The construction of the ‘Mini Great Wall’ in Bandipur, Tanahun, is progressing rapidly. The wall, stretching from the Thanimai Temple to Chulidanda, covers approximately 2 kilometers in length. According to Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairman of Bandipur Rural Municipality, around 80% of the project has been completed.
Bandipur Rural Municipality Chairperson, Purnasingh Thapa, mentioned that the construction was delayed due to issues with the contractor. However, efforts have intensified to complete the project by mid-December. “The construction company has committed to finishing by the set deadline, and currently, 20 to 25 workers are engaged daily,” he said.
The Mini Great Wall includes a unique walking trail where tourists can ride horses, similar to the experience on the original Great Wall of China. This will generate revenue for the municipality and provide local youth with employment opportunities. The project, named the “Mukundeshwori Mini Great Wall,” started last year and has been planned to enhance tourism by attracting visitors to Bandipur, located between major tourist hubs like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sauraha.
The wall itself will be 3 meters wide, with plans to install stone carvings on either side and attractive lighting to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Chairman Thapa stated that the remaining part of the trail will soon be completed, including the addition of walls, stone installations, and lighting.
Yadava Raj Acharya, Chief Administrative Officer of Bandipur Rural Municipality, highlighted that the Mini Great Wall will add a new dimension to Bandipur’s tourism appeal. “This project will offer something unique to tourists, further increasing the number of visitors,” he said.
Bandipur, located 9 kilometers uphill from Dumre Bazaar, is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan range, including peaks from Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang.
The town also features well-preserved traditional Newari architecture, clean streets, and several cultural and historical sites, such as the Thanimai, Khadgmai, Bindhyabasini temples, Tindhara, Rani Ban, the wide-open Tudikhel, and Sahid Park.
Bandipur is famous for its cultural festivals like Khadga Jatra, Gaijatra, Ropain Jatra, and Lakhay Naach, celebrated by the local Newar community. Additionally, tourists can enjoy paragliding, and the area’s local cuisine and cultural performances, such as Gurung’s Ghantu and Magar’s Kaura dance, add to its charm.
The construction of the Mini Great Wall is expected to bring more tourists to Bandipur, enhancing its status as a premier destination in Nepal.
