By Meena Kandel,Kawasoti, Jan. 2: Devchuli Danda (Hill) in East Nawalparasi is now becoming popular among hiking enthusiasts, particularly during holidays and festivals.
Tourists visit it to enjoy the scenic mountain views from its top. One can enjoy panoramic views of various areas in Nawalpur, as well as glimpses of Tanahun, Palpa, Kaski, and Chitwan. The sight of the stunning snow-capped range to the north brings immense joy to anyone reaching this point. The hill also has a religious importance.
Looking south from the Hill, one can observe the Narayani River, the densely populated settlements along the East-West Highway, Chitwan National Park, and the plains. Birendra Parajuli, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Nawalparasi chapter, noted that it is a wonderful and quiet place in nature and a delightful destination to visit.
He added, “Indeed, Devchuli Hill, one of the tallest hills in eastern Nawalparasi, is an incredibly enjoyable place. The view of the snow-capped range from the mountain, the peaks, and the gap seen to the south are incredibly charming.”
Stairs and railings have been built with financial assistance from the provincial government to ensure the convenience and safety of tourists climbing the hill. Travellers climb using the stairs and pause at rest stops along the way to pay homage to Tin Kanya Mai and observe the legendary caves from the Mahabharata period.
Superintendent of Police and District Police Chief Narahari Regmi said that mesh netting has been installed to ensure the safety of the visitors at the narrow and steep eastern side of the hill’s peak.
For the development of the Devchuli Tourism Area, a connecting road is being constructed from its base in Kirtipur Village. Mayor of Devchuli Municipality Hari Prasad Neupane informed that the municipality has initiated the construction of the trek with Rs. 2 million from the Tourism Development Board and Rs. 2.2 million allocated by the municipality.
As homestay facilities are available, tourists can stay overnight, savour local mountain dishes, join the cultural programmes, and start the trek in the morning. Devchuli Hill is reached by crossing dense forests, with only a few houses in sight and small trails. To reach the hill from the Devchuli Pond, one needs to travel around 20 kilometres north from Daldale. It is about 12 kilometres from Kirtipur. Following that, the journey continues on foot. After an around three-hour trek, one can reach the hill. The hill lies at an altitude of about 1,934 metres above sea level.
With the growing number of tourists trekking the Hill, a visitor’s book has been kept. Meen Bahadur Soti Magar, Ward Chairman of Ward No. 6, informed that maintaining a record of tourist arrivals will facilitate accurate tracking of data.
Highlighting the importance of a master plan for the holistic development of the Hill, especially from a tourist perspective, Magar added that constructing infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and drinking water up to the upper base camp is essential.
Santosh Rana, president of Nawalpur District Hoteliers Association, said that by developing places like Devchuli and other sites, the residents of the district can potentially find employment opportunities locally, limiting the need to go abroad for work.
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