Historical chautaris and walking trails face extinction

The fig trees and foot trails, classic symbols of the village landscape, are disappearing as artificial parks become commonplace.

Over a decade ago, Pipalneta at Musikot Municipality, Ward 3, was the primary gateway to West Rukum’s headquarters Khalanga. As the name suggests, it housed the large Pipal bot–the sacred fig tree. “The porters who transported goods coming from Macchmi, Chibang, Ratamata, and other places used to forget their momentary bodily aching when they rested on the