Kakani Danda, a picturesque hill adorned with naturally captivating white stones resembling sand and cement, is undergoing a significant transformation. Spanning over 160 ropanis, this site is currently being developed into a rock garden, or “Bungalung,” as named by the Halesi Tuwachung Municipality.
Located approximately a 30-minute uphill walk from the Tri-religious site of Halesi, Kakani Danda is being upgraded to become a major tourist attraction. The development includes a range of enhancements designed to make the site more appealing to both domestic and international visitors.
Plans involve further decorating the naturally formed stones, planting suitable flowers between the rocks, and constructing stone gates, water springs, and sculptures. These sculptures will include depictions of mythological scenes, such as the demon Bhasmasur chasing Lord Shiva. Additionally, the project will integrate colored stones to create floral patterns and various cultural artworks.
The municipality’s plans include the creation of artistic stairways, rest areas with wooden benches, and infrastructure like electricity, drinking water, and cable cars. The rock garden will also feature a guardhouse, restaurant, main entrance, toilets, and ticket counters. The aim is to provide panoramic views of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, along with other Himalayan ranges, neighboring districts such as Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Bhojpur, and Ramechhap, and various plains of the Terai region.
According to local legend, the artistic rock formations on Kakani Danda emerged when the demon Bhasmasur’s pursuit of Lord Shiva left imprints of Shiva’s footprints on the rocks. This rock garden is set to become a prominent site on the Mundum Trail, a cultural and historical trekking route that starts from Halesi passes through Rupakot, Temke, and Maiyung, and ends in Salpa Silichung. The trail connects various Kirat cultural sites and is part of the government’s 100 designated tourist destinations.
The rock garden’s development, estimated to cost over NPR 50 million, has already seen an investment of approximately NPR 30 million. The project has garnered local enthusiasm, with nearby land being actively bought and sold. Kamal Giri, the ward chairman of Mahadevsthan, noted that while entry to the rock garden is currently free, plans are in place to introduce an entrance fee once construction is complete. This move is expected to boost the municipality’s internal revenue.
The Halesi Tuwachung Municipality is also working on creating QR codes for its tourist sites, which will provide detailed information on each location’s history, significance, and distance. This initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience and attract more tourists to the region.
The development of the Kakani Danda rock garden represents a significant step in elevating the area as a major tourist destination. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural enrichment, it promises to be a valuable addition to Nepal’s array of tourist attractions.
