Daman is a small village in central Nepal known for its scenic views of the Himalayas. It has strengths such as its beautiful natural setting and proximity to Kathmandu, but weaknesses including a lack of quality accommodation options and activities. There are opportunities to capitalize on increasing tourism to Nepal by improving facilities and promotion. However, threats include climate change impacts and competition from other destinations.

1. Detail Report on the state of tourism near my Home town.
[An assignment provided as a partial requirement for the course of Hospitality Management
Seventh semester, Kings College ]
DAMAN (THE TOWN OF VIEWS)
Submitted by Submitted to
Suraj Ghimire Kings College
BBA VII(Marketing) Bijuli Bajar, Kathmandu

2. Introduction of the place
Daman is a small village in the central part of Nepal, situated at an altitude of 2320 metres and
100 kilometres southwest of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is halfway between
Kathmandu and Hetauda at 2320m in the district of Makwanpur. The village lies on the
Tribhuvan Highway, one of the adventurous highways in Nepal, offers the only unimpeded view
of the entire Himalayan range – roughly 400 km of Himalayan panorama extending on a good
day from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east. Viewpoints such as Tiger Hill in
Darjeeling, Nagarkot or Poon Hill on the Annapurna Trek pale by comparison. As with most
destinations in Nepal, it is located in a region that is surrounded with natural splendor and
characteristics that are unique to the village.
Fifty million year ago, while dinosaurs wandered the steamy earth, unimaginable forces were
rearranging the continents from beneath. Indian and Asian landmasses collided like two slow-
motion freight trains shoving twisted layers of rock nearly nine kilometers into the air. Thus the
Himalaya was born, and is still growing today. Unimaginable forces created one of the World's
most awesome sights, the highest mountains on earth - the Himalaya. Alluring summits and
jagged ranges entice adventures, climbers, explorers and travelers alike to gaze in wonder at
these giants. Nepal, a land of warm, friendly exotic peoples is the synonymous with the
Himalaya. Eight of the world‟s ten highest mountains lie along its northern border. And Daman
is the place to view it all.
A walk around the surrounding area or a lounging on the one of the resort here is just a different
experience in itself. Rock climbing, cycling, hiking are few of the many activities possible here.
There are couple of accommodation option for a comfortable stay. Panoramas from the viewing
tower or hill station can be enjoyed with the naked eye, or through the mounted telescope. From
this sightseeing point visitors will be able to look upon the unchallenged beauty of the
Himalayas. The most well-known peaks and hiking destinations in Nepal can be seen from here.
They include Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamre, Annapurna and Mount Everest. Around the
tower, visitors will be mesmerized by the abundant variety of flowers and wild orchids that
decorate the dense forests.
SWOT ANALYSIS
 STRENGTH
o Location, view and altitude

3. It is located in a region that is surrounded with natural splendor and characteristics
that are unique to the village at an altitude of 2320m from the sea level. This secluded
village does not have much to offer in regard to late night restaurants, cafés and
nightlife, but opens a gateway to the world of nature and breathtaking landscapes.
Hiking trails like Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamre and major peaks like
Kanchanjunga, Mount Everest, Cho yu, Lhotse, Annapurna, Makalu, Manaslu,
Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorjelakpa, Dhaulagiri, Gaurishankar, etc are seen from
here at an almost 3600 angle. Daman is recognized for its majestic sunsets and
unforgettable moments of beauty.
o Distance from major town
Daman is 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, along the
Tribhuvan Highway. It takes about three hours from Kathmandu, four hours from
Hetauda, four hours from Chitwan National Park, and 7 hours from Pokhara. Due to
its closeness to Kathmandu, Tourist can even return back for the night stay there. This
has put together Daman in more favorable position.
o Facilities
Due to its proximity to urban areas like Kathmandu, Hetauda, Birgunj; Daman has
relatively more facilities available than other places in similar settings. Besides road,
electricity, communication facilities are also well developed. Local health post are
also nearby and drinking water is also not much a problem here. It is a destination for
all seasons, and is a perfect place for Honeymoon Couples, or any other visitors with
short stay in Nepal, Family Holidays, Meditation, Seminars and place to unwind or
undertake more Adventurous Outdoor Activities.
o Price
To make a nice cozy day trip from Kathmandu to come here by car for the day, it
costs around $95. The price can be even low if we choose to stay and eat out at small
hotels or local dwelling as a home stay. The charge of viewing through telescope in
the view tower is also very cheap. But in the downside some tourists complain that
the room fare of well recalled hotels like Daman view and Everest Panorama is not
worth the money.
o Cultural setting
Daman is a melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism. This two religion and various
ethnic communities have blended here with a mutual reverence and appreciation for
each other. There is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is approximately a thirty-
minute leisurely walk away from the village. The Indra Sarobor and Rishikeshwor
Mahadev Temple are also extremely interesting sights to visit. Just one hour away lies
the ancient Rikheshor Mahadevsthan Shrine and the Local Buddhist Monastery. The

4. walk is through century worn trails through the Lush forest of Oak, Pine and
Rhododendron and the Mahabharata and Sivalik hills beckon the hiker. Pilgrims
come to worships at Rikheshor Mahadev, a Hindu shrine, and at a nearby Buddhists
monastery meditating monks find peaceful sanctuary.
o Place for Botanical and anthropological studies
Many visitors come here to study and make research on different generas of plant
species, floras and faunas as well as the anthropological studies of local Tamang and
Chhetris as well the indigenous Chepangs. There are plenty of medicinal and
ornamental herbs and orchids. Due to this visitors will be mesmerized by the
abundant variety of flowers and wild orchids that decorate the dense forests. In
spring, the rhododendron forest comes alive with color and forest animals and is a
very fascinating part of the Daman area to explore. Shady forests resonate with the
bird calls, an orchid sanctuary cascades down the hillsides, and a replica village
demonstrates traditional farming techniques. Beyond The hill, lush forests of
Rhododendron and Pine harbor some 250 types of Orchids, healthy ferns and Spring
flowers such as Iris, Primula, and the sweetest smelling Daphne. A rainbow variety of
Rhododendrons, Nepal‟s national flower, burst into crimson, rose, ivory, lavender and
apricot from mid-March through April. Visiting botanical groups marvel at the plant
diversity, and plant hunters and nature questers collect seeds for research. Sages from
India and Tibet have long visited here in search of medicinal herbs and the coveted
orchids. Horticulture farms take advantage of the ideal climate, growing herbs and
seedlings for reforestation.
 Activities
Lots and lots of activities aimed towards the recreation and entertainment of the
tourists are available here. The activities available here are hiking, cycling, rock
climbing, fishing trip to Kulekhani, pony ride Bird Watching and much more are
available. Mountain bikers and hikers will thoroughly enjoy the trails and walks that
are located around the village. They can capture a mountain trout for dinner, these
activities can make anyone feel alive; explore a country trail, relax on a pony ride,
challenge a switchback on mountain bike, master the ascent of a high cliff in safety or
plunge over the edge of a sheer drop. Pony ride can be enjoyed and have fun riding to
the nearby villages or to the Palung valley.Some popular activities available here are
as follows:-
o Hiking
Daman is situated 80 kilometers south- west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about
2100 meters located on the Tribhuvan Highway , in between Kathmandu and the
town to Birgunj. Daman is known for its it‟s vantage location in viewing the
Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal,
Langtang, Dorjelakpa, Gaurishankar, Cho yu etc. There is a view tower from where
one can have a panoramic view of 300 miles of the Himalayan range. To see a breath

5. taking view of the world's highest peak Mt. Everest Daman is one of the best places
in Nepal . There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes to see the 360
degree Himalayas view.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bike excursions are also offered by travel agencies to or from Kathmandu.
Tourists can also take their own bike and can challenge their skills against the mighty
Himalayas or just coast down 2000+ metres of majestic Himalayan views into the
jungles of Chitwan or the rich fertile Kathmandu valley. Either way he goes to its an
unforgettable roller-coaster ride. Customs trip can also be arranged for individual
needs. A “Support Coach” following close behind accompanies each trips if they get
tired and all food, camping equipment and guides are provided
o Bird Watching
One can experience the life time oppertunity to see birds in the forests of Daman.
Different species of wild and exotic birds can be watched here. Birds like Cuckoo,
Mynah, Parrot, Eagles, vulture, Cranes, Bulbul, and many more migratory birds can
be seen in their dwellings or flying in their flocks.
o Boating / Fishing
Indra Sarobar lake, 7km long and 75 m deep, is stocked with lots of varieties of fish
including delicious catfish. The lake offers boating and fishing as well. Wind gusting
up the corridor from the Kulekhani dam to the Palung valley can provide anyone a
heavenly pleasure. Whether one prefers fishing in streams or angling in a lake, The
streams of nearby Palaung valley are renowned for their trout fishing, and if one is
caught then there are cooks available to show their culinary magic with the frying
pan. These fish can also be enjoyed as baked in the camp fire.
o Sunrise / Sunset Walk
Sunrise and Sunset from the Daman resort are unmatched anywhere in the Himalaya,
even by such famous view spots as Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, Nagarkot near
Kathmandu or Ghorepani on the Annapurna.
 WEAKNESS
o Quality of service
Quality of service provided by the Hotels and resorts are not upto the par with
minimum required standard. The services provided by staffs are not satisfactory
which can be demonstrated by these testimonials from the visitors at the local hotels.
“I was booked in here for two nights but only stayed one as I found there wasn't much

6. to do, unless you wanted long, hilly walks to the village and local attractions. Also the
place does not have car access and you have to walk and negotiate flights of steps
from the road which takes a few minutes. My room was OK except the steam heater
attached to the wall didn't work and when I enquired I was told the room should have
had an electric heater. They then gave me one and I found it wasn't very effective, but
when I returned to the room from dinner I found two hot water bottles in the bed.
Mattress was very uncomfortable, the bathroom a bit gritty and the reception area was
too cold to stay for a while.”
o Lack of variety in content and presentation
There is not much choice for the visitors inbound to stay late night in Daman. There
is only one star hotel which is also not well suited to present standard. Among the
three hotels available, the price is too much and might charge even more looking at
the desperate needs of the tourists. They don‟t have much to offer and there is nothing
new activities available for those who want to come back. Due to this many tourists
don‟t want to stay here for night instead they want to return to Kathmandu for a safe
and agreeable sleepover.
o Lack of promotional activities
In spite of being so close to Kathmandu Daman is almost obscured from the eyes of
tourists. It has not been able to be among the first choice to visit by them. It has
mostly been visited as last minute hurried visit or as filler by the travel agency in their
holiday packages. If we can have enough promotional activities related to Daman,
tourist can readily and willingly come to visit this place.
 OPPURTUNITY
o Increasing arrival of tourist
As the insurgency period has gone and more positive news of Nepal has been flowing
around the world, the number of tourist visiting Nepal is sure to grow leaps and fold.
Recently we had celebrated Nepal tourism Year 2011 and Visit Lumbini year is
running now. The lonely planet index has also listed Nepal 6th best place to visit for
the value of money. So, infra structures and facilities in Daman can be upgraded with
this positive expectation about the increase in number of tourists in coming days.
o Under utilization of assets

7. Our locally available resources are not utilized to its full potential. If we can
optimally utilize our natural resources like rivers, lake, mountain, minerals, forests,
medicinal herbs and the human resources, we have enough room to expand. This
under utilization of assets can be taken as an opportunity for the planned and
sustainable approach in developing tourism in the areas like Daman.
o Local tourism
Recent data shows us that the travelling pattern and behavior of Nepali people is
changing. We are spending more of our time visiting to new places greater than ever
before. Many people planning to travel in foreign countries for recreation don‟t know
that there are places like Daman in Nepal. If we can attract more local tourists to
Daman then the local people can also get an opportunity to pursue a better life and
can survive during off season for foreign tourists.
o Other tourism hot spots
As new and new tourist‟s hotspots are being built in and around Daman, the number
of tourist coming to this place has also been increasing. These tourist attractions have
a symbiotic effect by which they mutually act as a catalyst for each other. Places like
Shahid Smarak in Hetauda, Kulekhani reservoir and Kulekhani hydroelectricity
tunnel serve as the additional places to visit. The proposed channel way between
Kathmandu and Hetauda can also serve as boost up for development of tourism in
Daman by reduction of the physical distance between Daman and these places.
o Easy road access
Tribhuwan highway is the oldest highway of Nepal. Being in the side ways of the
highway, Daman has got an opportunity to flourish. The highway is one of the most
peaceful and pleasant one to ride, not-withstanding its helical bends around the hills.
Many other link roads have also been opened around Daman which has made the
place more accessible to tourists.
 THREAT
o Competition for the limited time of tourists
Daman has to compete with various other tourist locations for the limited number of
tourists and their precious but limited stay in Nepal. Not all tourists coming to Nepal
know about Daman and they hesitate to take risk which can otherwise ruin their
Holidays and many other happy moments of life. So, Daman has to overcome this
threat by conducting different promotional activities and by building other attractions
in and around Daman.

8. o Climate change
Climate change has caused irregularity in the climate pattern all over the world. Being
located in the mountainous region, the impact of this climate change is tenfold. Snow
line is climbing up year by year and there is no distinct and predictability in this
phenomenon. Winter season during snowfall is the peak season in Daman when lots
of local and foreign tourist come there to play with snow as snow fall is also not
regular these days, number of tourists is not satisfactory.
o Pollution
Pollution of all form, may it be air pollution, water pollution, land pollution or noise
pollution has an adverse effect in the life of locals, tourists, wildlife and plant and
vegetation. It is also detrimental for the quality of environment required for serene,
tranquil and a panoramic atmosphere.
o Destruction of trekking routes
With advent of roads and motor able tracks, the number of trails available for foot
walk and hiking is decreasing day by day. There is a tradeoff between overall well
being of the locals and pleasurable and authentic experience for the tourists.
Government and local bodies are not much serious in this issue and has become a
threat for destination like Daman.
Study of the condition 4 As of tourism at Daman
1: Attractions (Natural, man-made, cultural, festivals/events)
Ultimate panoramic Himalayan view is the major grounds for tourists attraction.
The most well-known peaks and hiking destinations in Nepal can be seen from
here. They include Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamre, Annapurna and Mount
Everest. The view of Sunrise and sunset is also out of bounds.
Rhododendron forest comes alive with color and forest animals and is a very
fascinating part of the Daman area to explore.
Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is approximately a thirty-minute leisurely walk
away from the village
The cultural lifestyle that is practiced by villagers and the diverse natural wildlife
that is located here offers a truly amazing adventure to embark on
Also, during winter snowfall occurs in the hills which augment the beauty of the
village to inexplicable point.

9. 2: Accommodation
There are a couple of very basic guesthouses with rooms for rent, and one place renting
out safari style semi-permanent tents. The only star hotel in Daman is Everest Panorama
Resort which is approx 2.5 kms away from the city.
Where to Stay and Eat
Hotel Sherpa is a friendly place with double rooms for Rs 250. They don‟t serve much
here except dal bhat.
Daman Mountain Resort has tent that are set around a viewing tower for Rs 800. It is
over-priced.
Everest Panorama Resort, about 3km up the high, is a resort that has duluxe room
Cottage & tent camp also. Tents cost about Rs 1100 per person. It is over-priced.
3: Accessibility (ease of access regarding transportation facilities)
Maximum 3 Hrs by Car/Minibus from Kathmandu along the Tribhuvan Rajpath
Highway.
07 minutes by Helicopter. The village also contains a resort - Panorama Resort, which
also has a helipad in its premises.
3 1/2 Hrs from Chitwan National Park.
7 Hrs from Pokhara.
Only 4 Hrs from the Indian Border Town of Raxaul(100 Km).
Private Tourist Car/ Van/ Coaster to or from Kathmandu and Pokhara are also arranged
by the hotels or travel agencies.
An individual can also make an excellent bike ride to here, but it is a really tough ride.
4. Amenities (infrastructure and Additional/supplementary service that efficiently and
sufficiently enhance the tourist )
Local health post stationed at Palung is only about half an hour down the hill and
some high fledged hospitals are very close in Bharatpur, Hetauda and Kathmandu.
Drinking water is not much a problem as there are quite a number of downstream
rivers flowing nearby having fresh and pure mountain water.
As an example „The Everest Panorama Resort‟ claims of providing following
facilities to the tourists.
Daman in Nepal is a destination for all seasons, and is a perfect place for
Honeymoon Couples, or any other visitors with short stay in Nepal, Family
Holidays, Meditation, Seminars and place to unwind or undertake more
Adventurous Outdoor Activities.

10. As in every Nepalese home, a Guest at The Everest Panorama Resort is treated as
a God (Athithi Devo Bhava). Conforming nothing to comfort, this unique resort
features modern amenities in a charming traditional design.
Base Camp Bar:
Our well stocked Base Camp Bar, fitted with intimate and private area, allows
you to relax after dinner with one of our special cocktails or local and imported
beverages.
Private View Tower:
Our Private View Tower is fitted with very powerful German made outdoor
binoculars (only one in Nepal so far) brings the mountains 120 times closer.
Honeymoon Cottages:
Tucked into a blissful corner in a natural recluse are 20 deluxe honeymoon
cottages, ideal for those just starting out. Each unit is self- contained with attached
bathroom and the comforts. Our discreet staff promises unobtrusive services with
a special smile. Kathmandu residents: escape from the city commotion. Spend a
weekend here amidst fresh air basking in a carefree, naturally beautiful
environment.
Multi Purpose Hall:
This Multi Purpose Hall have Conference Room facilities for up to 50 people with
Discotheque and Home Theater to watch your favorite movie during the evening.
Recreational building:
Discotheque / Open Campfire, Spa facilities, Jacuzzi and dry/hot sauna are
available in the Recreational building.