Okharkot

1.1 BACKGROUND The uniqueness of Nepal with its panoramic natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage has attracted many people to this country. So tourism is an indispensable sector for country like Nepal, generating much-needed foreign exchange earnings as well as employment (Pandey et. al, 1995). It fosters learning experiences and appreciation of the natural environment, or some component thereof, within its associated cultural context. It provides entrepreneurial opportunities for small operators, can foster balanced development and empower rural communities, youth and women, and can dynamise other sectors of the economy as well. It has the appearance of being environmentally and socioculturally sustainable, preferably in a way that enhances the cultural resource base of the destination and promotes the viability of the operation (Garrod, 2003; Weaver, 2001). It is increasingly being advanced as a strategy to help address economic and social problems in local communities, and as an appropriate and effective tool of environmental conservation (Garrod, 2003). With the badge of adventure destination glittering and the adage “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) embedded in our culture, the portfolio of tourism products never cease to mesmerize the visitors. The unparallel cultural, geographical, ethnic and biodiversities of the country allure visitors to Nepal again and again which truly substantiates the spirit of Nepal tourism brand “Naturally Nepal, once is not enough!” (www.nepaltourismyear 2011.com) Government has been taking various actions to develop Nepalese tourism up to the desirable standard. For this, Government of Nepal in consultation with Nepalese travel trade sector and concerned organizations/experts, decided to launch a national tourism campaign "Nepal Tourism Year 2011” with an aim to bring into Nepal at least one million international tourists by the year 2011.

Pyuthan district is rich in cultural diversity and decorated by lucrative natural beauty. Enriched with historical places, natural wonders, pristine lakes and springs, ancient temples and religious destinations like Swargadwari; visitors may have the opportunity to experience many cultural festivals as well as the non periodic rituals. Although it encapsulates the diverse potential sites for the tourism industry but still the district lags behind in the tourism perspective and promotion of ecotourism is still at brink. Less priority has been given for the promotion of tourism in Pyuthan till date. Although few studies have been carried out concerning political history, religious sites, socioeconomic status of the various communities, and ecological studies of different sites but not a single study/research regarding the development of tourism has been undertaken. Hence, the need for this study is realized for the integrated development of Pyuthan. 1.2 Objectives The main objective of this research is to develop baseline information on tourism potential sites of Pyuthan district. The specific objectives are: 1. To document important tourism sites and generate baseline data for tourism development of Okharkot and its periphery of Pyuthan 2. To develop itinerary for tourism promotion in Pyuthan especially of Okharkot. 3. To identify the challenges while developing tourism Photo 1: Okharkot 2. STUDY AREA Locally known as Khalanga for its history as a military strongpoint, Pyuthan is situated on a mountainside about 500 meters above the intensively cultivated floodplain of Jhimruk Khola. Lying at an altitude of 911m above sea level, it has some of the most beautiful places representing verdant landscapes of nature and cultural diversity. Besides expansive views of Jhimruk valley, there are limited views of a few peaks in the western part of the Dhaulagiri range off to the north. The district is situated in between latitude 2805' to 28083' N and longitude 8250' to 82833' E. Covering an area of 1,309 square kilometers, the district shares its borders with Arghakhachi and Gulmi districts in East, Rolpa district in West, Baglung in North and Dang district in South. Figure 1: Map of Study Area This study was mainly focused on the tourism development in Okharkot and its peripheral VDCs ie. Badikot, Narikot, Arkha, Punja, Libang, Tushara, Wangemaroth, Rajbara, and Khung as shown in figure 1. The total area of the study sites covers 219.03 km2 and the total population according to CBS, 2001 was 43,986.

OKHARKOT Figure 2: Map of Okharkot VDC Okharkot is the home village of the founder of the communist party of Nepal, Mr. Mohan Bikram Singh. The VDC with the coordinate’s 28.14°N 82.98°E, covers an area of 10.03 KM2. It is bounded by seven VDCs, Narikot, Badikot, Tusara, Libang, Bagemaroth, Puja and Torwang. The VDC shelters 3,331 people with 581 households in total according to Population census 2001. Chettri, Brahmin and Dalit are the main inhabitants of the VDC. It is also listed in IUCN’s inventory of historic sites.

2.1 Landuse Pattern The study sites in Ten VDCs have diverse geography revealing various land use pattern. Forest covers the largest area (75%) in Arkha VDC, followed by Okharkot & Tushara. Cultivated land along with settlement cover the largest share with 69.85% in Narikot VDC followed by Wangemaroth and Rajbara. Though major portion of cultivated land lies in slope traces yet they are productive and are supporting livelihood of the people. The following table shows the land use pattern of Ten VDCs: Table 1: Land use Pattern SN VDCs Percentage of Land Categorization Cultivated Forest Grass Shrub Sand Barren 1. Okharkot 49 45 17 0.80 0 0 2. Tushara 42 40 12 4 2 0 3. Badikot 41 33 9 4 1 0 4. Arkha 19 75 4 1 0.64 0.47 5. Libang 8 27 4 11 2 0 6. Puja 42 6 4 5 1 0 7. Khung 55.24559 17.9248 18.2288 8.60074 0 0 8. Narikot 69.8576 15.2011 14.9413 9. Wangemaroth 63.2387 35.344 0.63563 0.78173 10. Rajbara 55.6964 32.9571 9.2814 1.5511 0.1654 Page 6 of 47 3. METHODOLOGY Both quantitative and qualitative types of data were used for the study. All physical evidences, opinion, preferences and impacts were observed during the study. Information were based both on primary as well as secondary source. Besides, formal and informal interviews, pre-consultation meeting, public meetings and focal group discussion were conducted to enrich the true data of the study. 3.1 Identification and Selection of Potential Tourism Sites For the smooth conduction of the research in the study area, identification and selection of the potential tourism site in the concerned district is very important before field visits, which is carried out by study team through following methods: 3.1.1 Literature review Review of plan and policies, books, annual reports, district profile and other publications from different governmental and non-governmental organizations, related websites and online publications etc were thoroughly reviewed to identify the potential tourism sites in the Pyuthan district. 3.1.2 Pre-consultation meeting Pre-consultation meeting at district level were conducted with the respective organizations to document and identify the most potential tourism sites in the Pyuthan district. 3.2 Field visit of potential tourism sites After the selection of the potential tourism sites with their own identity and significance, a twelve day intense field visit was conducted in Pyuthan district. The sites in the respected VDCs were observed from the following perspectives as to the development of tourism: •Socio-economic status •Environmental status •Tourism Status

3.3 Individual Perception Measure A pre-prepared questionnaire survey were attempted to collect the information and perception of key informant that would help in preparing a genuine report. The questionnaires were attempted among 10% (90 households) of the total sample size of Okharkot that would represent the whole study area. Random sampling method was applied for the survey of household on the basis of land holding ownership. Besides, formal and informal conversation was also made to enrich the true data of the study. 3.4 Focal Group Discussion Focal group discussions were conducted in Okharkot, Arkha, Punja, Tushara, Libang and Badikot VDCs to collect relevant information on the potential of Tourism development in Pyuthan district. FGDs majorly focused on potential tourism sites, their historical, cultural and religious importance; challenges and hindrance for overall tourism development in the district. 3.5 Data Analysis Data were analyzed using different software Microsoft Excel (Microsoft) and Geographical Information System. The collected GPS markings were entered and thematic maps were prepared in combination with different layers as landscape, elevation, human settlement and vegetation pattern etc displaying the composite picture of study sites. Furthermore the primary and secondary data were interpreted in tables and diagrams in systematic way for easy interpretations. The field observation and data obtained through informal interview were presented in report in lucid manner making compatible. 4. PERSPECTIVES OF TOURISM IN OKHARKOT The study primarily focused on the potential tourism sites in Okharkot VDC of Pyuthan district. 4.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS 4.1.1 Population and Ethnicity According to the population census by CBS in 2001, the total population of Okharkot is 5494 and total households 1039 with average household size of 5.29. Similarly, the sex ratio is found to be 85.52. Chettri (Gharti chettri) are the major inhabitants of Okharkot VDC, holding 51% of the total populations followed by Brahmin (23%), Dalit (17%), Magar (7%) and others (2%). The sex ratio and the ethnic diversity on Okharkot VDC are clearly shown in the graph below. Figure 3a: Sex Ratio Figure 3b: Ethnic Diversity 4.1.2 Education Literacy rate of Pyuthan district is relatively good, with 46.57% literacy rate of the population above 6 years. Okharkot had the highest literacy rate (56.9%) compare to its peripheral VDCs, Badikot (47.5%), Punja (47.4%), Tushara (46.3%) with lowest literacy rate in Arkha (32.9%). Similarly, from the questionnaire survey in Okharkot VDC, the percentage of respondents going to Secondary school is high followed by Higher secondary (+2, Bachelor and Masters), primary level and those who can read and write. Very few percentages of respondents were found illiterate which is clearly illustrated in the graph. 4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS 4.2.1 Source of Drinking water Most of the respondents in the study area are dependent on tap for drinking water (58%). About 33% rely on natural spring and very few (9%) used well as a source of drinking water, as illustrated in figure 8. F Figure 5: Source of Drinking water Figure 4a: Literacy Rate Figure 4b: Educational Status

4.2.2 Status of Community Forest Management The HHs responses on the community forest management were very good (15%), good (47%), satisfactory (25%) and 13% of the respondents feel that the community forest is very poorly managed. The status of Community forest as per the response of the respondents is shown in the figure. Similarly, from the survey, it was found that Community forest fulfilled the demand of about 73% of the respondents while 27% of the respondent’s requirement is not fulfilled by Community forest, which is clearly shown in figure 7. 4.2.3 Flora and Fauna Pyuthan district is rich in floral diversity. The study areas in Pyuthan district has the dominant vegetation of Sal (Shorea robusta) followed by Salla (Pinus roxburghii), Chilaune (Schima wallichi), Gurans (Rhododendron sps), Khayer (Acacia catechu), Chyuri (Aesandra butyracea), and Dalchini (Cinnamomum tamala). Similarly, Mango (Mangifera indica), Orange, Guava (Psidium guajava), Painyu (Prunus cerasoides), Khanayu (Ficus semicordata), Sisnu (Urtica dioca), Dudhilo (Ficus nemoralis), Rato Mula (Raphanus sativus), Masoor (Lens culinaris), kafal (Myrica esculenta), Chanp (Michelia champaca), Kurilo (Asparagus racemosus), Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), Amriso (Thysanolaena maxima), Tooni (Toona ciliate), Katus (Castanopsis indica) etc are common in Okharkot VDC. Medicinal plants like Timur (Zanthoxylum armatum), Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi), Harro (Terminalia chebula), Barro (Terminalia bellirica), Amala (Phyllanthus emblica), Tite Figure 6a: Status of Community Forest Figure 6b: Demand Fulfillment by CF

(Swertia nervosa), Bojho (Acorus calamus), Panchaunle (Dactylorhiza hatagirea) etc are

also found in the Okharkot. Similarly, Pyuthan district is rich in faunal diversity as well; a home to several significant species of mammals, reptiles and birds. 1. Mammals: Leopard (Panthera pardus), Dumsi (Sus salvanius), Ratee, Bandel, Ghoral (Naemorhedus goral), Spotted Deer (Axis axis), Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Monkey (Macaca mulatta), langur (Presbytis entellus), Rabbit, Percupine (Hystrix indica), Nyauli, Banbiralo. 2. Birds: Kaliz (Lophura leucomelana), Vulture, Eagle (Aquila spp), Jureli, Chifal kira, Danphe (Lophophorus leucomelana), Titra, Parrot (Loriculus vernalis), Dhukkur (Streptopelia senegalensis), Ban-kukhura, Peacock, Owl, 3. Reptiles: Cobra (Naja naja) 4.2.4 Environmental Problems The major problem of Okharkot VDC, according to the respondents is Smoke from fuel wood (60%) followed by Dust (18%) as road construction is underway at several places. Water pollution and Soil erosion shared equal percentage ie. 8% only and waste (5%) is rarely a problem in the study area. Figure 7a: Major Environmental problem Figure 7b: Solid waste Disposal Similarly, most of the waste generated in the study area in Okharkot VDC are usually burnt down or decomposed. About 37% of the respondents dump their waste haphazardly in Page 12 of 47 open places and only 28% of the respondents had applied composting practices at their houses. The details are shown in the figure 10. 4.3 TOURISM STATUS 4.3.1 Knowledge on Tourism From the response of the respondents in the study area, it was clear that about 57% of the respondents knew the definition of tourism while 43% of them had no idea about the definition of tourism. Similarly, majority of the respondents (73%) believed that tourism don’t visit the study area while only 27% responded that tourist do visit there. 4.3.2 Types of Tourist In average the response of the total respondents of the study sites on the flow of tourist Local (visitors within the district), national (visitors within the country), international and others were 48%, 43%, 2% and 7% respectively, which is shown in the figure 13. Figure 8a: Types of Tourist Figure 8b: Purpose of Visit 4.3.3 Purpose of Visit In average the purposes of visit of the tourists in the study sites were recreation (14%), study (36%), religious (18%), sightseeing (11%), historical (18%) and hike (4%). The responses of the respondents on the purpose of visit are shown in the figure 14 above. Page 13 of 47 4.3.4 Tourism that may foster In average the response of the total respondents of the study sites on the means of tourism that may be well developed in the future were natural (25%), rural (28%), cultural & religious (23%), historical (12%), sustainable tourism (4%), and education tourism (6%). The response of the respondents in the study site is shown in the Figure 15. Figure 8c: Fostering Tourism 4.3.5 Tourism Facilities In average the response of the total respondents of the study sites on the available facilities of accommodation in the study sites were good (17%), moderate (26%) and poor (57%). Similarly, for transportation facilities, the response were good (29%), moderate (45%) & poor (26%) and for communication facilities, the response were excellent (12%), good (50%), moderate (30%) & poor (8%). Figure 8d: Tourism Facilities Page 14 of 47 4.3.6 Potential Tourism sites From the questionnaire survey and FGD in the study area, several sites were enlisted which have the potential to be developed as touristic destination in Okharkot and its peripheral VDCs. Similarly most of the respondents find Swargadwari and Gaumukhi as the major tourism spot for developing Pyuthan as a tourism hub. The list of the potential tourism sites of the Okharkot VDCs and its periphery is given in Annex 4. Page 15 of 47 4.4 Potential Tourism sites around the periphery of Okharkot VDC 1. BADIKOT This VDC covering an area of 45.47KM2 with co-ordinates 28.15°N & 83.03°E is surrounded by four districts, Narikot, Khung, Okharkot and Wangemarot. It has a total population of 4,426 with 834 households and average household size of 5.32. The VDC is majorly inhabited by Chettri, Brahmins and Dalit. Figure 9: Map of Badikot VDC Page 16 of 47 1. PUJA Figure 10: Map of Puja VDC The VDC with the geographic location 28.24°N & 82.99°E, covers the area of 16.07 KM2 sheltering the total population of 4578 with total households of 862 and average household size of 5.31. The VDC is adjoined with Akhra, Khung, Rajbara, Khawang, Libang and Gulmi district in the west. Chettri, Dalit, Brahmin and Sanyasi are the major inhabitants of this VDC. Page 17 of 47 2. TUSHARA Figure 11: Map of Tushara VDC The VDC wraps 18.36 KM2 of the Pyuthan district and lies at 28.16°N & 82.95°E. It is surrounded by four VDCs i.e. Libang, Lung, Torwang and Okharkot. The VDC with total population of 5641 has 1072 households with average household size of 5.26. Majority of Chettri, Brahmin, Dalit and Magars are found in this VDC. Page 18 of 47 3. LIBANG Libang covers the total area of 16.44km2 and is located in 28°18’N 82°38’E. The VDC holds the total population of 4270 living in 735 houses. The VDC is bordered by seven VDCs namely, Puja, Khawang, Lung, Tusara, Okharkot, Narikot and Khung. The VDC is majorly inhabited by Magar, Chettri, Brahmin, Sanyasi, Newar and other indigenous people. Figure 12: Map of Libang VDC Page 19 of 47 4. ARKHA Arkha with geographical location of 28°27’N & 83°07’E covers an area of 104.35 KM2. The VDC has total 4493 population and 792 households with average household size of 5.67. This VDC is mainly bounded by Rajbara and Puja of Pyuthan, Baglung district in the north and Gulmi district in the west. The VDC is mainly inhabited by Magar, Dalit and Sanyasi. Figure 13: Map of Arkha VDC Page 20 of 47 5. NARIKOT Figure 14: Map of Narikot VDC Narikot with the geographical location of 28.19°N 83.00°E covers an area of 8.25 KM2. It has the population of 3144 and 602 total households with average household size of 5.22. The VDC is surrounded by 4 VDC’s of Pyuthan district namely Okharkot, Badikot, Khung and Tushara. The VDC is mainly inhabited by Magar, Chettri, Dalit and Sanyasi. Page 21 of 47 6. KHUNG Figure 15: Map of Khung VDC Khung VDC is located in the geographical location of 28.20°N 83.02°E, covering an area of 13 KM2. The VDC has the total population of 2740 with total 530 households. The average household size is 5.17. The major inhabitants of Khung VDC are Chhetri, Dalit and Sanyasi followed by few Brahmins, Thakuri and Magars. The khung VDC is bordered by Gulmi district in the west, and Narikot and Libang in the east, Puja in the north and Badikot in the south. Page 22 of 47 8. RAJBARA Figure 16: Map of Rajbara VDC Rajbara VDC of Pyuthan district is located in the 28.29°N 83.01°E, covering the total area of 33.82 KM2. It has a total population of 4138 and 700 households with average household size of 5.91. Magar, Dalit and Thakuri are the major inhabitants of Rajbara VDC, which is bordered by Arkha in the west, Baglung district in the north, SwaLiwang and Khawang VDC of Pyuthan in the east and Puja in the south. Page 23 of 47 7. WANGEMAROT Figure 17: Map of Wangemarot VDC Wangemarot VDC of Pyuthan district lies in the geographical location of 28.12°N 83.00°E, covering the total area of 17.34 KM2. The VDC is the home of 4339 population with total number of households 855 and average household size is 5.07. Magar, Chhetri, Dalit and few Brahmins are the major inhabitants of Wangemarot VDC. The VDC is bordered by Gulmi district in the west, Badikot in the north, Okharkot in the east and Chuja in the southeast. Page 24 of 47 4.4.1 Socio- Economic Details of Peripheral VDCs of Okharkot Table 2: Households and Population Details of Peripheral VDCs of Okharkot VDC No. of HHs Avg. HH size Total Popn Male Popn Female Popn Sex Ratio Literacy (%) Arkha 792 5.67 4493 2041 2452 83.23 32.9 Badikot 969 5.32 5151 2374 2777 85.54 47.5 Puja 862 5.31 4576 2121 2455 86.39 47.4 Libang 735 5.81 4270 2066 2204 93.73 37.4 Tushara 1072 5.26 5641 2622 3019 86.84 46.3 Narikot 602 5.22 3144 1447 1697 85.26 45.6 Khung 530 5.17 2740 1337 1403 95.29 55.2 Rajbara 700 5.91 4138 1916 2222 86.22 37.6 Wangemaroth 855 5.07 4339 1973 2366 83.38 43.2 Source: CBS 2001 The population size of peripheral VDCs of Okharkot i.e. Badikot, Punja, Arkha, Libang, Tushara, Narikot, Khung, Rajbara and Wangemarot are 5151, 4578, 4493, 4270, 5641, 3144, 2740, 4138 and 4339 with total household size of 969, 862, 792, 1072, 602, 530, 700 and 855 respectively. The average household sizes are 5.32, 5.31, 5.67, 5.81, 5.26, 5.22, 5.17, 5.91 and 5.07 respectively which are almost compatible with national average 5.44. Sex Ratio is found to be 83.23 for Arkha, 85.54 for Badikot, 86.39 for Punja, 93.73 for Libang 86.84 for Tushara, 85.26 for Narikot, 95.29 for Khung, 86.22 for Rajbara and 83.38 for Wangemarot. Literacy rate is for Arkha, Badikot, Puja, Libang, Tushara, Narikot, Khung, Rajbara and Wangemarot is 32.9%, 47.5%, 47.4%, 37.4%, 46.3%, 45.6%, 55.2%, 37.6% and 43.2% respectively. Page 25 of 47 Similarly, one can see diverse ethnic group in Arkha, Badikot, Punja, Libang Tushara, Narikot, Khung, Rajbara and Wangemarot VDCs which is clear from the graph shown below. Magar are the major inhabitants of Arkha and Rajbara followed by Dalit whereas Chettris are the major ethnic group in Badikot, Punja, Libang, Tushara, Narikot, Khung and Wangemarot followed by Dalit, Brahmin, Sanyasi and others respectively. Figure 18: Ethnic Diversity in peripheral VDCs of Okharkot Page 26 of 47 5. CONCLUSION Pyuthan district is gifted with everything, required to be developed as the popular destination for tourists, both national & international. The district being enriched with the ancient temples, palalces (Kot) with immense historical importance, political history, diverse ethnic groups, dialects and languages, landscapes, biologically significant flora, fauna and wildlife, serenity and placidness of waterfalls and hill-sides serrated in the form of an endless series of terraces. If all these resources are integrated for tourism development, the district can be developed as a visitor’s dreamland for tourism destination. But the district still lags far behind in the perspective of tourism development due to lack of proper study, research and rigid planning in regard to the tourism. The publicity and well documentation of the tourism resources is very poor. Besides, the level of community awareness, sensitivity to tourism issues and the care about the potential tourism resources is also null or very poor in the district. Development of the district as the popular touristic destination is not possible with one man’s effort. Hence, the participation of local communities can play significant role to locally manage tourism creating viable economic opportunities as well as reduce environment issues associated with poverty and unemployment, hence active participation of the local communities need to be encouraged for the sake of the promotion of tourism. Similarly, the facilities of transportation, lodging/fooding and basic amenities like communication, internet and restaurants are poor in most all the tourism potential sites of the district while the availability of these facilities are much significant to develop the tourism. Hence effective study, planning, management and control should be ensured for the sustainable growth of tourism in Okharkot and its peripheral sites of Pyuthan district. Page 27 of 47 6. REFERENCE CBS. 2001. National Population Census Report. Central Bureau of Statistics, Kathmandu. Garrod, B. 2003. Local Participation in the Planning and Management of Ecotourism: A Revised Model Approach. Journal of Ecotourism. Vol. 2, No. 1. McEachern, J., Shah, S.G., Shrestha, T. B, Pande, B. D. and Bhusal, N. P. 1995. Prospects for Tourism in Manaslu: A Reconnaissance Survey. The World Conservation Union, Kathmandu. MOPE. 2004. State of the Environment/Eco-Tourism. Ministry of Population and Environment, Kathmandu. Neupane, R. 2006. An Assessment of Effectiveness of Dalits Participation in Community Forestry Program: A Case Study of Ghantadev Community Forest User Group in Lalmatiya VDC, Dang District. M.Sc. Thesis. Central Department of Rural Development, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur. Poudyal, A.S. 2000. Wildlife Corridor Management: Analysis of Biodiversity and Socio- Economics in the Buffer Zone of RCNP, Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis. AIT School of Environment, Resources and Development, Thailand. Pandey, R.N., Chettri, P., Kunwar, R.R., and Ghimire, G. 1995. Case study on the effects of tourism on culture and the environment, Nepal. UNESCO, Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Thapa, J. 2008. A Baseline study of Ecotourism potential sites of Dang district. M.Sc. Thesis. College of Applied Science, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. www.nepaltourismyear2011.com Page 28 of 47 ANNEXES Annex 1: LOGFRAME FOR TOURISM PLANNING S.N Activities Proposed Sites Concerned Authorities Year I II III 1 Awareness & Training in Tourism & Sanitation Okharkot, Arkha, Puja, Tushara, Libang & Bandikot DDC, VDC, I/NGOs, concerned authorities  2 Drinking Water Supply Management Mainly Okharkot, priority will be given to other 5 VDCs also DDC, VDC, Drinking water supply office  3 Community Forest Management Training In all study VDCs except Arkha DDC, VDC, DFO and other concerned authorities  4 Commercialization of local products In all study sites DDC, VDC, cottage industries, Handicraft associations, concerned authorities  5 Exploration of Copper mines Puja Nepal Government, Dept of Mines & Geology, DDC, VDC and concerned stakeholders  6 Construction of Rock garden Takura of Tushara & Dhanda of Okharkot NTB, DDC,VDC, Concerned stakeholders & Locals  7 Construction of View Tower Kot of Okharkot, DDC, VDC, NTB,  8 Homestay Management Chaukee of Okharkot, Gaumukhee, Pidalne, Thulachaur, Libang, Rajbara DDC, VDC, NTB, locals, concered stakeholders  9 Horse Riding Khahare to Kot of Okharkot VDC & locals  10 Scheduled Transportation Bagdulla-Machhee-Thulabesi DDC, VDC, Dept of Road, concerned stakeholders (local Transportation service committee)  11 Development of Trekking Route 1. Machhee-Ammare danda-Hira pokhari - Thulo Pokhara-Pendi Kharka-Kot of Okharkot NTB, DDC, VDC  Page 29 of 47 2. Thulabesi-Aglungfedi-Arkha- Thulachaur-Gaumukhee-Rajbara-Punja- Libang-Tushara-Tusharakot-Takurapidalne- Machhee-chaukee 12 Historical Museum Okharkot Arkha VDC and the locals  13 Live Museum (to reflect typical Nepali village and their culture) Arkha (Magar community) Okharkot VDC and the locals  14 Organic Farming Chaukee of Okharkot ( as traditional agricultural farming is still in practice over there (ie. no pesticides or inorganic fertilizers are used) VDC, Locals, District Agricultural offices, concerned stakeholders  15 Renovation Kot of Okharkot, Gadhikot, Ikhnakot and Tushara, Gaumukhi Dept of Archaeology, DDC & VDCs  16 Park Establishment Jogi Thumko of Okharkot DDC, VDC and local community  17 Advocating for Airport Diyalna Chaur of Libang Nepal Government, DDC, VDC, concerned stakeholders (Nepal Airlines Corporation, Civil Aviation Authority), Donor Agencies  18 Media for publicity In all VDCs NTB, Media house, DDC, VDC, I/NGOs, Nepal Government, local communities  Page 30 of 47 Annex 2: Suggested Itinerary of Tourism Potential Sites of Pyuthan Map: Suggested Itinerary of Tourism Potential Sites of Pyuthan Day 01: Bhaluwang Leave Kathmandu to Bhaluwang by bus and stay at the hotel. Day 02: Machhi One can have an easy access to Machhi from Bhaluwang by bus after the light refreshment. The place is so called because of its shape resembling fish (machha). After lunch in Machhi, interested candidates can have short trek to rock garden locally known as “Dhada” or enjoy swimmimg in Jhimruk khola as well. One can get the eye catching view of the Jhimruk and Gartang River thereby and the floodplain and of course Pidalne. Pidalne has an emblematic beauty of the natural assets. Though it is near to Machhi, it is much peaceful and has a Page 31 of 47 sound sanitation status. The availability of fresh water and view of wide agricultural plots further adds the interests of visit and treks. Day 03: Machhi to Okharkot After breakfast, one can have short trek to Chaukee via Chudhara and enjoy lunch there. After the scheduled lunch, visitors can proceed to Kauchee and from Khahare, visitors can enjoy horse riding in the evening from Khahare to Okharkot as well. Visitor can have the glances of natural divas and view the rural life style much closely during their home stay. One will have to take the home stay at Hirapokhari, Okharkot. Day 04: Okharkot to Ahalkhola Early in the morning, at around 6:15 am, the visitor can have the dazzling view of sunrise from the Kot of Okharkot after a short trek of about 30-45 minutes. Okharkot is significantly prosperous with the natural assets and panoramic divas to make the adventure more interesting and impressive. There, the visitor can also see the history and remains of Petty Kings (Bhure Takure Raja). Besides, the attractive snow pilled peaks of Himalayas thereby adds more gratification to the visitors during the trek. They can also turn around to have the view of Raj Danda of Bhure Taakure king which is seen once annually. Overall, the visitor can enjoy knowing the historical facts and evidences there in the Kot. The remnant of the Historical Palaces can be still seen there. After that, the visitor will have to head towards Maidana of Bandikot, shortly 15minutes from Kot and this is the place where one can have rest and enjoy their lunch. After the lunch, the visitor will have to move to Gadikot of Bandikot which is around 1-1.5 hours away. On the way to Gadikot, one can have the glimpses of glorious temples that are associated with the history of Gadikot. This place is also embellished with the natural assets and is much significant from the aspects of religious tourism. The visitor will have to move forward to Ahalkhola to spend the night. Day 05: Ahalkhola to Thulabesi to Thulachaur of Arkha Page 32 of 47 After light breakfast in Ahalkhola, the visitor will have to proceed to Thulachaur. One can choose either Darimchaur-Thulabesi-Thulachaur route or Bandikot-Narikot-Khung- Thulabesi-Thulachaur route. The first route is a bit shorter (around 6-7 hours) than the second one. One can reach Darimchaur from Ahalkhola in an hour easily and then Thulabesi for lunch. But one will have to trek around 11-12 hours through the second route. During the trek, the visitor gets the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful creations of nature, a popular destination for natural tourism. The visitor can also have the view of fascinating scenario on the bank of Jhimruk River. Visitors can have rest and lunch in Narikot. From Narikot, they will again proceed to Khung. After spending about 2 hours to enjoy the natural view from Dhuri (peak) in Khung, visitors can proceed to Thulabesi and enjoy home stay there. From Thulabesi, the visitor will have to proceed to Arkha via Aglung Phedi-Artubang-Arkha trekking route. This route too is nearly 5-6 hours trek route and lies on North of Pyuthan. The mountains, agricultural plots, mild climate and hospitality of the people thereby have a positive impression in the hearts of visitors. Arkha is the sacred land of the Magar community and is one of the fundamental sites for fostering the cultural and natural tourism. The visitors there gets chance to interact with the typical villagers with their unique identity and see their domestic products as well. The flora and fauna available are the source of attraction for the visitors arriving there. Finally, the visitor will have to make a home stay at Thulachaur of Arkha for that night. Day 06: Gaumukhee to Rajbara On this day, after the morning breakfast, the visitor will have to proceed to Gaumukhi which is a short trek of around two and half hours from Thulachaur. On this route, the visitor gets opportunity to witness the natural scenic beauty of the hilly range. Gaumukhi is primarily significant because it is the place of the origination of Jhimruk River. The hot water spring there, is also the point of attraction for the visitors. The place has so nomenclature because of its shape resembling cow. The river seems to be originating from the mouth of the cow shaped source. There is a great festive celebration in every Makar Shankranti. Besides, Baiesmul Jharana is also the next source for alluring the visitors Page 33 of 47 passing over there. Visitors after taking rest and finish their lunch, can proceed to Rajbara which is 3-4 hours away. They can have their stay there that night. Rajabara is also an important place for viewing the cultures of Magar community. Day 07: Puja to Libang In the early morning, after light breakfast, the visitor will have to proceed to Libang via Puja which is approximately 4-5 hours away from Rajabara. At Puja, the visitors can see diversity in culture, difference in their costumes and so many religious heritages. They can also stare at the silver mine at Jadgau which lies along the Libang-Libang lekh route. The route passes through the Rhododendron and Kafal forest which fascinates all the visitors and fills their heart with romances of pleasure. Day 08: Tushara to Pidalne to Machhi After their scheduled breakfast, the visitors having a short trek of 15-20 minutes can get over Diyalna Chaur which is covered with the Rhododendron and Kafal forest. It is a wide land with the mountainous beauty. The visitors feel as if watching the mountainous diva standing on the plain Terai. Besides, the visitor also gets chance to visit the legendary Goddess temple, Ishnathan which is festively worshipped every six months with the sacrifice of small black goats. This place is also an important site for the religious and natural tourism. After having lunch at Tusara, visitors can visit Tusara Kot. They can taste the typically fresh oranges, kamala and other fruits there. After wandering there for an hour, they visitor will have to move down towards Pidhalne via Jiunepokhara-Takura- Chipchipe-Odhar-Pidhalne route. It seizes around two hours to travel through the route. During the trek, the visitors can pass through the jungles, rivers viewing all the natural beauties. The visitors will get back to Machhi by the evening. They can enjoy having funs in their mess and reviving their memories of their trek. The next day, they can depart for their hometown from Pyuthan. Page 34 of 47 Annex 3: TOURISM POLICIES UNDER VARIOUS PLANS 1. First Five-Year Plan (1956-1961) Visits of Nepal by foreigners, except with special permission of the rulers of the time, were very limited till the political change of 1951, which led the doors of the nation open to all, paving 12 way for the development of tourism as an economic activity. For the first time in course of planned development of the country, attention was drawn towards tourism during the First Five- Year Plan of 1956. The First Plan had envisaged the programs of publishing guidebooks to attract tourists towards natural, historical and religious spots of the country with the intention of earning foreign exchange. However, the global publicity in the international media on the success of the first climbing of Mt. Annapurna, one of the eight thousand meter peaks in the world in the year 1950, could draw tremendous attention towards Nepal than the publicity initiated by Nepalese guidebooks. Realizing the tremendous potentiality of developing tourism, a permanent institutional arrangement in the form of Tourism Development Board was established in the year 1957, which later turned into full-fledged Department, in course of the implementation of the first Five Year National Plan. During this period, under the French Assistance Program, Mr. George Lebrec, French Consultant in the year 1959 prepared first tourism plan for Nepal as "General Plan for the Organization of Tourism in Nepal". The Plan had focused more on preparation of publicity materials and need of separate office for Tourism. 2. Second Three-Year Plan (1962-1965) During this Plan period, collection of information on tourist arrival was initiated which has proved very helpful to have authoritative data base for further planning and policy formulation in developing tourism sector in the country. Statistical format developed for recording tourism related information has been consistently maintained till today and has been major source of data since then for all the studies and analysis conducted in this sector. By the end of Three Year Periodical Plan, the total number of tourists visiting Nepal was recorded to be nearly 10,000 a year. Page 35 of 47 Identification of potential sites for tourists to visit as Pokhara, Lumbini, Nagarkot, Kakani, and Daman is another focus of the plan. Programs initiated for the infrastructure development to make these sites and spots worthy and possible to be visited by tourists including encouragement to invest on accommodation facilities form the private sector business entrepreneurs have led the real foundation of developing tourism. 3. Third Plan (1965-1970) On the basis of the increased flow of tourist arrival during the first and second periodical plans, it was practiced to have vision of quantified forecast targeting to double the number of tourists by the end of the plan period. Preservation of cultural heritage, supply of hotel beds, and air transport development are the focused programs to cater the twenty thousand tourists which was based as 10 percent of the total visitors expected in neighbouring India. However, the arrivals exceeded far more than the expected level. This plan had initiated for a separate Master Plan to develop Lumbini as a religious tourist site. A high level Tourism Development Committee was formed in 1969 intending to find ways to give special thrust in tourism planning. 4. Fourth Plan (1970-1975) It was clearly realized by the period of this plan the ended of a longer-term national concept in developing tourism with policy package to achieve sustained growth of arrival and foreign exchange in supporting overall development objective of the economy. As such Tourism Master Plan was initiated and prepared in 1972 with technical assistance form Germany. This is the ten years perspective plan defining programs and projects to lead course of Nepalese tourism in developing independent Nepal Style Tourism along with the identification of specific market segments. The perspective plan has also indicated the need to adopt the concept of decentralized pattern of tourism development in Nepal in order to benefit wider mass at grass root from tourism activities turning the diverse attractions into real economic value. Page 36 of 47 Along with the growth in number of arrivals, expanding supply capacity in terms or hotel beds in and outside Kathmandu, air transport facilities, and human resource development were considered in a comprehensive way during this plan period. Establishment of Hotel and Tourism Training Center with tripartite agreement between His Majesty's Government, United Nations Development Program, and International Labour Organization had contributed tremendously in upgrading quality service of tourism industry in Nepal. In the decade 1965 to 1975 tourist arrivals averaged annual growth of 26 percent. It is very interesting to note the changed twining of tourism sector with other related sector during the different phase of the plan. Tourism was presented along the Trade sector during the first Plan, while it was seen with industry sector in the Second Plan, and during the Third Plan tourism 14 programs are more tied up with archaeological explorations. During the Fourth Plan tourism is seen planned more from the economic and environment perspective. 5. Fifth Plan (1975-1980) This Plan intended to implement the suggestions envisaged in the Tourism Master Plan. Production and distribution of publicity materials in the form of brochures, advertisement, photo slides, motion pictures were substantially intensified under the program component of this plan. Promotional campaign to establish Nepal as best destination had been the priority programs with wider participation in travel tourism fairs and exhibition organized in tourists generating markets. Need of marketing Nepal as a tourism destination was recognized in this plan and to realize it, a separate "Nepal Tourism Marketing Strategy" (1976-1981) was prepared by Joseph- Edward Susnik. This Strategy perceived to make Nepal as a gateway for South and South East Asia on the basis of Nepal being a cradle of religions and culture influencing history and life of major parts of Asia. It had also recommended two separate agencies for infrastructure development and marketing promotion. There has been substantial increase in supply of hotel beds during this period as a result of Page 37 of 47 encouraging investment from the private sector supported simultaneously by the government owned bank. The Nepal Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC), which as a government bank invested a sum of Rs. 115.4 million in tourism industries during this plan period. As a result total number of Hotel beds increased form 1663 in 1974/75 to 6838 by the year 1979/80. In order to facilitate accessibility constraint in visiting Nepal, Tribhuvan Airport of Kathmandu as the only international airport of the country was upgraded to the standard of modern jet services. With the establishment of separate Ministry of Tourism in the year 1977 as envisaged in the Tourism Master Plan, the priority of the government in developing tourism in the country got well reflected. Similarly Tourism Coordination Committee formed in 1978 under the chairmanship of Tourism Minister was envisaged to address the issue of effective coordination among diverse public as well as private agencies. 6. Sixth Plan (1980-1985) This plan adopted basic policy guidelines to use the tourism infrastructures more effectively and to make the existing sites and spots more attractive. Potentiality of resort tourism was identified as it prioritized in developing new tourist resorts. For the first time this plan gave specific attention on backward linkage by spelling out to maximize the use of domestic products in tourism industry reducing the use of imported goods. During this period, a National Tourism Promotion Committee was formed in 1981 intending to involve the personnel from related government agencies and representative from private sector industries to determine the course of inter-agency coordination and promotional programs in the context of erosion on the arrival growth rate. Committee had prepared a National Tourism Promotion Report, which stated specific actions relating to infrastructure, tourism service, human resource, publicity, institutional restructure to be followed and implemented to enhance the quality of tourism, to generate further growth in arrivals, and to increase supply capacity of industry. However, except bringing civil aviation under the Ministry of Tourism, other actions could not effectively be implemented. On Nepal's request, Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) Marketing Task Force in the Page 38 of 47 year 1983 prepared a Marketing Plan, which had recommended an autonomous Nepal Tourism Promotion Board to have research based marketing programs with the full involvement of private sector industry representatives. During this period in 1984 a review was conducted on Nepal Tourism Master Plan of 1972 with technical assistance from European Community. The review reinstated the relevancy of longer term policy contents and conceptual assumptions of the Master Plan, and suggested various destination oriented marketing programs. 7. Seventh Plan (1985-1990) This Plan intended to focus on yield rather than number of arrivals. The objective was spelled out to attract upper class tourists to increase foreign exchange earnings form tourism. It also indicated the need of drawing private sector investment for creating tourism facilities in those areas where the basic infrastructures are in place. This plan recognized to encourage domestic tourism particularly to address seasonality issue in order to sustain industry. For the first time an exercise was started in the year 1987 specifying an ambitious longer term quantified arrival target of receiving one million tourists by the year 2000 in the planning history of tourism development. Hotel beds and air seats requirements were calculated to meet the target and incentive package to mobilize private sector investment were designed. The charter air flights to Nepal were granted permission to operate during this plan to compensate the infrastructure limitation in air transport. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Tibetan Tourism Authority in the year 1985 had opened up new dimension in Nepalese tourism. It had been added advantage to both Nepal and Tibet in developing combined travel and tour package to draw attention particularly of long haul tourists. Handling Tibet tour via Nepal had been new course of business to Nepal tourism industry. Page 39 of 47 During the period Nepal Rastra Bank carried out a study on patterns of tourist expenditure to estimate the value addition and import contents, and to estimate income and employment generation in the tourism sector. The study concluded the need to have different approach to develop tourism compared to other industry due to its differential nature. On the basis of analysis of the information, the study suggested to liberalize foreign exchange policy, emphasize special activity products as trekking, have aggressive marketing, expand international and domestic air service, and develop integrated policy approach. Similarly, a study for the tourism programs conducted by Touche Ross, tourism consultants supported by Asian Development Bank in 1989/90, suggested the need of developing tourism on the basis of Eastern, Central and Western axis of Nepal. This report of Nepal Tourism Development Program covers product development, marketing strategy as well as institutional development. Tourism infrastructure Development Project was formulated on the basis of this report funded by Asian Development Bank. The completion of the consolidation work of the runway and the parallel taxiway at Tribhuvan International Airport has made possible the operation of bigger jet aircrafts. Constructions of International Terminal Building, Operation Building, and Control Tower along with other back up service infrastructure in Kathmandu airport have greatly helped to enhance tourism. 8. Eighth Plan (1992-1997) This plan attributing high priority to the sector once more reiterated the need to reconsolidate the policy package to guide the development of tourism to contribute substantially to the national economic development due to enormous potentiality of resources to attract tourists in the country. It is aimed to develop Nepal as a final destination for tourists. Page 40 of 47 National Civil Aviation Policy announced in the year 1992/93 adopting liberal aviation and air transport strategy affected direct positive bearing to enhance and develop tourism during this plan. Along with this policy, substantial numbers of Private air operators were encouraged to provide domestic air services in the country. During this Plan separate tourism policy was formulated in the year 1995 which further reinstated the significant role to be played by private sector in the industry to create facilities as well as generate demand to visit Nepal by effective implementation of marketing programs. 9. Ninth Plan (1997-2002) This plan stressed the need of increased participation of private sector in managing tourism industry while limiting role of the government as a facilitator. Policies and programs under this plan were determined under the longer-term perspective of tourism with twenty years forecast. By the end of the plan period it was expected to have tourist arrival of 676,414 with 13 days of average length of stay, US $ 60 per capita per day of tourist spending. Implementation of 'Visit Nepal Year 1998" during this period had succeeded considerably to activate grass root level community of potential destination sites of the country to participate in presenting their heritage for the purpose of tourism. Formation of autonomous Nepal Tourism Board with majority representation from private sector industry for the first time as a step in privatizing full-fledged government Department of Tourism is a significant outcome during this plan. Permission to domestic airlines to start their services abroad breaking the monopoly right of national carrier and bringing culture under the ministry of Tourism renaming it as Ministry of Culture, Civil Aviation and Tourism are some of the major steps taken during this plan. Page 41 of 47 10. Tenth Plan (2002-2007) Re-establishing Nepal as a prime destination globally, expanding tourism earnings to rural areas, improving qualitative services and emphasizing living heritage of culture for tourism attractions are the longer-term vision adopted in this Plan. Domestic tourism is considered as an alternative. Involvement of non-governmental agencies in protecting, managing culture resources, and enhancing tourism awareness is another novel dimension incorporated in this plan. Along with this these, this plan has emphasized on promotion tourism potential sites with respect to natural beauty and biodiversity. 11. Interim Plan (2007-2010) The three years interim plan has clearly addressed the spirit of ecotourism and has stated that the potential tourism should be promoted with respect to biological diversity and natural beauty. In fact, the plan has focused more on natural resources and on biodiversity. Page 42 of 47 Annex 4: List of potential tourism sites of Okharkot and its periphery 1. Gaumukhi 2. Diyalna Chaur 3. Kot of Okharkot 4. Kot of badikot 5. Baismul Jharna 6. Dhadyaan 7. Gurans Danda (Community Forest) 8. Ratamata Daha 9. Ikhnakot/Ithnathan 10. Jagera Taal 11. Tara Khase Chaur 12. Bank of Jhimruk Khola 13. Sattalle Gufa 14. Batase Salla 15. Khung ko Dhuri Page 43 of 47 Annex 5: List of Photographs Photo 2: Machhi Photo 3: Flood plain, forest & Jhimruk khola Photo 5: Kot of Okharkot Photo 5: Beautiful Sunrise from Okharkot Photo 6: Dhadyaan Page 44 of 47 Photo7: Ithnathan Photo 8: Takura of Tusharakot Photo 9 & 10: Carving local products Photo 11: Deulee Photo 12: Page 45 of 47 Annex 6: Trekking Route during the Study Period Page 46 of 47 Annex 7: GPS points of the sites during the Study period SN Name Position Altitude 1. Aglung N28.26303 E83.04993 1245 m 2. Arkha N28.15821 E82.99863 1066 m 3. Andheri N28.25857 E83.04389 1508 m 4. Bangebazaar N28.12133 E82.99478 1028 m 5. Chauke N28.12088 E82.97410 1554 m 6. Chundhara N28.13285 E82.97181 1023 m 7. Diyalnachour N28.19443 E82.94376 2125 m 8. Darimchour N28.15860 E82.97878 1026 m 9. Ishnathan N28.17933 E82.95076 1936 m 10. Gadikot N28.13897 E83.01704 1703 m 11. Dhanda N28.15034 E82.97269 996 m 12. Health Post-Dhanda N28.14799 E82.97013 962 m 13. Jamire Katera N28.20953 1337 m Page 47 of 47 E82.99257 14. Khalachour N28.21986 E82.97754 1661 m 15. Kinam N28.28351 E83.05983 1825 m 16. Deupuje N28.15605 E82.97450 1025 m 17. Lamidada N28.26288 E83.05062 1598 m 18. Damdame bazaar N28.13985 E82.96523 954 m 19. Machhi N28.13941 E82.96334 946 m 20. Machhi Bazaar N28.13979 E82.96466 935 m 21. Okharkot Gaun N28.13650 E82.98802 1542 m 22. Okharkot: sunrise view point N28.14212 E83.00145 1680 m 23. Payeupatha N28.17694 E82.93623 1711 m 24. Pidalne N28.14438 E82.96657 968 m 25. Thulabesi N28.21716 E83.00945 1136 m 26. Tusarakot N28.16608 E82.93863 1683 m

Okharkot ओखरकोत
Village Development Committee
Country	Nepal
Development Region	Mid-Western
Zone	Rapti Zone
District	Pyuthan District
VDC	Okharkot
Population  (2001 Census)
• Total	4,484
	836 households
Time zone	UTC+5:45 (Nepal Time)

File:Macchi.JPG

Machcchi Village, administrative center of Okharkot VDC with Gartang Khola in the foreground

Okharkot is a town and Village Development Committee in Pyuthan, a Middle Hills district of Rapti Zone, western Nepal.

Etymology

Okhar (Nepali: ओखर) - walnut tree (Juglans regia).
kot (Nepali: कोट) - guardroom, prison, police station.

Villages in this VDC

class="wikitable "

Machcchī is the VDC's administrative center at the confluence of Dharmawati River and Gartang Khola. Okharkot village with its ancient fortress sits on a ridgetop 2 km. east and some 675 meters (2200 feet) higher. It is listed in IUCN's inventory of historic sites.

External links

• UN map of VDC boundaries, water features and roads in Pyuthan District