Dang District, tucked away in the heart of Nepal, presents itself as a canvas of historical relevance and cultural diversity. This region, which covers an area of around 2,955 square kilometres, is well-positioned to provide a stunning view of the Mahabharata Range and the Sivalik Hills.
Dang's unique cultural importance is its genuine lifeblood. A complex blend of Hindu customs, the area is filled with historic temples, magnificent buildings, and hallowed shrines. Dang's cultural environment is more than just a group of buildings; it is evidence of the resilient nature of its people.
In the middle of Nepal's Lumbini province, the Dang District is situated in the Inner Terai. The district, which contains Ghorahi as its administrative centre, has 2,955 square kilometres and 548,141 people living there as of 2011. Dang's second-biggest city, Tulsipur, is a transportation centre. In the Dang Deukhuri district, there are a lot of temples and gumbas. According to the 2015 Constitution of Nepal, Ghorahi is the planned capital of Lumbini Province.
Dang Valley
The Dang Valley is a location found in Nepal's mid-western area. It is renowned for its agricultural abundance, scenic beauty, and diversity of cultures. The Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Magar populations are among the many ethnic groups that call the valley home; each adds to the region's rich cultural diversity.
A notable characteristic of Dang Valley is its verdant surroundings, with bountiful plains perfect for farming. Among the principal crops farmed here are rice, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables. Along with having a wide variety of plants and animals, including some endangered species, the valley is also rich in biodiversity.
Dang Valley provides chances for walking, bird viewing, and learning about rural life and the customs of tourism. Traditional Tharu villages may be found in the area, offering guests a taste of the indigenous way of life, food, and friendliness. Dang Valley might become a major hub for ecotourism and environment lovers because of the proximity of the Bardiya National Park, which is renowned for its efforts to conserve wildlife and home to a variety of species including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. The second biggest valley in Asia is called Dang Valley, and it is situated between the Mahabharata Range and the Sivalik Hills.
Ambikeshwori temple
An important location in Dang, Nepal, that honours the goddess Ambika is the Ambikeshwori Temple. Its architecture is typical Nepalese, with fine wood carvings. Devotees and visitors are drawn to the temple during religious celebrations like Shivaratri and Navratri. It provides a calm and spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by quiet natural beauty. Tourists may take in expansive vistas of the surroundings while fully immersing themselves in cultural activities. With its unique combination of scenic appeal, architectural elegance, and religious significance, Ambikeshwori Temple is a must-see location in Nepal's rich cultural heritage.
Baraha Kshetra, 12 Cornered Lake (Barhakune Taal)
It is situated in Nepal's western region, near Ghorahi Dang. This location is also well-known for its divine power, which is known as the Lord Bishnu Baharaha Avatar. Furthermore, hills around this location. Baraha Kune Pokhari is another name for 12 Corner Lakh, and this temple is called Baraha Kune Mandir. According to local belief, if a person begs for anything in life,
Lord Bishnu would grant their wishes, and they should then donate the god's blood. Numerous people went there to ask for a child, a happy and prosperous life, and fulfilment at every step from Lord Bishnu. This being the case, it is a powerful location in the vicinity of Dharapani Mandir.
Dharpani area (Pandaveshwor Mahadev temple)
Dharpani's Dharna VDC ward number one is home to this holy location. Situated at the foot of Siwalik hill and beside the Babal river, sits the temple. A dirt road that runs nine km south from Ghorahi is the only way to get there. Per the tradition, the Pandavas stopped to worship Lord Shiva here on their journey north. Thus, one of the holiest holy locations is said to be this one.
On December 14, 2014, the world's biggest trident trident (trishul) was unveiled. It weighed 81 quintals, 13 kg, and was 41 feet tall. Constructed for 1.5 million Nepali Rupees, the trishul is now the biggest and heaviest in the world. It is situated at Dharapani, Pandweshor Mahadev Temple, Dang district, Nepal, about 10 km south of the city of Ghorahi.
Gorakshya Ratna Nath temple
Situated in the Ghorahi sub-metropolis of Dang district, Chaughara is home to the renowned Goraksha, Ratnanath, or Chaughara temple. It is said that Ratnanath, a follower of Lord Gorkhanath, constructed the monastery. Following the Dang settlement, Manijya assumed the throne. Ratnaparikshak, his son, likewise succeeded him as king. While hunting, Raja Ratna Parikshak saw Gorakhnath in a vision. Gorakhnath became a Siddha as a result of his philosophy. A later version of him was Siddharatnath. In honour of Siddharatnath, this monastery was constructed.
The temple is still being studied, despite being mentioned in a text named Siddha Ratnanath that dates back to 809 BCE. This 60-foot-tall monastery, designed in the peak style, is around 258 by 25 square feet. There are four stone sculptures of lions at each of the monastery's four corners. This temple features a gilded gate. On the grounds of the Goraksha Ratnanath Temple in Dang, there is a tree that is thought to be around 1200 years old.
Koilabas area: a town left behind
Due to poor road conditions and limited border usage, Koilabas Border, once a bustling community, is now a ghost town. People from several different Rapti zone locations, including Dang, Pyuthan, Arghakhanchi, and others, used this border to get to India.
The area is now awaiting the reopening of the border while the road has been improved. This region offers a great deal of commercial and tourist possibilities. A market town called Koilabaas is located in the southwestern Nepalese province of Lumbini in the Gadhawa Rural Municipality of the Dang Deukhuri district. Situated 5km from the village of Jarwa on the opposite side, the town is on the southern edge of the Dudhwa range of the Siwaliks, marking Nepal's boundary with Uttar Pradesh. While there is a customs checkpoint for products, Indian and Nepalese nationals are free to cross the border. The hills are visible from this location. It is a tourist destination where you may learn about the sixteenth-century battle for everyday survival. The best time to visit is during winter. Older than Janakpur Temple, Ram Janaki Temple is one of the most significant locations in the area. You can travel with loved ones or friends and take full advantage of the day's special moments.
Tharu Cultural Museum
At least 300–400 domestic visitors visit the Tharu Cultural Museum daily. It is in the Dang district near the Tulsipur Sub Metropolis (in Chakhuara). The Tharu Cultural Museum has sculptures of the late Tharu King Dangisharan, who ruled over Dang Valley in ancient times, as well as historical artefacts, traditional clothing, and foods from the Tharu people. This one-of-a-kind museum offers a wealth of insightful information about Tharu culture and traditions for anybody interested in learning about the indigenous cultural heritage, customs, clothing, and historical artefacts of the Tharu people.
Bijauri, Chillikot
Perched atop the Mahabharat slope, Chillikot Hill is a great spot for sightseeing. It is located 1239 metres above sea level. It's a lovely tourist destination with a beautifully designed observation tower and temple. Situated in the Dang Deukhuri district, Bijauri is 28 km from Ghorahi. Dedicated to vulture protection, the Vulture Restaurant is situated near Chillikot, 5 km north of Tulsipur. An old temple dedicated to Kalika and Malika Devi is only a few km north of the Vulture restaurant. Nepal Sanskrit University, one of the esteemed universities, is also situated here.
Banglachuli/DhimDhime range
The steep section of the Dang Valley is home to the Dhimdhime Range, located in Syuja Village 04. It takes thirty km off-road to get to this location. Situated at an elevation of 1550 metres above sea level. From the hill, you can view the Dhauraghiri Himalaya range to the north, the Sisne Himal, and the several regions of Dang and Kapilvastu to the south. This place has a cool wind that's great in the heat. Here are now a few of the resorts and homestays.
Charinge Daha-Ghorahi Dang
In Rampur Municipality 7, Charinge Daha is located in the eastern portion of Dang. To get here using the BP route, you must go 9 km from Ghorahi. The residents mostly utilize the lake's water for irrigation and fish farming, and it is located in the middle of the forest on a 2-hectare plot of ground.
Because it is the source of the Sarayu River, the lake's genesis is well-known historically. This is where it is said that Lord Sita made penances throughout the Treat Yuga in order to meet Shree Rama, and it was here that they ultimately met when Ram paid a visit. There is also Sita Cave (1165 meters above sea level). It is well-known as a picnic location because of its serene surroundings and breathtaking splendour.
The Dang Valley offers a wealth of experiences for tourists seeking natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant traditions, and historical landmarks, the region has the potential to become a prominent destination in Nepal's tourism sector. By addressing infrastructure challenges and promoting sustainable practices, Dang Valley can emerge as a unique and thriving tourism hub, providing unforgettable experiences for travellers and contributing to the socio-economic development of the local communities.