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Cultural Tourism: A Review of Karnali

Article  in  Research Nepal Journal of Development Studies · December 2021

DOI: 10.3126/rnjds.v4i2.42682

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 Cultural Tourism: A Review of Karnali

Bharat Prasad Badal

ISSN: 2631-2131

ISSN 2631-2131
Author(s) Bharat Prasad Badal

Association Research Nepal Journal of Development

Central Department of Rural Development, Tribhuvan University

Received Date 20th November 2021
Accepted Date 1st December 2021
Email bpb222@yahoo.com

Abstract

“Cultural Tourism: A review of Karnali” is the collection of facts of interesting cultural tourism
attractions of Karnali province of Nepal. If there is heaven, it exists in Karnali. Its natural and cultural
attractions accommodate a wonderland to visit. The paper is focused on the cultural attractions of
Karnali Province. To generalize the facts of culture of Karnali from tourism perspective the study
has been conducted. It is the scientific but descriptive literature review of available sources. The
paper will be a perfect guideline for field researchers of cultural tourism in Karnali. In conclusion,
Nepal is one of the pristine center of natural and cultural tourism attraction. Nepal’s most beautiful
natural and cultural attraction is Karnali. There are around 30% of Khasaryan population in
Nepal, literally originated from Khasasn kingdom. Karnali stakeholders must analyze the
sentiment of Khasaryan of their ancestral kingdom with different programs and invitations. Karnali
tourism is a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of the society.
It encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, literature, music, and the
living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions of Karnali. Specifically
culture of Khasaryan, Mashto worship, Deuda, Himalayan Buddhism, Rara and pilgrimage to
Kailash Mansarovar are the prominent cultural attractions of Karnali.

Keywords: Cultural Tourism, Karnali, Khash, Sinja, Mashta, Dewal, Kailash-Mansharovar,

Introduction

Tourism is itself a culture. For MacCannell (1993) all tourism is a cultural experience. Thus tourism
is itself a cultural experience. Similarly, Urry (1990) believes that “tourism is culture”, it is a
culture of guests, mediators, and hosts. Cultural attractions of Karnali province are innumerable.
Each and every corner of any community it has diverse range of cultural identities. Travelling to
Karnali is adventures and researching the facts of the land is further interesting. Culture and tourism
40
 Bharat Prasad Badal
have always been inextricably linked with its inseparable elements. Cultural sights, attractions and
events provide an important motivation for travel, and travel in itself generates culture, is like
most in Karnali tourism. But it is only in recent decades that the link between culture and tourism
has been more explicitly identified as a specific form of consumption: cultural tourism (Richards,
2018). However, cultural tourism in Nepal goes back to 3000 BC. as pilgrimage visit- Tirthayatra.
The Tirthayatra is a prototype for the modern Hindu pilgrimage, recognizing its modern iconic
status, it may be argued that a historian might explore the Mahabharata’s Tirthayatraparva in terms
of its historical accuracy and social context, often through a political lens (Haigh & Darpan, 2011)
The importance of with the example of Krishn’s Brother Balaram and his pilgrims in Saraswati
River(The Mahabharata, Shalyaparva, Tirthayatraparva, 9.54). Krishna has visited Nepal, let out
the water of Kathmandu lake and made settlement. So tourism or cultural tourism in Nepal was
established around 5000 years ago.

The tourism components access, accommodation, attractions, and amenities are considered the
most important factors for tourism development (Camilleri, 2018). From tourism perspective, it
is denoted that access and amenities are ‘sense-making’ and attractions and activities are having
exploratory attributes. If these sense making and exploratory factors are adequately developed
tourists perceive the wellbeing and engage through positive word of mouth about the destination
which tourism planners and destination developers must consider (Reitsamer & Sperdin, 2017).
Thus the components of Karnali tourism of course in its virgin status of attractions.

Nepal, specially the Kathmandu valley was a lake. The lake was opened by lord Krishna and
made a livable settlement. The settlement was ruled by his herdsmen Goppals had capital in
Matatirtha village of Kathmandu. Geographically, Nepal, a small, peaceful and beautiful country
with different geographic characteristics, is the blessing of the nature and the heaven of the earth
if its resources can be utilized properly. The term ‘Nepal’ is very old and has been used even in the
Athvarvebed -supposed to be written nearly 5000 years ago. Nepal, with nearly 125 ethnic groups,
123 linguistic communities and ten religious groups, is an interesting place of academic research
for the sociologists, anthropologists and linguists of the world who are conducting hundreds and
thousands of research on these things (Dahal R. K., 2018).

The recorded history reveals that king Ashok of India in 300 BC and Gautam Buddha of Nepal in
600 BC had visited Kathmandu valley during the Kirati period (Dahal R. K., 2018). These visits
were guided by Tirthayatra- a sort of Cultural Tourism in Nepal. The emergence of cultural tourism
as a social phenomenon and as an object of academic study can be traced back to the surge in post-
World War 2 leisure travel in Europe (Richards, 2018). Cultural tourism became a well-established
phenomenon in many tourism destinations, and was increasingly the target of academic research.
Cultural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn,
discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a
tourism destination. Therefore, Karnali province of Nepal is a virgin land for the study of cultural
tourism.

For Karnali tourism development, the relationship of various components e.g., tourism infrastructure,
travelling resources -accessibility, preparedness of tourism -attraction, internal and external
factors- accommodation and amenity, which are important to be considered at planning period. In
tourism development and available tourism potentials at destination (Karim, Latip, Marzuki, Shah,

41
 Research Nepal Journal of Development Studies, Year 4th, Issue 2nd, December 2021
& Muhammad, 2021) the local governments must take initiations. The provincial government has
the slogan of tourism promotion. It is “Nepal-the World’s Tourist Destination, Karnali- Nepal’s
Tourist Destination”. Whoever travels in Nepal must visit Karnali. However, the study is focused
on cultural attraction attributes of tourism development of Karnali.

Karnali region covers the upper watershed of the Karnali river, namely, Humla Karnali, Mugu
Karnali and Sinja Karnali that drainage the area of Sinja and Tila rivers. During the Gorkha conquest
in the 1790s, Jumla, which was the largest among the 22 principalities in the west, covered much
of the Karnali watershed. This became the administrative district of Jumla after unification and
remained so throughout the subsequent periods. The reorganization of districts in 1962 placed the
four districts of Jumla, Humla, Mugu and Tibrikot under the Karnali zone. In 1972, Dolpa district
to the east was included under the Karnali Zone in 1975, Tibrikot was renamed Kalikot with some
boundary readjustments (Bhattarai & Katwal, 2020). Under the federal dispensation Karnali is now
a province encompassing large areas of the middle hills, Siwalik range and the traditional upper
watersheds of the Karnali river. Thus it is necessary to figure out the product of cultural tourism in
Karnali the study has been conducted.

Objectives and Methods

Karnali is one of the pristine land scape and it has original Khas cultural tradition. To generalize
the facts of culture of Karnali from tourism perspective the study has been conducted. It is the
scientific but descriptive literature review of available sources. The paper will be a perfect guideline
for field researchers of cultural tourism in Karnali. These attractions/products of Karnali tourism
relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that
encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature,
music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and
traditions (Richards, 2018). Karnali is highly potential cultural tourism zone of Nepal yet to be
explored in many ways.

Discussion and Analysis

Culture is the identity of the people. Cultural tourism has long had an important economic
dimension of rural development, particularly because the income derived from tourism is argued
to help support the preservation of cultural heritage of the specified locality. Karnali culture is the
identity of the people of Karnali. It is a home to diverse range of ethnic and non-ethnic groups like
Brahaman, Kshetri, Tharu, Gurung, Magar, Raji, Majhi, Raute (seasonally), Newar, Tamang, etc.
Among various spoken languages, Nepali(Khas) language is spoken by 95% population. Sinja
Valley, the place of origin of Nepali Language lies in Jumla district of the Province. Other major
language spoken in the Province are Magar 2.46%, Tharu 0.44%, Bhote/Lama 0.75%, Kham
0.34%, Gurung 0.28%, Sherpa 0.19% and others 0.65%. The largest ethnic group in the Province is
Chhetri (41.9%) (Bhattarai & Katwal, 2020) Similarly, there are 15.8% Kami, 10.9% Magar, 10.3%
Thakuri, Brahmin (8.4%), Damai (4%), Sarki 2.6%), Sanyasi (1.7%) and others 1.6%. Majority
of population are Hindu (95.14%) in the Province predominantly followed by Buddhist (3.19%),
Christian (1.36%), Muslim (0.18%) and others (0.1%). Out of the total population of the province
(1570418) 49.31% of the population are residing in the urban area (NOKP, 2021). Thus Karnali is
the mix of every culture of Nepal with the dominance of Khas-Mashto – unique culture of Caspian
European colt in Nepal, in historical kingdom of Khangsar of King Nagaraj.
42
 Bharat Prasad Badal
Khasa and Mashto Culture:

The word Khas has been derived from Caucasus. The European Caucasus people migrated in ice
age toward Caspian Sea, Iran, Afghanistan to Kasmir to the east. Kasmir was Kasyapnagar at the
beginning of the valley settlement; was established by sage Kasyap. Kasyapnagar became Kashmir
when Mughals own the land (Badal, 2017). The Kasyapas- people of Kasyap sage migrated toward
east into Karnali. Khas- Aryan community in Nepal, were migrated by the force of Mughals in India
in around 12th centuries. In general, people of Karnali can be grouped into Khas and Mongoloids.
The northern part mostly is inhabited by Mongoloids, while the southern belt by Khas/ Aryans.
Khas are regarded to be the pre-Vedic Aryans who are believed to have crossed the Caucasus
Mountains and continued further east to the mountains while their larger groups remained in the
Ganga plains and developed Hindu culture of Ganga and Indus civilization (KPTMP, 2020).

The Khasa culture and tradition cannot be solely seen as a product of Hindu culture. It is not even
a product of Indian and the Tibetan Buddhists. Khas/Masto is actually a mixture of Hinduism,
Buddhism, Bon, and Tibetan traditions. People had the choice to adopt Hindu traditions by wearing
the sacred thread (Janai) or to remain in (Jad) by maintaining Tibetan Himalayan Buddhism and
culture. There was a clear tendency of cross-cultural practices in society. Consequently, in some
instances, it would be very difficult even to know whether a particular family was a Jad of Tibetan
origin or a so-called Hindu Thakuri or Khasa. Interracial matrimonial relationship was a cause for
the genetic mixture of the people of Khasa origin (Dhungel, 2010). Actually the culture and both
the Aryan and Mongols are mixed somehow in Karnali and had developed the unique Mashto
culture. One of a few cultural factors which clearly distinguish the people of Khasa origin from the
people of Hindu/Buddhist origin is the Khasa’s religious and cultural practice of Mashto tradition.
It is interesting to note that most of Chhetris and Bahuns of Khasa origin of Nepal are the followers
of the Mashto tradition (Dhungel, 2010). They are distinctively known as the followers of various
kinds of Mashto even if they live far away from the original home of the Mashto culture of the
Kamali region. It is a fact that the Mashto tradition is by no means a culture related to Vedic
Sanatana Hindu religious line but seriously interlinked with Tantric Hinduism. It is closer to the
pre-Buddhist Shamanistic Bon practice of Tibet as well.

Some of the Mashto deities of Bahuns and Chhetris of Khasa origin are known as bange-masta.
bahiramasta, thado-masta, bahra-masta, athahra-masta, and Kalki-mashta etc. It is an absolute
mix of different groups of original Karnali people. From such historical reality, it is not so easy
to prove that a particular family or community is of the pure Hindu or pure Thakuri. Brahmin or
Chhetri of Hindu or even Tibetan origin (Dhungel, 2010). Thus, despite being Hindus several clans
of Brahman, and Chettri still have retained their faith in their traditions shamanistic and animistic
practices and worship Mashto God. This practice of ancestral worship is known as Dewali which is
a sacred ancient tradition passed through generations.

Dewali- Ancestral Worship – Kulpuja:

These rituals of Dewali vary amongst the clans of Chettri/Bahuns in terms of their practices and
process although the predominate belief system remains same. The practice of ancestral worship
of Kuldevta is known as Mashto Puja or Dewali in Nepal. Kuladevi, is an ancestral tutelary deity
in Hinduism. This ritual of Dewali is also known as Mashto puja which is also locally pronounced
as Mashta, here Mashto refer to “kul”; “the household deity”. The term Mashto signifies hawa
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 Research Nepal Journal of Development Studies, Year 4th, Issue 2nd, December 2021
“wind”. It is like hawa / wind, cannot be seen hawa, don’t know from which direction it comes
and goes but it poses a strong power. Likewise, mashta (kul) has no structure, no one has seen it,
no one knows where it came from but it is very power full, powerful enough to execute human
according to their karma (Bista, 2019). Thus Dewali is the ritual worship of mashto. Mashta is
known by different name in different clan such as: Adhimashta, Rumalmashta, Darhemashta,
Khapparmashta, Thedhimashta, Mandalimashta, Dhudhemashta, Ladhemashta, Munddamashta,
Rudramashta, Kailemashta, Kalkimashta and Kalamashta. As there is no specific idol of these
Mashta, Diya is considered as its symbol and representative. For Bahun/Chettri community Mashto
God is considered as their soul protector. There is a strong belief among the people, if they please
or worship Mashto god, they would recover from all kind of pain, suffering, illness, loss in business
or agriculture, obstacle, misfortune, frustration, regret, or any kind of discomfort. This belief made
them worship Mashto God as a family deity (Bista, 2019). One can’t get spiritual power and became
Dhami on their own choice. The Dhami are crucial part of ancestor worship of Mashto Puja. In
lower Humla and Jumla, the Khas people recognize a unique family of a family of incarnating gods,
referred to as Mashta - twelve brothers/sisters and their kin who are imbued with non-dharmic
values and who speak through the medium of oracles or shamans known as Dhami (NRCT, 2019).
Worshipping Mashto is a unique feature of this region must be directed toward the cultural tourism.

There is no such specific idol of Mashto god, the Dhami calls Masto spirit within their body and acts
as a mediator to communicate. In this process they use Syauli (machilus plant) and start shaking
his body to call the deity and when Mashto god enters into the body, the Dhami develops a divine
power and can perform various miracles like for example plunging hands into boiling oil, walking
barefoot on burning coal, drinking flaming mustard oil, revealing past activities and uttering future
etc. (Bista, 2019). During the sacrifice Dhami carries Chamar in right hand and Ghanta in left hand.
Which act as an instrument to successfully complete the ritual of sacrifice (Bista, 2019).Cultural
study has just begun to uncover the hidden facts of Karnali. One of the most significant cultural
attraction is Mashto- there are other Hindu castes such as Brahmins and Dalits, who together make
up less than a third of the Karnali population; practice of Hindu traditions are well ingrained or
deep rooted in every aspect of life of the people of the Karnali region (Bhattarai & Katwal, 2020).
It is perfectly mixed. Some people believe that Kalkimashta is the mix of Kalki- Lord Vishnu and
Mastha- semi man Ardhanareshwar lord Mahadev. Mashta is tantric rituals so it cannot be found
in Vedic literature. Therefore, Kulpuja is the mix of three universal truths, creation, operation, and
destruction. It is Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva in Hinduism.

The Karnali provides an ancient trade route, bringing salt, wool and meat from Tibet to trade for
rice from India. The trail is witness to many varied and rich cultures. It is the land of Khasha and
there is a long history of Khasa in this region. Specially, Thakuri, Magars and other ethnic groups
are there in this region. In medieval period Khasha culture was developed. Nepali language was
originated in this region. Both Hinduism and Buddhism were developed in this region. In the same
way Badimalika, Tripura Sundari, Khaptad and other centers of gods and goddesses are famous in
this region. Deuda is a popular folk song and dance of this region. This region is the primary place
of different groups of people in Nepal (Dahal K. , 2021).

The Khas civilization - the source of Nepal’s national language, the Raute - the last nomadic people
of Nepal, Chettri, Magar, and Sonaha ethnic groups are also found along the Karnali river corridor.
The unique cultures of each of these ethnic groups is vibrant today and witnessed by their lifestyles,

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 Bharat Prasad Badal
architecture, farming and fishing practices, religious beliefs, and cultural celebrations (NRCT,
2019). Himali Bhotia community, Khasha and Byasi Community, Thakuri Chhetri, Brahmin, and
Dalit Community are the significant community of the Karnali.

The Magar speaking (10.9%) people are the original indigenous ethnic group of the province.
Culture of Magar people is different from other places. Religion, custom, tradition, folk-lore,
language, fair and festivals, living style of people, housing pattern, art, and craft are unique
features of culture of these indigenous groups. The indigenous groups and their culture are the
main heritages of cultural tourism. The Magar cultural heritage is a major matter of attraction. The
Heritage of Magar culture is observable. In this context the following factors are taken as a part for
the tourist’s attraction Magar’s religion and spiritual beliefs, marriage ceremony, rituals, custom
and traditions, folk-lore, music (Sorathi, Maruni, Jhapre), music instruments, dances (Madal,
Dholak, Tyamko etc.), fair and festivals, food and drinks, art and crafts, house building pattern
and architecture, dress and ornaments, are the main attraction for the tourists (Dhakal, 2019). It is
the cultural identity of Magars. Archeological monuments are also equally important as cultural
products in the study area. Temples, Monasteries, Chaytas, Devalayas, etc. are major monuments
in Karnali. Dorbahadur Bista says, Khas were migrated in around 3rd millennium in Nepal through
Sutlaj River.

Origin of Khasaryan people of Nepal

District Place Caste District Place Caste

Dailekh Dullu Dulal Kalikot Khitkisain Khirsine
Badalamji Badal Bhutau Bhurtel
Nepa Nepal Ranchu Ruchal
Paudi Paudel Gela Gelal
Lamachaanni Lamichhane Baanjhkot Baanjhkota
Baanskot Banskota Mugu Khanaya Khanal
Banstoli Bastola Kalaigaun Kalyan
Satala Satyal Khatyad Khatiwada
Luyati Luintel Rukum Sarpukot Sapkota
Chapagaun Chapagain Jumla Dhita Dhital
Riju Rijal Pandusera Pande
Pokhar Pokharel Pyakuri pyakurel
Daha Dahal Simkhada Shimkhada
Parajul Parajuli
Koirali Koirala
Dawada Dawadi
Kattil Kattel
Bhushakot Bhusal

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 Research Nepal Journal of Development Studies, Year 4th, Issue 2nd, December 2021
(Raila, 2020)

Adhikari, Karki, Khadka, Basnet, Lekhak, Mahat, Bhatta, Rokaya, Budha, Bhandari, Amatya,
Dixit, Lama, Acharya, Bharati, Nepali, Giri etc. were the posts to serve the administration of King
Nagraj of Karnali (Raila, 2020). These people (Kharsharyan of Nepal) are highly eager to visit the
Karnali whose ancestral maternal relation is deep rooted with Karnali. All these people worship
Mashto in different name. Karnali government must be able to analyze the sentiment of these
people and cultural tourism.

Religions

Nepal is the center of three prominent world civilization. 1. Kasharyan: originated in European,
Caucasus zone around Caspian lake migrated toward east in Ice age, developed in Indus river
civilization, Khas Mashto Pujak, spread from Karnali zone, 2. Mongol: developed in Wahngho
and Yangzi civilization entered in Nepal from Tibet. 3. Dravids’ Civilization after the invasion of
Aryans; they migrated specially from south India to North India. Northern part of the Ganga river
was Nepal.

Throughout the Karnali region, people practice a variety of distinct religions, guided by unique
combinations of Hindu, Buddhist, shamanic and animist beliefs for purification. This diversity
of religious thought reflects a complex history of religious intermixture, coexistence, syncretism,
as well as a variety of ongoing religious practices that enliven the heavenly landscape. In the
upper Karnali, most of the Buddhist Monasteries are affiliated with the Nyingmapa sect, though the
13th century. Tumkot monastery is Sakyapa, and 11th century Halji monastery in the Limi Valley
follows the Kagyu sect of Buddhism. The Yalbang monastery, led by the Rinpoche Perna Rigsal,
is a growing religious center, with almost two hundred monks and a complementary monastery
of Buddhist nuns or anis. Tibetan Buddhists live along the river corridor in Kailash region and
in river valleys of upper Humla in Nepal. After many years of relative neglect, the monastery
at Tumkot is now being restored and renovated to accommodate more residents (NRCT, 2019).
Thus, Karnali can be the central hub of Tibetan Himalayan Buddhism and Hinduism, Bonism, and
Animism of Nepal. In the middle and lower Karnali watershed, the vast majority of people are
Hindus who practice a diverse range of Hindu (Khas) traditions. There are also a handful of temples
and shrines along the river dedicated to Hindu deities, such as the temples at Tallo Dungeshwor
and Karpunath are popular. A variety of different forms of Shamanist and Animist practices persist
reflecting earlier indigenous religious practices that existed prior to the arrival of Buddhism and
Hinduism in these areas. Each village has at least one or two shrines for Shamanic gods, that honors
a mixture of land and indigenous gods, and also that some shamanistic practices are also practiced
in Buddhist communities further upstream Shamanism. Both Buddhists and Hindus recognize a
variety of territorial deities and demigods throughout the region - in short, the entire landscape
throughout this region is animated by the presence of gods and other sacred beings.

Kailash Mansarovar:

The Karnali river flows from the sacred region of Mount Kailash in the Tibetan autonomous
region of China. The River begins as the Mapcha Khabab in a glaciated valley to the West of Lake
Mansarovar and Rakshashtal, near the area referred to as the Garuda Valley in the ancient kingdom
of Zhangzhung. Streams running from the glaciers of the sacred mountain of Mount Gurlamandata
46
 Bharat Prasad Badal
are another source of the Karnali. The sacred Mt. Kailash and the holly Lake Manasarovar are the
most attractive spots for pilgrims of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon and Jainism. There is an old
legend that pilgrimage around the Kailash Mountain, standing for purification and beneficence, can
relieve the crime committed. So pilgrimage surrounding Kailash is the main activities of various
religions. The route of pilgrimage surrounding the sacred Kailash covers 32 kilometers starting
from Tarchen. The pilgrimage is most popular in Tibetan horse year.

Mount Kailash, also known as Kang Rinpoche in Tibet, is known to be the center of the cosmos
and the abode of the gods within the Buddhist, Hindu, Bon and Jain faiths, as well as in a variety of
different Shamanic religions. In a variety of faiths, this holy mountain represents the highest form
of spiritual evolution, the center of a sacred mandala, and the point where the realms of heaven,
earth, and the hell meet. In Hindu philosophy, Kailash is said to have emerged from the mixing
or churning of the cosmic ocean. It is the site where the fourteen principal gems (Mixture of 14
Bhuwan) at the center of the cosmic system were deposited. Pilgrims of many faiths visit Kailash
each year to do kora or circumambulation of the mountain, and to visit the various Gompas and
shrines that surround this holy mountain.

The sacred landscape that surrounds Kailash is thought to be a relic of the original Cosmic Ocean
and the life-giving center from which four great rivers flow. The four rivers flow from the mouth
of a different creature - the Indus river from a Lion’s mouth (Singchhen Khabab) in the North, -
the Karnali River from a Peacock’s Mouth (Mapcha Khabab) in the South- the Brahmaputra or
(Yarlung Tsangpo) river from a Horse’s mouth (Tamchhog Khabab) in the East, and - the Sutlej
river from an Elephant’s mouth (Langchhen Khabab) in the West.

Lake Manasarovar, which sits at the foot of Mt. Kailash at an elevation of 4590m, is a relic of
the “Sea of Tethys” that once covered the Tibetan Plateau and is considered to be a holy “Lake of
Wisdom” in many religious traditions. Tibetan Buddhists call this lake as Mapham Yumtso, which
means “Unconquerable Turquoise Lake”, and they believe that the queen of the Naga (the ancient
serpent gods) resides here, sending forth life-giving waters to the world. Kailas has never been
summited because to do so would commit grave offence: to the Hindu, the peak is the home of Siva,
who sits in eternal meditation with his wife Kali; the mountain forms. It is the centre of Buddhist
cosmology, but is also the site of a great contest of the mythical Milarepa with the Bon priest Naro
Bonchung. To the ancient Tibetan Bon religion, it is the Axis Mundi and to the Jain it is the place
that Rishabhana, equivalent to Shakyamuni, achieved Moksha or enlightenment (Piasecki, 2019).

The mountain(Kailash) has four sides, a rare symmetry that is certainly a source of its sacred status:
it sits on the earth mandala, below which, in the Buddhist cosmology, are three other mandala hell
realms, relating to water, fire and air. Above are the celestial realms. When pilgrims walk the route,
they are absolutely between heaven and hell. The south face of Kailas bears the naturally formed
patterns of a swastika, a symbol that endured for thousands of years through multiple systems
(again Mesopotamian, Chinese and Vedic) as a positive emanation of the auspicious (Piasecki,
2019).

For Hindu and shamanic Dhami pilgrims drinking its water or bathing in the lake is thought to
wash away pollution carried from the womb and help bring pilgrims wisdom and understanding.
For Hindus, Lake Manasarovar is also considered to be the soul of Brahma; for Shamans, bathing
in the lake renews their ability to interpret divine knowledge. Each year, thousands of pilgrims from
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 Research Nepal Journal of Development Studies, Year 4th, Issue 2nd, December 2021
multiple faiths visit this sacred lake to bathe in its waters and circumambulate its periphery - they
come on individual pilgrimages or as part of major collective journey. As the body of water at the
center of the Cosmic Heaven, Lake Mansarovar is thought to nourish the world. Himalayan Pass
is also considered one of the shortest and most feasible trade routes between India and China via
Nepal (Bhattarai G. , 2021). This route has been used for centuries by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims
and tourists to Kailash Mansarovar yatra (Khanal, 2021).

Rakshastal, one name for the saline lake immediately to the west of Manasarovar lake, is considered
to be “the Lake of Power and the residence of wrathful or violent gods and goddesses with devilish
natures”. It is important to note that this lake also has many names, which reflect different spiritual
orientations and meanings. Rakshastal, or “Demon Lake” is merely the Sanskrit name given to the
lake by pilgrims of the Hindu faith, but the local Tibetan name for the lake is Langak Sertso (gold
lake) (Chapagain, Dhaubanjar, & Bharati, 2021). Practitioners of the ancient Tibetan religion of Bon
refer to the lake as Muley Tsho (silver lake) and believe that the Dulla Gyalmo - a manifestation of
the Bon Queen of the Universe and consort to the great tutelary deity Walchen Gekho, who reside
in Mount Kailash - lives in the waters depths. The Karnali river, central attraction, main river of
the province, emerges from the Mount Kailash region. It is a holy region that is sacred to Hindu,
Buddhist, Sikh, Jain and Bon religions and a sacred pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of
tourists. The Kailash region is the source of four life-giving rivers supporting billions of people.
The flow of the Karnali River does not come from Rakshastal but instead the headwaters of the
Karnali River comes from the meltwater of glaciers on the north side of the Himalaya in the Tibetan
Autonomous Region of China. The Machakabab- Mouth of Peacock, Spring, sacred to Tibetans,
contributes to the flow of the Karnali along the way (NRCT, 2019).

The lake is important to Bonpo, shamans, and tantric practitioners, most lay people regard the lake
with caution - in large part perhaps because its water is brackish and cannot be safely consumed.
The stream that flows between Manasarovar Tal and Rakshas Tal is referred to as Ganga Chhu, and
the direction of its flow is interpreted as a symbolic manifestation of the triumph of wisdom over
power. Mount Gurla Mandata, the companion peak to Mt. Kailash and the abode of the Bon goddess
Kangkar Lamo overlooks the shores of the lake, and so it too is an important part of the mandala
of the Kailash Sacred Landscape. The upper regions of the Karnali watershed in Nepal have long
been culturally and economically linked to the Kailash-Manasarovar region of Ngari prefecture of
Tibet. In the past, while establishing ritual friendships and fictive kin relations traders from Nepal
and Tibet used to make vows to Kailash and Manasarovar to bind them in perpetuity - a practice
which highlights the connectivity between the landscapes of the Karnali region and the sacred
landscapes of Kailash-Manasarovar. In the contemporary, the upper Karnali is also an important
route of pilgrimage for visitors traveling to Kailash and Mansarovar - the number of pilgrims and
tourists traveling through Humla has increased substantially in recent years (NRCT, 2019). North
south Karnali corridor is indispensable. Federal, provincial, and local entire mechanism must work
day and night to attract the people who want to visit Kailash Mansarovar by developing a smart
Karnali highway.

Temples and Monasteries:

Tripurasundari, Chandannath, Chhayanath, Kharpunath, Belashpur, Shivalaya, Deuti Bajai,

Khairabang, Digre Shai Kumari Bhagwati Temple are the famous temples of the province. Goddess

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Deuti Bajai resides in a holy temple of purity, it is believed that she is a desire fulfilling Goddess.
According to local belief, the innermost desire of a person is fulfilled by the Goddess. People from
different part of the country, especially from eastern Terai and hills come to visit the Goddess Deuti
Bajai (Dhakal, 2019). It is the most significance site of Hindu worship sites throughout the Karnali
province of Nepal. Since this important pilgrimage destination combines outstanding natural
resources. It will become a prime area for tourism development of the district and the province.

Chhayanath is a sacred pilgrim place for Buddhists as well as the Khas/Hindus located in Mugu
district of Nepal. Local people from the nearby village of Dolpa come up here to harvest Yarsagumba
and also graze their cattle in the summer. Yarchagumba has been used by Amchi’s (traditional
Himalayan healers) for centuries; In recent years it fetches high cash for its aphrodisiac properties
(Bhattarai & Katwal, 2020). Chandannath, Chhayanath, Kharpunath, Khorjernath are the important
temples of Karnali. The influence of Kashmiri art on Chandannath temple, the master was from
Kharpunath who went to Kashmir for education and then established Chandannath temple. On
the other hand, Halzi, Raling, Shey Gomba, Ribo Bhumpa Gomba, Saldang Gomba, Pugmo Bon
Gomba, Rigmo Bon Gomba are other famous tourist attraction of Karnali. The Karnali tourism
administration must link all the temples and monasteries with linking package tour of Hindu and
Buddhists circuit of Karnali.

Bhurti Temple Complex of Dailekh:

In the tentative list of UNESCO, the temple complex of Bhurti in Dailekh District of Karnali
province of Nepal, consists of an ensemble of 22 monuments. It is also known and Bhurtika Bais
Devals in Khas Nepali tone. Exactly when and by whom this temple complex was established and
constructed is not known. Mythological, the temple complex was built Pandavas when they were
in exile of 13 years. The five temples (Devals) resemble five Pandavas of Mahabharat. The temples
are constructed in the typical style of Western Malla Architecture- the only architecture found in
Karnali Nepal.

The website also claims that the monuments are constructed in dry stone masonry in Panchadeval
style - a variant widespread in the entire Khasa Kingdom. It assembles the Khash and Mashto
tradition of Karnali province. The style, form and craftsmanship of the temples are unique to
the region. These historical archeological sites are the major tourism attractions of the province.
Currently there are is no worship practices taking place at these temples. The temples are in their
original state and are at some distance from the nearby township. The temple complex is found
to be in good condition. Pandavas were great devotee of Lord Krishna so the small temple in the
middle of other five Deval represents Krishna. Thus local people can practice worship to lord
Krishna in different festivals and preserve it for future references. Furthermore, Kankrebihara, Kot
Gadhi, Bhurtika 22 Devals, Kirtisthamba, Paduka, Sinja Birat Palace, Jaktipur Palace, Jajarkot
Palace, Salyan Khalanga are other major tourist attractions of Karnali.

Kankre Bihara:

Kankre Bihar was built during the regime of King Ashok Challa of Sinja Kingdom (now Jumla)
approximately in 1268 AD, who has ruled between 1255 to 1278 AD, he was the son of Kra challa
whose son king Jitari challa adopted the “Malla” since then the “challa” Dynasty was known as
Malla in the history of Nepal. King Ashok was the follower of the Mahayana Buddhism and the
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Kankrebihar is symbol of devotion to lord Buddha. His kingdom Extended up to Trisuli River in the
East, Sutlej River-Garwal-Laddhakh in the West, Khari region of Tibet in the North and the Ganga
river (Tarai) in the South (Dhakal, 2019).

It is possibly the oldest and largest Shikhara Style Stone carved Vihara/Temple of Nepal revered
both by Buddhist & Hindu civilizations. It is the home to the Bon religion (Dolpo), Kankre Bihar
temple is a religious site of Karnali, which is situated in the middle part of the Surkhet Valley.
According to local people and archeological study this temple was build 12th -13th century. This
area is also very important for the Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It is archeological and historical
important. Near about one thousands of visitor visit Kankre Bihar per day, school and campus
students and teachers from different parts of the country come to visit. It is also the famous for the
picnic spot. Shiva Mandir at Latikoili, near by the Kankre Bihar is a famous Shivalaya made up of
stone. People belief that Kankre Bihar temple and the Shivalaya were built in the same time.

On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, thousands of visitors visit temple and worship the greatest
god of Hindu. Hundreds of shops are selling the hisses mix foods as the Parsad of God Shiva.
There is not any administrative restriction to use hisses (Marijuana) on Mahashivaratri. Religious
temple or Devalayas, Monuments and religiously important places are all over the study area.
Worshiping the God and Goddess for the protection the climates, seeking progress and prosperity,
live from diseases, growth grain, protection of animals and human being etc. are common things
of local people. They worship caves, bottom of the tree, hills, stone, Deuarali etc. so religiously
many people visit to see or to participate in this types of activities of the local people (Dhakal,
2019). It is an ancient historical temple which, was made in 12th century. Now this temple is under
reconstruction. According to local people the worshipping was disturbed because of the damage of
this temple. It is not possible to find out the construction organization or the person till now but it
has a great attraction power to the tourists.

Sinja and Dullu:

Sinja is the origin of Khasha Civilization and Language. It is the winter and summer capital of
Khasha Kingdom. Karnali is one of the old civilizations of Nepal and is connected with ancient
Khasha (Malla) kingdom. Also known as Naga descendants (from Western Tibet), the Khasha
people are said to have migrated into this region possibly from Khasgar region of Western Tibet or
Kashmir region of Pakistan. The archaeological remains and inscriptions found in Surkhet, Dailekh,
Jajarkot, Jumla (Sinja) reveal that Karnali Province was the heart of the Khasha Kingdom. Dullu
and Sija were being the summer and winter palacial sites respectively. Till 14th century AD, Khasha
Kings were ruling the greater Khasha territory extending Garhwal in the west, Mansarowar and
Guge regions of Tibet in the north, Gorkha-Nuwakot regions in the east and up to Ganga river in
the South (Aryal, Niroula, & Ghimire, 2019). Sinja Valley, which is considered to be the place of
origin of Nepali language and different temples and shrines within the parks and the buffer zone are
other factors for engaging the visitors.

Sinja Valley contains the archaeological evidence of the capital city of the well organized and
influential Western Malla or Khasa Kingdom of the 12th and 14th Century. After the 14th Century
the Khasa Kingdom split into the Baise or Twenty-Two Kingdoms which existed until the unification
of Nepal in the late 18th Century. Excavations have revealed the remains of old palaces, temples
(Kanak Sundari, Tripura Sundari) and the old settlement. A remarkable ring of huge monolithic
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 Bharat Prasad Badal
stone columns was found surrounding the ruins of the ancient settlement with a Malla gateway and
steps. Earthen pipes were excavated testifying to an elaborate water supply system.

Across from the Hima River there are caves with ancient votive ritual Buddhist chaityas and cliff
inscriptions. Even today the ancient rites of the Mashto (Shamans) are practiced in many of the
stone Dewals or temples. The Sinja Valley was where the Nepali language originates from and
the earliest examples of the Devanagari script from the 13th Century were found on the cliffs and
in nearby Dullu (UNESCO, 2021). Sinja valley, which is considered once the ancient kingdom
of Nepal, is located in Jumla district. It is the place where Nepali as a language originated.  Sinja
Valley was the ancient capital city and powerful town of the Khasa Kingdom.

Dullu Durbar has a 1,038-year-old Saupal Adhai Shakya-built first inscription, a historic Kotgadhi,
an unbroken flame and archeological stone fountains. The municipality has started developing it as
a tourist area by constructing a museum as it is getting run-down due to lack of protection. Mayor
Ghanshyam Bhandari said that a plan has been made to protect Dullu’s heritage. Dullu has the first
inscription in Nepali language, the work column of the Nagavanshi and Pal dynasty kings of the
Sinja Empire (UNESCO, 2021). Similarly, Baleshwor, the tomb of Jang Bahadur Rana’s father Bal
Narasimha Kanwar, Pauwa, Dullu Durbar, Dharmagadhi, Panch Deval and other properties built by
Kazi Jaspau Thapa are among the properties. Various monasteries, parties and pavilions have also
shown religious significance. Dullu area is also considered important for folk culture like Deuda,
Dhamari, Rattewali, Neule Vaka, Karkae and Ashika.

Dailekh is named by “Deo Lok” means the settlement of Gods. Deo means God and Goddess. later
it is said Dadhichi Lok, where seer Dadhichi lived, later people said Dahi (yogurd) lekh because
near the headquarter of Dailekh, there is cold climate and people in agriculture era used to tamed
cattle and used to make delicious yogurt therefore people said it Dahilekh. Especially in the period
of Mahabharata, the teacher of Kaurav and Pandav seer Dornacharaya used to live in Dullu. Dullu
municipality was named by the name of seer Dornacharaya. Siddhasthali is a bit height from Dullu
center. There is the Jungle near Siddhasthali. We can see the dilapidated footprints of temple where
the Dornacharaya used to live. Later Dornacharaya settled their brothers in Badalamji, where the
family of Dornacharaya or Acharaya village says Bhakta Sahi. The Panchkoshi pilgrimage site,
Shristhan, Nivisthan, Paduka and Dharaleshwar are being renovated. Dullu region is considered as
the birthplace of Karnali Khas civilization (UNESCO, 2021).

Dullu was made the winter capital during the Sinja Empire. The oldest inscription written in Nepali
language is Shake 903, i.e. 1038 BS, which is said to be the linguistic inscription of the period of
Damupal, the successor of Nagraj of Karnali province at that time (Badal, 2019). Although the
origin of Nepali language is believed to be from Sinja of Jumla, the recorded history is believed to be
connected with Dailekh. According to linguist Prof. Dr. Madhusudan Giri, there have been various
debates about the origin of Nepali language which started from the stone pillar written by Sahupal
Adai in 1038 BS. Along with the linguistics in Dullu, there is also the ‘Kriti Khamb’ of Shake 1279,
in 1414 BS It is the origin of 32 Thar that 32 surname of Khas people originated from 32 places
of Dailekh district of Karnali Province. Badal from Badalamji, Acharya from Acharyagaun, Rijal
from Riju, Dahal from Daha, Lamsal from Lamsu, Nepal from Nepal, Kattel from Katti, Bastakoti
from Bastekot, Khanal from Khan, Dullu Durbar from Dullu, Bhurtel from Bhurti and many others
are mentioned in various genealogies, say experts. The statue of Jain Tirthankar Mahavira of Shake

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1136 in the Paduka temple has a special significance (UNESCO, 2021).

Area-wise, Karnali is the biggest river basin in Nepal, yet it is the least developed and most food-
insecure region in the country. This region has the highest poverty rate in Nepal, with every second
person in Karnali being multidimensionally poor. The highlands in Karnali are considered to be
relatively water-poor regions in Nepal. The indigenous communities rely on natural springs as
their primary source of water for drinking and irrigation and are highly vulnerable to changes
in precipitation. The southern lowlands are prone to disasters, such as floods and droughts, and
the northern highlands experience landslides and flash floods (Chapagain, Dhaubanjar, & Bharati,
2021).

Cultural Attractions of Karnali

SN Districts Details
1 Surkhet Deuti Bajai Jalesoredham Uttarganga Malika temple, Sidhapaila mandir, Lati
koili shivalaya, Kankre Vihar, Bailkandagadhi, Bheri babai Diversion, multi-
purpose, Sidhapaila mela
2 Dailekh Panchakoshi (Sirsthan, Navisthan, Padukasthan, Dhulesore, Kotila), Tallo
Dungesore Belaspur temple, Narayan temple, Panchadeval (Bhurtika) For
World Heritage Site, Kotgadhi, Kazi Jaspau Pauwa, Sat khamba, Pather Nauli,
Dharmagadhi, Kirtistambha
3 Kalikot Panchadeval, Chautho deval, Gunamandu, Chulimai temple (need access),
Pugmai temple, Shilling temple at Mahabu height Basudhara also known as
Tribeni, Kotdarbar, Kalika (historical stone carving)
4 Salyan Khairabang Bhagwati temple, Chayachhetra Satidevi temple, Laxmipur
Shaktipith Devsthal Krishna temple, Kalimati ki Bajyu (Devi Gangamala),
Endangered ethnic community of Raute, Unique folklore of Bangard area,
Tappa and Maruni dances, Falawang Darbar
5 R u k u m Saikumari Digre Bhagwati, Kalika temple, Barah temple, Shivaji temple, Laxmi
West Narayan temple, Devisthan temple, Mastathan, Rajkot and Miteri Cultural
Museum, East Magar folklores, Botam- chhatri patan trail
6 Jumla Chandannath temple, Bhairavnath temple, Darbar temple, Kanaksundari,
Chimara Malika, Tharpa Mastasthan, Bhandar ban, Panchadeval Dudul Chaitya,
Sinja civilization, Mani Gumba, Chotra Gumba, Dilli kot, Gaijatra, Ropain jatra,
Ghoda khela nach
7 Humla Kharpunath, Mahadeval, Lawasur madu, Bhagwati madu, Raling Gomba,
Rijhiling Gomba, Yalbang Gomba, Deuda folk dance, Limi Valley, Lungdup
machaling monastery, Tumkot monastery, Til monastery, Yangshi, Laitongka,
Langdu, Khasarpani monasteries, Sarkiko sthan
8 Dolpa Balatripurasundari, Chalmasta Bhawani, Manma Deuta mandir, Kalika mandir,
Dho Valley, Dhami Jhankri (traditional witch craft), Banu Bajyasthan, Gumbatara
monasteries, Sahartara monasteries, Tuppatara monasteries, Chyujungpal
monasteries, Bikramshahi maharajko harikirtansthan, Chyujungpal gate

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 Bharat Prasad Badal

9 Mugu Chhayanath temple, Kalika and Malika mandir, Bachanbolne monastery,

Mahakal monastery, Chittai, Dolfu, Maha, Shero, Kirmi, Daura monasteries
10 Jajarkot Malika mandir, Masto mandir, Shivalaya, Khalanga Durbar area / Jajarkot
Durbar, Paink masto mela
(KPPC, 2020)

Thus Karnali government must make linking points or pilgrimage route of all these cultural
monuments.

Prioritized 100 destinations of Tourism Development Program of Nepal

SN Districts Developing Destinations

1 Surkhet Kankrebihar, Deuti Bajyai, Madan Ashrit Park, Jajura Daha, Gidde Hill Tourist
Spot
2 Dailekh Pancha Koshi Religious Area Kot Gadhi-Pancha Deval- Belaspur-Mahabu
Area
3 Kalikot Pachal Waterfalls
4 Salyan Kuvinde daha
5 Rukum W Botamkot Chitri Patan
6 Jumla Sinja Civilization Dudul Stupa
7 Humla Limi valley
8 Dolpa Phoksundo National Park Tripurasundari Religious Spot
9 Mugu Rara Lake Rara to Phoksundo (Lake to Lake) Trekking
10 Jajarkot Khalanga Durbar Area
(Study, 2020)

The only one source of revolutionary transformation of Karnali is its tremendous natural and cultural
attractions. The only solution of poverty alleviation is tourism must be analyzed and implemented
by the policymakers.

Conclusion

Nepal is one of the pristine center of natural and cultural tourism attraction. Nepal’s most beautiful
natural and cultural attraction is Karnali. There are around 30% of Khasaryan population in Nepal,
literally originated from Khasasn kingdom. Karnali stakeholders must analyze the sentiment of
Khasaryan of their ancestral kingdom with different programs and invitations. Karnali tourism is a
set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of the society. It encompasses
arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, literature, music, and the living cultures with
their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions of Karnali. Specifically culture of Khasaryan,
Mashto worship, Deuda, Himalayan Buddhism, Rara and pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar are the
prominent cultural attractions of Karnali.

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