The new constitution of Nepal was established in 2015 AD. It featured the provincial system. As part of this, Nepal was divided into seven provinces. Province 1 is the easternmost of these seven. It covers 17.5% of the landmass of the nation. A total area of 25,905 km2. It is home to numerous great mountain peaks such as Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Ama Dablam (6812 m) and others. Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Kanchenjunga is ranked third in the highest peaks index. Other peaks in this region are Cho Oyu (8188 m), Gokyo Ri (5357 m), Imja Tse (6160 m and Mera Peak (6476 m). These world giants help create Koshi- the largest river in the nation.
The province features multiple protected areas such as:
Sagarmatha National Park
Makalu Barun National Park
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Also a Ramsar Site)
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Gokyo Lake Complex (Ramsar Site)
Mai Pokhari (Ramsar Site)
Amongst the proposed new destinations, Province 1 features sites such as Okhaldhunga and Tehrathum. Okhaldunga is famous for its scenic hills and cultural diversity. The place is also popular due to the famous poem by Siddicharan Shrestha titled 'Mero Pyaro Okhaldhunga' (My Lovely Okhaldhunga). It was converted into a song by famous Nepali singer Narayan Gopal.
Therathum is a site proposed by the Tourism Board of Nepal as a new destination years ago. Therathum is now a popular stopover location for trekking enthusiasts on the way to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
This site is also home to 28 species of Rhododendron flowers. Rhododendron is also the national flower of Nepal. During spring, the hills become picturesque with full blossom and bloom of these flowers.
Another facet of tourism in Nepal is religious tourism. In this sector province, 1 features prominent shrines such as Haleshi Mahadev Temple, Pathivara Temple and Barachachhetra. Some of these shrines are worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists and Kirat's. The temple of Haleshi Mahadev is an example of multiple faiths intertwining. The cave is associated with Mahadeva (Shiva) by the Hindus. The Buddhists view it as Pashupati (Lord of the Animals). Buddhists of the Tibetan sect connect the cave to the legend of Padmasambhava. Halesi is worshipped as an ancestral deity by the Kirati Rai community of this region. Citations of this cave can be found in ancient texts as far as the 12th century. This cave was referred to as Halesi- Maratika in a biography of Padmasambhava.
As per Hindu legends, Mahadeva hid in this cave from the monster Bhasmasur for 6000 years. The cave is nicknamed 'Pashupati of the East' due to its close association with Mahadev and Pasupati. Devotees embark on a religious pilgrimage from both Nepal and India to this location in the month of Shrawan. Festivals are also held during the holidays of Rama Navami and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Pathibhara Devi, also known as Pathibhara Mai of Taplejung, is also a holy site. It is located on Pathibhara Hill. Trekking enthusiasts can embark on the Limbu Cultural Trek or take a side route from the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek to visit this temple. The hill is also famous for its panoramic natural views. Mountains such as Everest, Lhotse and Makalu are visible on a clear day. The lookout tower view also features most of Panchthar and Illam. Sikkim and the West Bengal of India are also visible.
Barahachhetra is a renowned Hindu and Kirat Pilgrimage site located in Sunsari. The shrine of this temple is the oldest mentioned in the Puranas. The epic Mahabharata also mentions and glorifies this shrine. It is one of the Char Dham (Four Great Religious Sites) in Nepal.
