KAVREPALCHOK: Kotthumka, also known as Chandeni-Mandan, is an emerging tourist destination in Ward No. 10 of Mandandeupur Municipality in Kavrepalanchok district.
From this scenic hilltop, visitors can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on clear days. The northern horizon also offers spectacular views of the Ganesh, Jugal, Gaurishankar and Langtang mountain ranges.
Situated at an altitude of around 2,500 metres in the northeastern part of the district, approximately 30 kilometres from the district headquarters Dhulikhel, Kotthumka—now also known as Buddha Thumka—has considerable potential to attract domestic and international tourists. The construction of a statue of Gautam Buddha and a surrounding park has added to the area’s appeal.
According to local teacher Shalikram Shrestha, the area needs further tourism infrastructure, with support from the federal government alongside local initiatives. Several religious and historical sites lie around Kotthumka, including the historic Umadevi Temple, Kashyapeshwor Mahadev Temple, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Kharka Pond.
Visitors can reach Kotthumka by road or on foot from the Dolalghat and Mandan areas. The picturesque Indrawati River, which flows along the boundary between Kavrepalanchok and Sindhupalchok districts, adds to the area’s natural charm. Nearby forests also come alive with seasonal blooms during Falgun (mid-February to mid-March) and Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April).
The construction of Buddha Park at Rampur Bhimsen Thumka, near Kotthumka, following the devastating earthquake of 2015 (2072 BS), has further enhanced the area’s appeal.
According to local leader Ganesh Parajuli, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, Bhante Bimala, established a Buddha statue at the site with prayers for world peace. The statue and associated infrastructure were developed at an investment of around Rs. 40 million, Parajuli said.
He added that Buddhists know the site as “Samadhi Buddha Mountain” and that the construction of the statue has drawn a growing number of Buddhist visitors.
Mandandeupur Municipality was formed in 2016 (2073 BS) through the merger of three Deupur and four Mandan village development committees (VDCs).
Locals believe that greater promotion of Kotthumka, a major attraction in the former Mandan area comprising Chandeni-Mandan, Mahadevsthan, Jaishithok and Jyamdi, could help establish it as a recognised destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
“We are holding discussions with local representatives about the infrastructure needed to develop Kotthumka into a more attractive tourist destination,” said local social activist Ram Bahadur Tamang.
Residents say local initiatives alone are insufficient to draw large numbers of domestic and international visitors and that support from district and national authorities is also necessary.
Thandanda, another nearby tourist destination, also has potential for development, with drinking water and accommodation facilities available for visitors.
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