Acharya's Comprehensive Enterprise Development: Legacy of the Khas Empire

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BACKGROUND
Nestled in the Karnali Province of Nepal, particularly in the Sija River area of Jumla district, lies a region regarded as one of the world's oldest examples of natural beauty, cultural heritage, artistic prowess, and craftsmanship. This area is rich in history, encompassing temples, literature, language, art, architecture, sculpture, and folk traditions.
Historically, this region was once a prosperous and advanced kingdom, but today it stands as a distinct part of Nepal. Known as the "Golden Land of the Khas Mandal," it stretches from the Trishuli River westward.
Kanaka Sundari Temple
Historical records suggest that six generations of rulers after King Ashok Challa centralized their governance in Sija, forming the extensive Khas Empire. This legacy marked the area as a significant region of Nepal, spurring the establishment of various initiatives for enterprise development. Initially, the region spanned areas like Mansarovar Bay and parts of Tibet's Gangne province. Nagraj, in 1207 B.S (1150 A.D), is believed to have founded the Khas Kingdom from Tibet's Khadi Province, then referred to as Jaleshwar. This beautiful region is characterized by a flowing river and fertile lands. It produces indigenous crops like Marsi rice, apples, beans, soybeans, peaches, and walnuts at an altitude of approximately 3,050meters. Above these farmlands lie pastures and meadows, where cattle graze. Beyond the settlements,vast forests and high-altitude plateaus host valuable medicinal herbs such as Yarsagumba, Guchi mushrooms, Shilajit, and Hathe Kanchi. The area holds historical importance, with rulers like Ashoka Challa, King Krichal, the Pal Dynasty, Nagraj, the Samudra Dynasty, the Surya Pal Dynasty, Sangraha Malla, Jitari Malla, Jalandari Malla, and Ripu Malla contributing to its legacy. Referred to as the "Golden Seat of Civilization," Sija's cultural and historical richness is unmatched.The region has become a hub for comprehensive enterprise development, attracting visitors from around the globe. Tourists come to experience its unique blend of Hindu traditions, Khas culture, traditional attire, dialects, and cuisine. To the north lies Mugu district, approximately 100 kilometers away, home to Rara Lake—Nepal’s largest and most stunning natural lake. This pristine destination attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists each year, who enjoy its serene beauty through boating and photography.

Rara Lake
Climate and Seasonal Diversity
Due to climate change, cooler regions like Sija valley are gaining popularity. The area's climate varies significantly by season. In winter (December–January), temperatures range is from -5°C to -8°C, with snow covering the hills, mountains, and valleys. Despite the cold, the local community remains well-adapted to the conditions.

Spring (March–April) brings moderate temperatures of 18°C to 25°C. During this time, apple trees blossom and other flowering trees bloom, creating a picturesque and
Yarsagumba Collection Festival
productive landscape. By monsoon (June–September), the fields turn lush and green, and crops like rice and wheat are ready for harvest. Autumn (October–November) showcases a vibrant natural palette, with nutritious fruits and health promoting herbs contributing to peoples’ livelihoods taking advantage of enabling and pleasant weather ideal for exploration of nature’s contribution to people. With the melting of snow in highaltitude peaks and plateaus around mid-April, the region becomes a treasure trove of valuable product –a unique -half herb and half fungus- product locally called Yarsagumbo (Ophiocordyceps sinensis). Naturally, found between 3,800 and 4,600 meters in the high Himalayas, this medicinal herb-cum-fungus is highly sought after globally, fetching prices between NPR 3.6 million (USD 26,506) and NPR 4 million (USD 29,451) per kilogram.

Yarsagumba Collection Festival
During this season, locals and tourists alike gather to collect Yarsagumbo which they organize in the form of an annual festival with rich tourists and prospecting business people often traveling by helicopter to participate in the festival to gain an experience. Events such as traditional games, Lama (Tibetan) dances, and cultural performances organized for the enjoyment of visitors.

They visitors are also taken on a tour of the Comprehensive Enterprise Development project in the evening. This initiative aims to promote sustainable livelihood of local community and also to contribute to contribute to the socioeconomic growth of the region by providing employment opportunities for the local communities while preserving and showcasing the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Lama Dance Performance
This extraordinary area, rich in natural resources, having high historical significance, and having rich cultural diversity, stands as a unique destination that seamlessly blends beauty, tradition, and enterprise. This blending of natural bounty and cultural diversity is being proposed to be show-cased by organizing a national event called Brihat Sijakhola Mahotsav (Grand Festival). This festival combines Sijariver civilization and Yarsagumbo Collection heritage of the upper Karnali region bringing in the participation of the herb collectors and entrepreneurs at one place. During the festival, those willing to undertake a Helicopter Tour of the unique new destination can do so. The tentative programme is as follow:

STUDY AND OBSERVATION TRIP 2082
Day 1: Visit the birthplace of the Khas Arya civilization – a) the capital of the ancient Sija Kingdom at Lamatada where King Nagraj ruled, b) the temple of Kanaka Sundari, c) the Pandav Cave where Draupadi and the five Pandavas stayed,

Day 2: Tour of the Himalayan trekking rout that leads to Kailash and Mansarovar, the snowmelt river flowing from the melting snow, the Marsi rice fields, traditional houses built from local stone and wooden logs;tour of villages, interact with people local attire, and clothes made from local materials produced since ancient times, handicrafts, and wooden products such as beds, storage containers, chests, kitchen items, all representthe local culture. Visitors will also observe animals like cows, horses, sheep, and goats, and experience local agriculture, with crops such as millet, wheat, maize, barley, and rice. Additionally, they will get to observe the cultivation and tasting of fruits such as apricots, walnuts, and apples, and witness the blossoming scenery.For both internal and external tourists, there will be a two-day experience of sightseeing within 50 kilometers of Sija civilization, including scenic nature hikes, swimming, cycling, and playing sports like volleyball, football, and running. Tourists will also enjoy local cultural activities, such as Deuda dance, Bhari game, Hudke dance, and other traditional games.

Day 3: On the third day, there will be a visit and observation of Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest and highest lake, allowing for natural and cultural interactions. Afterward, tourists will be taken to the YarsaGumbo collection festival destination by helicopter, where they will meet communities involved in collecting Yarsa Gumba at an altitude of 3,500 to 4,600 meters. They will receive training, exchange experiences, and play games such as running, kabaddi, and volleyball. The evening will conclude with local Lama and Bhote dances, followed by a return helicopter trip to the designated base. This destination is set to become a global example, and the tour will be extended by 2 additional days, making the entire journey 6 days long.

ESTIMATED COSTS FOR THE FESTIVALTOUR PACKAGES:
Package 1. For a 6-day helicopter tour with meals, stay, and sightseeing: NPR 1,200,000 / $8,862.22 per person. (Professional travel agency will be doing bookings to cater the needs of international tourists).

Package 2.: For a 4-day tour from Rara Lake to Sija Civilization with meals, stay, and sightseeing: NPR 600,000 /$4,431.11 per person. (Our agent will be doing the bookings for both internal and external tourists).

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