Urban Tourism and Poverty Reduction

A Case Study of Bhaktapur Municipality, Nepal

Regional Workshop on Urban Tourism and Poverty Reduction 20-22 November 2002 Colombo, Sri Lanka

Presented By:

Ashok Byanju Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN)

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

2. Current Tourism Conditions ---------------------------------------------- 3

3. Tourism Attractions in Bhaktapur --------------------------------------- 3

4. Festivals in Bhaktapur ----------------------------------------------------- 4

5. Ritual Dances of Bhaktapur ---------------------------------------------- 4

6. Products of Bhaktapur ----------------------------------------------------- 4

7. Keys to Releasing Tourism Potential ---------------------------------- 5

8. Proposed Product Development Strategies -------------------------- 5

9. Impact of Tourism in Society --------------------------------------------- 8

10. Product Development Activities ----------------------------------------- 8

11. Market Activities ------------------------------------------------------------ 10

12. Study Tours and Further Trainings ------------------------------------12

13. Efforts from Local Government -----------------------------------------12

14. Current Programs ----------------------------------------------------------12

15. Message to Other Cities ------------------------------------------------- 12

16. Conclusions -----------------------------------------------------------------13

Annexes ---------------------------------------------------------------------14

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INTRODUCTION:

Bhaktapur, a place of historical importance and the home of medieval art and architecture, is one of the three capital towns of Nepal, locally known by Bhadgaon and KHWOPA. It is world renowned for its colourful festivals, traditional dances and the typical indigenous Newar lifestyle. It has recently emerged as Nepal’s Cultural Capital. It is a Living Museum, displaying traditional music, festivals and ritual dances, the vibrant depth of Newari Culture. For its majestic monuments, colourful festivals and the native Newars best known for their long history of craftsmanship, the ancient city is also variously known as the ‘City of Culture’, and the ‘Living Heritage’ and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’

Bhaktapur - 28 o north and 85 o 35’ east, lies 11.2 km east of Kathmandu, which is situated at 1,401 meters above the sea level & spreads over an area of 6.88 sq. km. It grows from a collection of villages strung along the old trade route between India and Tibet. King Yaksha Malla (15th century) heavily fortified his capital city in a bid to make it invulnerable. The Hindus and Buddhists have co-existed in harmony and drawn inspirations from each other through the ages. Painting, carving, masonry, bronze casting, jewellery, pottery, agro-products are other traditional enterprises still existing. Monuments and artistic carvings on wood, stone and metal are strewn all over the historical core of the city.

Unlike its two sister cities of the Valley – Kathmandu and Lalitpur, Bhaktapur is still predominantly comprised of the peasantry, with their traditional enterprises. And like the rest of Nepal, one can see Hinduism and Buddhism intermingling with one another in religious tolerance and communal harmony. Since the major West German funded Bhaktapur Development Projects in the 1970s, it has been a much cleaner and tidier town, but there’s still a distinctly timeless air to the place. The project restored buildings, paves dirt streets and brought sewerage facilities.

A Cultural City: Bhaktapur, one of the three historic royal towns in the Kathmandu valley with rich architectural and urban heritage found in the 8th century A.D. is known as Khwopa in Newari dialect and Bhaktapur in Nepali. One hundred thousand people inhabit the city and the main occupation of its inhabitants is agriculture where as the crafts and businesses are their secondary occupations.

From 12–15th century A.D. the city remained the capital of the kingdom of Nepal. Cultural and living heritage dating back 14-15 centuries has remained relatively well preserved. The Taleju Shrine, 55 Windowed Palatial Structure in the Durbar Square, the Five Storied Temple, the Bhairav Temple at Taumadhi Square, the Dattatraya Square with many small and big temples as well as the priest houses have remained the master pieces not only of Bhaktapur but also of the Country. “Were there nothing else in Nepal save the Durbar Square of Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) it would still be amply worth making a journey halfway round the globe to see,” expressed A.E. Powell, London. Again Swiss Geologist Dr. Toni Hagen wrote, “Bhaktapur is the most clean city, others should follow her.” Inspired by these lofty ideas the citizens of Bhaktpur are being indulged in the conservation of the heritage. Historical Background: The oldest part of the town is around Tachupal Tole (the Dattatraya Square), to the east. Bhaktapur was the capital city of the whole valley during the 14th to 16th centuries and during that time the focus of the town-shifted west, the Durbar Square area. Much of the town’s great architecture dates from the end of the 17th century during the rule of King Bhupatindra Malla. On Yaksha Malla’s death, the kingdom after a period of joint rule among his sons eventually became divided into three small kingdoms, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Patan.

The People: A racial group called the Newars mostly inhabits the town of Bhaktapur. They are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Valley who had come to settle here in the time of King Hari Singh Dev in 444 Nepal Sambat i.e. 1324 A.D. On an average there is a handloom of crude old type in every household of Bhaktapur. The peasants of Bhaktapur rarely use foreign-made clothes. They put on Gharbunna (home-made cloth). Their females have a distinct type of dress. They wear black saris with red borders called Hakupatashi. A special type of curd called Juju Dhau is prepared sweet tasty. Some sections of the people maintain their life by taking to curd making. Another notable industry of Bhaktapur is cap-making here a particular type of cap called Takuwa Topi also called Bhadgaule Topi is manufactured.

The Agricultural Economy: The economy of Bhaktapur, like that of Nepal as a whole, is fundamentally agricultural. The city is ringed with farmlands. The main crops are rice, wheat, and maize, followed by crops grown in much smaller quantities- millet, potatoes, oil seed, barley, sugarcane, and a large variety of vegetable crops such as pulses, peepers, onions, soybeans, tomatoes, and ginger. The fields are irrigated, and those on the hillsides are terraced.

In a study, it reports that 70 percent of the sample farming accounted for more than 70 percent of their household cash income, while for 11.5 percent of the households it accounted for 50 to 70 percent of their income, and for 11.5 percent it accounted for 30 to 50 percent of their income. All of the households in the survey supplemented

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their crop income in various ways- by some limited sale of animal products, by income from various trades and crafts, by wage labour, and from the rental of land or, rarely, through local commerce

The Non-Agricultural Economy: An inventory of the small stalls and shops that crowd the bazaar street gives some idea of the variety of the supplies and of the specialists who provide them, which are necessary for the material and symbolic life of Bhaktapur. There are specialized shops or market areas selling various matters like cloth for saris and clothes; ready-made clothes; smoking supplies; rice and other grains; metal cooking pots; curds; curios for the tourists trade; books; gold and silver ornaments and small religious figures in gold and silver; caps; sweet cakes. Finally, there are all kinds of specialized performers and providers of services - musicians of various types, ritual dances, barbers, and medical specialists of various types, various kinds of priests and ritual specialists, midwives, cutters of umbilical cords, astrologers, tailors, fishermen, sweepers, and many more.

The 1971 census reported for Bhaktapur that 65.8 percent of the workforce was engaged in agriculture, 8.5 percent in commerce, and 8.2 percent in manufacturing, primarily crafts. It also listed a small number of people engaged in electrical, gas and water services It enumerated some 2,197 people, 15.1 percent of the economically active population, are engaged in “personal and community services". CURRENT TOURISM CONDITIONS Tourism in Bhaktapur: Being one of the historical cleanest cities in the Kathmandu valley, most of Nepal’s annual foreign visitors visit the Bhaktapur municipality Area during their Nepal visit. Bhaktapur is involved in the half-day sightseeing tour package. Though, many tourists stay over nights in Bhaktapur with their own purposes and during some specific occasions. Also, Bhaktapur being the intermediate point to Nagarkot, Changu Narayan and Dhulikhel, many tourists visit it. It is estimated that about 87345 foreign guests visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square annually prior to the introduction of the service charge USD 1 since July 1993 for the purpose of conservation and development of Bhaktapur. Table 2 and 3 shows that the highest number of tourists visited Bhaktapur municipality during the year 2000 (corresponding to 2056/57 B.S.) from NON SAARC Countries whereas the maximum number of tourists visited from SAARC Countries is during the year 1999 (corresponding to 2055/56 B.S.). TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN BHAKTAPUR Tourists Sites in Bhaktapur: Monumental masterpieces in Bhaktapur are innumerable. Most of the temples are pagoda style – they have terracotta tile roofs supported by intricately carved wooden struts or columns, wooden and doors, gilded roofs and pinnacles, open brick-paved spaces around, and above all, an image of the deity presiding over the edifice. Still while temples share similar attributes, each is unique. And each reflects a different component of the religious belief, social outlook and the economic status of the rich culture and long artistic tradition of the indigenous Newars. Durbar Square: The Durbar Square is Bhaktapur’s monumental gem. It is one of the seven UNESCO world heritage sites located in Kathmandu Valley. This spectacular square, a capital of Malla Kingdom till 1769, is an open museum itself. Victorian illustrations show that it was once packed with monasteries, temples and artistic buildings, almost one third of which were destroyed by the disastrous earthquake of 1934.the square still holds mesmerizing palaces, pagodas, shikhara-style temples as well as Buddhist monasteries exclusively architecture. While one pace through Durbar Square, he will be compelled to feel the touch of mediaeval excellence, The Golden Gate, Taleju Temple (The Interior of Taleju, The Mul Chowk, The Kumari Chowk, The Golden Spout), Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Fifty-five Windowed Palace, The Big Bell, Chyasin Mandap, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Vatsala Temple, Yaksheshwor Temple, Chatu-brahma Bihar at Sakotha. Taumadhi Square: Taumadhi Square, just half a minute walk from the Durbar Square is the square that divides the ancient town into upper and lower halves. The biggest festival of the town – Bisket Jatra, schedules every year in April – starts from this very square. The square is dominated by many mesmerizing temples and other medieval architecture Nyatapola Temple. Bhairav Temple and Til Madhav Narayan Temple are the major structures. Being centrally located a lot of local activities depicting local life-style and culture can be observed here throughout the day, The Nyatapola Temple, The Bhairav Nath Temple, Til Madhav Narayan Temple. Dattatraya Square: Like the other squares, the Dattatraya Square is also like an open museum that contains innumerable monumental masterpieces of woodcarvings. The seat of royalty till the late 1500’s, it is home to the ancient city’s best-known masterpieces, especially those in wood. The square originally known as “Tachupal” verbally meaning ‘the grand rest house’- alone consists seven Math’s among a dozen existing in Bhaktapur. Bhimsen Temple, the famous Peacock Window, the Bronze and Brass Museum, the Woodcarving Museum and Dattatraya Temple are the additional major attractions of the square. It is probably is the original centre of

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Bhaktapur, in the initial periods of its founding, The Temple of Dattatraya, Poojari Math, Wakupati Narayan Temple, Peacock Window, Wane Layeku, Bhimsen Temple, Salan Ganesh Temple Pottery Square: Bhaktapur’s two Pottery Squares are world renowned, and so are the many potters that can be seen working there on their traditional wooden wheels. The first Pottery Square is located at Talako, some 500m to the southwest of Taumadhi Square, on the way to the Trolley Bus Terminal. Here visitors will find potters giving shape and size to lumps of black clay, and earthenware they make ranges from such household goods as pots and jars to cheap souvenir items as animals and birds. As pottery in Bhaktapur is a family job, visitors may chance upon the entire family doing their parts of work. Right within the complex is a two-floored temple that houses an ornate image of Ganesh, erected in a very traditional way. The pagoda dates back to the 14th century. Bhaktapur’s second Pottery Square is located to the east of the Dattatraya Square. Here also, visitors will see the ancient city’s well-known craftsmen sunk in what they have inherited from their ancestors. Elsewhere in Bhaktapur: Nava Durga Temple, Ta-pukhu (Sidhapokhari), Terra-cotta Windows, Nepal’s Largest Shiva Lingum, Ancha-Pukhu, Varahi temple, Barhe-pukhu (Kamal Vinayak), Buddhist Bihars and Bahis. Day-trippers around Bhaktapur: Nagarkot, Changu Narayan, Surya Vinayak, Thimi Museums in Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur is a paradise for art lovers. The whole city could be a live museum itself. If there are enough resources, there could have many more specialized museums. Museum of traditional dances, museum of traditional instruments, costumes, ornaments etc. Bhaktapur Municipality can still offer to the beloved guests, the three specialized museums, The National Art Gallery, The Woodcarving museum, The Bronze and Brass Museum. The museum, Bhaktapur’s third, faces the Woodcarving Museum in the Dattatraya Square. Housed in a historic Math noted for its mesmerizing masterpieces in wood, it specializes in such heterogeneous, ceremonial and household metal ware as ritual lamps (sukunda), hanging lamps (yekha-dallu), ceremonial jars, water-vessels, cooking pots, ink-pots, oil pots and spittoons which were used in the ancient and medieval periods. Open daily, except Tuesdays and public holidays, from 9am to 5pm. Festivals of Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur’s monuments serve as a stage for the city’s many festivals and cultural dances, which are at least as spectacular as any architectural structure. Still celebrated with the same old fervour and enthusiasm, this living heritage has been handed down from centuries in an unbroken chain from generation to generation. The most popular festival of the town of Bhaktapur is the Bisket Jatra and the others are Mata-tirtha Aunsi / Mother’s Day, Buddha Jayanti / Swanya Punhi, Sithi Nakha, Nag Panchami, Saparu / Gai Jatra, Ghathamunga, Krishnastami, Gunla, Gokarna Aunsi / Father’s Day, Yenya Punhi, Mohani / Dashain, Swonti / Tihar, Maghe Sakranti, Vasanta Panchami / Shree Panchami, Maha Shiva Ratri, Holi / Fagu, Nava-durga Dance. Ritual Dances of Bhaktapur: Among the local dances the name of Devi Dance comes to the forefront. Men with masks all adorned with embroidered laces and decorative floral designs play it. The party consists of dancers called Kali, Kumari, Maha Laxmi, four Betals, two Bhuchas, and two Khyaks. They all dance merrily in tune with vocal instrument called Mahalin and the beating of the drum called Pachhima. The dance of Kumari and that of Maha Laxmi on the back of a gorgeous lion are exquisitely charming. To the same category is the Bhairav Dance. This party too consists of Bhairav, Maha Kali, and Khyaks. They dance in tune with the blowing of trumpets called Khing. This dance is very vigorous and awe-inspiring. Among the other local dances, the names of Maka Pyakhan (Monkey-Dance), Natuwa (Dancing Girls), Phakandali, Gayencha (Bards), Nagacha (the duel dance between Shiva Parvati), Bhalu Pyakhan (Bear Dance) and Lakhey Pyakhan (Demon Dance) are the popular dances. They are exhibited during the Gai Jatra which takes place in August. Products of Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur is rich in its traditional culture and skills. The generations of master craftsmen have been carrying on their time-honored traditions of arts and crafts. Besides monuments and festivals, Bhaktapur is equally rich in local Newar handicrafts. Here visitors can see for themselves the way Nepal’s master craftsmen carry on their time-honored traditions of art and craft. At either of the city’s two Pottery Squares, visitors can see potters spinning life into lumps of clay. Other of Bhaktapur’s handicrafts includes paubha scroll paintings, papier-mâché masks, cotton cloth, woodcarvings, metalwork, and jewelry. One can also find the homespun haku-patasi (black sari), traditional black caps, and the world famous Juju-dhau- the King of all Yoghurts. Some of the major products form the crafts people of Bhaktapur is Wood Carving, Paubha Painting, Terracotta Product, Traditional Masks, Lokta Paper Product, Handloom Product, Yoghurts (king curd).

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Accommodation and foods in Bhaktapur: As Bhaktapur of late has evolved itself into a popular tourist destination; the growth of hospitality business in this city is but natural. In recent years, the city has seen considerable surge in tourism trade including hotels, restaurants and handicrafts in and around the historic territory. Like anywhere else, the hotels and guesthouses in Bhaktapur do vary in size and standard, but things that they all have in common are their convenient location, varieties of amenities and above all, the personalized service they offer to their customers. The rooms are well-appointed, most of them having all amenities that a modern traveller may look for. For those whose preferences are for luxury-starred hotels, it is only a few kilometres away from the city centre. The city is a favoured place for gourmets and gourmands as well. Tastefully decorated and well stocked, restaurants in this historic city serve varieties of culinary delights ranging from simple Nepali dal-bhaat to international delicacies. Adding to it, the ambience is serene and soothing. And always with an eye on hygiene, what they offer to their customers suit both their palates and wallets. KEYS TO RELEASING TOURISM POTENTIAL Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee: With the intensions of retaining and improving in all possible aspects, the image of Bhaktapur, BTDC was established in 1997 with the active participation of the local community people directly and indirectly related to tourism industries. “Progress thoroughly healthy and sustainable tourism development” is the main guiding principle for all the activities of BTDC. The main objectives of BTDC include: ?? Identifying the problems in tourism development through general discussions, workshops and survey works. ?? Solving or assisting concerned authorities in solving problems related to tourism in Bhaktapur. ?? Contribution to the conservation and development of historical and cultural sites as well as traditional skills and

technologies. ?? Conservation of the environment about and around tourist sites by making local public aware about the

importance of tourism industries. ?? Draw attention of the authorities towards the possible side effect of tourism industries and act to minimize its

negative impacts. ?? Work for the professional benefits of the members by bringing them together and generating cooperative

attitude towards each other. ?? Working in close relation with national and international organizations with similar objectives. ?? Contributing to the development of national tourism industries. ?? Work in all possible sectors of tourism development. BTDC is planning to conduct village tourism training in the near future whereas it had successfully conducted a 15 days training on “Bhaktapur area local guide” in joint venture with the Bhaktapur Municipality. BTDC also celebrated the Third Century Anniversary organizing “Nyatapola Area Cleaning Campaign and Dipawali Program” on July 11, 2002. It has been publishing “Bhaktapur Tourism Information Bulletin” aiming to attain progress through sustainable and healthy tourism development in Bhaktapur by providing vital information on tourism to all the visitors. This bulletin also helps in introducing the tourist products of Bhaktapur. BTDC with the Bhaktapur Traditional Artist Group (BTGA) organized an Exhibition of Traditional Paubha Paintings from 12th to 15th April at Durbar Square. BTDC and Bhaktapur Municipality celebrated the world tourism day on the 27th September 2001 with various programs like cleaning campaigns, live cultural programs, as well as photo exhibition in Durbar Square. BTDC is also planning to celebrate the world tourism day on the 27th September 2002 by organizing the Cycling in and around Bhaktapur City Area including both the tourists and the locals. BTDC organized “Bhaktapur Night” on the 14th of November.2001 aiming to promote evening tourism activities. With view to promote tourism in Bhaktapur, BTDC team met the Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board at NTB meeting hall on 30th October 2001, which opened a lot of possible cooperation in promoting tourism in Bhaktapur. PROPOSED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Market led development: Tourism product development is likely to be the most successful if it is market led in a proper manner. This requires matching proposed tourism products to market segments, maintaining the balance between the demand and supply of tourism products with concentration on products that respond and strengthen the market image. Products recommendations have been influenced by “picking winners” that are achievable and most likely to be successful in commercial terms. Add value to tourism products: Adding value to the existing products is proposed as a key strategy. This is both cost effective and creates tourists attractions whereas at present there is only a little to encourage visitors. Fostering

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value and enhancing quality tourism must involve in improving service standards and trend positioning upwards towards some higher yield market segments, thus increasing the revenue generating possibilities. The Bhaktapur City Core areas which are scattered within the Bhaktapur Municipality are the good examples of under-utilized resource that bear the potential to become a major tourist interest with a concept of “Open Museum” and the key tourism attraction in this historic city- Bhaktapur, responding to the current intense interest in Bhaktapur. Adding value to the current tourist experience in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatraya Square and Pottary Square could along include the culture and heritage sites and conservation areas within the Bhaktapur city. Promotional traditional events, organizing cultural shows and mini musical concerts in the historic city would create the correct “cultural heritage” ambience and reinforce pride in the existing traditional skills. Other examples of supplementing value include the introduction of “Heritage Cafes and Cultural events to explore Bhaktapur” and street and floodlighting to create an evening destination. Conservation and Facilitation Program: Our Cultural Heritage is an organic whole of the Human Civilization. Its conservation is a major important task. We have understood the cultural and economical value of our heritage only on late eighties. Since one and half-decade, the Municipality has been working with a great concern in the conservation of its heritage. It has not been able to achieve the desired level in the sector due to constraint of resources. The central government’s grant for conservation and development to municipality is so small that it is not sufficient even to conserve one building in a year. Realizing the needs for searching locally available resources Bhaktapur Municipality tried to mobilize locally available resources. Today levying different taxes municipality collects revenue amounting USD120, 000.00 from its citizen. Similarly municipality had since July 1993 initiated to collect USD 1 a fund for conservation and development as a tourist service fee for visiting the City Core area. It had raised the entrance fee to USD 5 from July 1996 on ward. Again, it has been raised to USD 10 effective from January 2001. Although only 40% tourists landed in Nepal have found to pay visit Bhaktapur, we were able to raise the funds amounting USD 3.3 million for monument conservation and urban environment improvement. The total amount collected so far since municipality started to charge tourist entry fee is USD 3.323, 209.00 of which USD 1.798.230.00 has been spent on the conservation of the Cultural Heritage alone. Some activities related to heritage conservation and urban environment improvements are - ?? The municipality has given highest priority in heritage conservation and environment improvement, almost

70% of our municipal development budget towards conservation of arts, culture and heritage along with the cleanliness of the city. In the past 7 years, Bhaktapur Municipality has renovated, reconstructed or conserved 36 old ponds, 38 well, 24 water spouts, 41 public inns, 37 temples and entire City Core’s lanes, streets and courtyards have been paved with traditional paving materials.

?? No permission is given to pollution–prone industries such as carpet, dying, garments, saw mills, beaten rich mills within the densely populated Core City area. Previously established such industries are also being relocated away from the Core City.

?? Heavy vehicles are completely banned to enter into old City Core and all motor vehicles are prohibited strictly in Durbar Square area.

?? Locally published newspapers ‘Shramik’ weekly and ‘Majdoor’ daily are continuously publishing the importance of heritage.

?? The favourable environment has been created to announce ‘The Cultural City’. ?? To encourage the traditional folk dance, prayers, dafas and trusts, the Gaijatra festival has been observed as a

competitive event every year. ?? 8th September has been observed as the solidarity day in accordance with the proclamation of Organization of

World Heritage Cities (OWHC). ?? The stone marker with the inscription of ‘World Heritage’ have been installed in the ‘World Heritage Site’ and

old traditional buildings, temples, maths in the Core City have the metal plates inscribed ‘World Heritage’. ?? With the sole purpose of conserving Cultural Heritage within the city we have brought our motto in operational

usage with these words of commitments – “Creation of our predecessors – our art and culture” During the last seven years (1993 – 2000) Bhaktapur Municipality had spent USD 864,000.00 for city cleaning and USD 57,333.00 for information dissemination, USD 189,333.00 for managing tourist service centre. To meet the ever-increasing demand for housing and for the planned extension of the urban area, the Libali Land Development Project in 35 hectors of land have been implemented with full support from landowners and tenants. Thus USD

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2,884,806.00 had been spent within the span of seven years period for cultural heritage management and urban environment improvement. The Municipality has allocated approximately 57% of its total development budget for conservation and management of the heritage in the fiscal year 2000/2001. With the aim to converge Bhaktapur City into tourist’s destination the Bhaktapur Festival was held in 1997 for the first time in Nepal. It had paved the path for the year 1998’s “Visit Nepal Program’. With a view to promote and present the cultural heritage of Bhaktapur in the international arena the Municipality had participated in the World Tourism Marts 1998 in London. Meanwhile, it would be worthwhile to mention about the UNESCO PEACE PRIZE 1998 awarded to the municipality in recognition of the endeavours made toward the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of Bhaktapur. In the same manner Bhaktapur Municipality has gained the good standing membership of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). Study on the structural condition for conservation of the 55 Windowed Palace and National Workshop and seminars were also held under the auspices of Bhaktapur Municipality. Beside them the skilful woodcarvers from Bhaktapur had been to Palpa mid western Nepal in order to conserve the Tansen Temple. Similarly, the male group of flute players had participated Nepal Era 1120 eve at Pokhara while the female group at Hetauda in 2001. In connection with the safeguarding of the folk dances and folk songs series of programs have long been staged in the town in a competitive method. Among them is Bansuri (Flute) Competition, Recognition of the Artists, Gaijatra Festival and Comic Competitions, etc are note worthy. Under the joint venture of the UNESCO and Bhaktapur Municipality a week long Workshop on Cultural Heritage Management and Tourism was organized in April 2000 participated by more than twenty experts and stakeholders the workshop heralded by nine city experts paper presentation and discussions resolutely determined to work hand in hand for the cause of Heritage Conservation and submit to the people at large. In tune with the resolutions reached so far the municipality is undertaking a continued process to impart training in languages (English and Japanese) along with culinary training to the stakeholders. Subsequently, group of males and females are under the carpentry-training course. It is expected that it will help transform skills in woodcraft to the younger generation. April Workshop participants might have an idea of how big the area of Bhaktapur is encompassed by the Heritage conservation. As decided by HMG, the Durbar Square, the Taumadhi Square, the Dattatraya Square and the houses between the streets leading to and from Taumadhi to Dattatraya square are protected Monument Zone for safeguarding the Heritage Site. In spite of this, the Municipality has ventured to undertake a decision to encompass the entire Core City as indicted by the mediaeval city wall structure. Tourist Facilities in Bhaktapur: Nepalese have the culture of considering visitors as Gods and treating them likewise. The basic requirements of tourism industry like attraction, transportation, accommodation and other facilities are properly maintained in Bhaktapur. Some of the facilities that tourists enjoy in Bhaktapur are – Guide facilities of various languages, Comfortable an pleasant access/transportation to from Bhaktapur, Basic facilities like parking, toilets information etc., Standard accommodation, travel related facilities and communication, Tourist information and service centre providing the services like (Hotel booking, Trekking information and services, Mountain bike hire, Taxi / car service, Long- route bus services, Mountain flights, Balloon sunrise bookings, Rafting services, Airline ticketing, etc…), New tourism products (product diversification), Promotion of new tourism activities, Night / Evening tourism, Enjoy the cultural heritage and the traditional ritual dances and the festivals, Enjoy the medieval music of various typical instruments, Have the marvellous tastes of different typical foods in Bhaktapur, Eco-tourism and village tourism in around the Bhaktapur city in near future Foster Private Sector and Community Investment: One of the keys for tourism development in Bhaktapur is to create right business environment on stimulating the involvement of the private sector and local communities in prospective investments for tourism. There are many chances for commercial ventures using the clever Newar entrepreneurs. Lying within the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur relatively has the ultimate benefit of easily available human resources, better infrastructure, services and facilities and educated people and literate mass. It is recommended that Bhaktapur Municipality aspire to be a catalyst or instigator, creating a healthy environment for local businesses to flourish. These might range form small-scale shops and cafes, to the more ambitious restaurants and privately run tourist enterprises. For example, various programs organized on different occasions like Cultural Heritage Shows, Bhaktapur Nights, Food Carnivals, and Typical Musical Concerts etc. can also be run by the private sectors and community investments.

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Standardization of restaurants and other tourist consuming products has been called for by Bhaktapur Municipality and Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee (BTDC), and will assist private entrepreneurs. BTDC could also help Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in upgrading, regulating and monitoring the general standards of tourism products in Bhaktapur in an attempt to overcome the damaging reputation of poor hygiene and sanitation. IMPACT OF TOURISM IN SOCIETY Cultural and Heritage Impact: Our cultural heritage has a significant place in our society due to its “Spiritual, cultural and uses” value. Therefore the conservation of our heritage is imperative for our identity and continuity of the culture and furthering its development in the future. The urban heritage conservation of Bhaktapur includes not only the important monuments, but also the surroundings, courtyards and squares, lane and streets and its skyline and townscape as well. Municipality spends almost half of the total fund generated from the tourists’ service fees on keeping the city clean and in the improvement of urban infrastructure. The remaining fund is being used for heritage conservation and management. Sustainable development of Bhaktapur emphasizes that “the improvement of the living areas and their surroundings with the efficient management of garbage and waste disposal, sanitation and water supply” for a healthy living, working and recreation activities with in the Municipality, environmental improvement projects are being implemented in the historic city with respect to richness of art and architecture and the functional values of the heritage by providing technical and financial help to the heritage house owner for maintenance and up-keeping of the heritage house intact. Municipality also emphasizes in the improvement of the ecosystem by cleaning river, improving Ghats and by greening public open spaces wherever possible. Social Impact: Bhaktapur Municipality believes that the management of its urban heritage and resource mobilization has to be taken up in partnership with the user’s group, government agencies, NGO, INGO, Heritage society and the people engaged in Tourism Industry. Success of our conservation efforts through sustainability depends upon the awareness among the people and the government levels. Appropriate government policies and investment for sustainable planning and the conservation work are also needed. Bhaktapur realizes the widely accepted view that the benefits from tourism should be invested in the conservation and management of the heritage. Its plan, programs and actions of past decades clearly demonstrate that the revitalization of old city core area is possible only with the cooperation from visitor, its citizen and investment in heritage conservation. Economic Impact: In Bhaktapur, there are 172 temples, monasteries, and mosques. Likewise, Bhaktapur has 172 parts (Public Shelters), 27 sattals (Public inns), 19 maths (Priest houses), 152 wells 34 ponds and 77 sunken stone waterspouts. Besides it is Nepal’s cultural capital in which diverse cultural events, festivals and tradition are found. Tourists visit Bhaktapur to enjoy this unique architecture and cultural events. The number of tourists visiting Bhaktapur ranges from 500 to 600 daily. Municipality’s record also shows that as many as 1200 visitors had visited the city during Tourist Peak Season. Average growth in tourist arrival is around 15 percent. In year 2000, more than 2, 00,000 tourists visited Bhaktapur to see its architectural monuments, local festivals, culture and lifestyle of the people. Thus, the ever-increasing flow of tourist possesses economic potentiality and as well as threat to the cultural heritage, which in principle reflects the history of the socio-economic development of the society. The economic developments are rapidly taking place and the impact on the heritage is visible. It has also brought changes in the cultural landscape with the introduction of modern technology in communication (Cable TV, disc antennas) and concrete structure in old City Core areas, either destroying the old heritage house or dwarfing it altogether on the significant cultural landscape. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES Priority Amenities for Tourism Neat environment: There is no question that a clean city environment and effective solid waste management will contribute greatly to making Bhaktapur a more attractive destination than ever. The government and the people together must remain absolutely sanitation conscious a part of civilization. Though Bhaktapur is the cleanest city in the Kathmandu Valley, still control in the pollution is definitely required. Pedestrianization to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a priority to achieve an atmosphere conducive to the visitor appeal in a world heritage site. Involving the community in these activities is more likely to ensure sustainability. Basic Amenities: Basic tourism amenities such as toilets, telephones, information and paving in Bhaktapur are being implemented under the Bhaktapur Municipality ‘Conservation and Facilitating’ Program. Similar programs can of course be developed for all parts of the Bhaktapur city. It is highly desirable that any new buildings in the historic city area blend in with the existing structures. The toilet maintenance is most likely to be successful if commercially sustainable and the

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community manages with clear lines of responsibility. Pay toilets are also quite suggestible to improve the foreigners for their kind of innocent habit to the rest room and lavatory back home. Planned tourism information manuals and maps should be carefully sited and designed so as not to further contribute to any “urban clutter”. Create an Evening Destination: A key attraction to increase the length and quality of visitation would be the establishment of the historic city of Bhaktapur as an evening destination. BTDC is very well placed to achieve this and plans are already underway. The Bhaktapur Municipality is exploring proposals to improve street lighting. The four squares of Bhaktapur have already been floodlighted. Local Guides and Improvements: It is recommended that all guide trainings in solid conjunction with a comprehensive guide manual be linked with the Heritage Walks in order to maximize the chances of their success, ensure the same interpretation story is disseminated and to focus guides in a direction that will achieve certain objectives like – ?? To involve the resident community into the increased tourism benefits by organizing a cadre of special

category Local Guides for Bhaktapur Chapter based in the NTB Site Office and training conducted by NATHM for two weeks.

?? Organizing Tourist Escorts for Bhaktapur Chapter based in the NTB Site Office by TURGAN for one week could benefit more residents.

?? To establish Heritage Walks by offering a two-day refresher course by Nepal Heritage Society for licensed tourist guides and journalists to familiarize them with Heritage Walk routes and to attract the media coverage.

?? To improve the visitor experience by offering better interpretation of the Durbar Square Area and Heritage Walk routes.

With the main objective to control the wrong practices, irresponsible activities and uncontrolled services being practiced by the unauthorized local guides, Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee and Bhaktapur Municipality in joint venture, conducted “Bhaktapur Area Local Guide Training” from May 14th to 29th, 2002. Cultural Heritage Conservation and Tourism: At the moment the cultural heritage of Bhaktapur has become the centre of attraction. Generally, five to six hundred tourists visit the city. They vividly observe life style, cultural events and festivals along with seasonal melodies and lively drama played by the people. Municipality has not been succeeded in attracting by Nepal Television, Radio Nepal and the government owned mass media toward the direction. However, we are on the verge of imparting knowledge, skill and behavioural attitude to the emerging generation from now on. Some of the newspapers daily the MAJDOOR, SRAMIK the weekly and municipal monthly magazine – BHAKTAPUR has putting emphasis on the Heritage Conservation along with diversified articles and pictures from all over the globe. The people’s representatives are also indulging in the task of making people aware of the facts leading to heritage conservation. Bhaktapur Municipality has made a conscious effort to preserve its temples and unique environs. Besides the reconstruction work which was undertaken in the 1970s, Bhaktapur Municipality has launched and ambitious campaign or the purpose. Other steps have also been taken. For instance, Municipality has banned on any type of vehicle in and around 55 Windowed Palace the Durbar Square and heavy means of transportation all around the Core City of Bhaktapur. So, Bhaktapur is the least polluted city in the valley. His Majesty Government of Nepal has made a policy declaration with regard to make official announcement on the Cultural City to Bhaktapur through the ninth five-year plan document. In tune with the applied principle the local governance act, 1999 and the bylaws, has promulgated clauses and regulations for the same. There should be no debate on announcing Bhaktapur as the Cultural City, thereby, to enhance promotional tasks on the conservation of cultural heritage - embracing a wide spectrum of life tangible heritage like Maths, Temples, Taverns, Inns, Rest houses, Bihars and Bahis (Buddhist Shrine), Water Spouts, Ponds and intangible cultural heritage like festivals, songs and melodies, Dafas (Community Songs), Bhajan (Community Prayers), etc. For this, we do expect further cooperation from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation along with the Department of Archaeology. And ultimately the inhabitants of Bhaktapur in all the good sense, must be mobilized and motivation for it. Large number of Maths, Taverns, Inns, Buildings, and other fixed properties under the management of the Guthi Sansthan, are being misused either by individuals and controlled or rented out at a nominal rent for contemporary use-Jangam sattal (Taverns) at Tachapal, Café at Taumadhi, Plot of land in the north Nyatapola (Five Storied Temple) are the glaring examples of it. Foster New Plans:

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Fostering new products, especially attractions that involve revenue opportunities for local community, decent appeals to target markets and criteria that reinforce the cultural heritage image may include: ?? Fostering bicycling tours around the Bhaktapur Municipality area using the proposed dedicated biking routes.

Promoting Heritage Biking routes would serve to the further spread of tourism opportunities and draw awareness throughout the city.

?? All the World Heritage sites in Bhaktapur should be given priority for any further tourism development as they already lure strong visitor flows.

?? The tourism potential needs to be assessed of new Conservation Areas proposed “as areas shouldering special architectural or historical interest which Bhaktapur Municipality wishes to preserve and enhance.”

?? Improving local lifestyles and promoting opportunities for Bhaktapur residents spending their life in their native town.

?? Fostering culture shows and typical musical concerts occasionally. ?? Establishing the standard accommodation facilities so that business and first class tourists can spend overnights

in Bhaktapur. ?? Promoting the quality of the handicrafts and the souvenirs in Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Municipality List of Implemented Urban Fabric Conservation & Development Projects

(Monuments and Building Conservation related Projects)

MARKETING ACTIVITIES Establish Market Image: The following technical illustrations help in establishing the market image. ?? A separate transparent fund being used for the Service Charge. ?? Daily cleaning activities, beautification and solid waste improvements in the core city areas and beyond as

well. ?? Pedestrianization plans. ?? Developing new tourism products in the historic city. ?? Stone paving task in different parts of the city. ?? Restoration of important buildings with examples such as water waterspouts ?? Fostering the imminent re-use of historic buildings. ?? Frequent training and organizing of the Local Guides as “World Heritage Site Volunteers” to provide an added

value for the alien visitors increase an awareness of historic sites and bring direct tourism benefits to the community.

Improve interpretation materials and displays Published Materials: From the tourism perspective, the priorities are likely to be as follow: ?? The Heritage Walks self-guided map and brochure featuring the places of interest along the routes. In addition

to the historic buildings, attention can be given to highlighting daily life, commercial bazaar and cultural

No. Project Categories Number of Implemented & Planned Projects in Fiscal Years 1997/'98 1998/'99 1999/'00 2000/'01 2001/'02 1 Temple renovation 16 13 12 10+6 12 2 Public inns and resting place renovation 16 12 17 14+11 8 3 Public Buildings repairs 8 18 17 9+2 1 4 Other Miscellaneous 40 28 36 42+14 2

No. Project Categories Number of Implemented & Planned Projects in Fiscal Years 1992/'93 1993/'94 1994/'95 1995/'96 1996/'97 1 Temple renovation 2 6 1 3 6 2 Public inns and resting place renovation 12 11 3 4 24 3 School buildings repairs 6 4 Other public building repair in site 4 1 4 1 5 Other Miscellaneous 30 33 30 28 17

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activities to impose an appeal to target markets and reinforce the market image. The comparative brochure should be distributed free to the general public.

?? A Series of high quality posters could send the message to stakeholders. If beautiful enough these can be used as revenue generating sales items. Black and white posters can be traced effective if well designed and are much cheaper than the colour ones.

?? A guide-training manual should most usefully focus on establishing the Heritage Walks tourism products. ?? Hanging in the Internet gives more thresh of enchantment in the tourism perspective. Support NTB Promotional Activities: It is recommended that there are many opportunities to support NTB and other promotional activities belonging to the private sector. These might include: ?? Provide detailed information about the time and location of traditional festivals, cultural events, music recitals

and local happenings within Bhaktapur Municipality. ?? Encourage agents for familiarization trips. ?? Convince visiting media programs. ?? Joint marketing and advertising of special events on the waiting list. ?? Support the subsequent production of suitable notion-pictures including documentary and feature films,

especially those tat nurse the market image in target markets. ?? Support the imminent promotion of destination videos and audio-visuals. ?? Encourage the publication of art books, guidebooks, novels and CD ROMs stressed on Bhaktapur, especially

those that support the market image. ?? Help with the collection of a high quality photographic library and review-room. ?? Foster close links with the tourism industry Internets, websites, WebPages, homepages and other electronic

sales tools. ?? Help encourage international meetings, conventions, forums, symposiums, carnivals, conferences, incentives

and exhibitions in Bhaktapur. ?? Develop the NTB product initiatives in the Bhaktapur area. Conservation and Tourism Awareness: Conservation and tourism awareness objectives have been woven into product development and marketing strategies. They are crucial to establishing linkages between tourism and conservation with the resident communities so existing. Municipality and Peoples’ Participation: Bhaktapur Municipality is launching her overall programs through active people’s participation and strictly under the ethics of transparency. All participants might know the completion of the conservation of the Bhairav Nath temple at the expense of Rs. 29, 18,189.38. The estimated cost of which was Rs 78, 09,156.51. The conservation work of the five-storied temple was accomplished at an expense of Rs 17, 27,423.49 against the estimated cost Rs 38, 01,364.30. The conservation of The Siddha Pokhari was accomplished at Rs. 22, 78,462 against the estimated cost Rs 35, 45,616.19. In our opinion long-term and sustainable conservation cannot be achieved with too much dependency on others as our predecessors on their own erected all monuments. It does not mean to reject cooperation from the global human community for the World Heritage Conservation Participation and involvement of the people can be achieved through maintenance of transparency in conservation. This is what we have learnt through practical experience. All projects under Bhaktapur are being implemented through the people’s users’ committees and not through the contractors. Berlin based Transparency International has made Bhaktapur Municipality an “Island of Integrity” having evaluated its overall tasks. Nevertheless, we have been staging anti-corruption movement for 35 years. In the long run it is far more essential to bring entire Kathmandu Valley into the fold of a conservation master plan for a judicious Heritage Conservation and Tourism Promotion. It has also become a live necessity to all those environmentally unfriendly and polluting factories such as carpet factories, garment, textile, and dying industries in order to preserve the precarious natural and cultural resources. These factories and industries are required to be relocated out the Kathmandu Valley economic decentralization. And, for pollution free Kathmandu Valley’s Heritage Conservation and Tourism Promotion; strict enforcement of the existing laws and control over haphazard mushroom growth is the must. Challenges Ahead: In spite of willingness to conserve the heritage people are suffering from the scarcity and soaring cost of the construction materials like timber, tiles for roof, typical brick called DACHI APA as well as ornamental carved) bricks with floral designs. His Majesty’s Government of Nepal had made a decision in 1999 in favour of help to conserve the individually owned private houses with archaeological values. In absence of the

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implementation of the decision, on the contrary, made the people faced much with problem. In realization of the problems faced by the people the municipality has reached a decisive point to give leverage through extension of cooperation in terms of bearing 100 percent of the total cost on DACHI APA, roof tiles and 75 percent of the total cost on timbers required for standard windows, doors and roof to the house owners of architectural values. Some major challenges ahead for the municipality are as follows.

?? Need to support the house owner financially and technically. ?? Need to produce good quality traditional materials to make traditional building material easily available at

affordable price. ?? Need to reduce the intrusion of cement concrete structure. ?? Need of waste product management and cleaning of river surrounding the city along with the appropriate

management of sewerage and treatment plant. ?? Traditional building materials such as various kinds of brick DACHI APA, tile, timber, etc. should be easily

and economically available according to regulations. ?? The importance of heritage must be publicized regularly in electronic and paper media such as TV, radio, and

national magazines and newspapers. ?? Bhaktapur city must be proclaimed as ‘A Cultural City’.

STUDY TOURS AND FURTHER TRAININGS (National and International Opportunities): There could be training opportunities fostered through Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee and Bhaktapur Municipality to enhance the potential capacity of culture, heritage and tourism development in Bhaktapur. These could be both national and international and could include capacity building for tourism, “training the trainers”, museum interpretation and displays, and study tours to neighbouring destinations such as Thailand, china, Japan etc that possess national and international partner agencies. BTDC is conducting village tourism training in the near future whereas it had successfully conducted a 15 days training on “Bhaktapur area local guide” in joint venture with the Bhaktapur Municipality. Efforts from Local Government

Municipality has been attending maximum efforts to improve tourism. 14 counters are established for the tourist entrance. Main counter is located in front of the Durbar Square. Municipality has managed all these counters and information center. Bhaktapur is aimed to be the cultural city so non-Nepali television cable networks are strictly prohibited throughout the municipality so that it would preserve from the cultural encroachment. To introduce the new generation of Bhaktapur with traditional architecture, Municipality has established Khowpa Engineering College by own effort. The college is providing technical and behavioural education for the native students. Municipality has provided training on heritage education for school children, community people and local entrepreneurs. About 400 foreign tourists visit Bhaktapur daily and the necessity of skilled manpower is realized; So, more than 25 local people are facilitated with tourist guide training. Peaceful parking facilities are available around the city. No vehicles are allowed to enter within the Durbar square which has helped to keep fresh and clean environment. Current Programs

Municipal council Meeting was held before 3 months and through which, following policies and programs are obtained for the current fiscal year: Formulation of building by laws and enforces the whole inhabitants to construct traditional houses. It is being compulsion to use traditional bricks (DACHA APA) while constructing houses. Municipal government has adopted the program of great renovation of ancient city structure. To maintain the city's shape of medieval malla period, It is performing the renovations of Temples, monuments, public shelter, ponds, 55-window palace, Taleju Bhawani, Nawadurga and so on. Arniko conference hall is located within the Durbar Square and Municipality hs proposed to be replaced outside the core areas. Local people should be updated for the interpersonal skills with foreigners. Municipality has adopted program of foreign language training to make easy communication with tourist through out the city. Message to Other Cities

The municipality is earning about 80 million rupees every year from the tourism. A lot of renovations held by the municipality are performed only through the internal sources. Sanitation system of the municipality is another important example to other cities. Streets and Chok are maintained always clean by the municipal efforts. Such goodwill discussed in the previous steps of the municipality are mentioned as follows:

Self- sufficiency

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Preservation of traditional lifestyle Heritage education to school children and community people Good Sanitation system Protected city Commitment from the decision makers

It is now developed as one of the clean city of Asia and Pacific region. UNESCO has announced the PEACE PRIZE for 1998/99 to the municipality. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

Tourism industry plays an inevitably important role in Nepalese economy. The existing market situation and the prevailing passive economic activities after the drastic fall in foreign visitors to Nepal due to national and international political causes have proved the fact to its maxim. In Bhaktapur itself, tourism most probably is the next major economic source after Agriculture. Bhaktapur municipality depends on tourism for almost 60% of its direct financial sources (tourist service fee). Thus it is beyond doubt that for the overall development of Bhaktapur district tourism development is important.

With the beginning of official-modern tourism in Nepal four decades back tourism activities in Bhaktapur also gained momentum as a "Cultural Tourism" destination. Abundance of historic, artistic and uniquely architecture, monuments; cultural riches, festivals, dances, music art, life style with in Bhaktapur city, and beyond has attracted millions of tourists since then. Likewise, "Changu Narayan" one of the oldest existing monuments of Nepalese history has established itself as another popular destination for "Cultural Tourists".

Being situated towards the eastern side of Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur is surrounded by green mountains almost around its three sides. Fresh mountain air, clean and natural environment, green fields and beautiful view of tmalayan mountain range, life style of the villages, innumerable wilderness of Himalayan flora and fauna are the main tourist attractions of most of the villages around Bhaktapur. Breathe taking views of the northern and North-eastern mountain range including Mt. Everest, romantic sun rise and sun set, exciting nearby village walks and beautiful and fresh mountain environment in Nagarkot has established itself as one of the most popular destinations among eco-tourists and village-tourists alike. It is an established tourist sight where all kinds of tourist facilities are available. Within the Bhaktapur side of Nagarkot area (about 20% of the main area) alone there are over 7 good hotels with over 110 bed capacity and many restaurants with the capacity of over 400 pax. Apart from these small and medium sized hotels and restaurants are available scattered in other parts of Bhaktapur.

Though there are profound potential of tourism promotion in almost every V.C.D. in Bhaktapur, most of the tourism activities are concentrated within the core city area of Bhaktapur. Almost 70% tourist oriented Guest Houses and Restaurant facilities are based in this area. There are 23 guest houses with 170 bed capacities, 18 restaurants, over 350 permanent gift shops and tourist service establishments and many temporary gift shops directly involving a large number of local populace. Development of tourism activities has helped created market for local handicrafts and gift items. With it the local traditional craft and craftsmen are getting opportunities to preserve and promote their ancient skills that have been handed down generation by generations. Official data on total tourist arrival, in Bhaktapur district, their length of stay and the average spending are not available, but according to the data available with Bhaktapur municipality, 141312 tourists from third country entered Bhaktapur municipality last year (2057-2058), which is about 40% of the total tourist arrival of Nepal the same year. According to Nepal tourism board, 60% of the tourists coming to Nepal come for pleasure or as cultural tourists, 20% are trekkers and mountaineers. 5% are business travellers, 5% are official visitors and 10% visit with other purposes. Hence it is evident that there still is an immense possibility of tourism development in Bhaktapur and if we plan properly we can expect over 90% of the tourists visiting Nepal to come over to Bhaktapur, stay longer and spend more.

Bhaktapur Municipality has been doing a lot in preserving historic monuments and cultural heritage. It has changed once the filthiest city in the valley to the cleanest city today. Still there are more things to be done for promoting tourism in Bhaktapur. To exploit the tourism potentials of the District to the fullest for the economic upliftment of its inhabitants, the following measures are to be considered; Quality Man-power, Security, Comfortable and pleasant, access basic facilities (like parking, toilets and general information about DO'S & DON’TS), Standard accommodation and communication facilities, New tourism products, Night (Evening) tourism programs (packages)

The Municipality is obviously conserving the cultural heritages and the other resources, which are profound in Bhaktapur. Still it seems better to conserve along with the tourism promotion in Bhaktapur. But it requires quality manpower so that they can enhance tourism by exploring the virgin attractions and other tourism potentials in Bhaktapur.

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Annex: Table 1: Number of Households in Bhaktapur classified by Macro Status Level

Level Household Number I Brahamans 32 II Chathar 677 III Pa(n)chthar 247 IV Tini 2 V Jyapu 1867 VI Tama: 19 VII Kumha: 419 Awa: 99 VIII, IX Combined,Jyapu thars 1420 XI Chhipi 466 XI Cyo or Cha 5 XII Dwi(n) 1 XIII “Borderline clean thars” 437(Total) Gatha 56 Bha 19 Kata: 2 Cala(n) 16 Khusa 1 Nau 46 Kau 27 Pu(n) 25 Sa:mi 160 Chhipa 82 Pasi 3 XIV Nae 177 XV Jugi 57 XVI Do(n) 4 XVII Kulu 1 XVIII Po(n) or Pore 90 XIX Halahulu 1 Non Newar Hindu households 1 Sakya Buddhists 260 2 Misra & Bhatta Brahamans 26 3 Matha priests 6 4 Gaine 7 5 Sarki 6 6 Muslin 3 7 Dhobi 2 8 Other ethnic groups(Tamang and Indo-Nepalese) 129

Annex: Table 2: Analysis of Foreign tourism Patterns to Bhaktapur Durbar Square NON-SAARC TOURIST RECORD Month 050/51 051/52 052/53 053/54 054/55 055/56 056/57 057/58 058/59

Srawon * * 8448 7958 8505 9289 9096 10589 6038

Bhadra * * 7123 7166 7714 8298 9700 8766 5485

Aswin * * 11984 11770 11874 15056 16333 15057 8979

Kartik * * 17867 18269 20156 24275 25467 26005 14329

Mansir * * 10227 11320 12295 13562 16123 16913 7744

Poush * * 8714 8442 9539 10400 9681 10304 4026

Magh * * 7202 6881 7892 8746 8844 8861 3213

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Falgun * * 10859 11018 11578 13656 13818 13271 4782

Chaitra * * 12741 12742 13750 15625 14268 14540 6577

Baishakh * * 9457 8799 10359 11436 15310 11489 4658

Jestha * * 4602 3875 4553 6031 5830 3567 2538

Asar * * 3511 2612 3135 3703 3647 1950 1331

Total 87345 97757 112740 110852 121350 140077 148117 141312 69700

Annex: Table 3: Analysis of Foreign tourism Patterns to Bhaktapur Durbar Square SAARC TOURIST RECORD Month 050/51 051/52 052/53 053/54 054/55 055/56 056/57 057/58 058/59

Srawon * * * * * 3083 2441 2589 1100

Bhadra * * * * * 2587 2861 2571 1408

Aswin * * * * * 5529 3972 5457 1583

Kartik * * * * * 7051 7151 6934 2639

Mansir * * * * * 3075 5063 2846 1521

Poush * * * * 1375 5920 4494 2866 800

Magh * * * * 2332 2926 1313 1638 815

Falgun * * * * 2949 3875 1943 1803 943

Chaitra * * * * 3000 3608 2096 2183 1194

Baishakh * * * * 6093 5470 4941 4218 2349

Jestha * * * * 9893 10162 9102 4565 4096

Asar * * * * 6238 4442 4387 1071 3652

Total * * * * 31880 57728 49764 38741 22100

Annex: Table 4: Festival Dates for 2002 / 2003

S.No. Festivals Date 1 Bisket Jatra April 10 - 18 2 Nava Barsha April 14 3 Chaite Dashain April 20 4 Ram Nawami April 21 5 Mata Tirtha Aunsi May 12 6 Buddha Jayanti May 26 7 Guru Purnima July 24 8 Gathan-Muga August 7 9 Gunla August 10 – September 10 10 Nag Panchami August 13 11 Janai Purnima August 22 12 Gai Jatra August 23 13 Krishnastami August 30 14 Gokarna Aunsi September 7 15 Teej September 9 16 Rishi Panchami September 11 17 Indra Jatra September 20 18 Ghatasthapana October 7 19 Phulpati October 12 20 Maha Astami October 13 21 Maha Nawami October 14

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22 Bijaya Dashami October 15 23 Tihar November2-6 24 Haribodhini Ekadasi November 15 25 Bibah Panchami December 9 26 Yomari Punhi December 19 27 Chrismas December 25 28 Shree Panchami January 6 29 Maha Sibaratri March 1 30 Holy Purnima March 17 31 Ghode Jatra April 1

Annex: Table 5: Significant heritage conservation and urban environment improvement projects implemented in the past seven years are – S.N. DESCRIPTION AMOUNT

(USD) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The Siddha Pokhari The Five Storied Temple The Bhairav Nath Temple The Pahanchhen (Medieval Guest House), Durbar Square The Prashannashil Mahabihar The Chatru Bramha Mahabihar Bhandar Ghar (Building) Tourist Bus Park Tourist restaurant and Tourist Shop The Yachyaswor Mahadev Temple, Durbar Square The Libali Land Pooling (Newly planned housing area) The Taverns, Ponds, Dug Wells, Water Spouts, Road Pavement, (Located at different neighborhood)

30,425.00 23,797.00 30,909.00 32,877.00 5,240.00 29,217.00 27,583.00 16,497.00 28,088.00 15,652.00 845,723.00 712,222.00

TOTAL 1,798,230.00

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ANNEX