In the hilly region of Chitwan, it’s uncommon to find traditional houses with thatched roofs nowadays. After the 2015 ‘Gorkha earthquake, most houses were rebuilt using zinc corrugated sheets.
Tika Gurung, a local of Ichhakamana rural municipality-2, Mayatar, had planned to demolish his hay-roofed traditional house after the earthquake. Surprisingly, the house remained undamaged, and Gurung decided to repair it instead. With the expansion of the Fisling-Shaktikhor road, the century-old house in Mayata has become a favorite spot for tourists.
Gurung shared, “Initially, I thought of building a new house, but with more tourists visiting Mayatar in recent years due to the road expansion, they prefer taking photos and staying in the 100-year-old roof house. Tourists often return only after capturing memories at the unique house.”
Locals mention that this peculiar-roofed house has stood for a century, attracting a crowd of photographers along the blacktopped Fisling-Shaktikhor road.
Maintaining its originality, the house even has old-fashioned beehives. Though tourism is relatively recent here, it has gained popularity. According to local Bhim Bahadur Praja, the area was once a trekking route from Gorkha, Dhading, and other districts to India via Hetauda and Birgunj. However, Mayatar lost its connectivity after pedestrians stopped using this path due to road development.
After the construction of the Fisling-Shaktikhor rural road, Mayatar experienced increased mobility. Gurung noted, “I never expected so much activity here; it’s all because of the road. There are cars and bikes in the courtyard, making it not only convenient for visitors but also providing locals with access to markets for their agricultural products.”
Ward Chair Pancha Bahadur Chepang highlighted that the upgraded road has boosted tourism, making it easier for locals to transport agricultural produce to the market. Many vehicles now use the Shaktikhor-Fisling road, connecting Fisling, Mauwakhola, Hugdikhola of Prithvi Highway through the old headquarters of Chitwan via Upardanggadhi, Shaktikhor, and Tandi.
