Browsing by Subject "Ecotourism"
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Item An Assessment of Ecotourism (A Case Study of Maipokhari Region in Ilam District, Nepal)(Department of Rural Development, 2010-05) Khanal, PrajapatiEcotourism is a recent phenomenon in the Nepalese context. So, the history of ecotourism is not very long in Nepal. In Nepal, conservation activities were started during early 1970s. The ecotourism activities started only after the inception of Chitwan National Park in 1973. Also, trekking tourism arose during the decade 1960s with the development of trekking tourism and conservation activities. In 1994, another ecotourism project KEEP was initiated in Nepal. Ilam is a beautiful hill queen of Nepal. Ilam has strong potentiality for development of ecotourism. Being the various natural resources, green forests, rivers, lakes, mountain, tea garden, forested hills and hills with tea, trekking spots, holy sites etc help to promote the ecotourism in Ilam district. So this study is attempted to examine the economic and cultural aspects of tourism and to find the relation between local people and local tourist activities in Maipokhari region, Ilam, Nepal. The investigation includes the analysis of local people’s income, tourist expenditure, satisfaction of tourist and biodiversity conservation through ecotourism. One of the juncture of the ecotourism in Ilam is the Maipokhari region which is situated in southern part of the district headquarter. It is the old heritage of Ilam district lying on the lap of greenery forest. Due to the excessive pressure of the tourist in this eco zone, this site is the crucial one in respect to proliferation of the eco-tourists. This study has dug out that the Maipokhari region is the most important place for Eco-tourism development in Ilam district. About 80 percent foreign tourists involved in eco-tourism have entertained this site as a major destination of Ilam. It was found that 84 percent local respondents viewed that eco-tourism has contributed various types of employment chances including biodiversity conservation. But nowadays the quality of biodiversity is decreasing and the waste pollution is increasing due to unmanaged solid waste. It may harm on tourism in future so government and related agencies must try to solve these problems for bright future of Maipokhari in ecotourism.Item “A Baseline Study on Ecotourism Potentiality in Dang District” (A Case Study of Baraha Chhetra, Dang, Nepal)(Department of Rural Development, 2010) Maharjan, RamTourism in Nepal is in one or the other way associated with nature and natural areas, tourism in Nepal is often viewed from an ecotourism perspective too. Development of ecotourism might be the mile stone for nation development. The “Baseline Study of Ecotourism Potentiality in Baraha Chhetra” is the topic of the research which includes “to find out baseline information on ecotourism potentiality on study site” as a main objective. Though the site is enclosed diverse potential site for the tourism industry, still the Baraha Chhetra lags behind in the tourism perspective and promotion of ecotourism. Hence, Baraha Chhetra was selected for this study. The study was conducted through literature review, observation, queries with the respective organizations and scholars. Stratified and random sampling method was applied for selection of sample size. The closed and open type of questionnaire was prepared having three main parts which were socio-economic status, natural environment and ecotourism related issues. Whereas, the formal and informal interviews, focus group discussion were conducted to enrich the data of the study. The ethnic composition in the study site were 19.61% Khas (Brahmin/Chhetri/Thakuri), 23.53% Dalit (Kami, Damai), and 55.86% Janajati (Tharu, Nath, Magar, Yadav and Newar). The unique culture and the indigenous knowledge of various Janajati (indigenous peoples) like Tharu, Nath, Magar, Yadav and Newar etc have praiseworthy for ecotourism development . The attainment of primary level of education (23.71%) was quite high compared to the rest of other in the studied site. The average per capita income of the total population of the study site was NPR 8,174.83 in average. Most of the populations in the study site depend on agriculture (34.02%). It was found that 49.02% households were 0-0.339 hectare landholding, 29.21% households were 0.339- 0.678 hectare land holdings, 19.72% households were 0.678- 2.71 hectare land holding and 7.84% households were more than 2.71 hectare land holdings. 35.29% of the households had scarcity of food for 0 – 6 months while, 21.57% households have food deficit for the whole year (i.e.12 months). Similarly, 19.61% households have no deficit of food and 23.53% households have food surplus. The consumption of fuel wood (94.32%) was high in comparison to electricity (49.02%) or other forms of alternative energy in the study site. The site harbors the significant flora: Sal (Shorea robusta), Sisoo (Dalbergia sisoo), Acacia catechu (Khayer), Bambax ceiba (simal), etc. and fauna: Chari Bagh (Felis bengalensis), Ban biralo (Felis chaus), White rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Red headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Brown Hawk Owl (Ninox scutulata), Rato tauke suga (Psittacula roseate) etc. which have contributed to enrich the biodiversity of the district. Most of the populations of the study site had to depend on well (37.25%), Stream (15.72%), Jaruwa (31.37%) and had to walk a long distance for drinking water. In fact, smoke from fuelwood, water pollution, deforestation, solid waste were the most well-known environmental problems in the study site. The flow of tourist was not satisfactory. The purpose of visit of the tourists in the study site was religious (45.09%), natural view (21.53%), recreation (29.41%), and study (1.49%). The availability of transportation was some what good but still need to be improved. Similarly, the available facilities such as lodging and fooding wear seen to be poor. So, it is needed to improve for flourishing tourism. The study has concluded that the Baraha Chhetra has high potentialities for tourism development. But the facilities (transportation, lodging and fooding, amenities) should make available for well development of tourism. As the increased contributions of communities to locally managed ecotourism create viable economic opportunities, including high level management positions, and reduce environmental issues associated with poverty and unemployment, the active participation of local communities in the promotion of ecotourism should be encouraged. Similarly, effective planning, management and control should be ensured for the sustainable growth of ecotourism in Baraha Chhetra.Item Benefit potential of ecotourism in Nepal(Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences ,Rural Developmen, 2023) Pasa, Rajan BinayekThis study underscores on the area of benefit potential of ecotourism in the context of Nepal. However, professional background, personal interests, and the gaps in literature review had tremendously motivated the researcher to explore the benefit potential of ecotourism. Moreover, this study applies quantitative approach and cross-sectional survey design. The numerical data were collected from 745 community people (tourism entrepreneurs) belonging to three ecological regions: Mountain, Hill, and Tarai. The researcher has brought theoretical insights from alternative tourism development (i.e. ecotourism, cultural tourism and creative tourism), assets based community development approach, sustainable rural livelihood approach and theory of practice, which are then supported by the empirical findings in the study. Empirically, the study was conducted around Sagarmatha national park (UNESCO Heritage site) located in Pasang Khumbulhamu rural municipality of Solukhumbu district; Annapurna conservation area (Largest conservation area of the country) located in Annapurna rural municipality of Kaski district and Chitwan national park (UNESCO Heritage site) located in Ratnanagar municipality of Chitwan district. The household survey, key informant interview and participant observation techniques were applied from 20 October 2019 to 30 December 2019 for collecting numerical data and generating narrative information. Statistically, social demographic index seems significant for the analysis of family food sufficiency, personal means of transportation, land ownership types and ecology but insignificant for sex group and caste/ethnicity. Ecotourism index seems significant for entrepreneurial skills, beneficiaries’ groups, and ecology and insignificant for types of tourism services. The KAP index seems insignificant for gender, ecology, and caste/ethnicity. Multiple benefits indexes seem significant for number of accommodation room and ecology but insignificant for beneficiaries group, types of tourism services, caste/ethnicity and business investment. Logistic regression model for types of tourism service with respect to social demographic and entrepreneurial characteristics, KAP and economic benefit found significant. Factor analysis model developed two significant explainable factors (government support, marketing, plan; community, culture, and hospitality) from KAP related variables and developed four significantly explainable factors (community building and infrastructure; cultural sentiments and social capital; transformative role of women and hospitality; agro-ecotourism and garbage management) from multiple benefits related variables. Discriminant functions model explained knowledge as stronger predictor than attitude for the educational choice and explained economic benefit and cultural benefit as stronger predictors than social benefit for migration decision. Multiple regressions model for KAP index with respect to social demographic characteristics found significant and the multiple benefit potential index with respect to entrepreneurial characteristics also found significant. Finally, ecotourism is creating economic, social, cultural, environmental, education and health benefits to the community people significantly. Thus, knowledge generated from this study has greater implication on knowledge level (at conceptual, theoretical and methodological), practice level (to the experts and stakeholders who are working for tourism and rural development) and policy level (to the policy makers and planners working in central and local levels).Item Bufferzone Approach in Ecotourism: A Survey Study of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park(Department of Rural Development, 2019) Pandey, Khagendra PrasadTourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world. Ecotourism, sometimes also called as nature tourism. A bufferzone is an area lying between two or more others and serving to reduce the possibility of damaging interactions between them. This approach is widely used in nature conservation. In these contexts, this study tried to analyse social-demographic situations of the respondents, examine visiting trend of inter/national guests, socio-economic and environmental impact of ecotourism. The research was conducted in bufferzone of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It occupying the part of the Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok and Dhading districts of central Nepal. Primary data were collected from 300 respondents through household survey questionnaires, and key informant interviews techniques. Secondary data were collected through national and international report related to tourism and ecotourism, bulletin of national parks and village level profiles. The study found that, maximum 60% respondents were male and 40% were female. Similarly, respondents‟ age falls in between 20-40 years; most 152 respondents have 3-8 family members. In the case of Chhatre Deurali, Mulkhark, Kakani and Bhotechaur annual family earning from tourism sector and non- tourism sector were NRs.9466000, NRs.5325000, and NRs.31995000 & NRs.21278000 respectively. Similarly annual family expenditure of Chhatre Deurali, Mulkhark, Kakani and Bhotechaur NRs.3750200, NRs.6149700, NRs.13911546 & NRs.8105900 respectivelly. The direct benificiaries respondents were 55, 32, 51 & 39 percent of respondents in Chhtre Deurali, Mulkharak, Kakani and Bhotechaur respectively. The indirect beneficiaries' respondents were 23, 66, 30 & 49 percent of respondents in Chhtre Deurali, Mulkharak, Kakani and Bhotechaur respectively. The nonbeneficiaries respondents were 23, 2, 20 & 13 percent of respondents in Chhtre Deurali, Mulkharak, Kakani and Bhotechaur respectively. Among working members outside home: 3,3,20 and 6 people's works own country in Chhatre Deurali, Mulkharka, Kakani and Bhotechaur respectively. Similarly, 6,9,25 and 11 peoples works outside country in Chhatre Deurali, Mulkharka, Kakani and Bhotechaur respectively. Eventually, this study has more potential to reproduce those results in a similar setting as this study can be a reference guide for the inexperienced author, tourism developers, policy makers and local development planners.Item Eco-Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Nagarkot(Department of Rural Development, 2008) Khirshina, Amrit BahadurThe concept of ecotourism started from Costa-Rica in 1987 by a Tour Operator.Principally ecotourism needs natural areas especially unspoiled natural areas. Nepalas anaturallybeautiful country having huge bio-diversitycontains greatpotentialityof ecotourism. Nagarkot as a hilly natural area with magnificent Himalayan rangeson theeast,south andnorthernsides also contains one of the huge potential areas ofeco-tourism in the country. The study based on primary data from 80 respondents; 35 local people, 20 hotelowners and 25 tourists has revealed that there is great potentiality of ecotourism andessentiality of environmental conservation for the sustainable income from tourismsector. To maintain the tourism business with future prospect the values andprinciples such as‘Take only photographs leave only foot prints’ are essential toapply. Theexistedbeauty of the place such as heart-touching Himalayanranges, coolfresh air, wide coverage onnatural forest and topographical scenario etc are the keyelements of ecotourism potentiality of the place. The study has found that touristscome to Nagarkot, 32 percent for sightseeing, 22 percent for holiday purpose,and 18percent for the sunset / sun rise, 14 percent for the picnic and equally for theconvention purposes. In spite of huge potentiality of tourism in general and eco-tourism in particular thereare various constraints like poor transportation andcommunication facilities, poorrecreational facilities, a limited season, lack of trained manpower, lack of marketing,poor solid waste management system, limited number of educated people. Thus, the future of ecotourism in Nagrkot is found to be very optimistic and reliesheavily on who is responsible for marketing, setting the planning, initiating the entryfees, involving the locals and establishing the infrastructures needed for ecotourismdevelopment.Item Economic benefit of ecotourism in Kanchanjhungha conservation area(Department of Rural Development, 2023) Basnet, ManojThe purpose of this thesis is to review the economic benefits of ecotourism in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in the Eastern Himalayas using a descriptive research approach and survey methodology. This study aims to examine Resource Allocation and Buffer Zone Management practices within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Analyze Economic Benefits of Ecotourism Pre- and Post-Conavirus Pandemic. Assess the Sustainability of Ecotourism activities in the study area. Explore Relationships Between Respondents' Characteristics and Buffer Zone Management and Entrepreneurship. Grounded in post-positivism and postmodernism research paradigms, the findings of the study reveal that ecotourism revenues are directed toward buffer zone management, biodiversity preservation, supporting wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and conservation initiatives. Ecotourism significantly contributes to economic growth and poverty reduction in the region. It fosters job creation, income generation, and capacity building within local communities. While ecotourism has brought benefits it also poses challenges to overcome, in light of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused fluctuations in income sources and spending patterns significantly impacting the landscape. The level of education seems to influence the types of tourism services available, it shows that females in grade 10 were more likely to offer guest house services, while males in grade 10 were more inclined to offer homestay services. Also, females in grade 8 were more likely to offer both homestay and guest house services, while males in grade 8 tended to concentrate on hotel and restaurant services. There are achievements to be proud of and difficulties to overcome for tourism development, including the limited technical and financial assistance, from local authorities. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can ensure a future that values richness preserves natural wonders, and promotes equitable economic growth, for everyone involved.Item Ecotourism Potentialities in Chitwan National Park with Reference to the Case Study in Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal(Central Department of Zoology Institute of Science and Technology Tribhuvan University Kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal, 2011-09) Bhandari, RenuFrom the nature conservation standpoint in Bachhauli Village Development Committee of Chitwan National Park, Ecotourism is providing economic benefit for the people living there as this National Park has been a hub of wildlife tourism area since a long time. This VDC lies in the northern buffer zone of the national park. This study was carried out in Sauraha from December 2009 to January 2010 with available and possible standard methods. Various tourism infrastructures for the comfort and recreation of the visitors like hotels, forest roads and wooden bridges, guided tours, elephant safaris, boating/canoeing, jungle drive/walk, dance of indigenous people, and village walk were studied in such a way to analyze and to know their impacts on the indigenous flora and fauna of the area. The study revealed majority of tourists were satisfied from their trip to Chitwan National Park. No significant differences were noted between pre and post visit satisfaction at 5% level of confidence. As the F tab (2.87) calculated is greater than F cal (2.19) which showed that there was no significant differences between pre and post visit satisfactions. The research showed the area has a strong ecotourism potentiality with its natural and cultural resources that offers for all types of tourists. The potentiality of the area was recorded as 2.216 which showed that this national park have a high potential.Item Livelihood Impact of Ecotourism (The Case of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu)(Department of Sociology, 2019) Khanal, Yadap PrasadThe study entitled Livelihood Impact of Ecotourism: The Case of ShivapuriNagarjun National Park, Kathmandu tried to analyze social, cultural and economic opportunities brought in the wake of ecotourism development in the study area.. Altogether 134 respondents took part in the survey. The field findings have been further explained through the theory of sustainable development approach and ecotourism. The study area comprises economically active working population in large number. Likewise, the participation of the female in tourism business is quite impressing. Similarly, the settlement comprises more number of ethnic residents like Tamang and newar community. These indigenous groups have their own culture, traditions and local farm productions to impress the new people coming to the area as tourists. Likewise, the livelihood impact of the tourism was clearly visible in the region. The increased tourism activities have reduced the number of people going to abroad for working. They have begun some innovative ideas in the tourism sector at their place. Cent percent people engaged in the enterprises are at least literate, however, the involvement of the high school passed graduates is very less in the sector.. They seem aware about the socio-economical, environmental and cultural impacts of the tourism industry and have expectations from the local government to lead on minimizing the possible hazards, which could hamper their livelihood activities in the near future. Regarding the relationship between the socio-demographic characters and the livelihood impact of the tourism, it was revealed that is no relationship between the caste / ethnicity and choosing the family occupation. People belonging to any caste/group have got engaged in tourism enterprises. Interestingly, the respondents, whose academic qualification is less than 10 are more conscious on this matter. They want to please the tourists by the locally grown agriculture, dairy products and ethnic food, costumes and dresses. The study has high implications in the sector of improving the lives of the community people residing in the buffer zones of the national parks through tourism business. Further researches covering the larger number of sample and more diverse area of eco-tourism can be conducted to promote the tourism industry in Nepal. The local government development priorities should encompass the eco-tourism and community benefit systems for promoting the sustainable development.Item Problems and Prospects of Eco-Tourism Developmemt in Achham District(Central Department of Rural Development Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, 2017) Khadka, Devi KalaThe thesis entitled Problem and Prospect of Ecotourism Development: A Case Study of Sanfebagar Municipality, Achham District, Nepal has been prepared for the fulfillment of Master Degree in Rural Development from the Central Department of Rural Development, T.U., Kirtipur. It is entirely based on the field survey in which researcher has exercised to highlight the eco-tourism is natural environment and cultural richness. Eco-tourism is a new concept in the tourism sector and operations have been established all over the world particularly in developing countries on the assumption of poverty alleviation and environment conservation as well as minimum impact in environment sector. The general objective of the study is to identify the problems and possibilities of eco-tourism Development of Baidhyanath in Achham District and has been used the random sampling methods in selected areas of Baidhyanath. The primary data are collected using questionnaire through the field survey in the study area and secondary data from various sources. Based on the study, it is found that Baidhyanath is located in Achham district. It is natural beauty and socio-cultural life style with untouched by modern onslaughts, with famous religious Temple Baidhyanath, wetlands, pasturelands, river and so many things which are potential for tourist destination. This place is famous for both domestic and international tourism for its peculiar village environment. In the view of its potential for the tourism development, local community is seen to the more interested and aware on the development on this area jointly as tourist destination. The study identifies tremendous prospects of eco-tourism and problems. Baidhyanath Temple, Tapti Kunda, Kailash Khola, Budhiganga River, Lungarli Khola, Kalika Devi Temple, Devithum Tample, Sanfebagar, Khapad, Ramaroshan, fauna-flora, scene view, historical movement local culture, mountain scene and favorable climate are the attractions of Achham. Similarly, the problems are found mainly about the drinking water, trained manpower, health and sanitation problem, lack of recreational facilities, lack of good qualities hotels, public toilet, peace and security and lack of marketing etc. There is absence of well, electricity, sanitation, marketing medical facilities, recreational center, visitor information center and entry of which are the vital challenging problems. Tourism has created employment opportunities to the local people and most of them have got indirect benefit. Households along the trekking route and destination derive economic benefits through sale of local products like vegetables, milk, ghee; eggs etc. for the hotels the development of tourism would promote village and hotel industry as well as agriculture and livestock farming also flourish due to the development of tourism. .There are major trekking routes; Baidhyanath to Devithum for 3 hours long trek, Baidhyanath to Kailash for an hour long trek, Sanfebagar to Khaptad for 9 hours long trek. The best of time to visit the area is from January to March. The research has been conducted on the basis of field survey applying exploratory cum descriptive in which 60 locals, 6 hotels, 20 tourists key informants have been taken as sample and applied interview, timeline and table as tools. Hence, the future of eco-tourism development in Baidhyanath area is found to be very optimistic and relies heavily on who is responsible for marketing, eco-tourism, planning, modifying entry fee, establishing infrastructure, making aware to locals and tourists regarding to eco-tourism in the study area (Baidhyanath area). Apart from this, eco-tourism provides a high level of education on ecology and environment, which has positive impact upon the protection of environment and culture and brings about economic benefits for the host communities and contributes to conservation activities efforts.Item Problems and Prospects of Ecotourism in Nepal (A Case Study of Bandipur, Tanahun)(Department of Rural Development, 2006) Dhakal, Dipak RajNot AvailableItem Prospects and Problems of Ecotourism in Nepal A Case Study of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park(Department of Rural Development, 2010) Rana, SujaniNepal is recognized as one of the important tourist destinations of the whole world.Tourism in protected areas has been a major component of national tourism sector in Nepal. Shivapuri Nagarjun National park due to it's scenic attraction and good biodiversity is envisaged as a potential site for eco-tourism development. The present study was carried out in four study areas which are four major entry points of Sivapuri Nagarjun National park. The first area was Budhanilkantha, where the park's headquarter is also situated. The second study area Sundarijal is the most popular entry points of thepark and lies in the trekking route to Chisapani. The third and fourth study areas are Kakani and Lapsiphedi, which lies in the trekking route to Shivapuri peak and Chisapani and are famous for watching Himalayan ranges and biodiversity. The collected data were both primary and secondary. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a potential area for ecotourism development.Although being potential it is not so famous but it is slowly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Number of tourist visiting Shivapuri has crossed one lakh in the F.Y. 2065/66 whereas it was only 22 thousand one decade ago. In the F.Y. 2064/65 the park authority was able to generate about 30 lakhs revenue from tourism. A number of potentialities for eco-tourism development were identified in all the four study areas, the major ones being natural, cultural and religious aspects. Major problems regarding eco-tourism development were also identified among which information and publicity of the area and initiation of recreational facilities are of urgent necessity. The negative ecological impacts resulting from tourism were found and necessary preventive measures have been recommended. Positive and negative socio-cultural impacts have started to appear but are not in a condition of severity. Economic impacts of tourism are not providing significant economic benefits to the people, but certainly have contributed to generate additional income. It was found that tourism had directly or indirectly helped to support economic condition of about40% of local respondents. The proposed tourism regulations if followed properly can help to reduce the negative impacts to the environment, society, culture and economy. A set of recommendations have been made at the end of study.Item Socio- Economic Impact of Community Forest: A Case Study of Jamunbari Community Forest User Group of Jhapa District(Faculty of Rural Development, 2021) Sherpa, PembaCommunity forestry program is based on people's participation and ownership. Resource management is a fundamental part of community forests. The study has shown that the management of the resources available in the forest area through community forest user groups has not only added important dimension to the sustainable and ownership management of the resources but has also shown unimaginable improvement in the conservation and promotion of the forest area. The purpose of this study was to examine what is being done in accordance with the prevailing law on resource management in Jamunbari community forest and what is affecting it. Particularly, the study sought to understand whether the implementation of Operation plan and Constitution has helped to achieve nature conservation and natural resource management inside the Jamunbari Community Forest. The specific study objectives were as follows. First, the study seeks to assess the factors that influence community in natural forest resource management in the study area. Second, the ways in which individuals and community people involve in natural resources management was assessed. Third, socio-economic impact of community forest was evaluated. From field survey and interaction with community forest and government authorities, the resource management Jamunbari Community forest have been under the guidelines that mandated by general assembly, operation plan other acts and regulations. Ecotourism program launched by Community Forest is running well and fund collected through eco tourism have created job opportunities and reduced exploitation of other forest resources. Finally, this case study in Jamunbari Community Forest confirms that community forest plays vital role in social and economic changes. So, the existing laws should be strictly imposed and needs to ensure whether it’s been implemented in a right way or not. Awareness programs should be conducted on a regular basis by related governmental and non governmental agencies for user group to provide information and ideas as well as to create awareness regarding various issues related to conservation, resource mobilization and development programs.Item Study of Ecotourism Impacts and Conservation in Dhunche-Gosaikunda Trek RouteofLangtang National Park(Department of Zoology, 2007) K.C., RajanTourism plays an important role in the economy of many developing countries and being a developing country it also has impact on Nepalese economy. After1953, door of Nepal was opened for international tourists. Since then for a long period the tourism activities were concentrated only to the remote areas and for trekking and mountaineering. The government of Nepal has given a high priority for tourism development in the parts of country. Thus, the increase or decrease in the volume of tourist flow has direct or indirect impact on the every development process in Nepal.Study on “Ecotourism Impacts and Conservation in Dhunche-Gosaikunda Trek Route of Langtang National Park”was carried out by field observation and questionnaire survey. The study view of ecotourism is to study the impacts on natural environment of Dhunche-Gosainkunda trek route of Langtang National park in the Central Himalayan region of Nepal. Dhunche-Gosainkunda trek route offers variedclimatic condition and topography;so the people can experience a wide range of environmental, social and cultural blend in mountain tourism. The tourists visiting this area can experience spectacular scenery, exotic cultures and good hospitality The thesis is presented in six chapters. The First Chapter contains the introduction portion dealing with the concepts on status of tourism and ecotourism in Nepal, objectives and justification of the study. Chapter Two is literature review relevant to the research topic and study area. Methodology of the study is included in Chapter Three. Chapter Four includes the introduction on study area including flora and fauna. The main findings and results of the study are presented in Chapter Five. Finally the Chapter Six includes the discussion, recommendations and conclusion on findings. The tourist arrival figure shows decline in tourist arrivals and the 0.92%percentage of total tourists coming Nepal in 2003 visited the study area which is very negligible. Most of the tourists 52.77% found visit the area for trekking purpose. Most of the respondents are based on agriculture besides live stock herding and local product. From the study the tourist and local resident's activity have more effect on the wildlife behavior, deforestation and solid waste problem. The dependence of local people and hotels and lodges and their captive animals on nearby jungle for excessive use of forest products is alarming situation in study area. Of the67% local people found consuming 10-20 bhari of fuel wood per month and anaverage of 69.75kg/month by hotels and lodges. The low use of alternative energy in this area is affecting the vegetation of the area. Though the quality of water isn’t found degraded the sanitation condition of the area is relatively poor with 65% of respondents have no toilet facilities. Proper solid waste management lack is another striking feature of the study area despite the fact that several local committee are working here. There is influx of people from different country and religion which has affected on the local culture and leading to social degradation especially the young generations. The greater portion of tourism in study area is nature based. Hence, proper managed and with proper harmony ecotourism could play a vital role in the conservation and awareness building among the local. Today, throughout the world vast majority of the important species of animals and plants are about to be extinct so, well managed tourism in this area with a good harmony of local people, local trekkers and park authorities can attract nature loving tourist and from them they can generate more foreign currency which offers the locals to increase their living standard.Item Study of Ecotourism: Impact of Tourism in Natural Environmentand Socio-Economic Condition of Langtang National Park (Dhunche-Kyangjin Route)(Department of Zoology, 2007) Aryal, Hari PrasadThis study was carried out in the Langtang National Park which is situated on the Northen part of central Nepal. The research work on“Study of Ecotourism: Impact of Tourism on Natural Environment and Socio-Economic Condition of Langtang National Park(Dhunche-Kyangjin Route)”was conducted during Oct. 2002 to March.2004, with aimed to know the impact of tourism on natural environment and socio-economic and cultural condition of this region as well as to quantity fuel wood consumption by hotels/lodges, villagers and tourist. Direct observation and questionnaire survey method was conducted to know about the positive and negative impact of tourism on nature and socio-economic condition of this region. Nepal, a Himalayan Kingdom, with its magnificently variedlandscape, rich cultural heritage, diversity of flora and fauna, beautifulmountains, lakes and rivers has attracted travelers throughout the worldand it is an important source of foreign exchange. Natural beauty and socio-cultural life style with untouched bymodern onslaughts, high level of biodiversity with over 3000 species of flowering plant 345 species of bird 58 species of butterflies, 11 species of amphibians and 46 species of mammals, Himalayan valley of Langtang with its fusion of Tamang and Tibetan culture and multitude of glaciers including Langtang glacier, Langshisa glacier and Luring glacier and Buddhist monasteries such as Kyangjin make Dhunche-Kyangjin route inLNP high potential for tourist destination. LNP receives substantial number of tourists including pilgrims.Environmental problem has also increased along with the increase in tourism along the trails. Illegal use of fuel wood, use of timber in lodge construction, intensive use of environmentally sensitive areas, improper disposal of waste, litter and garbage, improper campsite location vi management were major type of negative environmental impacts found in LNP. Firewood is the main source of fuel in this area. Out of total surveyed household 65% of the house hold were consuming average 20-40 Bhari of fuel wood per months, 13% were found to be consumed 10-20 Bhari per month and 12% of household were found to consuming more then 40 Bhari of fuel wood per month. Pine Hemlock, Fir, Birch,Rhododendron and Juniper was mostly used ad fuel by people’s along the trail. 113 Hotel and lodge which provides services to the tourist has found to consume more fuel-wood than the local households. An average of60.81 kg of fuel-wood was found to be used by local hotels and lodge while 18.6 kg firewood was found to be consumed by group trekkers and5.5 kg by that of individual trekkers. Study showed that 51% of the local people and 43% of the local trekkers were agreed that solid waste disposal problem was created by tourist. On the statement wildlife behaviour, 48% of local people and 60% of the local trekkers were agreed. Similarly, 54% of the local people and 44% of the local trekkers were believed that wildlife population has been decreased due to tourism development. On the other hand tourism development in this area support for the management of park from the revenue obtained from tourist. It brings environmental awareness and concern for the environmental conservation. For this statement 70% of local residents and 47% of local trekkers were agreed. It also support the local people to know about the health and sanitation as well as it also increased awareness to used alternative energy sources instead of firewood. Tourism has created some direct employment opportunities to the local people and most of them have got indirect benefit. Households along the trekking route and destination derive economic benefits through sale of local products like vegetables, milk, ghee, egg etc for the hotels vii and restaurants. The development of tourism would promote village and hotel industry as well as agriculture and livestock farming also flourish due to the development of tourism. People along the trail are highly benefited from poultry farming The development of tourism in these remote areas has brought demonstration effect of tourist on the host population, commercialization of culture, change in traditional agricultural and livestock dependent life styles and use of imported rather than indigenous building material along the trails were the major impacts in this region.On the other hand, tourism supports for education and help to know about foreign culture. It is also helpful for the conservation of local culture and tradition which is the major source of tourist attraction on the site. Along with its positive impacts some negative impacts such as high dependence on tourism and has high seasonality brought fall in income during the slack tourist season. Unhealthy competition among lodges and decline of traditional agriculture system were the some common negative impact in the area. In order to reduce the impact of tourism along the trail, clear policy,plan and strategy should be formulated regarding the number of tourist and number of hotels and their location and activities. Alternative energy source should be developed to reduce reliance on wood and group trekkers should not be allowed to use firewood and must be made to use kerosene or gas by specific direction or regulations. Continuous education regarding the sanitation and energy conservation and its proper use should be given to the local people. New infrastructure should not be permitted and notice about what to do and what not to do by trekkers for mitigating their impact in nature should be published and kept in different paces along the trail. The national park clean trail area at least once a year as well as a national park could be restricted during certain time of the year for animals and plant to bread and grow.