Historical Aspects of Tourism Development in Nepal (First Phase: Before Unification)

          Authentic and systematic writing of ancient history of tourism development of tourism are not readily available. The ancient history of Nepal is the history of Kathmandu valley and the ancient history of tourism is also related to the Kathmandu valley. It is believed that Kathmandu valley was full of water; a monk traveler named Manjushree came over Kathmandu from China and emptied the water of the lack by cutting the edge of the hill at Chovar with a sword. As a result this empty place became Kathmandu valley. After this in 249 BC, ruler Ashok of India visited Nepal as a pilgrim and creates a monastery entitled Charumati Bihar and also four Buddist Stupas in the four corners of the Patan. During the Lichchhavi period, most of the foreigners visited Nepal as pilgrims. At this period, the great emperor of Tibet named Shrangchong gampo visited Nepal and married the daughter of king Anshuvarma, princes Bhirkuti. The chines visiter Huan Tsang described in this travel accounts the Kailashkut bhawan and Manghriha of Lichchhavi dynasty. Similarly, around sixth century, in the Kirat regime, some foreigners visited Nepal as pilgrims.

In Malla regime there was a significant development in art and culture and then rulers of Nepal were more or less interested in greeting travelers who entered into the kingdom of Nepal as pilgrims. Krishna mandir in Patan, Nyatpol darbar i.e. a place of 55 windows, Pashupati temple, Swambhu and Stupas of Buddhist was built or renovated during this period (Aryal, 2005).