nepal tourism board was established, many international chain of hotel were entered and organized different tourism

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promotional activities such as visit Nepal 1998, Pokhara Mahotsab Food festivals, which represent ‘ Nepal as world of its own’.

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN NEPAL

Few destinations in the world can match Nepal in the variety of world class experience be it mountaineering, trekking mountain biking, nature tours, culture tours, pilgrim tours, whitewater-rafting, canyoning ( cascading), kayaking,canoeing, mountain flights, hot air ballooning, pony trekking, jungle safaris, bird watching, fishing, hang-gliding, ultra-light aircraft ride, bungy jumping etc. In addition, we have several special interest tours like orchid tours, culture trek, honey hunting, village tours, fossil hunting and meditation courses. In Nepal, tourism is important not only because it is an important source of foreign exchange but also a major employment generator. Directly and indirectly Nepales people are getiing benefits from the tourism, many people are getting employment from this sector. As apart of the cultural role of tourism, the incentive to local crafts and industries and artistic skills of the people is increased because of the demand of local products. Folklores, traditional ceremonies, art and industry are revived because tourists are interested in them. By the medium of tourism we can exchange knowledge and create understanding among the people of the world. Tourism provided us an opportunity to understand the culturally, it is a product which encourages intellectual curiosity amongst the nations and develops a healthy respect for another’s beliefs and customs.

Nepal may be a small country in the Himalayan region, but it is a famous tourist destination. Out of the tenhighest mountains in the world, seven are situated inNepal. Tourism is the main foreign currency earner ofNepal but it suffered a major setback for the country’s political instability. Finally, with the establishment of democratic government in 2006 the political instability ended. Due to the economic recession, number of tourists declined, but the trekkers are always

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coming toNepal in search of adventures. Here is a list of top tentourist attractions in Nepal:

Kathmandu:

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is also the biggest and most happening city of the country.Kathmandu is actually the hometown of the Newars. The name “Kathmandu” comes from two Sanskrit words “Kaastha Mandap.” Kaastha means wood and Mandap means shade or cover. Existence of human habitation in the Kathmandu valley can be traced back to 900 B.C. The oldest building in this area is one thousand years old. Lord Buddha came to this valley in 6th century B.C. Kathmandu mainly consists of two three cities:Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Many old Hindu andBuddhist temples and buildings can be found inKathmandu. Some of the popular tourist sites are: Swayambunath temple, King's Palace Thamel chowk, Nasal chowk, Pashupatinath temple.

Bhaktapur:

Bhaktapur or popularly known Bhadgaon is situated at an altitude of 1401m and covers an area of four square miles. The city still retained its medieval charm which is very much enjoyable to any visitors.

Pokhara:

Pokhara is a beautiful city situate in a tranquil valley. It is also the starting point for trekking and rafting destinations. If you want to take pictures of the Himalayas then you should go to the township ofTansen. The town is situated near the Srinagar Danda hill from where visitors can get the beautiful panoramic view of the Terai plains and the Himalayas. Gorkha is a hill-town which offers some beautiful scenery. It is situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m from where you can see the snow covered mountains.

Lumbini and Janakpur:

Situated in the South-Western Terai of Nepal it is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Every year, thousands Buddhists come to visit this place. The area is also very rich in natural beauty. Janakpur is another holy city which is named after the famous

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King Janak. Janakpur was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mithila and the birthplace of Sita, the heroine of Ramayana. Today Janakpur is one of the cleanest towns of Terai.

Chitwan national park:

Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park is the oldest national park in Nepal situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal. In 1984, the park was designated as a world Heritage site. About 70% of the vegetation of the park is sal forest. The park contains Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains of Rapti, Reu and Narayani rivers. The remaining vegetation types are grassland (20%), riverine forest (7%), and sal with chirpine (3%). The Saccharun species aka elephant grass can be found in this area which can reach a height of 8 meter. The shorter grasses are used for thatch roofs. There are 43 mammal species including the famous one-horned rhinoceros, the tiger, the gharial crocodile, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python. Other animals found in the park include the sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, palm civet, langur and rhesus monkey. Ther are over 450 species of birds in the park.

Sagarmatha national park:

Sagarmatha National Park is located to the north-east of Kathmandu in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The highest peak of the world, Mount Everest is also situated in this park. There are several other well known peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kwangde, Kangtaiga and Gyachung Kang. In 1979, the park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Vegetation of the park includes pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron woods, scrub and various alpine plants. The Sagarmatha national park is home to tahr, goral, serow and musk deer. The snow leopard and Himalayan black bear can also be seen in this region. Other rarely

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seen mammals include the weasel, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), jackal and langur monkey.

Langtang National Park:

The Langtang National Park occupies an area of 1,710 sq. kms extending from the North of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border. Situated in the central Himalayan region, the Langtang National Park is the nearest park from Kathmandu. The park contains two major river systems- one goes to the west into theTrisuli River and the goes to the east to the Sun Koshi river. The topography and geography and the varied climatic patterns contributed to the diversity of flora in this region. At 1000 meter height there is small subtropical forest, at mid-elevation, there are temperate oak and pine forests with alpine scrub and grasses. Oaks, chir pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the main forest species. Animals include wild dogs, red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, seraw, rhesus monkey and common langur.

Trekking:

Any writing on Nepal tourism will be incomplete without trekking. Probably, trekking is the best way to enjoy the true beauty Nepal has to offer. Nepal is home to seven of the top ten highest mountains in the world. Every year, hundreds of trekkers from around the world come to Nepal to climb mountains. The beautiful pictures of the snow covered mountains, turbulent rivers, rhododendron forests are unforgettable. Trekking is done from October to May but the best months are October and November.

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Mount Everest:

The Khumbu region is home to the highest peak in the world; Mount Everest. This area is also home of Sherpas. Trekkers walk through the rolling hills of the Solu region and the roadhead at Jiri. Many trekkers also fly into the village of Lukla. From Lukla, trekkers go to the town of Namche Bazaar where they acclimatize to the high altitude. The region is also home to theSagarmatha National Park. Beyond Namche Bazaar, there is the Sherpa village named Khumjung. The famous monastery of Thyangboche is situated in this area. From Namche Bazaar, trekkers can go to thevillage of Thame or to the two main Khumbu routes. One goes to the Gokyo lake while the other towards the Everest base camp.

Helambu Langtong:

The Helambu valley offers some scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. Situated to the north of Kathmanduthe region is filled with temperate forest, alpine pastures, glaciers, lakes and snowy peaks. One can also see the Tamanag and sherpa life. Trekkers can stay in highland monastery villages and small settlements. There is a mountain pass above Helambu through the lakes of Gosaikunda reaching the valley ofLangtang. The Gosaikunda lake is situated at 4,380 meters. The lake is known to be sacred to Lord Shiva and every summer thousands of religious Hindus come to take a holy dip into the waters of the holy lake. The trek passes through a varied landscape. Trekkers can see sub-alpin gransslands and stark, beautiful mountainsides and turbulent streams.

Annapurna:

Annapurna is the most popular trek of Nepal. It begins at the lakeside town of Pokhara. It takes six or seven days to go around the Annapurna Massif. On their way, dramatic changes will be visible in the landscape, climate and culture. There is a village named Jomsom, near the isolated land of Mustang. From there, trekkers go to the sacred shrine of Muktinath which is situated at 5,145 meter at the Thorang-La pass. There is thevalley of Manang and the route through Manang will take you to the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway.

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Kanchenjunga:

Mountain Kanchenjunga lies at the far eastern border ofNepal. It is 8586 meter long and the third highest peak in the world. The valley near the mountain is opened for organized treks. Tourists would be able to see some of the richest and most pristine forests of Nepal while going through the treks of Kanchenjunga. Since there are no human habitations in this region, trekkers are required to bring along foods and camping equipments. Most of the time trekkers fly in and out of Taplejung. 

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BACKGROUND OF TOURISM IN NEPAL

‘Tourism’ in the present world is a very fast growing industry all over the world. It has been acecepted in many countries as lucrative industry and this spect Nepal is not exception. Especially all land locked country like ours it is more than appropriate to have declared ‘Tourism’ as number one industry. It has been proved few years that Tourism is the only field in which Nepal is comparatively less dependent on other countries. We have seen other industries coming to a stand still but Tourism continued relatively undisturbed to the surprise of all. That’s why there is a need to carryout study too promote mountaineering and trekking in Nepal. Nepal is situated in the lap of Himalays. Nepal is located between the latitude 26₀22’N to 30₀27 ‘ North and longitude 80₀4 ‘E to 88₀12 ‘East and elevation ranges from 90 to 8848 metres. The average length being 885 km east west and 193 north south which area is 147181 sq. km. The northern range(Himalayan) is covered with snow over the years where the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest, stands. The middle range (hill) is captured by gorgeous mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and lakes. The southern range (Terai) is the plain of alluvial soil and consists os dense forest area with outstanding untamed wild life reserves and conservation areas. It is a very old country with many rich cultural heritages temples dedicated to various deities, the breath taking monasteries, the age less monuments all these combine to make it wonder museum beneath the blue dome of the sky. The graceful, sloping caves of those masterly creations are so healthy land scrapped with the undulation of the surrounding hills and mountains that they make perfect blend. The Stupas, Temples and pagoda style of architectures of shiva Durga and Bishnu lures the visitors. The religious, customs and festivals of Nepal are famous all over the world. The hinduism and Buddhism is the complex blending of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal and all the deities are worshipped by Hindu and Buddhist alike. A remarkable feature of this country is the religious homogenity existing particulary between the Buddhist and Hindu communities who for centuries have cherished mutual regard and respect for ane another. The people of Nepal are religious. The traditional shrines of Stupas preserving unique patterns of wood

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carving and stone sculpture add glory and gradeur to artistic and cultural scene of Nepal. Being the god gifted natural beauties Nepal has many places and to visit and water. Nepal is the variety of adventure tourist. Mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, nature tours, culture tours, pilgrim tours, white water rafting, kayaking, jungle safari, bird watching, fishing hang-gliding, ultra light aircraft ride etc. Nepal is ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiast offering myriad of possibilities from the short and essay to demanding challenges of the snow peaks. Nepal has apartly been called ‘ A trekkers paradise’ as her terrain-mountains hills and the Terai. The friendliness and hospitality of the people of Nepal, where guests as treated as guests; the varity of exciting adventure activities including trekking, mountaineering, rafting and jungle safari combined with culture that epitomizes peace and harmony art and craft; songs and dances make a visit to Nepal a memorable experience.

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INTRODUCTION OF VILLAGE TOURISM IN NEPAL

Village tourism has been emerged as a very new concept in the Nepalese tourism industry. Nepal is normally popular in the world for the adventure travel, white water rafting and great jungle safari, staying at the specially built resorts or the self pitched tents. A brand new concept of village tourism where the guests – YOU would be taken to the carefully picked up village where you would be given the chances to know the local people, their culture by allowing them to stay on one of the house as a family member. A few guest room and kitchen are developed without disturbing the village environment. Villages continue their daily normal works and guests enjoy participating in the village activities. As you would be satying as a family member with your host family, you can participate in all activities of their daily choirs. The friendly and hearty behaviours of the family members gives you a different experience that you have never enjoyed before. You have the chance to eat the traditional local food prepared in the neat and clean kitchen, which are delicious and are hygenic. The tour gives you the chances to explore the real villages unlike having spent short time in different villages on trek. Your accomodation is in an actual home, allowing you to feel the cross-cultural exchange in the more authentic way unlike staying at the local lodge filled with backpapers. You will be observing the real Nepalese cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with the locals. Besides, any expenses made at that level directly contribute to the welfaare of the local community, which ultimately gives you the high sense of satisfaction. Village Tours are normally conducted in Sirubari, Bandipur, kakani and Gorkha. And Adventure Silk Road is operating the tour in other parts of Nepal too at the Chepang Village, Ghalegaun Village, Gorkha Village, Dhading Village, Lumbini Village, Balnthali Village.

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Nepal where major chunk of area is occupied by villages has tremendous potential in rural tourism. Its main aim is to link Village Development and Sustainable Tourism through the generation of income, employment and local markets for agricultural products and handicrafts. Other objectives include the provision of incentives for forestation and nature conservation and the creation of a global family through the encounter between rural Nepalese people and foreign tourists during village home stays, resulting in mutual understanding and learning. Nepal is a predominantly rujral society, and its rich culture and ethnic diversity are best experienced in its villages. A growing number of program enable visitors to stay overnight in private homes in traditional villages far from the tourist trails. Village stays (or village tourism, as this relatively new activity is called in the business) offer a unique opportunity for comfortable cultural immersion. The idea is that a tour operator contracts with a whole village to accommodate and entertain guests; rooms in local hours are fitted with bathrooms and a few tourist-style comforts, host families are trained to prepare meals hygienically, and a guide accompanies the guests to interpret. Participating villages tend to be located a couple of hours’ walk from the nearest road-close enough to be culturally inact and shilded from outside influences. (You’d never find these places on your own.) Village tourism differs from trekking in a couple of important ways. First, although some walking is involved, and a trekking permit may even be required, exercise is secondary to the cultural experience: the whole point is to stay in one village and get to know its people, not to cover distances between villages. Second, accomodation is in an actual home, not a trekking inn filled with other backpapers, so the cross-cultural exchange is more authentic. And while participating villages obviously do get tourists,they get far fewer than even the most minor halt along a standard teahouse trek, and are completely un-commercialized. Tourism and its economic benefits are far too concentrated in a few areas of Nepal, so village tourism is seen as a pomising way to disperse visitors and spread the wealth. Under the best program, local people get to keep 50 percent of the proceeds – that’s big money, givem the high rates charged by operators – and since all food and services are locally produced, virtually all of the

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money stays in the community. However, if village tourism catches on, get-rich-quick operators can be expected to dive in with cut-price packages that give locals a much smaller portion of the cut, so if you’re considering a about village saty, question prospective operators closely about where the money’s going.

GHALEGAUN VILLAGE

Ghalegaun situated at the foot of lamjung Himal in north central Nepal, is an exotic pristine village endowed with an unparallel scenic grandeur and a home to world famous Gurkha soldiers- the Gurungs. Repository of a unique ethnic culture Ghalegaun is a true microsom of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic lifestyle. Ghanapokhara is a beautiful village heading towards development with a concept of eco-tourism. It lies at north of Lamjung district in the close proximity of Ghalegaun at the top of Dashthar danda at an altitude of 2100 metres. Ghalwgaun and Ghanpokhara are mainly gurung settlements; they nestle amidst mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls and green forests. These places command a superb breathtaking view of majestic western Himalayas inluding machhapuchhare (6693m), Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (77939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal, Bouddha himal(6974m), Himalchuli (6747m) and many more smaller peaks.

The approach to Ghalegaun_Ghanpokhara is a wondreful experience in itself as it goes crossing over the Marsyangdi, khudi and Midim rivers; passing through rhododendrons blossoming along the way amidst the chirping birds and wild insects. The trekking route passes through dense jungle and villages and impressive waterfalls. Nearby Talyngo Lake and lami Lake add new dimension to these attractions. Activities around this village including bird watching at talangyo lake, and visitors to the Utter kanya temple, Pempro fall, batase cave and the Khudi hydroelectric dam site.

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Ghalegaun –ghanpokhara are model villages for experincing the typical culture and lifestyle of th gurung people. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person’s life. Age-old cultural dances ,like the jhyaure, Serka, Dohori, Ghantu, Ghyabring, Krishna Charitra and Jhakri are performed on various occasions accompanied by different musical instruments with the dancers in traditional dress.

Visitors to Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara are welcomed with offering of garlands and tika while music and dances are performed and traditional farewell songs are sung when guests depart. Nepali New Year and Budhha jayanti are celebrated with traditional dance called Ghatu. The people of Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara keep goats and sheep and use wool from these animals to make woolen products. They make clothes and bags from nttle fibre(allo cloth) and scarfs, towels and shawls from the wool fo angora rabbits. Ironsmiths make different iron products. Craftsmen produce a whole range of different products from bamboo.

CHEPANG VILLAGE

With the globalization of the village tourism, many countries, including Nepal, have been promoting beautiful villages as destinations for village tourism. Throughout the world, village tourism has been identified as an important tool to alleviate poverty in rural areas. In Nepal too, many villages has been identified as destination for village tourism. Visitors visiting the areas not only consume the locally grown products but also buy local handicrafts as souvenirs. This provides villagers with alternative source of incomw apart from the traditional farming, which will in turn help alleviate poverty thereby lifting the living standards of the locals.

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Nepal’s Terai possesses a beauty that is totally unexpected in a country known mainly for soaring snow-covered mounatins. Chtiwan a majestic and powerful location teeming with wildlife hosts one of Asia’s finest national parks, renowed for its dense concentration of wildlife. Seas of elephant grass ripple beneath a magnificent sunset and pervasive sense of relaxation soaks in deeper, the longer you stay.

Chitwan literally means ‘heart of the jungle’ and in recent years, Chitwan tops the list of things to do in Asia. With its astounding wildlife, Chitwan is a true wildlife adventure. Elephant rides, jeep tours, bird watching and canoe trips offer a different slant on the luxuriant teeming forest. Royal Chitwan National park – Sal forests cover 70% of the area and there are about 600 species of plants and are home to the significant number of one-horned rhinos and other endangered species like the Royal bengal Tiger, the Gangetic Dolphins and the Gharial Crocodile. There are altogether over 43 species of large mammals, 526 species of birds, 150 different types of butterflies, 126 species of fish and 49 species of reptiles.

BALNTHALI VILLAGE

Standing on a plateau, just beyond panauti above 40 km away from Kathmandu, is a small sleepy settlement of Balthali Village which rests at the junction of Roshi and ladku khola rivers. High above the southern ridge of this hamlet stands Balthali Village resort an outstanding place of isolation and relaxation amidst a surround of typical Nepali countryside with terraced rice fields and chre thatched farm houses. With snowy peaks of Dorjee Lhakpa, Langtang and whole range of mountain rests clear and bright on the northern horizon. Whilst the backyard is dominated by high hills of lush green Mahabharat Range which makes Balthali Village resort- a perfect place for solitude and then to relax midst countryside

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where time stands still, unperturbed, almost like the middle ages, this is plasce to rediscover what nature does to your soul.

GORKHA VILLAGE

A 25 kilometer road off the main highway connecting Pokhara and Kathmandu brings you to an ancient Gorkha- the untouched and captivating town of Nepal! Some 300 years ago, Nepal was divided into 50 tiny states, and Gorkha was one of them. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founder of ‘Shah Dynasty’ which runs Nepal today, unified Nepal into one Kingdom. His Gorkha palace reside on top of a hill at an altitude of 3281 feet (about 1000 meter) The King would watch-over his people as far as his eyes could see from the tallest palace in the very centre of Nepal! Gorkha is also the home of Gurkhas – the legendary brave warriors who fought with knives against guns.

Visit the gorkha palace here to begin your sightseeing of the region. Climb the palace steps from the bottom of the hill, all the way to the top, climbing about one thousand seven hundred steps (1700), in about two hours. That’s some hikings to do! If you get tired sit down on a steo or think how much easier the trip down will be! You will be glad you got to the top. On a clear sky day, you can view Himalayan range including spectacular view of manaslu and Himalchuli Mountains, and panoramic views of the valleys. In the Gorkha district of Nepal a community tourist program is in its third year of operation. The area is full of natural beauty, lakes, caves, waterfalls and flora (medicinal, scented abd edible plants).

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DHADING VILLAGE

Dhading district lies immediately west of kathmandu, stretching from the Ktm-Pokhara Prithivi Highway to the ganesh Himal range and the Tibetian border. With elevations varying from 488 to 7909 m. above sea level, we find sub-tropical, temperate and alpine climates. Average annual rainfall is around 2,121 ml. Dhading Besi can be reached by bus from Kathmandu. The trip takes 4-6 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Several rivers, among the Budhi Gandaki, the Trishuli and the mahesh, run through the district. In addition to panoramic mountain views of the famous Ganesh Himal, Dhading also boasts such scenic attractions as Bridaing Kunda and Ganesh kunda lakes and the waterfall at Ganga-jamuna. Dhading district, like Nepal as a whole, is marked by cultural plurality. Hindus predominate in the lower regions; in the higher areas there live a great variety of ethnic groups, primarily Tibetan Buddhist in culture and religion. The main languages spoken are Nepali and Tamang, with sizeable groups of Magar, Gurung, Newari and Rai-Kirati speakers.

Labour-intensive subsistence agriculture remains the main occupation. This in turn has meant the larger, traditional family groups are still the rule. Wheat and potatoes are among the main crops. Massive destruction of the natural forest area due to over-exploitation and mismanagement has decreased the total forest cover in Dhading. Now, under the concept of community forestry, local forest user groups have been introduced, and today much of the previous degraded forest area has regained its original composition. Dhading boasts a considerable potential for trekking tourism, which could benefit the local communities and raise the standard of living. As yet, however, very little exists in the way of tourism infrastruture, nor is there any overall management, as elsewhere with Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. As part of a larger project to promote sustainable eco-tourism in Dhading district, the Kathmandu Environmental Education project has been requested to provide volunteer teachers to a total of seven rural schools. To date, KEEP volunteers have taught at schools in the Sertung, Borung and Lapa village areas.

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SIRUBARI VILLAGE

Sirubari is without one of the most attractive village in Nepal. The village is neat and clean very colorful and warm, whiles the people are friendly , well education and are enthusisastic about Tourism. Sirubari is a compact farming community village. The unique attraction of Sirubari is the fact that is the model for a growing new trend in tourism in Nepal – a trend takes the visitor within, Experience stemming for the observation from ; without have always attracted visitor to Nepal. For the adventuros, Nepal has been synonymous with trekking, mountaineering expeditions, jungle safari and river rafting. For those seeking spiritality for the visitors ahs always been the people and the culture.

Sirubari, a village in Syangja district southwest of pokhara, is a short drive from pokhara, followed by the comfortable walk. The village is on a south facing slope at 1,700m above sea level. The climate is ideals at all times of the years with no show ever falling in the village itself.

However, the ideal time to visit between September to june. The houses are mostly building from the local materials and are well constructed and comfortable. The overwhelming impression of the village is one of the odder and cleanliness but with a warm and welcoming feel to it. Foot trails though the village is all stone paved. The villagers love, forflowers is shown in all year around riot of colors. Being oh the southern slopes of the ridge the village enjoying long sunny day and is ideal for agriculture. In may 2001. Sirubari in conjunction with the Nepal tourism board was awarded the PATA Gold award in recognitions of its efforts to preserve the culture and heritage of nepali total life.

HELAMBU VILLAGE

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The sherpa village of Helambu due north of Kathmandu vallley presents an easy gateway. This area because of its low elevation and the Sherpa villages make it an interesting 7-day loop. Starting with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal the trail to Helambu climbs on to the Shivapuri ridge from where there are sweeping views of the central Himalayas. Following a ridgline the trek heads north to Thare Pati before turning east to Melemchi gaon and tarke Gyang the principle villages of this area. From here we visit Shermathang before descending to the Melamchi River to end our trek with adrive back from Sipa Ghat back to Kathmandu.

SAILUNG VILLAGE

This is a non-tourist area and less crowded, but a very splendid one. This trek takes you to Thulo sailung (3200 m), its highest elevation, from where you will see a vast himalayan range from makalu to Dhaulagiri. In additional, this is the only trek from where you will have a glimpse of Terai – the lowland of Nepal as well as the world’s highest – Mt. Everest (8848). While trekking in this area, we walk high up on spectacular ridges in an area inhabited by Tamangs – an indigenous Buddhists community whose religion is a fusion of Buddhist lamaism and the Shamanist Bon culture. It is common for a village to have a Lama and a Jhankri (Shaman). Except Tamang, you will have encountered with different ethnic people and experience about socio-economic situation, life-style, and their professions. Moreover, the main attraction of this area is, it gives a wide range of exploration to the trekkers.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VILLAGE TOURISM IN NEPAL

ADVANTAGES

Rural/village tourism has several advantages. They can pointed as follows:-

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Cultural protection :-People become aware of their culture, language and local customs when they realize how important and productive that is for them. They try to preserve their culture and try not to let them dissapear. This encourages them to protect their native apartness. The benefits from village tourism make people aware of their culture so they protect their unique culture.

Development oppurtunities:- Village tourism provides various development opportunities in villages. Normally tourists are interested to support villagers by providing assistance in infrastructure development like drinking water, health and sanitation, education, communication and other. These types of supports upgrade the living standard of local people.

Connection to the modern world :-

Connection to the tourist means connection to the modern world. Local people can explore various culture, customs and life-styles of different types of people from all over the world. They can see things without borders globally. Village people can be informed what’s happening in outside their country. They get information about globalization, technology, human rights, gender equity and so on.

Employment opportunities:-

If there are tourists in villages, they need to be served. People can get employment as tourists need guide, Guest houses, Hotels, foods, transportations, etc. Village tourism generates employment opportunities, which is considered as good job in terms of earning and saving.

Resolution of social issues and problems :- Contemporary issues of villages can be unfolded to the media agencies and outside world, so there are good chances of addressing contemporary issues in such villages.

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Provides alternative attraction of tourists:-

Village tour is said to be luxurious as villages are normally accessible to get in and travel. They are easier than mountaineering and trekking. So village tour can be alternative option for those who wish not to have more trouble by walking difficult trails in the mountains.

DISADVANTAGES

Pollution:-

Maximum flow of tourist can cause pollution in villages. Tourists may use various things which contain harmful chemicals, plastics and other non-disposable rubbishes. Locals also need many things to serve tourists and if they don’t manage rubbish and such harmful things in proper way, village will be polluted. Villages with more tourists can be crowded. All these things may affect ecological balance.

Dependency:-

People can be depended upon tourists in everything sometimes if villager’s problems are solved by tourists. They may not feel responsible for their community hence seek tourists and other to do for them. So tourists shoule be aware of this fact that they are supporting villagers but not making them dependent. If tourists support villagers in every small thing, village people don’t feel any responsibilty of their well-being. Tourist should support villages but try to make them feel responsible for their well being.

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Cultural Mix:-

Different people are from diffferent culture. Different culture can be mixed which may cause disappearance of local culture. Villagers may start to adapt foreign culture and bad attributes from tourists, which may lead them to forget their native culture.

Trafficking of monuments and animals:-

Foreigners can afford for unique monuments and precious animal-parts (e.g. skin, bone, ivory, etc.) which encourages locals to export such restricted things. Finally this encourages trafficking and criminal activities. Some tourists haven been seen doing such work.

Smuggling:-

Some foreigners may engage in smuggling when they are abroad as a tourist. Tourists are less suspected of being criminal, so they may take advantage of this opportunity.

OBJECTIVES OF THE OPERATION

The overall objective of a Village Tourism is to promote sustainable development by using tourism as a catalyst instument for integration and sustainability, by promoting tourism development in the villages and the regions participating, in accordance with the concept of village tourism, and by creating a sustainable structure for Nepalese cooperation in terms village tourism.

The sub-objectives are to use tourism to promote local sustainable development to:-

1. Create in each village the capacity to delineate and implement a plan for sustainable development;

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2. Ensure that tourism and all sectors of activity in the villages develop in an integrated way to create synergies and complementary qualities;

3. Create new opportunities for the inhabitants and for local enterprises through the establishment of an entrepreneurial spirit in the community;

4. Strengthen economic and social cohesion through a participatory process, and throgh the creation of partnerships among the inhabitants, the enterprises, the associations and the local authorities;

5. Defend and preserve local identity and the environment;6. Increase the professional skills and competencies of the individuals and the

community, and their appetite for life-long learning;7. Create a sustainable structure which encourages interregional cooperation

between the different villages.8. Make this Network a tool for multifunctional cooperation;9. Contribute to the preparation of the villages in the Network for Nepalese

integration;10.Ensure that the villages are capable of deriving benefit from the process of

globalization, making the Network the ‘’centre’’ of the global village.11.Rituality traditonal tourism, linking it to the deeply rural way of life as

representing a civilization with new references, placing at the disposal of tourism a land that is restructured and distinguished by a life which affords a visit not only without ties but also embodying the experiential and the living, in a space filled with a life of quality, yet preserved from the chaotic saturation that has ruined other paradises.

This could,without doubt, be the operational from most effective for restructuring and attributing an innovatory and civilizing strategic direction to rebuilding the territory, weaving a cohesive mantle of complementary qualities among produtive initiatives, from traditional consumer goods, protected in terms of their identity, to services and to culture.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF VILLAGE TOURISM

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Tourism creates direct employment in the hospitality sector, retail trade, transport operation, tourism planning and management sectors. In village, toruism sector was directly responsible for producing jobs in the field of trade, lodge and hospitality and pottering. In villages tourism has also altered the inward flow of materials. Items largely imported for tourists use include bottled beer, soft drinks, table cutlery plastic containers, ‘luxury’ food such as rice, egg, tinned fruit, and ready dyed wool for the manufacture of souvenirs such as hats and belts. Besides there, the most important food-related materials importers for villagers use weere salt and species, mustard oil and maize. Confirmation of the floe of these materials into the Rasuwas district is available from a detailed survey of the loads incoming lorries made by a team from the german Development Institue.

At villages even low budgeted trekkers might spend more than 150 rupees in the village during a 24-hour period. This money is used to purchase tea, cooked meals, simple bench type seeping accomodation and souvenirs such as knitted woolen hats and belts. The villagers also earn money by selling fuel wood and frsh food such as potatoes to the Sherpa groups providing support to large tented families.The villagers also frequently rent kitchen facilties to the Sherpas. At villages these opportunities to derive financial benefits from tourism were largely limited to the upper part of the village through which the mail trail passed and where all the tea houses wre located. Households in the lower part of the village, who wre generally denied these opportunities, frequentlt voiced their option that tourism was dividing the village. They felt that the teahouse owners now had little interest in the communal life of the village or in its general welfare. There was no evidence of difficulties of this type of chaubas, partly because of its small size and partly bacause its position close to Sundarijal gives only limited scope for enterprises based on providing overnight accomodation for tourist. As regards the attitude of trekkers, it is interesting to note their responses for embarking on a trek. Cultural interests and the enjoyment of scenery were similarly highly ranked with less than half as many responses allocated to spiritual and religious experiences and wildlife interest. One

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might infer from this that these visitors are more interested in landscapes that contain human communities, than in ones containing pristine and unaltered natural ecsystems.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The fieldwork report is prepared as a partial requirement of BTTM 3rd year. So it is significant for me to fulfill the requirement for the BTTM 3 rd

year. Aslo the village tourism in Nepal is very much important to promote. So there is a need to study. In this field work the list of books and authors studied to prepare this work are include in the bibliography and the detailed methodolgy to carryout this study is also explained. Village tourism gives the opportunity to the visitors to explore the real village unlike the short time spend in different villages while trekking. It allows the visitors to feel the cross-cultural exchange in the more authentic way unlike staying at the local lodge filled with others travelrs. The income generated through the tourist expenses directly contributed to the welfare of the local community, which is effective to alleviative property.

If managed properly, village tourism can serve dual puroses:

Conservation of natural resources as well as economicbenefit locally and nationally. The important strategy that should have special cosideration in the tourism management is the community awareness program to the local people, hotel and lodge owners, porters, guides, tourists and administrators. Employment generating programs and hygiene and sanitation projects should also be integrated in this effort.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

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1. This study is mainly carried out to attain the partial fulfillment of BTTM III year, which is also a limitation of the study.

2. The study is only focussed on number of tourist arrival for village tourism.

3. The study is only based on the secondary data.4. The study includes onle five years data from 2003/20075. The study has time and economy bond.

1.

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CHAPTER II

RESEARCH METHODOGY

To perform this study anly secondary data were collected. The object of this study is to find the share of tourist for mountaineering and trekking to the arrival of total tourist, tendency of the tourist by purpose of trekking and to trace out the problems and prospects of tourism in Nepal. To fulfill the objective of the study the data collected are presented and described and the quantitative data are also analyzed to carryout the study. The detail methodolgy used to carryout this study is explained below:-

The development actvities within the framework of this project will have, as initial objectives, the preparation of a guidance document for deepening the concept of Village Tourism, with its base in what will be developed and characterized as the criteria for the selection of villages, to be drawn up in the first half of 2003, and a strategic plan for the development of the Netwrok, to be drawn up in the second half of 2003 and the first half of 2004, which will define the statutory framework, and the model for management and for financing, as well as providing publicity and promotional strategies. These documents will serve as the basis not only for the setting up of the Network, but also for giving direction to informational and promotional activities, as well as the activities related to training and qualifications, which should be implemented begining in the secong half of 2004.

At the same time, the work of stimulating and energizing the network should be developed throughout 2003, 2004 and 2005, by being based on meetings involving representations from all of the partners, these meetings take place in each of the regions paricipating in the project. The meetings will have a range of objectives: meetings to coordinate and give direction to the global project; meetings to learn about and exchange experiences; seminars to deal with specific questions within the framework of the processes involved in the local development of partners. These meetings, which would in principle be three per year, will enable the guidance documents to be discussed and evaluated (rules for

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the selection of villages, the strategic plan for the development of the Network), and preparation to be made for the work of organization of the regional networks, as well as promotional activities, and action directed towards professional qualifications.

The informational work directed inside the Network should begin with the setting up of an Internet website soon after the beginning of 2003. Information and promotion activity directed outside the Network, however, as well as work related to qualifications, should stem from the Strategic plan, beginning in the second half of 2004.

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CHAPTER III

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

The data can be analyzed through SWOT method.

SWOT Method:

The full form of SWOT is strength, weakness, opportunity and threats.

Strength:

Mountaineering and trekking tourism is must attractive sector of tourist. It develop the ruler area and community, community and develop and Preservative of protected area and natural resources.

Weakness:

Due to various reasons, mountaineering and trekking tourism doesn’t develop and protect. Problem of garbage, environmental, rules and regulation, decrease in culture, lack of observation and life style of mountain areas people. Unhealthy competition, time table of taking permission and cost is most of weakness of Mountaineering and trekking tourism.

Opportunity:

Mountaineering and trekking tourism has got many opportunities to develop tourism industry. It has got an opportunity to establish Nepal as an attractive tourist destination in the international market place. It is importance to earn the foreign currency. Now a days, total tourist and mountaineering tourist increase rapidly.

Threat:

The arrival of total tourist and mountaineering and trekking tourist was fluctuating year by year. This was due to various reasons but one of the reasons was lack of quality services, also no giving attention in the development of tourism industry, unstable political situation and change of the tourism policy in the change of the government different parties.

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ECONOMIC DATA

Industry output was $60 million may be as high as 75% concentration in some areas. “Tourism provides the single largest source of foreign exchange for the country’s development plans and the largest source of employment besides agriculture for Nepali Nationals. “ Tourism is also the major source of employment for many residents. Employment from tourism is seasonal as a result of the weather. Most people employed by the toruism industry work only four or five months a year. It also varies from community to community depending on the popularity and location of the village.

For most family memebers, the income is earned through trekking as guides, leaders, cooks, porters, and kitchen crews. During the expeditions the Nepali’s hired to assist trekkers are fed, lodged, and provided with eqipment so they return home with all of their earnings. Employment in trekking has been predominating for men but the number of women earning income from trekking is on the rise.

There has also been an increase in the employment and income generated from the establishment of tea house along the trekking route. An increasing number of tourists “carry light day packs and eat and sleep in the lodges for just a few dollars a day.”

A frequent complaint among the tourists is the lack of sanitary facilities. Sagarmatha National Park, the park which encompasses Mt. Everest, is getting a bad reputation as a result of all the trash. It is ironic that it is the tourists who are causing these problems, yet they believe that it is up to the park authrities to alleviate them.

The World Wildlife Fund that if present rates of deforestation continue, Nepal’s forests wil be gone by the year 2000. This is troublesome not only because of the soil erosion and habitat loss which result, but also because 86 percent of Nepal’s energy comes from its forests.

CHAPTER IV

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SUMMARY

Tourism is a major sector in Nepal to earn foreign currencies; Tourism is the industry of which output is the tourist. Toursim is the combined activities of the compares, guides banks etc. Tourism is the result of technical evolution in the transport and communicates to one another. Being the god gifted natural beauties Nepal has many places and ti visit water. Nepal is the variety of adventures tourism. Mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, nature tours, culture tours, pilgrim tours, white water rafting , kayaking, jungle safari, bird watching, fishing hang-gliding, ultra light aircraft ride etc. since quite a number, village tours in Sirubari, Kavre, Bandipur, Kakani, Palpa and Gorkha have made positive impacts on the visitors. Different adventure tours were being conducted in Nepal. There are different attractions for the tourist and domestic visitors to know about different ethnic groups like in Chepang village, Ghalegaun Village, Lumbini Village and much more.

So, Nepal is ultimate destination where you can taste different kinds of foods you get in village with its culture. In Nepal tourism is important not only because it is an important source of foreign exchange but also a major employment generator. Directly and indirectly Nepalese people are getting benefit from the tourism. The study shows that as the income of nation monthly is fluctuate. The study shows that the yearly gross foreign earning is positively decrease in two years, and two years is negatively decreased and then two percent increase. The data has been presented to analyze by the using SWOT methods.

CONCLUSIONS

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Nepal, a Hindu Kingdom, country of Lord Buddha and world’s highest peak, full of natural beauty and adventures, rich in cultural heritage and history, lies between two huge countries China and India. The instable governments after restoration of multiparty democracy, political conflict, corrosion of ideology, excursion of people etc. has downsized the tourism business. In spite of badly affected toursim business environment of Nepal, the no. of tourist visiting to Nepal was decreasing as compared to last few years. The purpose of Village Development Committes is to organize village people structurally at a local level and creating a partnership between the community and the public sector for improved service delivery system. A VDC has a status as an autonomus institution and authority for interacting with the more centralized institutions of governance in Nepal. In doing so, the VDC gives village people an element of control and responsibility in development, and also ensures proper utilization and and distribution of state funds and a greater binteraction between government officials, NGOs and agencies. The village development committees within a given area will discuss education, water supply, basic health, sanitation and income and will also monitor and record progress which is displayed in census data.

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