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Chotlung Park, located in Basantapur of Laligurans Municipality-3, has transformed into a center for tourism and the study of Yakthung (Limbu) culture.
Blending nature, culture, and history, the park showcases traditional Limbu architecture with stone-paved pathways, resting areas, and houses built in traditional styles, which captivate visitors. Plants and elements mentioned in the Limbu “Mundhum” scriptures, such as Foonjingba (Pine), Singchanggo Yamchanggo (Fern), and Lasingfa (Bamboo), are cultivated in the park. Tall stones described in Mundhum are installed, surrounded by dubo grass.
Visitors like Chanchal Limbu from Ilam, inspired by social media, and Chandra Limbu from Dharan, who came for spiritual prayers for her daughter’s health, shared their experiences. Laligurans Municipality has also appointed a priest for worship services at the park.
The park features the Yuma Museum, preserving historical documents like treaties between King Prithvi Narayan Shah and Limbuwan, as well as ancient ornaments, weapons, traditional tools, costumes, and architectural artifacts. These serve as valuable resources for researchers studying Limbu history and culture.
According to Rajkumar Teyung, Secretary of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, Chotlung translates to “fulfillment” or “perfection” in the Yakthung language and is regarded as a must-visit place in Mundhum traditions. Cultural expert Baldev Tumbahangphe emphasized its spiritual significance.
Spread over 100 ropanis, construction of Chotlung Park began in 2017, with an investment exceeding NPR 20 million contributed by the provincial government, Laligurans Municipality, and other stakeholders. Devendra Khadka, spokesperson for Laligurans Municipality, highlighted the park’s rising popularity among both domestic and international tourists, including visitors from Sikkim, Darjeeling, the UK, Africa, and China. Last year, the park generated NPR 1.4 million in revenue.
Located near the Mid-Hill Highway in Basantapur, Chotlung Park serves as the gateway to the iconic Tinjure Milke Jaljale (TMJ) region, a renowned rhododendron sanctuary. Despite its rich offerings, the park remains underpromoted, limiting its full potential.
Entry fees are NPR 50 for the park and NPR 100 for the museum, making it a growing hub for cultural tourism and research.