Have we, as the citizens of mother Nepal, truly explored the gems that lie within our land? Have we ever asked ourselves what it feels like to walk among the clouds across meadows?
When someone says "Switzerland of Nepal", our minds spontaneously paint a picture of snow-draped peaks, peaceful valleys, and a mesmerizing beauty – Jiri, Nepal.
Nestled in the lap of Dolakha district, Jiri is not just a town, it's an untouched masterpiece of nature. It is always willing to be embraced with pride and to be explored with welcoming scenery, cozy breath of nature and snow-capped peaks.
Jiri valley is a remote and sparsely populated area in the mountainous region of beautiful Nepal.
Jiri is located in the eastern part of Nepal and has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. It is about 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and is bordered by: Mali, Jugu, Gairimuchti, Thulopatal, Sunkhanal, Namdu, Dolakha, Bhimsen, Priti and RaganiChaulakharka.
This place is home to many ethnic groups, including Gurungs. Tamangs, Newars, Thakalis, and Sherpas. Jiri takes up about 241.25 km of the land located of elevations ranging from 1649m. to 5341m above the sea levels.
Jiri has some of the most welcoming and relaxing places where one must come and have a visit. May have a once in a lifetime visit or experience. It can certainly shape their approach towards life and adventure in and of Jiri.
Jiri also offers places to visit -
Cherdung hill or Dada
Kalo Veer
The Linkan Bazaar
Jiri Fish Bond
Buddha Park (at the top)
Rameta Danda, etc.
The place was not known to the people other districts before it was under the Swiss Development Assistance. However, the town has been developing rapidly in the last few years.
For the past few decades, Jiri was the starting point for Mt. Everest expeditions. It witnessed the first steps of daring climbers who went onto make history. In the 1950s, Swiss development agencies helped modernize agriculture and dairy farming leaving behind both influence and inspiration. The Swiss-built Jiri Technical Schools which still stands as a Symbol of that friendship.
However, even today it unfortunately remains underappreciated as if the beauty that surrounds it is somehow too ordinary for our busy eyes.
So, why do we only choose foreign lands for wonders when Jiri holds its own fairytale? The cool alpine air, the forests that sings, the winding trails once used by legendary Everest climbers are not fantasy. It is Jiri, the Switzerland of Nepal.
Imagine the potential-sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and economic upliftment. All that's needed is our recognition and respect in return for what Jiri offers. Lately, tourism is increasing positively and has led to global recognition about the hidden beauties of the Nepalese indigenous culture, people, food, mountains, and Everest. This is just not about "Jiri". It is about how underrated yet magnificent Nepal is. Such places make heaven feel unreal, like Annapurna Sanctuary, Upper Mustang, Panauti and many other countless and undiscovered places which wait our attention.
It's time we open our eyes and hearts. Let's not wait for international attention to validate the treasure we already own. Let’s stop dreaming of Switzerland; when we are already in Switzerland.