Rich with natural beauty, cultural diversity and numerous mountain ranges, Taplejung district holds a significant position among the tourist destinations of Nepal.
Located in far east of Nepal, the district lies in the lap of Mt. Kanchanjungha (8,586 m.), the third highest mountain peak in the world. In addition are 14 other peaks higher than 7,000 metres. The prime cultural attraction of Taplejung is the famous Pathibhara Temple, a center of Hindu and Buddhist faith. Pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and even some parts of India, visit to pay worship to Pathibhara Goddess. The continuous ding-dong of bells and fragrance of incense from the Pathibhara Temple conveys message of peace, harmony, tolerance and goodwill.
There are several other places to see in Taplejung. One can hardly describe the exuberance and natural elegance of Timbu Pokhari (Pond), which borders the district with neighboring Panchthar. The redolence of blooming Padmachal, a local variety of flowers, is spellbounds trekkers, and stamps an unforgettable memory.
The district also provides habitat to more than 250 varieties of birds and about a hundred species of mammals. Another attraction of northern Taplejung is the Blue Yalung, one of the longest glacier in the world. There are also numerous other lakes, religious sites, mountain peaks and cultural attractions of the district. However, many of these attractions are yet to be recognized and publicized, some unknown even to the locals for lack of exploration and investigation.
The indigenous Limbu culture is another heritage that contributes to the originality of the district. The unique customs, traditions, rituals, costumes and dances are of great interest to visitors. Characteristic activities like Chyambrung dance during special occasions like weddings and Dhan dance during the day of harvest, add to the rich Limbu culture. These dances are shown also at local fairs and one-day bazaars (flea market) at different parts of the district.
Though a mountainous district, Taplejung is accessible by road and air. Regular scheduled flights ply from once a week from Kathmandu and five times a week from Biratnagar. Flights can also be chartered from Kathmandu. A 227-km road links the district headquarters from Birtamodh, Jhapa. Besides, one can trek to the district from Dhankuta. There's a good possibility of developing new trekking trails in the district.
Despite the natural exuberance, cultural superiority and easy accessibility the number of tourists visiting Taplejung is relatively low. To counteract this and to propel tourism from grass-root level His Majesty's Government has introduced the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program (TRPAP) from 2001 April. TRPAP has been actively working in the district with the view to uplifting the living condition of people by developing infrastructures of tourism and promoting awareness about its importance, so that the benefits of tourism can be understood and gained by the local people. Launched in six VDCs (Khewang, Mamakhe, Phawakhola, Phurumbu, Tellok and Lingkhim) of the district, the program has been able to benefit 5,872 people of 1,283 households in a shorter span of time.
In the past TRPAP has undertaken and completed repair and reconstruction of trekking trails, supply of drinking water, setting up of side camps and construction of bridges and culverts, for infrastructure development. Also, income generating training and loans have been provided to the people for running different occupations and micro-industries related to tourism. This has contributed in increasing income of the people and provided job opportunities. TRPAP has also made the local community aware about the benefits of tourism by training them on hospitality, treatment, communication and interaction with guests. The locals have gained ample knowledge about the preservation and promotion of their cultural assets and tourist products with the coming of TRPAP.
TRPAP has also helped in implementing the development plan of the DDC- prepared sustainable concept of Cardamom, herbs and tourism: good governance is the medium of development that emphasizes preservation and development of Limbu culture, Pathibhara Temple, Tinjure-Jaljale rhododendron area, Kanchanjungha reserve area and Olangchungola VDC. TRPAP is mulling preparations for the establishment of Limbu museum at local Mamakhe village apart from making a visual documentary on Limbu cultural heritage and encouraging the people by organizing them under different cultural groups.
The DDC with the view to develop tourism has set up a separate tourism development section in the office. Different tourism development committees have been formed in the six VDCs. The Kanchanjungha conservation project too has played a vital role for the sustainable development of tourism in the district. The local people these days have started to be active in seeking ways on how more tourists can be attracted to the district, thanks to different tourist related programs that have contributed in promoting tourism awareness.
- Rural Tourism Feature- 9/ TRPAP
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