Overview
Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality (भोटकोशी गाउँपालिका, सिन्धुपाल्चोक) is one of the nine Rural municipalities of Sindhupalchok district, Bagmati Pradesh Nepal.
Sindhupalchok District, situated in Bagmati Province, encompasses 1.73% of Nepal's total land area. Spanning 2,542 sq. km, it is the largest district in Bagmati Province. Geographically, it lies between 27°27′ and 28°13′ North latitude and 85°27′ and 86°06′ East longitude.
It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region (China) to the east, Dolakha to the south, Kavrepalanchok and Ramechhap to the south, Kathmandu and Nuwakot to the west, and Rasuwa and Tibet to the north. The district headquarters, Chautara, sits at an altitude of 1,418 meters above sea level. The district's average east-west width is 49.38 km, while its north-south length is 53.06 km.
The district is rich in natural beauty and tourism potential. Notable natural features include rivers, forests, and Himalayan peaks. Popular sites such as Tatopani hot springs, bungee jumping spots, and Helambu have established the district's identity both nationally and internationally. The Tatopani customs post, a key trade route with China, lies in this district. The Kodari Highway, Nepal’s main cross-border trade route with China, also passes through here.
Nearly a quarter of the district is occupied by Langtang National Park and Gaurishankar Conservation Area. A small part of Shivapuri National Park also falls within the district. The district’s highest peak is Langpohyang (23,238 ft), while the lowest point is 2,450 ft near Majhigaun and Banditar of Sangachok along the Indrawati River.
Major rivers include Bhote Koshi, Sunkoshi, Indrawati, Balefi, Melamchi, Sindhukhola, Handikhola, Jhyandikhola, and Mahadevkhola.
Local Government Structure of Sindhupalchok
Following Nepal's federal restructuring, the Commission for the Determination of the Number and Boundaries of Village Bodies and Municipalities defined Sindhupalchok’s administrative units in line with local consultation and federal mandates.
The district now comprises:
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9 Rural Municipalities
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3 Municipalities
The restructuring was based on the engagement of political parties, the media, civil society, and local stakeholders, with strict adherence to the commission's guidelines.
Brief Introduction of Bhote Koshi Rural Municipality
Bhote Koshi is one of the nine rural municipalities in Sindhupalchok District. It lies in the Himalayan region of the district and falls under Bagmati Province.
Nepal, nestled in the lap of Mount Everest, is globally recognized for peace and abundant water resources, ranking second after Brazil. Known as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Araniko, and Sita, it is an agrarian nation transitioning into a federal democratic republic.
Following the shift to federalism, Sindhupalchok District lies in northern Province No. 3, close to the Tibetan town of Khasa in Nyalam County. This area holds religious and cultural significance.
Bhote Koshi Rural Municipality is bordered by Dolakha, Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, and China to the east; Bahrabise Municipality and Jugal Rural Municipality to the west; China to the north; and Bahrabise Municipality to the south.
Notably, Araniko, a renowned artisan, traveled to Lhasa and Beijing in 1260 AD via this region. Princess Bhrikuti also journeyed to Tibet through this route. Today, it serves as the path for pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Bhote Koshi is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters and spans 278.31 square kilometers.
This rural municipality comprises five wards, formed by merging the former Village Development Committees (VDCs): Listikot, Tatopani, Phulpingkatti, and Marming. It has approximately 4,429 households and a population of 17,156.
Due to limited arable land, subsistence and traditional farming practices dominate. Most residents engage in trade, animal husbandry, employment, or foreign labor. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are the main religions. Nepali is the dominant language, while Sherpa, Tamang, and Newar communities speak their native tongues.
Prominent cultural and natural attractions include:
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Listimai Site
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Pau Gompa
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Ani Gompa
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Bhairavkunda
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Dugunagadhi
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Tatopani Spring
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Tatopani Border
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Narayansthan Temple
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Bungee Jumping Site
Bhote Koshi and Middle Bhote Koshi Hydropower Projects are operational or under construction. Shivashree and Himshikhar's projects are also underway.
This area is historically and spiritually significant, as it served as a meditation ground for sages like Vamandak and Shrngi Rishi.
Geography and Climate
Location Details of Former VDCs Now Within Bhote Koshi
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Listikot
Latitude: 27°54′18.72″
Longitude: 85°53′00.24″
Altitude: 1,300 to 3,900 meters
Area: 51.14 sq. km -
Tatopani
Latitude: 27°56′30.95″
Longitude: 85°56′29.83″
Altitude: 1,300 to 4,600 meters
Area: 89.98 sq. km -
Phulpingkatti
Latitude: 27°53′44.62″
Longitude: 85°57′38.06″
Altitude: 1,300 to 4,000 meters -
Marming
Latitude: 27°51′35.32″
Longitude: 85°55′29.08″
Altitude: 1,200 to 2,560 meters
Area: 47.63 sq. km
Climate Overview
All wards exhibit a temperate climate in the lower regions and alpine conditions in the upper zones.
Geographical Boundaries
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East: Dolakha and China
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West: Bahrabise Municipality and Jugal Rural Municipality
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North: China
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South: Bahrabise Municipality
Administrative Division (Ward Structure)
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Ward 1: Listikot (Wards 1–9 of former VDC)
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Ward 2: Tatopani (Wards 1–4 of former VDC)
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Ward 3: Tatopani (Wards 5–9 of former VDC)
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Ward 4: Phulpingkatti (Wards 1–9 of former VDC)
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Ward 5: Marming (Wards 1–9 of former VDC)
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics
Average Temperature
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Maximum Temperature: 30.1°C
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Minimum Temperature: 9°C
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Climate Type: Temperate to alpine
Contact Address:
Location: Phulpingkatti, Sindhupalchok, Bagmati Pradesh, Nepal
Telephone: +977-11-480015, +977-11-480034
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bhotekoshimun.gov.np