Shoyambhu Nath Temple is one of the most visited and oldest religious site in Kathmandu, the capital city a.k.a the City of temples. Situated in the western part of the Kathmandu, on the top of a hill, it is also the most divine temple in Buddhist religion. Shoyambhu consists of Stupa, monastery, even museum and library, along with spectacular view of the city. The two eyes in the shoyambhu Nath, facing KTM valley, are known to represent "pragya" (Knowledge and wisdom), and 'karuna' (kindness) whereas there is also a popular belief in people that these eyes shall give equal justice to all.
Till now it has two ways to go up the hill, one from eastern side with 365 steps and another one from western side with mix of road and stairs. Now it is known that there will be one more way to reach the hill without loosing much calories. According to President of Buddha Bhumi Nepal Bekha Ratna Shakya (who is also former mayor to Kathmandu Valley), they have planned to build a tramp or cable car from the eastern side towards the top, which will make the temple tour quite easy, possibly a couple minutes to reach the top. The 65 crore (65 million) NRs project has already completed the survey phase and is waiting for appropriate fund and time to start the construction work.
In a function organized to mark the NRN day at the temple itself, Mr. Bekha showed the plan to the President of Non Residence Nepali, Mr. Shesh Ghale and asked to help later in case the fund falls short. He even mentioned the tramp to resemble the one in Hongkong, where it is used to go up the Victoria peak in couple of minutes. The peak tramp is one of the tourist attractions for sightseeing in Hongkong. Mr. Bekha expressed the tramp or cable car will ease the visit for the old and disabled people at first place. Secondly it will be another tourist attraction to help bolster tourism. There are several such areas where we need to invest to make our sightseeing places easily accessible (or I would say universally accessible). I wish the project not to die due to unavailability of fund or other circumstances.
