Khotang District is one of 14 districts in eastern Nepal's Province No. 1. The district, which has Diktel as its district headquarters, has a population of 206,312 people and occupies 1,591 km2 (614 sq mi).
The district is bordered on the east by Bhojpur District, on the south by Udayapur District, on the west by Okhaldhunga District, and on the north by Solukhumbu District.
History of Khotang District
The district of Khotang was a part of Majha Kirat also known as Khambuwan until Nepal's unification. Majha Kirat was the land area between river banks, from the Dudh Koshi to the Arun, and Sen King of Chaudandigadhi ruled it.
Khotang: Nature's Serene Tapestry
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Nepal had 32 districts under the Rana era, and the new Khotang District was split into two former districts. Half of the current Khotang district was part of East No. 3 (Okhaldhunga), and half of the present Khotang district was part of East No. 4 (Khotang) (Bhojpur).
Khotang county of East No. 4 and several counties from "East No. 3" combined and formed the new Khotang District in 1962, when the traditional 32 districts were split into 75 districts.
Geography and Climate of Khotang District
Khotang is located in Eastern Nepal and is a hilly district. It is situated between the latitudes of 260° 50" N and 270° 28" N, and the longitudes of 860° 26" E and 860° 58" E. The centre's coordinates are 27° 11' 60.00" N and 86° 46' 59.99" E.
The district has an overall area of 1,591 square kilometres (614 sq mi). The district's elevations range from 152 meters to 3620 meters above sea level.
Khotang: Hills, Homes, Harmony
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The Sunkoshi and Dudh Koshi rivers form natural boundaries in the north, west, and south, respectively, while a range of hills and a small river separate it from Bhojpur District in the east.
Forest covers approximately 56 per cent of the district's territory. In addition, about 42% of the district's land is under cultivation.
Climate Zones of Khotang District
The climate of Khotang is classified into five climatic zones. They are:
- Lower Tropical
- Upper Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Subalpine
How can you reach Khotang?
Khotang District (Diktel) is linked to the rest of the world by two modes of transportation: road and air.
By Road
The Khotang District headquarters (Diktel) is linked to the Sagarmatha Highway (H09), a 156-kilometre (97-mile) two-way route. At Kadmaha, the Sagarmatha Highway meets the Mahendra Highway (Saptari District).
The Pushpalal Highway, also known as Nepal's Mid-Hills Highway, is another vital route. This path directly links Khotang to both the eastern and western hill destinations.
By Air
There are three airports in the district of Khotang. They are:
Thamkharka Airport
Thamkharka Airport is a domestic airport in Khotehang that serves Khotang District in Nepal's Province No. 1. The airport first opened its gates on October 19, 2001. In 2019, the runway was resurfaced.
Thamkharka Airport: Aerial Tranquility Unveiled
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The airport is located at the height of 5,238 feet (1,597 meters) above sea level. It has a single runway that is 630 meters (2,067 feet) long.
Khanidanda Airport
Man Maya Airport, also known as Khanidanda Airport, is a domestic airport serving Khotang District in Nepal's Province No. 1 and is situated in Rupakot Majhuwagadhi.
The airport used to have a 590-meter-long dirt runway, which made it difficult to operate during the rainy season. The runway was resurfaced in July 2015 at the cost of Rs 70 million, enabling it to be used all year.
A landslide in 2018 seriously damaged the airport. In 2020, it reopened.
Lamidanda Airport
Lamidanda Airport is a domestic airport in Lamidanda, Rawabesi, Nepal, that serves Khotang District, which is part of Province No. 1. It is the entrance to the Halesi-Maratika Caves, according to Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority.
The airport is located at the height of 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) above sea level. It has a single runway that is 518 meters (1,699 feet) long.
Places to visit in Khotang District
- The Halesi-Maratika Caves are a Hindu pilgrimage site in the Halesi Tuwachung municipality.
- Barah Pokhari is a lake and a holy place in the Barahapokhari rural municipality and a portion of a trekking route.
- Trekking on hills, valleys, rivers, and other activities.
