Bhimeshwar

Bhimeshwar, (formerly Charikot), is a municipality in north-eastern Nepal and the headquarters of Dolakha District in Bagmati Province that was established in 1997 by merging the former Village development committees Charikot, Dolakha Town, Makaibari, Mati, Suspaa, and Lankuri danda. At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, it had a population of 32,486 people living in 8,639 individual households. The town is located at an altitude of 1,554 metres (5,101 feet). The name of the district Dolakha came from Dolakha Town situated north-east of the headquarters Charikot Bazaar.

Boundaries
The region is bordered by the Sun Kosi River on the west and the Khimti Khola River on the east. It is divided unequally by the River Tama Koshi, proportionately two-thirds to the west of the river and one-third to the east.

To the north east lies the impressive Rolwaling Himal to the western edge of which are such peaks as Gauri Shankar and Melungtse. Gauri Shankar is synonymous with the god Shiva and his consort Parvati.

Geography
To the northwest the mountains slope gently downwards towards the ancient pass of Kuti that starts above the Tibetan town of Khasa and follows the waters of the Bhote Kosi from Tibet. The river flows past Kodari and Tatopani (Hot Springs) on the Nepalese side and gradually rushes down into an ever-widening stream of water that becomes the Sun Kosi.

The Khimti Khola drains down from a region of five lakes called Panch Pokhari. They have a specific place in legend and go by the names of Mohi (buttermilk), Jata (hair), Dudh (milk), Bahula (insane), and Bhut (ghost). People believe that if one bathes in Bahula Pokhari one will become insane, whereas the Ghost Lake cannot bear the smell of human perspiration and will pull one inside its murky waters to a certain death if you as much as venture near it. The Khimti Khola joins the Tama Koshi, as do the Khare Khola and Rolwaling Khola to the northeast and the Sangawati, Dolti and Charnewati Kholas to the west.

The riverine valleys open out into massive volcanic folds. Sub-tropical settlements on the banks of rivers boast banana trees, guava, and an abundance of fish. Above the banks hover the terraced fields of paddy, make, wheat, and millet.

Between Bhimeshwar and Jiri the road descends to 845 metres and is bordered by plantations of sugar-cane. Above these slopes are forests of dark oak, fir and pine, interspersed with tangles of bracken and fem all in the embrace of clinging orchids and coloured in the springtime by the rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal.

Mosses cling to the shaded rocks and in the forests are wild strawberries, loganberries, red berries and thyme.

Destination
Dolakha is approximately 139 km from the Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Regular-Local and Express bus services are available from Jadibuti Bus Park made by pure Araniko transport private limited. All the Bus services are operated by Araniko Transportation Authority as per Syndicate System. Old Bus Park is situated opposite Play Ground-Tundekhel. Students can get 45% discount in regular bus fare. Anyone can get a ride from virtually any spot in the route. Previously, one could ride in the hood but recently the law was passed not to allow anyone to ride over the hood.

The popular destination from Jadibuti Bus Park en route to Dolakha are many. Banepa, Dhulikhel, Dolal-Ghat, Lamo-Sangu (Long Bridge), Khadi Chaur (Middle Eastern Ground), and Mude. Tourists and local enjoy the travel and scenic views, foods on the route equally. Dolal-Ghat and Khadi Chaur are major destination for fish, Dolal-Ghat for vegetables (esp. tomatoes), Dhulikhel for restaurants and resorts.

Rafting in the Sunkoshi (Gold River) and Tamba koshi is also a major attraction.

Government schools

 * Shree Kutidanda Higher Secondary School (Makaibari)
 * Shree Kalinchwok Higher Secondary School (Charikot)
 * Shree Pashupati Kanya Mandir (Charikot)
 * Shree Bhim Higher Secondary School (Dolakha)
 * Shree Sharba Secondary School (Jilu)
 * Shree Mahendradayo Higher secondary School (Mati)

Private boarding schools

 * The Rising Star English Boarding School (Charikot)
 * Mount Valley Academy secondary school (Charikot)
 * Tripura Glorious Academy (Charikot)
 * Samata School
 * Apline Public School (Charikot)
 * Aankura English Boarding School (Dharam Ghar)
 * Gaurishanker English Boarding School (Charikot)
 * Apex English Boarding School (Charikot)
 * Modern Nepal English School (Charikot)

Government college

 * Gaurishankar Multiple Campus (Charikot)
 * Charikot Campus (Charikot)

Private college
The Rising Himse Academy (+2) in Management and

Tripura Glorious Academy (+2) in Management

Government Office

 * District Administration Office Dolakha
 * Land Measurement and Archive Office Dolakha
 * District Survey Department Dolakha
 * District Court Dolakha
 * District Coordination Committee Office Dolakha
 * District Police Office Dolakha
 * District Armed Police Office Dolakha
 * District Post Office Dolakha

Government Hospitals

 * Pashupati Chaulagain Smiriti Hospital
 * District Health Post Dolakha
 * District Eye Hospital Dolakha

Private Hospitals

 * Tsho Rolpa General Hospital and Nursing College
 * Dolakha Samudayek Hospital
 * Dhulikhel Hospital Dolakha

Government offices

 * Bhimeshwar Municipality Office
 * District Public Health Office
 * Road and construction Office

Demographics
At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, Bhimeshwar Municipality had a population of 33,324. Of these, 67.0% spoke Nepali, 13.7% Tamang, 10.4% Thangmi, 5.9% Newar, 1.2% Sherpa, 0.6% Maithili, 0.4% Bengali, 0.1% Bhojpuri, 0.1% Bhujel, 0.1% Gurung, 0.1% Hindi, 0.1% Jirel, 0.1% Magar, 0.1% Sunwar and 0.1% other languages as their first language.

In terms of ethnicity/caste, 29.7% were Chhetri, 18.1% Newar, 15.6% Tamang, 12.6% Thami, 11.1% Hill Brahmin, 3.4% Kami, 2.0% Gharti/Bhujel, 1.8% Sarki, 1.3% Damai/Dholi, 1.3% Sherpa, 0.5% Magar, 0.3% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 0.3% Thakuri, 0.2% Badi, 0.2% Gurung, 0.1% Terai Brahmin, 0.1% Hajjam/Thakur, 0.1% Halwai, 0.1% Jirel, 0.1% Kathabaniyan, 0.1% Koiri/Kushwaha, 0.1% Musalman, 0.1% Rai, 0.1% Sunuwar and 0.5% others.

In terms of religion, 76.4% were Hindu, 16.6% Buddhist, 5.6% Prakriti, 1.1% Christian, 0.1% Muslim and 0.1% others.

In terms of literacy, 68.9% could read and write, 4.2% could only read and 26.8% could neither read nor write.

Ethnic groups


The ethnic composition of Dolakha, Nepal reflects a rich diversity with several distinct groups contributing to its cultural fabric. Among the prominent ethnic communities in Dolakha are the Tamang, Sherpa, Newar, Thami, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Dalit groups. Each community brings unique traditions, languages, and customs, enriching the local heritage. The Tamang people, known for their vibrant culture and skilled craftsmanship, constitute a significant portion of the population, along with Sherpas renowned for their mountaineering prowess and unique religious practices.

The Newars (Newa:), traditionally associated with urban centres and trade up to Lhasa, Tibet, add a distinct cultural dimension to the region.

Thami people have traditionally sustained themselves through agriculture, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship. Their language, Thami Kham, belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family and is crucial to their cultural identity. The Thami community is known for its vibrant festivals, such as "Bisu," celebrated to mark the New Year, and "Gai Jatra," a festival honouring departed souls. Despite facing challenges such as marginalization and socio-economic disparities, the Thami people continue to preserve their cultural heritage and strive for recognition and empowerment within Nepal's diverse social tapestry.

Brahmins and Chhetris, predominantly engaged in various professions, hold significant social influence, while Dalits contribute to the socio-economic diversity of Dolakha. This ethnic amalgamation reflects the complexity and unity of Dolakha's society, where diverse identities coexist harmoniously.

Media
To promote local culture Bhimeshwar has two community radio stations – Sailung (104 MHz) and Radio Kalinchowk (106.4 MHz).