KATHMANDU: Champadevi hill on the southern rim of Kathmandu Valley is gradually emerging as a tourist destination with the construction of physical infrastructures.

The place offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, including the world's highest mountain, Sagarmatha (Mt Everest). One can also see Mt Makalu, Mt Lakpa Dorje and Mt Gaurishankar from the hill, among other peaks. Generally, March and April are considered to be suitable for observing the Himalayan range from Champadevi.

Accommodation facilities such as home stay services, along with general hotels and restaurants, have started operation in the area with the increase in number of visitors over the years.

Local trekking route has also been improved. The visitors can go for short hikes around the area.

The Champadevi Area Improvement and Management Organisation has taken initiatives for the development of tourism infrastructures in the area. The stone monument known as 'Champadevi Shila' has been well-managed at the initiation of the organisation. Before this, the Shila was only protected by an ordinary stone wall.

Organisation president Janak Tamang said that the Department of Archaeology has provided around Rs 800,000 for the preservation and management of the area, including construction of a temple dedicated to the goddess Champadevi.

Covered with forests and greenery, which has become a rare sight within the Valley, Champadevi area looks very beautiful in March-April with the blooming of rhododendrons. The visitors can also get a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset from the hill.

Tourists can trek up to Champadevi via the Machchhegaon-Champadevi route, the Pharping-Champadevi route, the Pushpalal Park-Champadevi route, and the Chalnakhel-Champadevi route.

A religious-cum-cultural fair takes place at Champadevi on Baisakh 1, the Nepali New Year's Day, every year. Hundreds of people come to the fair with the belief that one's wishes are fulfilled by worshipping goddess Champadevi on this day.

Mayor of Kirtipur Municipality, Ramesh Maharjan says, the municipality would provide every support required for the development of Champadevi area. He added that the municipality would collaborate with all the stakeholders for the integrated tourism development covering Champadevi to Chandragiri.

Champadevi hill lies on the border between Dakshinkali Municipality-6 and Kirtipur Municipality-1.