Have you heard about DAHACHOWK ?

Central Region and Dahachowk

The country's capital "Kathmandu" lies in the central region of the country. It comprises three zones which are Bagmati, Janakpur and Narayani. Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal. Since, the medieval period of Nepal, it is supposed to be the centre for the trade and business and acts at the middle point for the trade within the country and trade route between the India and China as well as Tibet. On other the hand, it is the Newari settlement where different culture and festivals resides. Similarly, Kathmandu valley is famous for architecture and cultures and is also known as the city of temples and an attraction for the devotees. People say that, in Kathmandu valley there are more gods and goddesses than the people and more temples than the houses. The  world heritage sites of UNESCO  (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square), Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath, as well as other different religious, historical and cultural important places and the monuments  are very significant which adds positive development steps in the sector of cultural ,religious and historical tourism promotion of Nepal in the international market. There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit within the Kathmandu valley and the outskirts of it. The places are full of history, religious and historical remains and are remarkable for their beauties. Most of the places can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by vehicle. High in the Himalayan Mountains lies the small Kingdom of Nepal, with its lofty mountains, deep valleys, lush jungles, exotic wildlife and diverse peoples. Kathmandu has a variety of attractions to keep tourists coming back for more.

Dahachowk lies in Kathmandu district of Bagmati zone of Central Development region at an elevation of 1,881 above sea level.  It is situated on the top of the hill of Chandagiri Municipality near Thankot .It is nearly 11 km far from the Kathmandu Durbar square in western part and joins as border of Dhading district. Dahachowk is situated on a hilltop above the highway town of  Ramkot. It is a beautiful place of Kathmandu which lies between the Nagarjun and Chandagiri Hills. Towards the southward of Dahachowk lie a very nice & greenery landscape and a dense forest on the other sides. It is not only naturally beautiful but also famous from religious and historical aspects. It fascinates the visitors with its cultural appeal and pristine scenery. Magar and Brahmins town has maintained its age-old flavour, and presents mix of history, architecture, incredible views and unspoiled landscapes.

Dahachowk has been described as a natural view tower; indeed, one can enjoy a spectacular panorama view of the entire Everest Range plus the peaks of Ganesh Himal, Machhapuchre Himal, Gauri Shankar, Kanchanjunga and Everest from here. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Kathmandu Valley, a visit to the village is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar and Magar cultural life. Dahachowk is a prime example of civilization of the Kathmandu Valley, and it is an ideal retreat to soak in this fabulous heritage along with the natural splendour of the surroundings. With its varied attractions ranging from the artistic to the scenic, Dahachowk entices visitors of all interests to come and discover something for oneself. Dahachowk was once a prosperous religious center, and its historical places, with their neoclassical facades and importance, bespeak its past glory. It was settled in the early 18th century by Magars from Gorkha, who took advantage and settled there when the great king, Prithvi Narayan Shah attempt to attack the Kathmandu valley where the Malla kings were ruling. Along with their trading skills, the Newars brought with them their rich cultural heritage and architecture, which still defines the look and feel of today’s Dahachowk.

It is said that Dahachowk had heyday during the Shah period during 1756 A.D. It enjoyed the power and prestige which was indicated in the special permission and received to establish its own library that still exists. The evidence which proves that the place was once ruled by the Lichchavi kings has been explored at Dahachowk area. At the time of unification of Nepal, King Prithvi Narayan Shah decided to attack the Kathmandu Valley looking for new prospects .At that time, he chose Dahachowk as an appropriate conduit for making the fort to attack Kathmandu valley in the command of Kanji Kalu Pandey, who died in the war between Kritipur and Gorkha.    The statue of King of the Gods, Indra and Indrayeni together with the ‘Aerawat elephant’ is said to be found only at Dahachowk & not in other places. This fact has raises the importance of this place.

Tourism Prospects of Dahachowk

Dahachowk was developed as a unique new tourist destination as part of a local and government with the partnership project with memory of dead people in Plane crash of Necon Air. The main objective was to develop and promote Dahachowk as a tourist destination; enhance, upgrade and conserve the built and natural environment of Dahachowk and support local enterprises revitalizing economic activities; ultimately extending the visit of domestic tourist in this area. Himalayas in the northern part of Nepal and the natural beauty of this area touches the heart of all. It is not only naturally beautiful but also historically and religious prosperous. The components of tourism which are called elements for tourism development at Dahachowk area can be explained as below:

i)                    Accessibility

ii)                  Accommodation and Fooding

iii)                Attractions

iv)                Amenities

Accessibility

            Dahachowk is about 10 km far from Kathmandu Durbar Square which lies in the west of Kathmandu, on the west hill top of Kathmandu valley. The road condition is not in a very good condition. But, one can properly reach to Dahachowk by a public bus from Kathmandu or by any private means of transport. The road is little blacktopped and graveled until it reaches the Dahachowk. There is a point at Ramkot and Bhimdhunga from where we change the route to climb up the Dahachowk. You can feel a little bit adventurous while climbing up to the Dahachowk. The road is not wide and becomes slippery in the rainy season and most of the routes are via from jungle.

Dahachowk is linked from different routes. They are as follows:

• In east, Swechatar – Naicap to Dahachowk.
• In south, Balambu - Thankot to Dahachowk.
• In west, Chhatra Deurali – Bhimdhunga to Dahachowk.
• In North, Ramkot – Sotigaun to Dahachowk and another route as Ramkot – Purigaun – Khadkulochaur to Dahachowk.

By road

Drive from Sitapaila or Thankot to arrive at Ramkot by midday, and then it’s about a half hour bike ride to Dahachowk. From Sitapaila, one can find the local rides shuttling between Sitapaila and Bhimdhunga.

On foot

Hiking through the historical route can be the best option to reach Dahachowk if you are adventure-lover. It takes about two hours from Thankot to reach Dahachowk.

Accommodation

Only few lodges are established to accommodation for the travelers in Bazaar.

Amenities

Small restaurants are available In Dahachowk area. For budget travelers, local tea shops service is available in several houses for breakfast and lunch.

Attractions

Dahachowk is a naturally beautiful place. Besides its natural beauty, it is very rich in the historical, archaeological and religious aspects too.

Natural Attractions

Dahachowk is a naturally gifted area having outstanding beauty and graceful charm. Dahachowk amazes visitors with its geology as much as with its scenic attractions. It has been described as a natural view tower; indeed, one can enjoy a spectacular panorama view of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang from here. Dahachowk is also suitable for short hikes and to observe the jungle tourism activities. There is much other green grassland for the purpose of playing and picnic sports. In the east of the Dahachowk there is Thaplechaur where three helicopters can stand at once.

View of Kathmandu Valley from Dahachowk

Furthermore, Dahachowk is supposed as the best place than Nagarkot for the observation of scenic attraction. From this place, one can observe the beautiful view of three cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur at a glance.The evening view of the valley from Dahachowk seems quite enjoyable environment due to the lights in the cities. From the top of the Dahachowk, one can see the view of the higher hills such as Nagarjun, Nagarkot, Kakani, Phulchowki, Shivapuri, Champadevi, Dhading, Gorkha, Nuwakot and Rasuwa as well as other higher hill sides from far and far.

i.         Spectacular Himalayan Scenery

Dahachowk is considered as a natural view tower as we can observe breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. We can enjoy a spectacular panorama view of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Makalu, Lotse, Sagarmatha, Choyu, Nuptse, Gauri Shankar, Nilgiri, Annapurna Machhapuchre Ganesh, Dorje Lakpa, Phurbi, Kanchenjunga and Langtang from here.

ii.       Scenic view of beautiful mountains/hills

Not only the Himalayan scenery but we can also observe the panoramic view of beautiful mountains and hills. From Dahachowk we can clearly observe the beautiful Mahabharata Range Manakamana and Gorkha to east can be seen from here. Similarly, the view of Phulchowki (one of the highest hill in the Kathmandu valley, in the South-East of Dahachowk and Damachowk hill in the north of Dahachowk has equally contributed in the beauty and attraction of Dahachowk.

iii.       Sun-rise and Sun-set

Sunset view from Dahachowk

Spectacular sunrise and sunsets from the top of the Dahachowk hill adds a flavor to the natural attraction of the Dahachowk area. Sunrise and sunset can be seen from Indradaha and Khadkulochaur as well as Thaplechaur.

iv.         Climate

The weather of Dahachowk is very hot in summer and little cold in winter. Temperature in the summer (March-July) however between a maximum of 32-38˚C

and a minimum of 6 -13˚C. In the winter (October-February), the temperature fluctuates between 18-21˚C and 2-3˚C.

v.           Monsoon

The rainy season begins in June-July and continues till August-September. The monsoon is marked by big downpours in this area. There is an interesting fact about monsoon here. In the rainy season, if it delays to rain then, people goes to worship God Indra for the rain. The green paddy farm gives a greenery scenic view during the monsoon season.

vi.        Dense forest

Purigaunban / Jahkribas Ban, Dahachowk community forest and Aduwabari Ban are the green dense forests which are the major natural resource of Dahachowk. The whole forest area is located to the south of the main bazaar. It is a tranquil (calm) heaven for nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and fauna including leopards, tigers, boars, porcupines, monkeys, deer, langurs, orchids, butterflies and many rare birds etc. Not only the nature enthusiasts but all the visitors will enjoy visiting the spot for its greenery and tranquility.

vii.      Dahachowk village

The main village is the settlement of Synashi and the Magars who are said to be migrated from the Gorkha during the late Seventeenth or early eighteenth century. The people here are very hospitable. In the history, it is said that there was a trend of welcoming the visitors by greeting by a neighborhood lined them with historical mud and stones. This was once a tradition in the past .At modern days, the traditional values still intact, it presents a potpourri of old houses, temples of great religious significance and historical architecture. The medieval-looking quarter is the heart of Dahachowk. It also possesses year-round festivals and different cultures. The main market square which stands as the enterprising trading route between Dhading, Gorkha and the Kathmandu is Ramkot and Bhimdhunga. The town square is the main venue for the major ceremonies and festivals.

viii.    Thaplechaur

Thaplechaur is an open land where three helicopters could be land at the same time. This is only ½ Kms away from the statue – building spot. There are religious and historical places around this beautiful natural spot. Here, the houses made by Prithvi Narayan Shah and other security forts of Badalkot, Kalkot and Dhakkarkot are in the form of ruined historical monuments. There is green grassland which is generally used for playing and as a picnic spot.

Besides these, there are more religious, historical as well as recreational aspects which can be a factor of attraction for the visitors to visit Dahachowk area.

Dahachowk is not only naturally beautiful but also very beautiful from the various aspects such as religious and historical aspects.

 Religious and aspect

i.     Indradaha

The historical epic says that the place was called “Daechok", locally "Daha" which means pond. In Kirant language it was called "cho" means hill and in Newari “Daecho" means hills having God or pond on the head of the hill with plain land which describes the name formation of the Village as Dahachowk. According to Scanda Puran, the place is related with the King of God “Indra". Therefore, this place is named as Indradaha and Indrasthan. It is located in middle of the Mahabharata range just west of Kathmandu valley on altitude of 1881 m from the sea level. It is just 10 km far from Kathmandu which is at the west border of the valley attached to Dhading.

According to the religious proof, this is the sacred pond where Indra got relief from sexual diseases after worshipping the goddess Mahamahya.This was the holy pond where Indra got relief after bathing on the full moon day of Bhadra.

The story begins in this way. Once upon a time there was a sage named Gautama. His wife Aahilya was so beautiful that Indra was eager attracted towards her. He conspires and asks Surya dev for help to be seen at mid night so that the sage immediately will go for bath in river bank to pray for Surya dev. Surya Dev did as per the plan of Indra .Gautama left his hut thinking that was dawn and Indra disguised himself as Gautama sage and went to his hut. Indra was busy in sexual activity with Aahilya. Gautama returned after knowing the time. He was shocked when he saw his wife having sexual activity with another person and he soon cursed his wife to remain as a stone statue and to have thousands of female sex organs in body parts of Indra. Due to this curse, Indra was full of female sex organs. He felt ashamed and looking any idea to get rid from that problem. His wife suggests him to have holy bath in Indradaha to be free from that curse. On the full moon day of Bard he got bath and was free from that curse.

Every year, there is a big celebration and many pilgrims take bath in the pond on the full moon day of Bhadra, the next day of Indrajatra. Pilgrims from many places come there for celebration and worship. It is commonly that taking bath in Indradaha makes clean from the sins and opens the door to heaven. Old people living in this area recite many stories related with Indradaha and Indra. There is another interesting myth related with Indra with this place. Once Indra was looking for the holy and rare flower named as "Parijaat" for his mother which was very essential for his mother for the purpose of worship. Searching the flower he reached up to "Maaru Tol" of Kathmandu where there was a garden of Parijaat. When Indra was picking up that flower without asking anyone, he was then caught by the local people and was prisoned. After knowing this incident, Indra's mother came down from heaven and asked them to free her son promising she will free all the soul of the dead person from the earth. Indra was set free after that. When Indra was leaving to heaven, people also followed him but Indra left them in Indradaha according to the promise.

From that day, one day before the Poornima, people wear mask of Indra's mother and follows her and the next day they take holy bath after reaching up to the Indradaha on the day of Poornima. But, later the Malla King, Pratap Malla introduced this as  festival to the people and  started celebrating this  in Kathmandu as Indrajatra and take bath in Indradaha on next day.

People worships Indra as god of rain. There is a belief among the local people that when it  delays to rain and dry starts, then people went there with rice and they scatter everywhere and start pooja for Indra until it rains. It’s still in practice.

ii. Basuki Nag

There is a living place of Basuki Nag at the western corner of Indradaha .It was a big stone shaped. But, nowadays a seven headed Basuki Nag made by cement is kept symbolizing Nag. Among eight,Basuki Naag is believed to be the son of Ananta.

iii. Temple of Indra

On the east side of the Indradaha, there are two temples of Shikhar styles with gagur. These temples contains statue of Indra, Indrayani and Aarabathatti. The statue of King of Gods, Indra & Indrayani together with the ‘Aerawat elephant’ is said to be found only at Dahachowk & not in the other places.But, it is at destroyed condition. It is said that it was destroyed by the Muslims when they attacked Kathmandu during Malla period. Some say it was destroyed by the local people when their buffalo died after drinking water from that pond. But the man who destroyed the statue was found dead after some days. People had the belief that the death was supposed because of the god's power. The premise of this temple lies at the highest place of Dahachowk.

iv. Statues and temples of different Gods and Goddesses

Similarly, there are also temples of Ganesh, Garauda, Bhimsen, Bhairab, Shivalinga and Dhunge Dhara. It still remains different statue of god and goddess near to this place which are very important from the archeological aspect. It is believed that those temples were built in 14 – 15th century. In 2041 B.S, some metal statue of Indra were found in the fields of the local people which was taken by the archeological department for further study. There are many Shivalanga and Bhajanalaya,a religious place for Hindu for singing religious referred to as Bhajan.

Historical aspect

Beside the natural and religious importance,Dahachowk also has lots of hidden importance that are yet to be discovered and publicized.

i.        Historical Fort of Prithvi Narayan Shah

King Prithivi Narayan Shah was able to unite Nepal from Dahachowk. It was really difficult at that time to unite Nepal due to the geographical location & only Kathmandu valley was known as Nepal. King Prithvi Narayan Shah made and stays there while attacking the Kathmandu valley with the help of Gore Giri of Dahachowk (who was supposed the local merchant of Dahachowk)and came Indrachowk daily to sell local product from Dahachowk and by this help, King Prithvi Narayan Shah was successful to attack Kathmandu valley on Indrajatra festival. To block Kathmandu valley from supplying the daily uses things and to stay safely, he built four forts on top of the hill from where the clear views of the valley could be seen. Three forts were on the top of the Indradaha and another was in the jungle of east side. Firstly, when Prithvi Narayan Shah came to this place with his warrior, he asked Gore Giri to keep his weapons safely in his house but he refused telling the place was not a safe one. So, he gave an idea to dig and bury all the weapons which still remains there. The third fort on the top of the Indradaha had double walled where it is believed that Prithvi Narayan Shah stayed there but all the forts are in very bad and poor conditions now.

ii.      Historical grove of Kalu Pandey

Dahachowk is the place where the hero, Kaji Manshidhar Pandey famous as Kalu Pandey was cremated in Jestha 19, 1814 B.S.Kalu Pandey was the head of the warrior troops of Prithvi Narayan Shah. They attempt many times to attack Kritipur but were not successful. The incident was very danger to Gorkhali troops, even on 2nd attempt King Prithvi Narayan Shah was nearly killed by the warrior of Kritipur but any way Prithvi Narayan Shah was able to escape from there and was alive. Kalu Pandey was killed while Gorkhali armies were fighting for the first time to conquer Kirtipur. According to his wish, his head was cremated at the hill top of Indradaha from where the scenery of Kathmandu Valley and Gorkha could easily be seen. To fulfill his desire, King Prithvi Narayan Shah made a holy place to bury his head which still remains a historical site of Indradaha, Dahachowk.

iii.    Historical Temple made by Prithvi Narayan Shah           

There are two temples made by Prithvi Narayan Shah, one is Temple of Manakamana and another one is temple of Bagh Bhairab.There is also Kotghar where religious ceremony in Dashain is still performed by putting Jamara. There is also a  practice of sacrifice of animals in the pillar of the place and the systematic pooja is also performed by the people of the Guthi. But,the place is not in good condition.It has only the  remains the walls and the stone scatter here and there.

iv.    Stone written inscriptions and stone taps

There are all together two inscriptions found in the temple. One of them is in Nepali written as King Narendra Malla. On 1756 and another one is in Newari Nepal Sambat of 852. Besides all, Dahachowk contains many party places (inns), stone taps of historical importance.

Recreational Tourism

Dahachowk offers a proper area for leisure activities such as  hiking ,cycling to the top ,short treks, sports as well as a picnic spot for the people. One can enjoy their holiday time for the refreshment in the outskirt of Kathmandu valley, Dahachowk.

Village tourism offers a unique opportunity for comfortable cultural immersion.A village tourism having a great combination of natural, historical, religious, archaeological and recreational aspects can be introduced as a potential tourism destination for the visitors. Different concepts of tourism are emerging in  tourism sector in Nepal. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industry in the world and village tourism being a part of it has contributed in uplifting the economy and employment opportunities to some extent. A tourist product is an amalgam product. There is a great prospect of tourism in Dahachowk as it is naturally, culturally and historically significant. Besides its prospects, it has not been  able to develop tourism due to the  various hindrances and  issues .A village can be a perfect example of tourism destination if the hindrances for the potentiality for the tourism developed is addressed.

Source:Mr. Ram Kr. Puri & Suraj KC

(Note: Many information may be misinterpreted...!!!)