Taman village emerges as living heritage destination

By Arjun Karki, Baglung, June 3: Rows of traditional houses, roofed with stone slates and built in a uniform pattern, define the charm of Taman Village. 

Known for its indigenous architecture and traditional way of life, Taman Village, located in Ward-3 of Tamankhola Rural Municipality, is recognised as a settlement of historical, cultural and natural significance.

Situated as the farthest settlement from the district headquarters, Taman Village has earned a distinct identity through its traditional stone-roofed houses, stunning natural beauty and the continued practice of the Katuwal system, an age-old, traditional communication method. 

Anyone visiting Taman Village is likely to be captivated by its authentic and traditional-style homes. 

At a time when modern concrete buildings are rapidly replacing older structures, the village has managed to preserve its historical character and natural beauty. 

Not only are the houses old and traditional, but indigenous customs such as the Katuwal system, which binds the community together, continue to be practised with respect.

Chairperson of Tamankhola Rural Municipality, Jokalal Budha, said the village is being promoted as a tourist destination due to its originality and historical significance. 

He said that with two to three hundred houses in one cluster built in traditional designs, efforts are being made to preserve the settlement while promoting it as a tourism destination.

In recent years, initiatives have been launched to develop Taman Village as an integrated settlement. 

Ward Chairperson Jhak Bahadur Budha said plans are being implemented to preserve the village’s originality while developing a well-managed settlement equipped with modern facilities.

He stated that the local government is striving to develop the area without losing the heritage and identity inherited from ancestors.

“Development projects are being prioritised,” Budha said. “At the same time, we are paying special attention to preserving the village’s original character."

According to him, efforts have also been made to transform the appearance of the village during his tenure.

“Our priority is not only development but also preserving our originality alongside it,” he said. “We want to conserve the traditional stone roofs and transform the settlement into a uniform village with houses sharing a similar colour and architectural appearance. 

In line with this plan, Rs 500,000 was allocated during the second year of my tenure to begin painting the houses in a uniform style, but the project could not be implemented due to technical difficulties.”

While villagers previously had to walk for hours to access basic healthcare and education, the settlement now has improved access to health services, education and internet connectivity.

“Access to health, education and internet services has expanded in the village, positively contributing to improvements in the living standards of locals,” Budha said.

According to Rural Municipality Chairperson Joklal Budha Magar, plans are being implemented to develop Taman Village into a tourism village. 

“Taman Village itself is a living museum,” he said. “The municipality is working to prepare the necessary infrastructure for tourists who come to experience its natural beauty, stone houses and traditions.”

He added that special attention is being paid to preserving traditional-style houses to protect the village’s unique identity, while new constructions are also encouraged to follow local architectural designs and maintain the settlement’s indigenous character.

Alongside Taman Village, chairperson Budha identified Solaedanda, Lammela Village, Narja Village, Bhitri Ban Village, Khunkhani Village, Nautale Hill, Seula Village, Kholesbang Village and the Barah Lakes as important tourist destinations within the municipality. He said efforts are under way to develop infrastructure in these areas.

According to him, tourism promotion has been regarded as a key pillar for strengthening the municipality economically and socially. Infrastructure development in tourism areas has therefore been accelerated to promote historic villages such as Taman.