Jhandi Danda

Jhandi Danda (झन्डीडाँडा), located in Rong Rural Municipality-6, Rambhyang, Ilam, is an attractive tourist destination. Its significance and accessibility have increased following the creation of the Karson walking trail from Haspokhari on the Mechi Highway.

Jhande Danda (झन्डीडाँडा) is also known by the name Gajlethumka (गाजलेथुम्का).

From here, one can view dozens of Himalayan ranges including Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna to the north, as well as many places in the hills and the Terai.

Jhandi Danda (झन्डीडाँडा) holds great potential not only for its beauty but also for adventurous sports. Recently, a tower structure was built to attract more tourists, and stairs with railings have been constructed to make the climb more appealing.

Situated 17 kilometers north of Kakarbhitta in Jhapa and 10 kilometers south of Harkate Bazaar on the Mechi Highway, Jhandi Danda is conveniently accessible from both the hills and the Terai, making it a place with immense tourism potential. It is also accessible from India through the Mechi River. There are both vehicular and walking routes from Haspokhari and Beauty Border to reach Jhande Danda.

With a cycling road available, young people also visit this trail on bicycles. The rarity of such a high peak in the Chure region adds to the significance of Jhandi Danda. Tourists have started camping and organizing campfires here.

A Heritage of Kirat Culture

Jhandi Danda (झन्डीडाँडा) holds religious and cultural importance. It is considered a site where the ancient Kirat Rai ancestor Rinahang worshipped the goddess. Local leaders named the playground in Rambhyang ‘Rinahang Thulo Aahal Sports Ground,’ which is also known as Jhandi Sports Ground. During festivals like Udhauli and Ubhauli, Kiratis would hoist flags and banners as part of their rituals.

Historical records suggest that flags were planted on this hill after the completion of religious rituals and ceremonies, which is believed to be the origin of the name Jhandi Danda. The Kiratis, or Sampang Rai, also referred to this hill as ‘Rinahang Danda.’ As a heritage site of Kirat culture, Jhandi Danda has now become a major attraction for tourists. Even today, there is a Sakela shrine here, and rituals are performed during Udhauli and Ubhauli. The Sakela dance, accompanied by drums and cymbals, is also performed.

Scenic Views from Jhande Danda

From here, one can witness mesmerizing views of the sunrise and sunset. The best season for viewing the sunrise is from October to May. To reach Jhandi Danda (झन्डीडाँडा), one can take the Karson trail from Haspokhari through Google Point, Dewangadhi, Giddhebhir, Daile, and Hallane, and spend the night near Dhaje Bhanjyang. There are homestays near Dhaje. After watching the sunrise from Jhandi Danda the next morning, the journey towards Jhapa can be resumed. Locals have traditionally visited this area to watch the sunrise.

From Jhande Danda, one can also view Kanyam, Antu Danda, Sandakpur, Meghma, Thumke, the Mechi River, as well as towns and villages in Ilam and Jhapa. Additionally, parts of India like Darjeeling, Ghoom Hill, upper regions of Sikkim, Kharsang, Siliguri, Matigara, Bagdogra, and the Teesta River can also be seen.

Picnics

Locals have long visited this area for picnics (previously known as ‘forest meals’) during spring and autumn. Nowadays, school groups, youth groups, and Deusi groups from the Terai visit this place to escape the heat and enjoy picnics, often arriving by tractor, pickup, and jeep. Improving road infrastructure and accommodation facilities would likely increase this trend.

Adventure Sports Potential in Jhandi Danda

Successful trials for paragliding have already been conducted in the vicinity of Jhandi Danda. Paragliding trials were held here in 2021. Tourism entrepreneurs aim to attract tourists from as far as Kolkata, India, once paragliding operations commence. Since the paragliding route descends from Ilam to Jhapa, it will link the tourism sectors of both districts. Conducting paragliding landings near Mini Mountain could further highlight the tourist potential of Mini Mountain and its surrounding areas.

Homestays

To cater to tourists visiting Jhandi Danda, homestays have been expanded in Rambhyang, providing food and lodging. For tourists visiting Jhandi Danda, Rambhyang Homestay at the house of Dashrath Rizal, Sarita Homestay at the house of Vishal Sampang, and Jhande Danda Homestay at the house of Prajun Rai are in operation. In Rambhyang, simple meals cost 150 rupees, and a night’s stay in a room costs 500 rupees.

Video: Sulav Yatra

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