Text and photos : Alexandre Noël
The district of Gorkha is culturally, historically and environmentally one of the world’s most interesting and beautiful areas with stunning scenery, numerous historical landmarks, exotic flora and fauna, traditional rural Nepali architecture, ancient cultural traditions and customs, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and an almost untouched countryside, it seems to embody everything that is most desirable in Nepal. In the history of Nepal, Gorkha has significant value and role. It is the home town of world famous ‘Gurkha’ soldiers. The term Gurkha denoting those Nepali soldiers in the British Army and synonymous with the world bravery and honesty, originally came from this place. Gorkha, the country’s formal capitol and the origin of shah dynasty (which rules today) can be well regarded as microcosm of Nepal.
Like countrywide, different ethnic groups and castes are settling down traditionally in different parts of the district. Brahmans, Chhetris Gurung and Tamang are the largest group in the district followed by other groups. In lot of villages, mostly only one ethnic group resists. The majority of the Gurung people stay more in the higher altitude parts of district. Gurung are very rich in Culture. Although they distinguish themselves as Buddhists they are influenced by Hindu culture. In Gorkha district Nepali is playing dominant language role but Gurung people are able to defend their traditional mother language against Nepali. The language of Gurung is Tibeto-Burman dialect and speaks their traditional language as first language even in the minor influence of Nepali language. Subsistence farming is the dominate sector of the economy activities. Besides agriculture and livestock, lots of people in the Indian and British Armies remit considerable sums of money to their concentrated here.
Most of the Gurung villages are organized. There is tourism management sub-committee in the group that handles all tourism related activities. Coordination between CCODER and the local community have been developed. Most of the young students speak English, proper networking between the community and Kathmandu has developed through CCODER. More then 10 groups from United State and Europe has already visited, with highly appreciable impact. Even this year (Oct/Nov) we have already planned for two new groups. All this has given wider perspective to develop indigenous tourism.
Contact
Dr. Govinda Dhital
P.O.Box 5716, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel. : 977 1 4351681
Email : dhital@wlink.com.np
Internet : www.ccoder.org
Language : English