Kopche: A village in oblivion turned into ‘orange town’

By Our Correspondent,Hile, Mar. 26: Rows of old yet beautiful houses painted in a distinct orange colour. Traditional pati and pauwa (rest houses) are dotted all around, showcasing Newari culture. 

Houses adorned with terracotta tiles and traditional artwork. Visitors and locals alike relax at the rest houses. A mix of homestays, modern hotels and shops filling most homes -- this is the new identity of Kopche, a previously forgotten corner of Dhankuta that has now emerged as vibrant ‘Orange City.’

Located in Ward No. 5 of Dhankuta Municipality, Kopche has gained this new identity along with a fresh nickname -- the ‘Beautiful Orange City.’ 

Until about three years ago, Kopche was largely unknown. However, the locality has experienced a remarkable revival since locals initiated the Kopche Revival Campaign.

Once a desolate place with barely any visitors now welcomes tourists. Many previously shuttered shops have reopened. The once collapsing old houses that gave Kopche a deserted appearance have been restored, transforming the area into a charming orange city.

“Until recently, this place remained deserted for nearly three decades. It was so empty that even jackals roamed the streets during the day,” said local Krishna Maya Shrestha. “But now, the scene has changed dramatically and tourists have started to arrive.”

However, Kopche was not always forgotten. It once served as a major commercial hub not only for Dhankuta but for the entire eastern hill region. Before the road reached Dhankuta, Kopche bustled with activity for over 200 years, lasting until 1986/87 when the road finally extended to Dhankuta.

While road expansion benefitted other parts of the district, it proved to be a bane for Kopche. By around 1994 AD, Kopche had faded into obscurity.

“During that period, many residents left Kopche, leaving it abandoned and forgotten. However, with recent efforts from both Lower and Upper Kopche communities to revive its former glory, the village is regaining some of its lost charm,” said Rajendra Pradhan.

Now, locals aim to transform what was once a bustling business hub into a thriving tourist destination. As part of this effort, all houses in Kopche have been painted orange, earning it the nickname ‘Orange City’. Flower plantations have been introduced as part of the ‘City of Flowers’ campaign, alongside steps to preserve the area’s heritage and cultural assets.

Kopche now hosts two annual festivals, each unique in its way. According to Govinda Rai, a member of the Kopche Revival Campaign, these festivals feature traditional games, duna tapara (leaf bowl) weaving competitions, Newari and Athpahariya delicacies and displays of indigenous art, culture, costumes, dances and musical performances.

“These events have significantly increased the number of visitors exploring Kopche,” Rai added.

Recent developments have also seen major investments in the hospitality sector. Upper Kopche now boasts of Murchunga, a star-rated hotel, while Lower Kopche features several restaurants and guesthouses. Similarly, a mini-market, homestays and various shops have opened, further revitalising the area.

“Many businesses had closed after 1993, and numerous homes were left vacant as residents moved away,” said Ujjwal Karmacharya, secretary of the Kopche Revival Campaign. “But now, those homes are gradually reopening, bringing Kopche back to life.”