Two buildings constructed for hot bath at Tatopani

BY CHITRA MIJAR,Sindhupalchowk, Mar. 17: Two buildings have been constructed at Tatopani Hot Spring at a cost of Rs. 30 million. The budget also covered the construction of bathtubs and bathing taps.  

After the hot spring in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1, near the Nepal-China border, fell into disrepair, the rural municipality allocated funds for its reconstruction. Ward Chairman Kumar Shrestha stated that the budget was used to build new buildings, bathtubs and taps.  

The newly constructed bathtubs can accommodate up to 46 people at a time. Previously, limited number of bathtubs and taps were insufficient for pilgrims. With Ward Chairman Shrestha’s initiative, two buildings, additional bathtubs and taps have now been constructed. Plans are also underway to establish a restaurant within the hot spring premises to cater to visiting tourists.  

The newly built structures have eliminated long waiting times. Previously, the bathing taps were narrow and inadequate. Separate restrooms have also been constructed for men and women. Additionally, with an extra Rs. 5 million from the municipality’s budget, a 21-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva with his sacred bull (Nandi), a community building, a temple, a park and other infrastructure have been built, making the site more convenient for pilgrims and tourists.  

A special bathing festival is held at the hot spring every year in the month of Chaitra (March-April), attracting visitors from different parts of Nepal. Thousands of people from neighboring countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Bhutan, as well as from various European nations, visit the hot spring for bathing. To accommodate the increasing number of visitors, additional facilities such as well-managed bathing taps, bathtubs, buildings and a swimming pool have been constructed.  

However, the poor condition of the Kodari Highway has made travel to Tatopani Hot Spring difficult for tourists. If road conditions improve, thousands of visitors could arrive at the hot spring in a single day. Before the earthquake, more than 50,000 domestic and international tourists visited the hot spring annually, many of whom also traveled to Tibet for a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.  

The month-long bathing festival at Tatopani Hot Spring began on the first day of Chaitra. It is believed that bathing in this hot spring can cure diseases.  

The water temperature in the hot spring is 44°C and contains sulfur, which is believed to help alleviate arthritis and digestive issues. Nearby, there is also a natural acidic water spring. 

According to Ward Chairman Shrestha, the hot spring has historical and religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and other spiritual traditions. Hindu devotees believe that Lord Shiva, the great sage Rishi Shringi and Buddhist master Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) have connections to the hot spring. 

According to legend, the hot spring was created by the serpent deity (Naga) for bathing and more than a 100,000 people visit the site annually.