By Amar Raj Naharki, Bandipur, Oct. 29: A mini Great Wall, resembling the world-famous Great Wall of China, is being constructed in Bandipur, Tanahun.

After the completion of construction, an increase in the flow of tourists has been anticipated in Bandipur, which is also known as 'Queen of Hills'.

The Bandipur Rural Municipality has been providing financial assistance for the construction of 1,100 meter-long mini Great Wall. The construction has already reached the final phase.

According to the rural municipality, Rs. 7 million has been spent on the construction until now. The mini Great Wall starts from Thanimai Temple in Bandipur Rural Municipality-2 and ends at Mukundeshwari Hill.

"Former king Mukunda Sen had ruled the Mukundeswari Hill. After the completion of construction, tourists can also ride horses within the trail of the mini Great Wall," said Purna Singh Thapa, Chairman of Bandipur Rural Municipality.

"Horse riding through the mini Great Wall would help the rural municipality to generate income. Also, new employment opportunities will be created for the local youths," Thapa added.

He said that the construction had kicked off last year. The 3-meter wide trail has been named as Mukundeshwari Mini Great Wall.

Manoj Shrestha, a local media person, said, "As the construction of mini Great Wall is a new concept for Nepal, I have found it to be fascinating and attractive."

The Rural Municipality is also planning to build a museum in Mukundeshwari Hill. Chairman Thapa said that horse riding training would be provided to the local youths after the completion of construction.

The local level is looking forward to developing Bandipur, which lies at the center of significant tourist destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sauraha, as the center of tourism hub.

Kishan Pradhan, Chairman of Bandipur Tourism Development Committee, said, "We have expected an increase in the flow of tourists in Bandipur post the completion of the mini Great Wall and after the COVID-19 pandemic comes into control."