Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is in Kavre district of Bagmati region of Nepal. Dhulikhel is also the headquarters of Kavrepalanchok district. Situated at an altitude of about 1625 m (5330 ft), the city of Dhulikhel sits in a leafy shape against the backdrop of the tiny hills covered in greenery and the snow-capped ranges beyond. Not only the tourists but also the Nepalese are also attracted by the Himalayan peaks and the sunrise view of Dhulikhel. It is explained by the crowd of picnics held in the local ground in winter, the long line of the fans who come to spend the night at the hotel, and the gathering of the tourists from 3 am in the morning.

Located 30 km east of the capital city, Dhulikhel township is mostly covered by hilly terrain and the town is inhabited by mixed tribes, with a majority of Newar community. Even though it is occupied by hilly terrain, drinking water, electricity and road facilities are available in almost all the wards here. Due to the increasing air pollution in Kathmandu Valley, the population density has been increasing within this municipal area since last few years. Dhulikhel has been developing as a tourist town since its inception.

Historical background

Dhulikhel, which became known as the district headquarters around 2022 BS, has been clearly mentioned in the history of Nepal. On the 10th of Kartik 1820 BS, only 50 families were left in Dhulikhel, which was defeated by Prithvi Narayan Shah’s army.

Naming

There are some legends about how Dhulikhel got its name with its natural beauty, tiny green grasslands, and healthy climate. It was known as a place where you can get good curd because ‘Dhau’ is ‘Dahi’ in Newari language There was a dense forest in this place where tigers roamed. It was called “Dhulikhel” because it was a den where the tigers of the forest used to play. Similarly, according to another story, when people started to build settlements on these previously uncultivated estates, there was excess dust due to the wind blowing dust on the desolate hills, so it was named as Dhulikhel as dust is called ‘Dhulo’ in Nepali language.

Touristic importance

·        Himalayan Views

The mountains never cease to amaze. Something about the towering peaks’ breathtaking beauty and peacefulness makes you want to stay there forever and breathe in the clean fresh air. Dhulikhel in Kathmandu Valley is one such location, offering scenic views of the high Himalayas and the range of peaks that it contains, such as Manaslu, Lamjung, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar Himal, Lamtang, Rolwaling, Mahalangur and Kumbakarna Himalayas etc. To appreciate these magnificent vistas, you only need to ascend a bit higher above the hamlet.

·        Trek to Nmabouddha

Another popular tourist attraction in Dhulikhel is the mountain bike journey from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha, which is one of the most popular tourist activities. The three-hour hike leads via the Kali Temple, the villages of Kavre and Faskot, and ultimately through a Tibetan monastery on the mountaintop, where Namobuddha may be found.

·        Newari Towns

Another destination that never fails to interest travelers is the oldest area town of Dhulikhel, which is located in the southern end. This town area is made up of old Newari houses with exquisite windows and artistically carved doors that stand witness to the exceptional workmanship of the region’s locals, who worked nights and days to make such stunning masterpieces. Although there is a Newar settlement in the east of the valley, the culture and customs of the Newars here are different and have their own style in many ways compared to the Newars of Kathmandu and Patan.

·        Temples

There are also various temples in town that are not just sites of devotion for the locals but are frequently visited by national and international visitors. Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas are scattered throughout the cobblestone street, with the Narayan Temple in the heart of the ancient town. The Harisidhhi Temple is also close, and both temples include elaborate wood carvings that pique the interest of both residents and tourists. Other religious sites to visit are the Bhagwati Temple, Gaukhureshwor Mahadev Temple, and Bhagwati Kali Temple, which can help you better understand and appreciate Dhulikhel’s culture and customs.

Occupations

The main occupations of the inhabitants of Dhulikhel are agriculture and trade. Men here are involved in business. One statement should be accepted here – it is said by the common people that the Newars here go to the east to do business and do not go to the west. However Dhulikhel traders have reached as far as Ilam, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Education and Hospital

As Dhulikhel is the district headquarters of Kavrepalanchok district, the district level government and government offices are located here. Here, plus 2 classes have been conducted in 3 schools and Kathmandu University has been successful in maintaining international quality of education in the private sector.

Dhulikhel Hospital, the country’s first model community hospital established on the initiative of local residents, has been providing education and health. Dhulikhel Hospital is known as a quality hospital in the country. There is also a primary education training center. This city has also been promoting technical skills.

Population

According to the census of 2078 B.S. of Nepal, the population of Dhulikhel Municipality is 32,162. Among them, 16,678 are female and 15,484 are male.

Getting There

It is simple to go to Dhulikhel. The settlement is located at the crossroads of the Arniko Highway and the BP Highway, roughly 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu. One may easily reach here by using a public bus or driving one’s own automobile. Buses from Kathmandu’s Ratna Park run often and will transport you to your destination in only 2 hours for a modest INR 60/ NPR 90.

-by: Kusum Kharel for Land Nepal