About Bakachol Village

Bakachol is a picturesque village situated at an altitude of 1,600–2,700 meters in Khotang District, eastern Nepal. Often considered one of the most remote areas of the country, Khotang is sometimes referred to as the “second Karnali region” of Nepal, located southeast of Mount Everest.

The geographic coordinates of Bakachol are approximately 86°45′20″ to 86°49′40″ East longitude and 27°22′20″ to 27°26′25″ North latitude. The village is bordered by Liding Khola and Ward No. 1 (Rakhawangdel) to the east, Jubu in Solukhumbu District to the west, Sotang and Lokhim in Solukhumbu District to the north, and Ward No. 3 (Ainselukharka) to the south. Bakachol covers an area of 24.87 square kilometers.

Due to its varied terrain, the village experiences diverse climatic conditions, ranging from tropical to temperate. Some areas experience snowfall during the cold season. The forests in the upper regions are home to wild boars, bears, deer, and even the endangered red panda.

Bakachol is naturally beautiful, with abundant natural resources including forests, water sources, and fertile land suitable for agriculture and livestock rearing. However, traditional farming is still predominant, and villagers face challenges generating sufficient income as there is no local market for their products.

Accessibility

Reaching Bakachol from Kathmandu requires approximately 12 hours by jeep, with the final 3 hours being particularly difficult due to unpaved roads. Despite this, in recent years the village has been connected to the national road network through a dirt road.

Culture and Religion

Bakachol is home to a diverse population representing various ethnic groups and religions. Major religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Kirat. Ethnic communities in the village include Chhetri, Brahmin, Tamang, Newar, Kami, Rai,  Damai,  Dashnami Sanyasi, Sherpa, Bhujel, and Sunuwar.

The village is rich in cultural and religious heritage, with attractions such as Deurali Pond, Van Jhakri Cave, and Dharma Danda, which also hold potential for tourism.

Education

Bakachol hosts a range of educational facilities, including:

• 4 Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDC)

• 3 Primary Schools

• 2 Basic Schools

• 2 Secondary Schools

Economy and Livelihood

Approximately 97% of households are engaged in farming, primarily through traditional agricultural methods. While the natural environment provides abundant resources for crop cultivation and livestock rearing, traditional farming alone is insufficient to meet economic needs, and villagers continue to face challenges in sustaining livelihoods.