Kathmandu, April 17

In a bid to revive an ancient route and recognise it as a ‘heritage trail’, locals from Basantapur to Swoyambhu area have launched a week-long programme.

According to the locals, the route can be identified as a living heritage as centuries-old avenues still retain their traditional look. As part of the programme, locals will also showcase their traditional occupation such as tailoring, wine making and grain harvesting along the route. The trail is expected to promote intangible heritages of the community like music, dance and religious ceremonies in which even tourists can get involved.

According to the organisers, the 2.2 km distance between the two UNESCO World Heritage sites is the shortest in the world. Dilli Ratna Tuladhar, one of the organisers of the ‘World Heritage to Heritage Walk’ programme, said, “The trail can still be revived.” Shrestha also said most segments of the trail do not have urban roads and this helped retain its historic value. The trail comprises 30 historical sites, some of which are almost 1,600 years old.

The programme was formally inaugurated by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya on April 15. Around 100 cyclists took out a rally today along the route as part of the programme.