Okhaldhunga, Apr. 2: A 32-foot tall statue of Buddha has been built near the Ketuke market in Manebhanjyang Rural Municipality-4, Okhaldhunga.

Bishnu Tamang, Ward Chairperson, said that the tallest statue of the Buddha in the country has been built for tourism promotion.  

The life-size statue of the Buddha was constructed at an investment of around Rs. 3 million, said Tamang. Other tourism infrastructures too have been constructed along with the Buddha statue to promote tourism at Ketuke market along the Siddhicharan Highway. 

A monastery, Buddha Statue Park, Martyr Memorial Park at Bouddha Hill and other tourist infrastructures have been constructed at the same place.

In addition, the Ketuke market is being developed as a market selling local produce, said Tamang.

Local produce such as pulses, vegetables, fruits and other food items are being sold in the market targeting the passengers coming to Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu.

To develop Ketuke as a tourist hub, Ward chairperson Tamang has purchased horses to give a ride to the tourists.

Gyanendra Rumdali, Chairman of Manebhanjyang Rural Municipality, said that work was underway to create employment among the youth to promote tourism in the Rural Municipality.

Martyr Park of Satsalle, Kirateshwor Cave, Bridge of Jayramghat and Surim Park of Ubhu are the major attractions for developing Ketuke as a tourist destination area.