Discover Dhankuta- A Familiarization Trip on Dhankuta, Wadanmet (Mangishire), and Kopche Festival
5–10 November 2025 | Dhankuta Municipality, Eastern Nepal
Background
Nestled within the Nibuwa Tankhuwa Watershed Area (NTWA) of the Lower Koshi River Basin (LKRB), Dhankuta emerges as a highly promising destination for responsible tourism in Eastern Nepal. The area boasts a wealth of natural and cultural heritage and a rich historical legacy built upon the culture and lifestyles of indigenous communities, ancient trades, settlements, and traditions. The breathtaking landscapes and the warmth and hospitality of its people equally add an unparalleled charm and value to Dhankuta.
Despite its allure, Dhankuta stands as one of the most vulnerable districts to the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly facing challenges from ‘too little’ water condition. In response, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has launched a pilot initiative to promote responsible tourism grounded in integrated watershed management.
This collaborative effort between Dhankuta Municipality, Chhathar Jorpati Rural
Municipality, Sustainable Tourism Project-Nepal Tourism Board, Community Homestay
Network (CHN), Smart Paani, Human Rights Social Awareness and Development Center (HUSADEC), and local communities aims to transform Dhankuta into a climate-resilient destination by promoting water-smart responsible tourism as an alternative livelihood option, particularly for women and indigenous communities.
Why This Familiarization Trip
As tourism in Nepal continues to grow, it has become vital to diversify destinations beyond the mountains. Our planet needs mindful travelers and Nepal needs mindful tourism that respects local heritage, natural balance, and cultural authenticity.
Led by Dhankuta Municipality and backed by ICIMOD’s HI-GRID Responsible Tourism Pilot Project, Dhankuta is poised to become a leading hub for heritage-based responsible tourism in Eastern Nepal.
Dhankuta, with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strong sense of community stewardship, embodies the next step in developing climate-conscious destinations that complement Nepal’s iconic Himalayan regions. The vibrant festival celebrates Dhankuta’s living traditions while showcasing innovative, community-driven models of responsible tourism.
Festival Highlights:
Wadanmet, known more widely as the Mangishire Festival, is one of the most important cultural celebrations of the Aath Pahariya community, an indigenous Kirati group native to Dhankuta and parts of Eastern Nepal. Traditionally observed during the Nepali month of Mangsir (November–December), the festival marks the end of the harvest season and is a time to honor ancestors, express gratitude to nature, and renew community bonds.
- Celebrate Dhankuta’s Living Heritage: Immerse in local traditions, music, and cultural expressions.
- Experience Water-Smart Homestays: Stay with host families implementing sustainable water solutions.
- Join Guided Tours: Explore nature-based and community-led initiatives that promote responsible tourism.
- Network with Tourism Innovators: Connect with business leaders, tourism professionals, and changemakers.
Trip Overview:
This familiarization trip invites local DMCs and travel trade professionals to experience Dhankuta first-hand, to see how local stories, community values, and environmental care can come together to create a sustainable and enriching travel experience.
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Duration |
5–10 November 2025 |
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Destination |
Dhankuta Municipality, Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, Dhoje, Suke Pokhari, Syalue-Sipting, Kopche, Khambela and Surrounding Areas |
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Focus |
Cultural Immersion • Heritage Revival • Community-Based Responsible Tourism • Climate-Resilient Practices - Sustainable Water Management/Springs Revival |
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Inclusions |
All Meals • Accommodation • Transfers • Activities |
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Organized by |
Dhankuta Municipality • Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality • NTB-STP • Community Homestay Network (CHN) • ICIMOD • HUSADEC • Smart Paani • Kirant Aathpahariya Samaj • Kopche Punarjagaran Aviyan • Digo Bikas Institute • Local Communities |
Notice: Accommodation arrangements will generally be at Hotel Murchunga, Community Homestay or similar such establishment. Please note that accommodation settings may change depending on availability, and all changes will be duly informed. The weather in Dhankuta during November is similar to Kathmandu but can change quickly in hill stations. It is recommended to be prepared for all situations.
Itinerary
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Day & Date |
Location & Theme |
Activities & Experiences |
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Day 1 – 5 Nov |
Arrival & Welcome, Dhankuta |
Travel to Biratnagar, scenic drive along Koshi Highway. Check-in at Hotel Murchunga or similar. Official welcome and press meet at Dhankuta Municipality introducing Wadanmet and Kopche Heritage Revival Festival. Reception dinner hosted by Dhankuta Municipality. |
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Day 2 – 6 Nov |
Syaule Sipting – Cultural & Ecological Immersion |
Visit Suke Pokhari. Welcome and cultural immersion at Syaule Sipting Aath Pahariya Homestay with dhol naach. Visit orange groves and avocado farms. Evening storytelling and water harvesting demo with Aath Pahariya feast. |
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Day 3 – 7 Nov |
Dhoje Danda – Heritage & Landscape |
Morning hike to Dhoje Danda for sunrise and mountain views. Visit Dale Pokhari to learn about sustainable water management. Visit Cholung Park and local cheese factory for tasting session. |
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Day 4 – 8 Nov |
Kopche – Wadanmet & Heritage Revival Festival |
Grand celebration in Kopche “Orange City”. Inauguration of vehicle-free Kopche, Aath Pahariya Museum, and safe water station. Timeless Travel heritage walk through Tallo Kopche and |
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52 Chulo with sensory experiences. Cultural feast, culinary demo, and evening Wadanmet Festival with parades, performances, and Dressed in Time photo booths. |
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Day 5 – 9 Nov |
Chuliban–Khambel a – Reflection & Farm-to-Table |
Morning hike along Chuliban–Khambela Trail. Water harvesting tour and brunch with Aath Pahariya community. Dress Like Locals experience and visit to Tourism Information Centre. Reflection session Sukul Sambad. Evening farm-to-table dinner at Kachide Community Homestay. |
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Day 6 – 10 Nov |
Farewell & Departure |
Breakfast and farewell gathering at Tourism Information Centre. Travel back to Kathmandu with memories and souvenirs of Dhankuta’s hospitality and heritage. |
Resources and Media
To get a closer glimpse of Dhankuta as a destination:
- Dhankuta Municipality Website: [https://dhankutamun.gov.np/en]
- Video Feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvWqEMttkw0
- Articles in The Guardian, TIME, Explore, Nepali Times and more here.
Media & Trade contacts: For story features and collaboration inquiries, please contact ICIMOD, CHN and Dhankuta Municipality communications teams.
Closing Note
Through this familiarization journey, we invite you to reimagine what Nepal can offer. Dhankuta stands as a reminder that tourism can be both enriching and restorative, creating opportunities while caring for the places that make Nepal truly remarkable.