About

Khotang District & Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality

Physiogeography: Land of Ridges, Rivers & Sacred Heights

Hidden in the green folds of Nepal’s mid-hills, Khotang District is a land where sacred caves, ancient forts, and mountain ridges merge with vibrant indigenous cultures. At its center lies Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, a place where history, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes converge — a living museum of nature and heritage. Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality is situated in the district headquarters of Khotang, about 250 km from Kathmandu. It takes approximately 8-9 hours to reach Diktel from Kathmandu by bus.

Elevation Range: : From 269 m to alpine ridges above 2,983 m above mean sea level.

Mountain Panorama: : On clear mornings, the snow giants of the Everest–Makalu range appear on the horizon.

Rivers & Valleys: : The Dudh Koshi and Sunkoshi river systems carve fertile valleys and deep gorges.

Biodiversity: : Rhododendron forests, chir pine slopes, and alpine meadows teem with orchids, pheasants, and Himalayan flora. Endangered species such as Red Panda and Chinese Pangolin are also found here.

Climate: : Pleasant temperate air in Diktel (1,600 m), with crisp winters and lush monsoon greenery.

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Iconic Places of Interest

🔱 Halesi-Maratika Cave (Halesi Mahadev)

  • Revered as the “Pashupatinath of the East.” 
  • A pilgrimage site shared by Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirati alike. 
  • Mythic cave where Lord Shiva is believed to have hidden from Bhasmasur; Buddhists know it as the site of Padmasambhava’s immortality practice. 

🏞️ Diktel Bazaar & Majestic Viewpoint

  • A lively hill-town market blending Rai, Newar, Tamang, and Sherpa traditions. 
  • Offers panoramic sunrise and sunset views over rolling green ridges to Himalayan silver peaks. 
  • Known for traditional handicrafts, organic local produce, and cultural performances. 

🏰 Rupakot & Majhuwagadhi Forts

  • Remnants of the unification era of Nepal, where warriors defended hilltop ridges. 
  • Silent stone walls whisper history against backdrops of clouds and pine forests. 
  • Trekking around the forts unveils legends of resistance and local pride. 

🌊 Baraha Pokhari (Sacred Lake)

  • A pristine highland pond steeped in myth, believed to be blessed by Lord Vishnu. 
  • Surrounded by serene forest — ideal for meditation, birdwatching, and eco-tourism. 

🏡 Heritage Villages: Patheka & Buipa

  • Custodians of Rai heritage, stone-paved courtyards, and millet granaries. 
  • Rich traditions of Sakela dances, bamboo crafts, and tongba (millet beer) hospitality. 
  • Authentic homestay experiences connect travelers to community life. 

🌅 Tyamke Hill Ridge

  • Known for its golden sunrises and fiery sunsets. 
  • A new trekking hub combining biodiversity, adventure, and rural hospitality. 
  • Often called the “Balcony of Khotang.” 

🗻 Mundum Trail – The Sacred Trail of the Kirati People

  • Named after the Mundum scripture, the oral tradition of the Kirati people. 
  • Connects Diktel → Maiyung Hill → Salpa Pokhari → Jaljale Ridge → Silichung Peak. 
  • Trekkers experience cultural immersion, sacred rituals, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas, including Everest glimpses. 

🕉️ Maiyung Hill (Sacred Kirati Ritual Site)

  • A spiritual energy point, central to Kirati shamanism. 
  • Local shamans gather here for seasonal rituals, healing ceremonies, and ancestral worship. 
  • Also a Himalayan viewpoint with sunrise glimpses of Everest. 

🌊 Salpa Pokhari (3,350 m)

  • Sacred high-altitude lake, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Kiratis. 
  • Believed to be a gateway between human and spirit realms, important in shamanic cosmology. 
  • Pilgrims visit during Janai Purnima and other sacred dates. 

Why Visit Khotang & Diktel?

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Spiritual Heartland Where caves, ponds, and temples echo with myths of gods and saints.

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Cultural Crossroads Rai heritage intertwined with Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

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Scenic Escapes A hidden jewel offering Himalayan horizons without the crowds.

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Everest Horizons Rare glimpses of Everest and Himalayan ranges without trekking to crowded routes.

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Authenticity Community-based tourism and warm homestays enrich the journey.

Cultural & Ethnic Treasures

  • Communities: Rai, Tamang, Sherpa, Newar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Dalit groups coexist with deep-rooted harmony. 
  • Festivals: 
  • Sakela Ubhauli & Udhauli – ritual dances to honor the earth and ancestors. 
  • Chandi Dance – rhythmic steps celebrating fertility and harvest. 
  • Dashain, Tihar, and Maghe Sankranti with local variations. 
  • Cuisine: Millet dhido, gundruk soup, fermented leafy greens, freshly brewed tongba, and local honey. 

Shamanic Practices in Khotang

  • Dhami–Jhankri traditions: Shamans mediate between human and spirit worlds, conducting healing, ancestor worship, and agricultural blessings. 
  • Mundum Recitations: Oral scriptures recited during rituals, linking cosmology, nature, and ancestral spirits. 
  • Sacred Sites: Maiyung Hill, Salpa Pokhari, Jaljale Ridge serve as ritual landscapes where shamans practice divination, healing, and seasonal ceremonies.