Dhulikhel

BRIEF ABOUT DHULIKHEL AND ITS HERITAGE

Location:
Dhulikhel is the smallest municipality of Nepal in terms of population. It is situated only 30 km east of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal on the Arniko Highway at an elevation of 1,550 metre above the mean sea level and along the ridge that seperates the valley of Banepa and Paanchkhal. According to census of 1991, there were 9,664 population living in 1,616 households on an area of approximately 1,087 hactres. The projected population of Dhulikhel for the year 2000 is about 11,000.
How to Reach ?
It takes about forty five minutes to reach Dhulikhel in a taxi or private car, or two-and-a-half to three hours by bicycle from Kathmandu. On the way, one can enjoy the spectrum of Nepalese landscape from lush green rice fields to the women washing clothes and winnowing grains, children carrying water in clay jugs or playing lively games.
Dhulikhel: The Gateway to Tibet
Dhulikhel has for many centuries been an important trading centre on the ancient commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. Since time immemorial, people of Nepal travel to Tibet to bring home salt and gold. Likewise, the Tibetans every year with their flocks of sheep enter into Nepal during Dashain, the greatest Hindu festival. They purchased chilies and other daily necessities in Nepal and return to their homeland. In those days, a whole day walk from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel was comfortable for Tibet trippers with easily available of food and water at Dhulikhel at the evening for overnight stay. Even now, a bird's eye view from the resorts at Dhulikhel to the landscapes; highway to Tibet and horizons far to the Tibetan borders, clearly exhibits Dhulikhel as the gateway of Tibet. After adjoining with Tibet by motorable road in 1965, Dhulikhel got a face lift and developed as a tourist destination both for Tibet trippers and tourists. Many travel agents operate tours to Tibet. And of course, Dhulikhel is an ideal station to stop for overnight stay while going to Tibet and coming back to Kathmandu.
The Mountains - A Tourist Paradise
The spectacular snowfed mountains seen from Dhuklikhel must be one of the finest panoramic views in the world. When a blue haze covers the lower portion of the mountains, they seem to be floating in the air. With the snowy mountains on the backdrop, Dhulikhel is a stage of immense beauty and a paradise for nature lovers. Green inviting hills of which still virgin and some turned into beautifully carved agricultural terraces cater to the beholders' pleasure. Geographically, the plains rise up gradually up to the green mountains and further into the snow capped Himalayas. The panorama offers a majestic undisturbed views of the Himalayan ranges stretching from Mount Annapurna in the far west to Mount Karolung in the far east. More than twenty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Annapurna (8091) m), Mt. Ganesh Himal (7429 m), Mt. Langtang (7234 m), Mt. Phuribichyachu (6637 m), Mt. Gaurishanker (7134 m), Mt. Lhotse (2516 m) and many others can be seen in their full glory from the different vantage points in Dhulikhel. In short, it is the foremost point for the mountain-oriented sight seeing since time immemorial. The eco-himalayan atmosphere will surprise any one an unforgettable experience in lifetime.
Dhulikhel is an exotic place to magnify a dramatic and beautiful changing color of the mountain range from gray to silver and to gold with the rising of the sun. Both sunrise and sunset views are really breathtaking and sensational.
To enjoy the best mountain views, one should get up at dawn and watch the changing light as the sun reaches the southern side of the mountains. Many people walk up to the Kali Temple (half an hour from the town) where one can see a breathtaking view of snow-fed peaks from Annapurna to the Everest range. But one can also enjoy this view nearly as much in the comfort of many hotel roof-tops and terraces.
The Old Town
The oldest area of the town, the southern end, is an assembly of fine old Newari houses, often occupied by 20 or more members of the local extended families. They may not all have glazed windows, hot water or modern furniture, but they have dignity and a friendly atmosphere. Their most valuable assets are the beautifully carved windows and doors, fine examples of traditional Newari craftsmanship.
As one wanders down the traffic free narrow streets, one passes through a medieval city inhabited for at least five centuries and may have a feeling that he is in the garden of cultural theme park. The plan of the city is based on ancient Hindu planning doctrine with the position, shape, scale & dominance between buildings, temples, public squares all having their own meaning and harmony. The artistic skill and urban ethos of its Newar inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty. Here, people greet the visitors, with smiles and a leisurely pace of life. The cobbled lane and worn brick buildings, and the open yards surrounded by the traditional houses with flower pots, old pagoda-style temples with glittering gajurs and a typical mountain lifestyle of the people speak silently of the rich history and the cultural heritage of the people. This all creates an aura, which is unique, but at the same time blends so well into what is often described as Nepali Style.
There are organically developed compact settlements around Dhulikhel. These settlements in one hand conserved heat in the cold valley, and at the same time maximized land for agricultural use. One of such old settlements is Shrikhandapur, which lies 2 kms west of the core city near the Kathmandu University, and is also a centuries old Newari settlement. The settlement is protected by Swet Bhairav (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) and Narayan (Vishnu) deties.
Temples
There are numerious temples in the town depicting an example of traditional and old Newari craftsmanship of Dhulikhel. These are important places of worship for local people. The core area of Dhulikhel has interesting narrow cobbled streets and lanes embedded with number of Hindu Shrines and a few Buddhist Stupa.
In the centre of the old town is the Narayan Temple with its yellow metal roofs. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna whose birthday is joyfully celebrated here in August. Alongside is the Harisiddhi Temple whose God responds to the worshippers' problems and sees their good and wrong doings. Both the temples are adorned with profuese wood carvings and fronted by two Garudas in quite different attitude. Bhagwati Temple situated at the top of the western part of the town is considered as one of the best place to see around Dhulikhel and also to enjoy the best mountain views. The Gaukhureshwor Mahadev Temple is about 20 minutes walk to the east of the town near Tundikhel Recreation Park and is located in a peaceful and quite environment. It is probably the most scenic religious centre, beside a small river surrounded by trees. Further up hill, one reaches, within half an hour trek, the Bhagwati (Kali) Temple. This is a beautiful pagoda that one can see on the skyline as one drives into Dhulikhel. One can get a bird's eye view of Dhulikhel town and other surrounding areas from this height. This is one of the best sites around Dhulikhel for viewing snow-fed peaks from Mt. Annapurna to Mt. Everest range, sunrise, sunset and the ever changing play of light on the sky and hills in a fine twilight show. While going to Bhagwati (Kali) Temple, again about 100m from the Tundikhel Recreation Park lies 'Buddha Vihar', a Buddhist Monastery amid lush green 'Dipendra Greenery Park', where cool breeze whispers an ambience of eternal peace and tranquility. About 9 kms from Dhulikhel on the way to Palanchowk Bhagwati lies a holy temple of 'Sankat Mochan Hanuman', the Monkey God, which represents symbol of courage & strength practiced through true celibacy.

WHY DHULIKHEL A HUB FOR ECOTOURISM ?

What is Ecotourism and Why Ecotourism ?
According to World Tourism Organisation (WTO, 1989), tourism has been the world's third largest industry after oil and vehicle production that contributes about 12% of the global GNP. Nepal is one of the best touristic destination in the world because of its geographical diversity, unparalled natural beauty, enormous biological resources, distinct cultural heritage, live culture, religious diversity, splendid hospitalities etc. and tourism is the main source of foreign currency earning. The rich natural and man-made heritage have made our country an unique tourist spot for the foreigners. Our image as the country of Mt. Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the country of Hindu Kingdom has rendered as a distinct competitive edge in tourism industry. Although tourism in Nepal started developing towards 70s, the economic impact of it have been found to be concentrated in only few destinations and the benefits from the tourism to the local people in term of income generation and employment opportunities have been received only in few mountainous areas. Further, due to the lack of well planned tourism development, it has not only destroyed the environment but also the local culture, historical art and music, which are essential to the communities' ambience.
"Tourism in Nepal has created three different environmental problems, first overcrowding of campsites and littering along trekking trails, thereby resulting in sanitation problems, second increased consumption of firewood by trekker and lodge owner thereby accelerating regional deforestation and thirdly the erosion of indigenous socio-cultural structures and tradition" (A Legislative and Environmental Framework for Environmental Management in Nepal, IUCN, Nepal).
Without the development of comprehensive program for the regulation of the tourism, Nepal may loose some of its very scenic and other attractive environmental qualities, which are the essence of its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Now, the global travel and tourism industry is becoming increasingly influenced by the need to protect the environment and social-cultural values. The western world is conscious about the ecology and environment. Green marketing concept is working very effectively. Thus, the environmental and socio-cultural concerns in recent years have given rise to the concept of "Eco-tourism", which is believed to be coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurian in 1983, who defined ecotourism as:
"Tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the objective of admiring, studying and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any cultural features found there".
According to the Ecotourism Society, 1991, ecotourism is a nature based travel defined as "the responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people".
Wood (1980) described it as "purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources financially beneficial to local citizens".
Boo (1991), explains that ecotourism should be participatory and nature-oriented and stresses the importance of maximizing the local benefits. The second line of thought is that ecotourism should be entirely ecologically responsible, leaving no impact on the ecosystem it accesses (Zell, 1991).
"The approach will be in accordance with the principle that the local population must be made custodians of their own environment" (Sherpa et. al. 1989)
From the above said, it is very clear that if tourism is to be sustainable and natural and cultural environments are to be conserved, tourism management needs to be integrated with community development and benefit the local inhabitants themselves and this can be achieved only through ecotourism. Some definitions and characterizations of ecotourism are as follows:
" Ecotourism is a subset of Nature tourism in which conservation and tourist interests work together to preserve environmental quality while mutually protecting tourism
" Ecotourism is purposely focused on enhancing and maintaining natural systems through tourism. It is a contemporary strategy that is vital to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.
" Currently the term ecotourism is apt to be used as a catchhall applied indiscriminately to almost anything that links tourism and nature.
" Ecotourism, narrowly defined, is a nature-oriented tour program based on Nature and Archaeological resources. In a broader sense, it would include indigenous or local culture as a natural resource
" Ecotourism, a new tourism strategy that balances development and economic gains, is seen as a new force that can benefit both nature and developing destinations.
Since recent past, it is because of the increasing concern of the people about environmental and socio-cultural damages, eco-tourism has become popular to minimize the negative impact of tourism. This fact has been realised by His Majesty's Government of Nepal and Ministry of Tourism and National Planning Commission have also emphasized on the promotion of eco-tourism in Nepal. Among others, the following are the benefits to be received from the ecotourism:
" Ecotourism consists of nature and village tourism. 90% of the people of Nepal live in the villages. Hence, villagers are the backbone of Nepal. Without development of villages and village resources, the national development is not possible. Village tourism will assist to develop villages through tourist trade and business. It will provide employment opportunities, generate income for rural people including to poor and disadvantaged group and uplift quality of life thus helping in national tourism development and poverty alleviation program of the government
" The revenue generated through tourism activities will assist in conservation of biodiversity and natural environment, which is the key objectives of ecotourism.
" Ecotourism will help to minimize conflicts between hosts and guests and tourism quality will improve and will have contribution in foreign currency earnings even in rural areas.
" Women are more related to the natural environment than men as they are the principal users of the firewood, fodder and other natural products. In this context, the involvement of women in promotion of ecotourism is must, which means lots of women will also get employment opportunities and generate income
" Ecotourism will help to establish several indigenous industries, cash crop farming, milk production etc., which will again generate additional income for the local people.

Why in Dhulikhel ?

The first destination of most of the tourists visiting Nepal is the capital city of Kathmandu and whole of the Kathmandu valley is becoming more and more overcrowded and polluted. The valley is converting into a chaotic "Concrete Jungle". Hence, there is a growing need to develop a touristic destination in a nearly pollution free environment to diversify the centralised stay of the tourists in Kathmandu valley. Nagarkot, Kakani and Dhulikhel could be such nearest touristic destinations. Out of these three destinations. Dhulikhel is the most idyllic hill destination because of its locational advantage and natural gift. Besides, it is a medieval city full of ancient heritage and rich traditional socio-cultural millieu, which both Nagarkot and Kakani lack and also the industries that Dhulikhel is seeking are tourism related.
Dhulikhel already has about 24 hotels and resorts, and visitors can find accommodation ranging from the budget class to luxury lodges/resorts. These resorts have hospitable staff, lovely gardens with peaceful and pleasant environment, neat and clean rooms with attached bath running hot and cold water, STD, ISTD, money exchange facilities and mailing services. They serve popular menus - Continental, Chinese, Indian and exquisite Nepalese cuisine. They also have conference halls for seminar, training sessions, workshops and meetings. But, tourists in Dhulikhel come through the personal contacts of the individual resort promoters. There is a cut-throat competition and there is no joint efforts of the hoteliers for introducing an efficient marketing strategy to promote Dhulikhel as one of the best touristic destination. Because of this lack, Dhulikhel has not gained due recognition and popularity among the local and foreign travel agents and they are selling other destinations like Pokhara and Nagarkot.
Further, except few short treks, walking through old city and watching mountains, there are no such recreational activities/programmes run by hoteliers, which attracts tourists more and prolong their numbers of days of stay. Hence, until and unless the Dhulikhel Dream Land Project (discussed in separate Article in this Souvenir) is not realized and the Ecotourism (Nature and Village Tourism) is not introduced in Dhulikhel, the desire to make Dhulikhel an idyllic touristic hill destination will remain only in dreams.
Potentials and Prospects of Ecotourism in Dhulikhel
There is tremendous potential and prospects of Ecotourism in Dhullikhel because of the following privileges and advantages Dhulikhel has:
" Very close, only 30 km away from Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu
" An easy and smooth drive from Airport along the newly constructed Arniko Highway
" Dhulikhel has all the prerequisites such as good hotels/resorts, good hospital, one of the best universities "Kathmandu University" including best water supply system and is bestowed with beautiful natural landscapes, awesome view of majestic snowclad peaks, thick forests and tranquil rural settings.
" The major features of Dhulikhel is the pollution free environment and village atmosphere
" The Dhulikhel municipality covers an area of 1,087 hactre of land out of which 50% of the area is slopy area, more than 30 degree with terraces, 40% is covered by forest and agriculture and remaining 10% of the area includes residential, commercial and institutional areas.
" The municipality is surrounded by villages with floral and faunal diversities and the settlement is composed of various ethnic groups dominated by Tamang caste.
" Dhulikhel has a forest area of 150 hactare, which includes "Thulo Ban" (Big Forest) and Gokhureshwor Community Forest in ward no.1 (12.4 hacture). The scattered bushes of rhododendron (national flower) and other diverse type of plants and orchids have further enhanced the beauty of these forests.
" Bird and Butterfly Watching: There is a great range of beautiful species of exotic birds found in the woodlands of Dhulikhel. Also there are many varieties of butterfly in the fields, gardens and woodland, including some rare species. In all the resorts/hotels, one can admire the winged creature fluttering from tree to tree.
" Deers, foxes, ant eaters, squirrels, porcupines, mongoose, pheasants and sometimes tigers and leopards can be seen in the forests of Dhulikhel.
" Most of the people inside and outside Dhulikhel are involved in agriculture and animal husbandary. They have poor economic status. Hence, ecotourism in Dhulikhel will have dual benefits-protection of the natural beauty/biodiversity and upliftment of economic status of urban and rural population by keeping the tourism and environment in harmony. This way, the environment will benefit from the tourism and tourism will benefit from the environment.
" Mountain Biking: Dhulikhhel is a paradise for people who love two-wheeled adventure. This place provides some of the world's most challenging terrains for mountain bike trips. There is no other place in Asia that offers such a diversity of terrain passing through ethnic groups with ancient living culture and backdrop of mighty Himalayas.
Mountain biking is a joy with hill trails and rough road radiating in all directions from Dhulikhel. Some popular routes are Dhulikhel - Panauti - Dhulikhel, Dhulikhel - Banepa - Nala - Dhulikhel and Dhulikhel-Namura-Dapeha-Panauti-Banepa-Dhulikhel.
" The River and Rafting: With two hours drive from Dhulikhel, one can have an exciting rafting experience easily arranged by the Hotels and resorts of Dhulikhel at Bhote Koshi. The 'Bhote' signifies as river from Tibet.
The Bhote Koshi is the main branch of Sunkoshi river which heads-on very steeply before Kodari as a youthful mountain torrent. It then becomes quite and relaxed as the gradient gradually eases before Dolalghat. The upper valley above Barabise is impressively steep and narrow with some dramatic and scenic gorges. Driving along the highway and a cursory look at the river is truly awesome. Emerald green fields on terraced valley, precipitous slopes, and inquisitive villagers on suspension bridges are in fact the matters of amazement as one plunges through cascading waves. A half day long rafting is a really pleasant trip where one can behold blue river, few small rapids and gleaming white beaches waiting with barbecues.
Thus, Dhulikhel can be developed as a Model Touristic Area by introducing eco-tourism and protecting the environment, and socio-economic condition of the area benefitting the hoteliers and the entire urban and ruaral people in and around Dhulikhel.
2.4 Why Dhulikhel a Hub for Ecotourism ?
It is evident from Sections 2.2 and 2.4 above that Dhulikhel itself has a very high potential and prospects for ecotourism. Further, Dhulikhel is surrounded by culturally and naturally abundant places as described below to develope it as a hub for ecotourism, with the centre of stay of tourists at Dhulikhel. These places around Dhulikhel can be reached both by walking and through excursion by car/jeep.

Walking

(1) Trekking Namobuddha:a Historical, Religious and Cultural Tour/ a Adventurous Nature Walk. Namobuddha is the historically important place where a prince sacrificed himself for the sake of a sick and hungry tigress and her cubs. One can still find an old historical stone slab depicting the whole story of Namobuddha. This is an important Buddhist shrine attracting many pilgrims. Candidly, Namobuddha is a Buddhist retreat and a pilgrimage site perched atop a hill. Namobuddha, which means, "Hail to Buddha" has been a holy site from century and will be for next millennium.
A one-day mini trek out of Dhulikhel to Namobudha is an exciting way to see the glimpse of typical Nepalese lifestyles of country side. It gives the advantage of trekking without any problems of arranging porters, lodging or food. The country side is idyllic due to green fields and blue sky; wind carrying the smell of sun warmed grasses, incredibly steep walled valleys. The voices of the village people calling each other and a woman singing while she works in the fields and her children playing aside are equally noteworthy to observe. As one passes through the trails, one will see traditional Nepalese houses made of clay of various color and hard working people toiling in their fields. One can get the real taste of what life is like in most parts of Nepal. One may feel he is kissing and embracing the beauty of nature. May be one of the best memories, one will take back home from Nepal will be the feeling of incomparable peace and tranquility.
While going to Namobuddha one can also visit the organic vegetable farming at Phulbari.
There are actually two important sites here. One is the white washed stupa and another is the prayer chapel at the end of the roadway. People enjoy sipping "chiyaa" (tea) and watching Buddhist pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and reciting "mantras" as they encircle the stupa.
A trail from this site climbs up for about five minutes to the other site of the hill where there are several more stupas which is considered as a retreat center for Buddhist monks. An ancient carved stone reflecting the legend of Namobuddha is still there which highlights the historical momentous of Buddha who was moved by compassion at the pitable sight of a tigress and her cubs that he offered his own body as food.

(2) Panauti Trekking (2 hours walk):

The historic and ancient small township of Panauti is located at the confluence of two rivers namely Roshi and Punyamati at the south east of Dhulikhel and is the manifestation of urban design, elegant architecture and refined culture of Nepal in the 12th century. The entire city is an important centre for Hindus and is beautyfully adorned with "Patis" (open-air rest houses), natural waterspouts, ghats and temples. The statues and the temples raised along the bank of the holy rivers are beyond description. Panauti is famous for the recently restored Indreshwor Mahadev Temple, particularly well known for its classic design. It is believed that the temple of Indreshwor Mahadev was built over the Shiva Lingam in 1294 at the beginning of the Malla period. This is another ancient city that has been planned according to ancient Hindu doctrine.
One can have a nature walk to Panauti and return by bus via Banepa or can combine it with walk to Namobuddha.

(3) Trekking from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel:

A trek (about 5 hrs) from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel via Banepa and Nala is another exhilarating nature walk from where awe-inspiring panoramic view of entire Kathmandu Valley together with Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Shivapuri ridges can be seen against the northern boundary of Majestic Himalayas. The moderate trail passes mostly downhill and at some points it descends rather steeply. Ridges are followed all the way to Nala and import continuous views into the valley. The trail goes on through Ghimiregaun. Even in the month of February, some of the trails may look a bit muddy and slippery. One should not miss a visit of Chandeswhori Temple while venturing to Banepa. Similarly two major Temples an outstand four storeyed temple of Nala Bhagwati and a Buddist Shrine of Lokeshwor also known as Nala Karunamaya are to be visited at Nala.
(4) Trekking to Helambu:

From the rooftops of resorts & hotels having a north-east vista, one can enjoy the natural sloping terain and vast flat lands of Paanchkhal Valley. From here, one can undertake a wonderful trek towards the north to Helambu, one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages with awesome views of the Himalayan range. It is famous for its apples and the hospitality of its Sherpa people.
(5) Villages and Nature Walk:
As stated above, Dhulikhel is bestowed with such a rich natural serenity and vista that one can also enjoy very short treks through nooks and crannies where there lie spots full of natural settings, woodlands, ponds and view points. One of such spot is Gosainkunda, a holy pond with half an hour walk from the centre of Dhulikhel.
Other suggested short walks are
" Kali Temple Hill
" Gaukhureswar Temple
" Dhulikhel Historical Town etc.

2.4.2 Excursions by Jeep

(1) Palanchok and Palanchok Bhagwati: With half an hour drive from Dhulikhel towards Tibetan border at Lamidanda, a small road turns right to Palanchok hill. There lies the most beautiful and important Hindu goddess Bagawati with eighteen arm. Bhagawati is worshipped as a demon slayer and taken as a goddess of protection from danger and misfortune.
The statue of Palanchowk Bhagwati is one of the most famous goddess in Nepal. A stone inscription on a courtyard pedestal indicates as 503 AD during the Lichhavi Era. His Majesty's Government of Nepal has honoured her by highlighting her statue at the postage stamp of Nepal. Thousand of devotees from different parts of Nepal visit the temple to worship the goddess.
( 2) Changunarayan : Temple of the 8th century of Changunarayan is the oldest in the valley. Only half an hour drive from Bhaktapur to the top of a hill, the colourful view of the valley can be seen from the temple.
(3) Sulphur Springs: You can drive in about 3 hours to the Tibetan border at Kodari, stopping off to see the sulphur springs at Tatopani.
(4) Charikot and Jiri: At 3 hours drive is another beautiful natural terrain of Charikot and at 4 hours drive is Jiri. Both these places are some of those tranquil natural resorts where people go for picnic or nature watch. There are many beautiful spots around Charikot, like Kalinchowk, from where one can relish a never satisfying t]vista of natural display including the imposing presence of mount Gauri-Shankar. Jiri is the place which is also sometimes referred as the Switzerland of Nepal. It is also the gateway of the famous trekking route to the Mount Everest Base Camp.
On the way to Jiri, Kharidhunga is one of the interesting spots with many scenic and excellent view of the Himalayas.
2.5 Actions to be Taken by the Concerned Agencies
In order to promote the ecotourism in Dhulikhel, the following actions plan have been recommended :
" Consolidated efforts will be required from government authorities, international agencies and private sectors involved in tourist industry, hoteliers in order to develop Dhulikhel as an eco-friendly touristic destination. Comprehensive and integrated tourism development plan and program be formulated emphasizing on ecotourism for a sustainable tourism in terms of environments, economic and socio-culture in Dhulikhel including appropriate rules and regulation. A more detail study be conducted for the formulation of ecotourism development plan and program.
" A participatory approach involving rural and host population should be adopted
" A tourist information centre be established to inform tourists about local community, culture and other touristic information
" To involve the local people in ecotourism activities, public awareness program be launched together with the education on ecotourism and training programmes on how to provide services to tourists
" Periodic monitoring of the awareness generation programs be performed
" Tourism activities in the sensitive areas like forest should be planned systematically to reduce the stress on vegetation and wild life. For this, it is recommended to organize package tour with well trained guide
" The existing forest in Ward No. 3 of Dhulikhel Municipality could be developed as Safari Park and for bird watching activities.
" Appropriate solid waste and wastewater management systems be ensured.
" Infrastructure facilities like good roads, water supply systems etc. be ensured
" Shopping complex, local handicraft, curio shops etc. be promoted
" Cultural programs like traditional dance and plays based on the historical legend be organised
" Tamangs are the dominant population in the area. They have unique culture and tradition, which can be one of the potential factor to attract tourist. These groups be supported to build more monasteries in the village areas, which will again attract tourists. The income generated through such programs can be used to preserve the culture and cultural heritage
" Regular tourist coach services be organised from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel in order to attract budget travellers
" A modern new bus park to accommodate the number of buses coming to Dhulikhel be constructed.
" Reforestation programs should be encouraged. The plan and efforts of Rotary Club of Dhulikhel to maintain greenery and garden be supported by active participation with the regular plantation programs.
2.6 Conclusions

Dhulikhel possess excellent natural landscape and vista necessary for developing eco-tourism in the area. To enhance the richness of nature along with a recreational unit such as "Dream Land" will attract a large number of foreign as well as domestic tourist in Dhulikhel. It also lies as a center for other nearby touristic destinations and can serve as facilitating locale for trekkers, rafters, picnickers, nature lovers etc. In short, Dhulikhel has all the locational as well as environmental advantage to function as hub of eco-tourism activities in the region. Implementation of "Dream Land Project" and other complimentary components, as discussed above, will surely bring economic dynamism, employment generation and overall development of the region. The need is quick action from HMGN agencies and commitment and whole hearted support and motivation to private promoters from District Development Committee of Kavre and Dhulikhel Municipality as one of their priority development projects.