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POKHARA ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

REPORT ON

SIKLES SETTLEMENT PLANNING

Submitted To:
Ar. Samikshya Kandel
Ar. Pragati Baniya
Department of Architecture

Submitted By:
Ashish Pandey (A17/02)
Bibek Kumar Mandal (A17/03)
Madhu Bhandari (A17/10)
Milan Nepali (A17/12)
Sujan Pokhrel (A17/26)

Date of Submission: 13-01-2023

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PREFACE

Settlement planning tour is a practical course of study carried out in 5th year 1st part as an
academic syllabus for students which provides chance to not only visualize the settlement of
the place rather makes us feel the way of living there by learning, interacting, understanding
about the society. This was great chance for us to work in contextual project and know more
about Skiles. This report talks about historical, social culture and economical background of
Sikles. It also includes demographic status of the settlement and building details with its
condition obtained from household and building surveys that was carried out as tasked. The
analysis of data and their results are represented in the form of diagrams.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We students of Architecture, batch 017 would like to express our gratitude and are very
thankful to the Department of Architecture for providing us the opportunities to explore
ourselves through the field visit of Sikles and gain numerous ideas on contextual design. We
are very thankful to our professors Ar. Samikshya Kandel , Ar. Pragati Bandari. For their help
and guidance on this project without which this field visit would never have been beautiful.
We are also thankful to the local people of Skiles for their help and co-operation accomplishing
our survey by providing information without which the completing of project would have been
impossible. Lastly we are thankful to our friends for their individual effort and sharing their
information’s with us.

With best regards,

Group A

Ashish pandey

Bibek Kumar Mandel

Madhu Bhandari

Milan Nepali

Sujan Pokhrel
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ABSTRACT

The report consists of brief introduction to Sikles. It includes background, comprising history,
architecture, religion, culture, economy, climate and people living in it. The report also consists
of the analytical data collected from the village from household survey carried out within it. It
also shows the graphical representation in pie charts and bar graphs. Similarly building survey
was also carried out to know about the vernacular architecture of the village. Finally after
analyzing all the data collected from household and building survey are worked out.
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER I ............................................................................................................................... 8
HUMAN SELTTLEMENT ....................................................................................................... 8
1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 8
1.2 HISTORY.................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 TYPES OF SETTLEMENT ........................................................................................ 8
i. Rural settlement........................................................................................................... 8
ii. Urban settlement ...................................................................................................... 8
1.4 SETTLEMENT PATTERN .................................................................................... 9
i. Dispersed ..................................................................................................................... 9
ii. Nucleated ................................................................................................................. 9
iii. Linear ....................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 SETTLEMENT HISTORY IN NEPAL .................................................................... 10
CHAPTER II............................................................................................................................ 11
CASE STUDY OF SIKLES SETTLEMENT.......................................................................... 11
2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 11
2.2 GEOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................... 12
2.3 CLIMATE: ................................................................................................................ 13
.................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.4 BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................... 15
2.5 HISTORY.................................................................................................................. 16
2.6 ECONOMY ............................................................................................................... 16
2.7 CULTURE AND TRADITION OF GURUNG PEOPLE ........................................ 17
2.7.1 Origin of gurung ................................................................................................ 17
2.7.2 About gurung ..................................................................................................... 17
2.7.3 Distribution ........................................................................................................ 18
2.7.4 Language ............................................................................................................ 18
2.7.5 Religion .............................................................................................................. 18
2.7.6 Kyoibo dhi ......................................................................................................... 19
2.7.7 Dress up ............................................................................................................. 19
2.7.8 Birth rituals ........................................................................................................ 19
2.7.9 Nauran ................................................................................................................ 20
2.7.10 Weaning ceremony ............................................................................................ 20
2.7.11 Putpute (Pulpule) Ceremony .............................................................................. 20
2.7.12 Chhaewar ........................................................................................................... 21
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2.7.13 Guniyo-Choli Ceremony.................................................................................... 21

2.7.15 Dead ritual .......................................................................................................... 22
2.7.16 Festivals/Traditions ............................................................................................ 23
2.7.16.1 Lhosar/ Lhochchar.......................................................................................... 23
2.7.16.2 Maghe sakranti ............................................................................................... 24
2.7.16.3 Lohokor .......................................................................................................... 26
2.7.16.4 Ghanto dance .................................................................................................. 26
2.7.16.5 Rodhi .............................................................................................................. 27
2.7.16.6 Gurung music ................................................................................................. 28
2.7.17 Occupation ............................................................................................................. 28
2.8 BON RELIGION....................................................................................................... 28
2.8.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 28
2.8.2 Types of bon ...................................................................................................... 29
2.8.3 Origin myths ...................................................................................................... 29
2.8.4 God of bon ......................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER III .......................................................................................................................... 31
DOCUMENTATION & ANALYSIS ..................................................................................... 31
3.1 PROGRAM FORMULATION ..................................................................................... 31
3.1.1 LITERATURE SURVEY .................................................................................. 31
3.1.2 DATA COLLECTION & SAMPLING ............................................................. 31
3.1.3 DATA ANALYSIS ............................................................................................ 31
3.2 HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ......................................................................................... 36
3.2.1 EDUCATION .................................................................................................... 36
3.2.2 FAMILY TYPES ............................................................................................... 36
3.2.3 OCCUPATION .................................................................................................. 37
3.2.4 LANGUAGE ..................................................................................................... 37
3.2.5 RELIGION ......................................................................................................... 38
3.2.6 CASTE ............................................................................................................... 39
3.2.7 MIGRATION ..................................................................................................... 39
.................................................................................................................................................. 39
3.2.8 COMMUNITY GROUPS.................................................................................. 41
3.2.9 TOURISM.......................................................................................................... 42
3.3 SURVEY BUILDING............................................................................................... 43
3.4 TYPES OF INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................................ 50
3.5 WATER SUPPLY ..................................................................................................... 51
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3.6 DAMAGE BY EARTHQUAKE 2072 (2015) .......................................................... 52

3.7 CONSTRUCTION METHOD APPLIED IN GURUNG RESIDENCE .................. 53
3.7.1 Foundations ............................................................................................................. 53
3.7.2 Mortar: ............................................................................................................... 53
3.7.3 Gabion tie-bands: ............................................................................................... 53
3.7.4 Walls: ................................................................................................................. 54
3.7.5 Flooring: ............................................................................................................. 54
3.7.6 Atic Floor: .......................................................................................................... 54
3.8 FACTORS AFFECTING THE SETTLEMENT HOUSING ................................... 54
3.8.1 Relationship between Environmental factors with settlement ........................... 54
3.8.2 Relationship between socio-logical factors with settlement .............................. 55
3.9 Kyufi Temple ............................................................................................................ 55
CHAPTER IV ............................................................................................................................ 56
MEASURED DRAWING ....................................................................................................... 56
4.1 STREET FACADE ................................................................................................. 56
4.2 BUILDING DRAWING ........................................................................................... 60
.................................................................................................................................................. 66
.................................................................................................................................................. 66
CHAPTER V ........................................................................................................................... 67
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 67
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CHAPTER I

HUMAN SELTTLEMENT

1.1 INTRODUCTION
A settlement is a general term used in archaeology, geography, landscape history and
other subjects for a permanent or temporary community in which people live, without being
specific as to size, population or importance. A settlement can therefore range in size from a
small number of dwellings grouped together to the largest of cities with surrounding urbanized
areas.

1.2 HISTORY
 Earth estimated to be formed about 4 billion years ago.
 Homo sapiens believe to date from 500,000 B.C.
 Did not settle anywhere as they wandered around in search of food
 Did not know how to construct buildings so lived in the open
 Occasionally took shelter on top of the trees to protect themselves from the wild animals
 Up to 10,000 B.C.- 5,000 B.C. some of earliest settlements began to take shape.
 Settlements then consisted of groups of houses built by side of agricultural fields, a
shrine and burial ground.
 Some inhabitants continued to live in caves and wander around for hunting animals-
more as a pastime rather than as a necessity

1.3 TYPES OF SETTLEMENT

i. Rural settlement
A rural settlement is where displaced populations settle on land outside of cities and
towns. In past most of the population lived in rural areas. Service provided are in limited
range and mostly for every day needs. close knit community and the atmosphere is quiet.
ii. Urban settlement
An urban settlement is where displaced populations settle within an urban agglomeration such
as a town or city. Large in population and area. Wide range of services offered including
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specialized service. Unlike rural settlement, neighborhood is separate with limited knowledge
of others

DIFFERNCE IN SERVICES BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN SETTLEMENTS

service Rural settlement Urban settlement

Health Medical clinic Hospital
Education Primary school University
shopping General store, market Shopping mall
finance Money lender National park
transport Bus service Airport

Note: - the U.S. census bureau defines urban settlements as areas with more than
50,000 people and at least 1,000 people per square mile; including contiguous census
tracts or blocks with at least 500 people per square mile. In contrast, rural settlements
contain less than 2,500 people, at a density between one and 999 people per square
mile.

1.4 SETTLEMENT PATTERN

i. Dispersed
 They are small groups of buildings
 That are separated from the next group by large distance.

ii. Nucleated
 These are place where buildings are clustered around the central point.
 The central point can be town square, religious Centre, road junction or a mine.
 Maximum use of land

iii. Linear
 Settlement may follow the river or road, canal or railways.
 It is due to easy access to transport, fresh water or fishing.
 Roads also attract the shops beside the settlement.
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Why settlement is important?

 settlement helps to identify the economic and social development of a place and can
show its main activity.
 There are many functions of human settlements. These include protection, pooled
economics, shared natural resources, and socioemotional connections.

1.5 SETTLEMENT HISTORY IN NEPAL

Nepal has a rich and complex history, with settlement dating back to prehistoric
times. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were the kirat people, who are believed to
have settled in the Kathmandu valley around 1000 BCE. They were followed by the licchavi
people, who established a powerful empire in the 4th century CE. The lichhavis were in turn
conquered by the malla dynasty I the 12th century, who ruled Nepal until the 18th century.

In recent years, Nepal has been undergoing political and economic changes as ot continues to
develop and modernize. The country has been experiencing a rapid economic growth, and the
government has been working to improve infrastructure and promote tourism.\
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CHAPTER II

CASE STUDY OF SIKLES SETTLEMENT

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Sikles is a traditional Gurung village in Nepal, located in the Annapurna region of the
Himalayas. It is known for its unique traditional architecture and the stunning views of the
Annapurna massif. The village is also home to the Gurung people, an ethnic group native to
the region who have their own distinct culture, language, and way of life.
In the case of Sikles, settlement planning would involve taking into account the unique features
of the village and the surrounding landscape, as well as the needs and wants of the Gurung
people who live there. This could include preserving the traditional architecture and culture of
the village, while also addressing the need for modern infrastructure and services such as
schools, health clinics, and sanitation. It would also involve the participation and consultation
with the local communities and to consider the sustainable use of resources and environmental
impact
In recent years, there have been some efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Sikles and other
traditional Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, through the development of homestays
and community-based tourism initiatives, that also aims to support the preservation of their
cultural heritage and way of life
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2.2 GEOGRAPHY
The village is located at an altitude of approximately 1,890 meters above sea level, and
the surrounding area ranges in elevation from around 1,500 meters to over 7,000 meters,
making it a great starting point for trekking to the base camp of many Himalayan peaks, like
Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and so on.

Overall, the geography of Sikles offers a combination of beautiful natural scenery, including
the stunning Annapurna range and the Kali Gandaki river, as well as traditional agricultural
practices and a rich cultural heritage.

Municipality name: Parche

Region name(Level3): Kaski
Region name(Level2): GandakiZone
Region name(Level) :Western Region
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia
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2.3 CLIMATE:
The climate of Sikles, as a subtropical highland climate, with a dry winter and a rainy monsoon
season. The village is situated in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, which means that it
receives less rainfall than the surrounding areas.

During the winter months, from October to May, the climate is dry and cool. Temperatures can
drop below freezing at night, and there may be occasional snowfall in the higher elevations.
This is a good season for trekking and outdoor activities, as the weather is clear and the
visibility is good.

During the summer months, from June to September, the climate is wet and warm, with heavy
rainfall from the monsoon season. The heavy rain can make trekking more difficult and less
pleasant, but it can also make the village green, lively and colorful.

Overall, the best time to visit Sikles depends on what you want to do there. The winter months
are ideal for trekking, while the summer months are better for experiencing traditional Gurung
culture and customs, and for seeing the beautiful terraced fields in bloom. However, it's worth
noting that even during the monsoon season, it usually rains in the afternoon, you can still enjoy
good weather early in the morning and late afternoon.
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2.4 BACKGROUND
Sikles is one of the largest model trekking Gurung village in Nepal and
offers an opportunity to learn about this unique traditional culture. This route is managing and
conserved by the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) and the community to promote
tourism.

The area is located about 24 km northeast of Pokhara, one of several rapidly growing towns in
Nepal Altitudes in this area range from 1100 m to 3331 m. The lower part below 2000 m lies
in the warm temperate zone with mean annual temperatures between 15 and 20° C, while the
upper part lies in the cool temperate zone with mean annual temperatures between 10 and 15°
C. The average annual precipitation is 3700 mm; more than 75% of total annual precipitation
occurs during 4 summer months (June–September), with an average of about 187 rainy days
per year. There are 2 villages in the study area, Sikles and Parche, with a total of 424 households
and 1963 inhabitants in 2004. The main ethnic group is Gurung (more than 78% of all
households). The remaining house-holds belong to occupational castes such as the Damai,
Kami and Sarki.Steep hillslopes in the lower and middle parts up to 2000 m have been terraced
and brought under agricultural use. The upper slopes are mostly covered with forest. Other land
use and land cover types in this area are shrub land and grassland.
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2.5 HISTORY
Before settling in Sikles, they used to live in Klasaudar. Sikles have come there
while looking for a new place for fear of river and landslides. According to their beliefs, they
sowed corn and other grain leaves and asked their god that after some time the grain would
grow and if it was good, they would know that it was a suitable place to live there and after
six or seven months, the seed had turned into a fruit and they were happy and started to live
there in their own houses at first. Then the Cheuli bird preferred to stay in the group.

They were influenced by that bird, thinking that it gave them a signal to live in a group; they
started to build houses close to each other in one place. That why the people there used to call
Sikles by the name of that bird Cheule.

–Yam Bahadur Gurung

2.6 ECONOMY
The main economic activity of sikles is agriculture and tourism. Mostly house is used
as the home stay purpose as well as hotels are also builted. Some household used animal
husbandry with sheep for wool. Roads are not provided in the inner part of the village so
pedestrian method and used donkey as transportation purpose. The women and men of this
place are found very creative and hard-working at the same time. The hand-made products
produced includes “Bhangra Dress” for Gurung Men which is criss- crossed around the body,
used to carry bulk goods.
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2.7 CULTURE AND TRADITION OF GURUNG PEOPLE

2.7.1 Origin of gurung

 The Gurung are a Tibeto-Burman people who have for centuries inhabited the
southern slopes of the Himalaya in central Nepal.
 SongtsenGampo ascended the throne at the age of thirteen. To arrange an alliance
with Nepal, he sent a minister there to arrange a marriage for him with the Princess
Bhrikuti Devi When she came to Tibet for the marriage; she brought with her a
statue of the Buddha-figure Akshobhya.
 During this period, SongtsenGampo further extended the Tibetan Empire to parts of
northern Burma and, in 640, to Nepal as well.
 To explain their origins earlier that their arrival in Lamnasa, Gurung would tend to
rely on dynastic chronologies called GurungVamsavali.
 Chemjong dates the Gurung arrival in the Gandaki region in mid-western Nepal in
the seventh century, when Tibet’s first historical king, SongtsenGampo was forming
a great central Asian empire that at the time threatened china. SangtsenGampo
occupied ‘Nepal’ or Kathmandu valley and engaged cavalry as far south as the
Indian plain.
 Chemjong’s account has the Gurungs in a long migration from northern Tibet,
eastward through the Sino-Tibetan frontier region, southward along the river system
of Mekong, Salween and Yangtze, through the Chinese province of Yunnan
westward across Burma to follow the course of Tsango River, finally to where the
Tsango-meets the kaligandaki river, which cuts a deep gorge southward through the
Himalayas into Nepal’s Gandaki region, the present Gurung homeland.
 Char Jat and soraJat
 Char Jat categories are governmental position,
i. Ghale, king
ii. Ghodane, Minister
iii. Lama, Priest
iv. Lamichane, Councillor

2.7.2 About gurung

 Gurung peoples are also called tamu.
 They were migrated from Tibet to central region of Nepal in 6th century.
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2.7.3 Distribution
 Gurung are primarily living in North West Nepal especially in Lamjung, Kaski,
Mustang, Tanahun, Gorkha, Syangja, Manang and Parbat.
 Small number of them is believed to be living in Sikkim, Bhutan and india (west
Bengal).
 Kaski and lumjung are their main place of residence.

2.7.4 Language
 Gurung usually speak their own language- gurung (tamu) language.
 Tamu language is based on bhot-barmeli language.
 They also speak Nepali language ans some of them speak himanchali language.

2.7.5 Religion
 Most of the Gurung follow Buddhism.
 Some of them follow Hindu religion.
 A few Gurungs are practicing Bon religion.
 Nowadays few are in Christian religion.
 They go Gumba and Temple.
 Their priests are: Pachyu, Klehpri and Lama.
 All religious rituals are performed by Pachyu, Klehpri or Lamas.
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2.7.6 Kyoibo dhi

2.7.7 Dress up
 Gurung male wear T-shirt, Askot, Topi, Ghalek and Dhoti.
 Female wear Guniyo, Choli, Tikis and Majhetro.

2.7.8 Birth rituals

 After the birth of child, Gurungs consult to Astrologers.
 On 6th day, naming ceremony (chaiti) is held.
 Lamas give name to new child according to their Religious book.
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2.7.9 Nauran
 9th day after for a male and 7th day after for female, new mother is purified.
 The purifying liquid used is called “Gaunth” (urine of cow) or “Mahar Kyu” in
Gurung language.
 This holly water comprises of gold, honey, ghee, milk or curd and water which is
basically the urine of cow.
 This purification brings the woman back into the social circle and welcomes the
newborn baby whose name is announced on this day.

2.7.10 Weaning ceremony

 “Kain Koba” in Tamu, involves child being fed his/her first grains.
 Also called “Bhatt Khuwai” or Pasni.
 It occurs after 5 months for female and after 6 months for male.
 The child is first fed by virgin girls as a symbol of good women.
 Everybody present puts a white tika on child’s forehead, feeds him/her a little of
foods and makes a present of some money or clothes.
 Only after Bhatt Khuwai, children are permitted to wear shoes and new dresses.

2.7.11 Putpute (Pulpule) Ceremony

 It is held at the age of 3 years and is conducted by maternal uncle.
 The main theme of this ceremony is to offer worship to their patron god (clan god).
 The boy is blessed by guests with gifts.
 There is much singing and dancing and a feast of foods and liquors.
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2.7.12 Chhaewar
 At the age of 3,5,7,9 or 11, a Gurung boy has to go through a ritual called Chhaewar
“Kra Prehiba” in Tamu that means initial hair cutting.
 A boy is taken to a cowshed and part of his hair is cut off by Mama by a pairs of
scissors and kept aside.
 After the ceremony, the child is taken inside and put on white tika by parents and
relatives put on “Rupa” (Rupa gantho, 7 for girls and 9 for boys) and given a feast.
 For 3 days after Chhaewar, child is not allowed to go outside the house. After which
leaving a tuft of hair, the rest is shaved off.
 The holding of this ceremony indicates that the boy has become socially, culturally
and legally responsible person.

2.7.13 Guniyo-Choli Ceremony

 Just like Chhaewar for boy, girl is given Guniyo and Choli, after she completed 7, 9
or 11 years.
 The community recognizes that she has now become an adult and is able to bear
social and cultural behaviors.
 At the end, a feast is organized and she is warmly greeted by all.

2.7.14 Marriage
 A Gurung marriage is clan exogamy and caste endogamy.
 Marriage is of two types; Arranged and Elopement.
 Arranged marriage is done through a formal agreement between prospective two
families.
 In case of elopement, the couples elope against their parents.
 Cross-cousin marriage is practiced where a boy marries his mother’s brother’s
daughter or marry his father’s sister’s daughter.
 After receiving initial approval for the match from the bride’s side and having
ascertained the horoscopes compatibility of the couple, the groom’s representative
again approaches the bride’s side bringing a gift of liquor pung.
 If this is accepted by the bride’s side, the match is formally assured.
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 The marriage ceremony is simple, at bride’s house, it entails putting on the white
tika (rice mixed with curd) on foreheads of the couple and parents and relatives
wishing them a happy life.
 Then they wash their daughter’s feet and take a drop of water so used to their lips.
 Usually money is given to both the newly wedded couple by parents and relatives.
 Similar ceremony takes place at the house of groom.

2.7.15 Dead ritual

 Also called Pie or Arghun.
 Dead ritual of Gurung is performed in two stages- burial or cremation of body and
soul cremation which also indicate the end of mourning.
 The body cremation is called roho-waba and soul cremation is called pie of arghun.
 These rituals are performed by Pachyu, Klehpri or Lamas.
 The dead body is either buried or burnt.
 If buried, the family of deceased constructs a small shrine (motha).
 In Gurung, death involves dissolution of bodily elements- earth, air, fire and water.
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 On 3, 7,9 or 13th day, Arghun is performed, when Lamas put dead person’s thing
(memory) in front and dance, then finally they touch the dead person’s memory and
assure that the sprit is freed.
 Another ritual in freeing a involves a lama injecting sprit of deceased through a
string into a bird, which then appears to recognize family members and act
unnaturally.
 Then the bird is released after plucking off few feathers.

2.7.16 Festivals/Traditions
 Lhosar/ Lhochchar are the main festival of Gurung.
 They also celebrate Dasain, Tihar, Chaite dasain, Saune sakranti, Maghe sakranti.
 Ghanto dance, Rodhi, Sorathi is popular in Gurung.

2.7.16.1 Lhosar/ Lhochchar

 Also called puspapndra is celebrated on every 15 poush as a new year of tamu.
 It marks the beginning of Tamu Sambat or Gurung calendar.
 Gurungs divide time into cycles of twelve years (lohokor), to each year of which a
special name is given, which is known as barga (lho).
 On this day, Gurungs sing, dance and play traditional games.
 In major cities, all Gurungs come together at a common place and celebrate by
having various procession, cultural programs and feasts.
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Losar Festival Tour the celebration of Losar predates Buddhism in Tibet and can be traced
back to the pre-Buddhist Bön period. In this early Bön tradition, every winter a spiritual ceremony was
held, in which people offered large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and
‘protectors’.
This religious festival later evolved into an annual Buddhist festival which is believed to have
originated during the reign of PudeGungyal, the ninth King of Tibet. The festival is said to have begun
when an old woman named Belma introduced the measurement of time based on the phases of the
moon. This festival took place during the flowering of the apricot trees of the LhokhaYarlaShampo
region in autumn, and it may have been the first celebration of what has become the traditional farmers'
festival. It was during this period that the arts of cultivation, irrigation, refining iron from ore and
building bridges were first introduced in Tibet. The ceremonies which were instituted to celebrate these
new capabilities can be recognized as precursors of the Losar festival. Later when the rudiments of
astrology, based on the five elements, were introduced in Tibet, this farmer's festival became what we
now call the Losar or New Year's festival.
Losar festival is also known as Bal Gyal Lo. BAL is Tibet, Gyal is King, and Lo is year. The Tibetan
New Year has been celebrated since the first King's enthronement celebration. It was started with the
first King. That was why it has been known as Bal Gyal Lo.

2.7.16.2 Maghe sakranti

it is amazing to hear that the 100-year-old Maghe Sankranti Mela has been brought
to life in the tourist village of Sikles Village in Kaski, which is almost a thousand years old, with the
active participation of the local youth.

Devi Jung Gurung, advisor of the local Sikles Youth Club, said that the Maghe Sankranti Mela, which
has been in existence for more than a hundred years, has been continued by the local Sikles Village
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Youth Club with the objective of preserving its originality by passing on the prevailing culture to the
new generation. “For the last 25 years, the fair has been promoted with the active participation of the
local Sickles Youth Club.

There is a different original story and trend related to the fair. Every year on the last day of
Pus, the locals gather and clean the two important religious places of worship, Mhaudu and
Famkyu. After cleaning, the uncut sheep is sacrificed in Mhaudu. There is a belief that after
the sacrifice, the root will explode.

According to the tradition, on the last day of Pus at the original broken shrine, a crowd of
people bathes here from 12 o’clock at night. The local elders have argued that the Maghe
Sankranti fair has been held in Sikles Village for the last one hundred years based on the belief
that the pilgrims who bathed at night would see a hundred people on the day of Sankranti.

Chairman of Sikles Parche Tamusamaj Pokhara Subedar Ran Bahadur Gurung said that the
Maghe Sankranti Mela has its own significance. He said that the fair has been becoming multi-
purpose in recent times for the promotion of Sikles Village, a village full of nature and culture.

Different cultural program held of Sikles youth club in Maghe Sankranti Mela.
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2.7.16.3 Lohokor
 According to astrological system, there is 12 Lhos – garuda, serpent, horse, sheep,
monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat.
 They are arranged in a single circle following closely the Tibetan calendar with 12
animals.
 The Lho returns after 12-year cycle.
 By knowing a man’s barga, his age can be calculated.

2.7.16.4 Ghanto dance

 Ghanto nach festival takes place in the Magh panchami and ends on Baishakh
Purnima.
 If a mistake is made it is believed that the dancing girls will become sick and may
die.
 Young girls around the ages of 12 perform the Ghanto and are called Ghantonis.
 They wear typical Ghanto dress comprising of traditional Gurung dress, jewellary,
and special headgears.
27

 Ghanto is fading away, as the old men who sung the songs die, young girls have less
time from their school works, and the rich soldiers who paid for performances no
longer come to the village.

2.7.16.5 Rodhi
 Rodhi is famous among Gurung; it held’s on special occasions and at night.
 In Rodhi, young boys and girls as well as old people also participate.
 They sing their traditional songs and dance through the night.
 It is the opportunity for young people to interact freely and get to know each other.
28

2.7.16.6 Gurung music

 Gurungs have an ancient tradition of Rodhi where young people meet, sing and dance
to folk songs, and share their views.
 Young men and women at Rodhi often sing the Dohori.
 Some musical dances like Ghantu and Chudka are still in existence, and is performed
in many Gurung villages.

2.7.17 Occupation
 Most of Gurungs are employed in Gorkha soldier, Indian army and Nepal Army.
 Other is involved in Agriculture.
 Some of them are involved in tourism industry (Annapurna trekking route, Ghale
Gaun, Sirubari which are Famous Gurung community managed touristic villages).

2.8 BON RELIGION

2.8.1 Introduction
 Nepal is the newest secular country in the world and it houses people having faith in
diverse religions. Bon, one of the oldest religions of the world can be seen in the
isolated wild west of Nepal, Dolpo.

 Bon an indigenous religion of Tibet believed to be founded by Tonpa Shenrab was introduced
to the Himalayas of Nepal when people from Tibet migrated to Dolpo (Upper Dolpo).
29

 It is the religion that exists only in the Himalayas introduced around 11th century before the
Buddhism was introduced in this region.

2.8.2 Types of bon

 Prehistoric Bon: -This is an ancient system of belief and ritual practice that is mostly
extinct today. However, elements of it exist in various religious practices found in the
Himalayas - mainly in the calling of fortune rituals.
 Eternal Bon: - also called old Bon which are traced to the Buddha Tonpa Shenrab and
other sages from Zhangzhung. These religions developed from the 8th to the 11th
century and are similar to Nyingma Buddhism. It includes ancient elements which are
pre-Buddhist.
 New Bon: - tradition which includes elements form Eternal Bon and Tibetan Buddhism,
including the worship of the Buddhist figure Padmasambhava. This new movement
dates from the 14th century and was mainly active in eastern Tibet.

2.8.3 Origin myths

 According to Bon scriptures, in the beginning, two forces, light and dark, created two persons.
The black man, called Nyelwa Nakpo (“Black Suffering”), created the stars and all the
demons, and is responsible for evil things like droughts.
 The white man, Öserden (“Radiant One”), is good and virtuous. He created the sun and moon,
and taught human’s religion.
 These two forces remain in the world in an ongoing struggle of good and evil which is also
fought in the heart of every person.
 Also believed that, there was only emptiness, which is not a blank void but a pure potentiality.
This produced five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and space).

2.8.4 God of bon

 Bon deities share some similarities to Buddhist Mahayana deities and some are also called
"Buddhas" (sanggye), but they also have unique names, iconography and mantras.
 As in Tibetan Buddhism, Bon deities can be "peaceful" or “wrathful”.
 The most important of the peaceful deities are the "Four Transcendent Lords, each of these
four beings has many different forms and manifestations.
30

i. The Mother: - a female Buddha whose name means wisdom and who is similar
to Prajnaparamita (and is also yellow in color). Her "five heroic syllables" are: SRUM,
GAM, RAM, YAM and OM.
ii. The God: - a deity of wisdom light and compassion, whose main color is white.
iii. The Procreator: - He is the being who brings forth the beings of this world and plays an
important role in Bon cosmogonic myths.
iv. The Teacher: - meaning: Supreme Priest, Great Man and the present teacher of Bon in
this era.
31

CHAPTER III

DOCUMENTATION & ANALYSIS

3.1 PROGRAM FORMULATION

Preparation of report was carried out in a systematic way to pursue program
objectives. It includes various steps of collection, processing and analyzing of data. The report
is mainly prepared using primary data

3.1.1 LITERATURE SURVEY

Before starting the data collection process, we thoroughly studied the secondary data. It
helped us gain of what the place is like or what kind of information we are going to get. It
helped us prepare questionnaire and criteria upon which our research would be based on

3.1.2 DATA COLLECTION & SAMPLING

Study tour was focused on surveying and
collecting information about Sikles and its settlement
pattern. The information and data were collected
through different survey. Sampling of individual unit
from existing population was taken through
questionnaire method. All kinds of necessary
information were collected from the survey on public
opinion, household survey and building survey.

3.1.3 DATA ANALYSIS

Data collected were entered among different sheets after analysis on the basis
of different factors and was interpreted in pie chart, bar graph and drawings for graphical
representation, mapping and presentation.
32
33

BASE MAP WITH RESIDENCE

34
35
36

3.2 HOUSEHOLD SURVEY

3.2.1 EDUCATION

Education level
8% 1%
42%

49%

High school Intermediate Bachelor Master

This pie chart shows that most of the children goes school for intermediate
level. In sikles only Intermediate school are available . Due to this reason, some student stop
the study in intermediate level. And then for higher level study’s they come to the Pokhara.Due
to family and economical problem they stop the study in intermediate level but some children
come in Pokhara for higher level study. Must of the children stop the study in Higher level
because almost student tried one time for indiain, singapour and british army . That’s why
some student stop the study in higher level so, Bachelor student and master level student have
less % .In sikles village, Except Gurung student after intermediate study goes foreigner country
like India and golf country to economical support for the family .

3.2.2 FAMILY TYPES

Types of Family-200H Types of Family-50H

Joint
31%
Joints
Nuclear
Nuclear 44%
56%
69%

Joint Nuclear Joints Nuclear

This pie chart shows that most of the people lived in Nuclear family type this means they have
disperse or break the family after marriage of son and divide the family property and lived
individually. Some people lived in Joint family also .
37

3.2.3 OCCUPATION

Occupation of the Head of

Occupation of the Head of Household
household 50 HOUSES
200 HOUSES
37
152 40
200
100 47 20 8
12 14 16 15 1 0 2 2
0 0

Occupation of the Head of household Occupation of the Head of Household

Agricultural seems to occupy more number of people i.e. growing seasonal crops like
Maize, Rice, wheat, millet etc. Apart from this, livestock also comes in prior occupation. Also
it was found that, maximum number of people were involved in more than one occupation and
they are characterized under mixed occupation which includes people being occupied by
agriculture and livestock. Similarly, under, other category few people involved in other than
given occupation such as teacher, construction worker and government worker are placed while
few are involved in trade and business. As tourism is flourished in sikles so most of the people
are involved in tourism, also very few are in army.

3.2.4 LANGUAGE

Language Language
Nepali Gurung Others Nepali Gurung Other

0%
0%
45%
55% 33%

67%

From pie chart shows that Gurung people speak own mother Gurung language and
other people speak Nepali language .But Gurung people only speak gurung language in own
member and neighbourhood .But they speak Nepali language also with other people and tourist
. All the people lived in their speak and understand Gurung language also .
38

3.2.5 RELIGION

Religion Religion
12% 4%
41% 39%

57%
47%

Hindu Buddhist other Hindu Buddhist Other

From pie chart and case study shows that the Buddhist and Hindu are, the major religion
but some people followed Bon religion. However, all the people celebrates all the festival of
all religion.

SITE PLAN WITH RELIGIONS

39

3.2.6 CASTE
Sikles is mainly known as the “home of gurung community” most of the people were
the caste of gurung lives there, but sunar, Bk &pariyar also lives there.Mainly higher caste gets
benefit from tourism, but low caste group dont’s gets any opportunity from tourism ,low caste
group face backwards.

SITE PLAN WITH CASTE

SITE PLAN WITH CASTE

3.2.7 MIGRATION

Migration Migration

30%
47%
53%

70%

Within country Aboard Within country Aboard

40

The migration is major problem of rural settlement of Nepal. Due to urbanization and
lack of school ,hospital and employment in rural settlement .Many people come in city area
that’s why most of the sikles people lived in Pokhara .So, migration rate increase day by day
continuously in sikles also.The major problem sikles is migration because most of the people
left the village .So, population of sikles is continuously goes down.

In sikles many people have Indian, Singapur, British Army so, they left the sikles due to that
reason abrod migration have high. Some goes Europe and USA for employment and the lived
in their. Due to this reason migration rate is high in sikles . Migration is major problem of sikles
.

Future Plan of Future plan of

Migration Migration (Yes)
10% 4%

36% 40%

56%
54%

Education Employment Other Education Employment Other

Till now, most of the people migrate from Sikles to other places because of lack of higher
education, job opportunity, lack of opportunity, farming is not so good. while during quationire
about future plan most of the people were concern about employment, education, health
facilities, road condition, so they want to migrate to urban areas to get those basic facilities.
best idea or planning to stop migration rate there should be a good health facilities ,education,
job opportunity &proper tourism management.
41

3.2.8 COMMUNITY GROUPS

welcoming tourist by aama samua Sports program organized by youth club

There are different active community groups in Sikles that works for the public benefit.
According to quantitative survey data majority of people are member of different community
group while few are not part of it. There are different community group working for different
purpose. Such as

Sn Aama samua Youth club

1. Welcoming tourist Sports program
2. Waste management monthly Promote culture
3. Awareness program Awareness program about drugs and
alcohol
4. Control gambling Volunteer in cultural program
5. Cultural program for tourist
6. Active participitaion on social works
7 Rise funding and helps for group members

Any community group

30
20 25
19
10
4
0
Aama toli Youth club No

Any community group

From above graph most of the families were involved in community groups.its indicates most
of the people were social ,and want to built a better sikles &better society .
42

3.2.9 TOURISM
Further Benefits From
Tourism
40
30 38
20
10 17 13 8
0
Increase Local Cultural Other
Homestay Product activity

Further Benefits From Tourism

Tourism is most flourish in siklesh.most of the people get benefits from the
tourism sectors. Most of the residence turns into homestay,due to increase of tourism sector
helps to improved road condition ,job opportunity ,trade of local product ,promote cultural
activity and so on.

BENEFITS FROM TOURISM:

-job opportunity

-increase homestay

-promote gurung culture

-trade of local product

-helps to gets new idea from new people.

43

The impact of tourism on local communities ,are generally in two ways .one can
considered various positive ,socio logical impacts .such as employment opportunity,income
generations ,infrastructure development and improvement in local services.

On the negative ways ,large crowd ,waste mananagement is a large concern

,preserve gurung culture and protect from the influence of western culture on sikles is a major
concern.While taking about the scope of tourism ,local government needs to make betterment
in following points:

-better information center .

- guide for tourist
- provide best local products
-best accommodation &lodging
-health facilities for tourist
- better transportation

3.3 SURVEY BUILDING

44

BUILDING STRUCTURE TYPOLOGY

The main building structure typology that defines Sikles is its use of locally
available material such as timber frame stone masonry without using any mortar but after
earthquake several other type can be seen like use of CGI sheet for temporary structure, stone
masonry laid in concrete, use of block, timer in wall etc. and all these criteria is placed on
others while RCC frame structure and brick masonry is given separate title. Data clearly shows
majority of the houses are vernacular style with timber and stone and masonry.

DESIGN TYPOLOGY

Two types of design typology can be seen .

FRONT YARD

Two types of Front yard can be seen in cluster. In which majority of houses has
continuous type of front yard while few has isolated front yard. Isolated front yard has stone
walls in all direction which makes it isolated whereas continuous front yard shares single yard
and acts as an access way for many houses. Front yard is used for different purposes such as
drying crops, storing firewood and for various family functions.
45

CONDITION OF HOUSE

GROUP A has majority of house which are in good condition as most of the houses
are constructed after earthquake or has been reconstructed. After 2015 (2072B.S) earthquake
many houses were ruined and cannot be used while some houses had minor damage on building
which was reconstructed. During the survey it came to conclusion that most of the houses were
in conitioned to live few were poor as well as some were ruined. The houses that were only
minorly damaged by earthquake and has maintained vernacular pattern and is comfortable for
living is considered good. The house which are comfortable to live in but has some issue of
water leaking etc. is considered as moderate. Those houses which are very uncomfortable to
live in are considered poor.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
VERNACULAR HYBRID MODERN

1%

44%

55%

Vernacular architecture style building are high in sikles this shows from given pie
chart also. Building style change with building material firstly roofing was done by straw,
thatch and stone slate are introduced and stone slate is replaced by GI sheet. Mud mortar is
replaced by cement mortar in wall finishing so this way number of hybrid building is increase
in sikles.RCC structure Are few number in their because lake of transportation and local
government also promote the vernacular style.
46

VERNACULAR BUILDING
MODERATE BUILDING

Most of the building,have followed their followed their vernacular style,but due to highly
tourism factors some people wants to build a large tall rcc buildings,that affect the essence of
sikles &gurung culture,so if local government pormote to built vernacular style ,with functional
requirement that helps to preserved asthetic and cultural aspect of sikles ,that’s directly helps
to the tourism sectors .and on the otherhands helps to control migration rate because homestay
and other tourism activities are increase.

SITE PLAN WITH BUILDING STYLE

47

MAP WITH ROOFING MATERIALS

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

As Sikles is known as Gurung Village, the main architectural style that defines sikles
Vernacular is the building using wooden roofing style with timber framed and stone masonry
wall without mortar. After earthquake 2015 it had a change in its architectural style. Few houses
damaged by earthquake were reconstructed, where thatch roof was replaced by CGI sheet.
While majority of the houses used mixed roof of both slate and CGI sheet in roof. Other
materials like CGI sheet, timbers were used in construction of temporary structure.

DESIGN TYPOLOGY:

Most of the house constructed between 2000 B.S -2076 B.S, most of the house have 2 storey.

Functional uses;

Ground floor: kitchen, living room, bed room

First floor: attic, bed room.

48

ADEQUACY OF HOUSE:

ADEQUATE
NO Most of the people, were feel
10% sufficient with the present houses.
If there is needed certain
YES
90% modification is done.

YES NO

From the chart it can be concluded that most of the houses are adequate for current living
whereas some families are planning to construct new house to fulfill their needs. While some
families have adjusted in their house which is not comfortable for living.
49

TOILET AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

The survey data shows that majority of the houses have toilet provision.

From the survey we know that most of the toilet were deattached,and while taking about
type of toilets pan and local method were used .

Types of toilet
0%
46%
54%

local pan wc

WASTE MANAGEMENT

 .Waste management is done Waste management is not so a big concern in sikles

by locally. till now, but due to growing tourism sectors,
increase in the use of export food or items, which
 .By burn may cause problem on waste management, and may
 By sewage disposal method. affects the beauty of sikles, so local government
needs to plan good waste management system in
sikles. To control waste management, promote
local reusable or recycle materials and food and
proper disposal site of non –recycle materials such
as bottle, plastic etc.
50

Methods for waste disposal

3.4 TYPES OF INFRASTRUCTURE

ROADS & STREETS

It take 3 hr to 4 hr to travel by bus from Pokhara to sikles through the main highway
road. The width of the highway road varies from 6-8m depending on topography of land.
Houses are arranged at the either side of the road. The road inside the village can be divided as
Primary, secondary and tertiary road. Primary roads are the main roads with hotels and shops.
Secondary roads are smaller than primary road and these roads contains houses at either sides.
Tertiary roads connect to secondary road and is narrow. Primary and secondary roads are paved
with flag stone. Tertiary roads are not paved.
51

3.5 WATER SUPPLY

Distribution of water is carried out in two ways in village. some people walk some
distance to fill water from community tap, as individual water tap is joined to the house.
Community tap is placed at each certain distance. While hotels, guest house, school,
government buildings and religious building has Individual tap system.

WATER SUPPLY
NO
0%

YES
100%

YES NO

Community tap
52

BASE MAP WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

3.6 DAMAGE BY EARTHQUAKE 2072 (2015)

2015 Earthquake did caused damage to many buildings, some were severe that building
got ruined while some were moderate. Some building had minor damaged by earthquake that
they have been reconstructed. While some building were not damaged at all or are newly
constructed. Prior to that some had minor damage in building that has been reconstructed.
53

3.7 CONSTRUCTION METHOD APPLIED IN GURUNG RESIDENCE

According to “Architecture in development” construction method applied in Gurung
residence is given below:

3.7.1 Foundations:

The trenches of the foundations are excavated 80 cm deep and wide. They form a
continuous peripheral sole that encompasses the foundations of the inner and outer buttresses.
The foundations rest on a bed of gravel allowing a better distribution of the building's loads.
The stones are arranged pyramidcally in two successive stages of 80 cm and 60 cm to
accommodate the 40 cm stone wall. Through-stones are placed each row, every 1m 20 and
alternately, with special attention to the corners. Lime mortar is added to secure the stones
together. 12 mm concrete irons are placed at the corners and center, in the length, of the walls.

3.7.2 Mortar:
It is composed of 9 parts of sand, for 2 parts of lime and 1 part of cement. Its application
is 4 cm set back from the outside of the wall in order to have a "dry stone masonry" aspect of
the wall.

3.7.3 Gabion tie-bands:

This technique is inspired by the work of Randolph Langenbach. A galvanized mesh
of 10x10 mm is unrolled along the stone walls with a superimposition at the corners and
buttresses. It is filled with stones and mortar. Stones are enrolled by the galvanized mesh and
attached by a 1.5 mm galvanized wire. The first tie-band is placed at the upper level of the
foundations and lower part of the door. The second is at the lower level of the window. The
third is located on the upper level of the door and the window. It is composed of a central
wooden beam of 50x80 mm allowing the attached the floor structure with a lap join. The fourth
tie-band is placed at the roof level.
54

3.7.4 Walls:
The width of the wall is reduced to 40 cm, instead of 80 cm on the traditional houses.
Through stones are placed every 1.20m each row, reinforcing the internal structure to the wall.
The concept is hardly accepted by the workers and requires close supervision.

3.7.5 Flooring:
It is insulated from the humidity by a 0.8 mm plastic cover. Stones are placed on the
plastic cover leaving some air voids in order to improve the insulation from the ground. A
concrete screed is then cast. The entrance area is covered with a stone floor treatment and
extends outwards to the veranda. The room space is lined with Sukul, locally manufactured
braided bamboo. Wooden beams are placed on the ground in order to mark the various spaces
and leave the inhabitants the possibility to partition the space.

3.7.6 Atic Floor:

The attic floor is supported by five 127x152mm beams spaced by 915mm and firmly
attached to the tie-band. The bracing is done by a secondary wooden structure of 50x80mm
and by the 4cm diagonal wooden flooring. A non-deformable diaphragm structure is obtained

3.8 FACTORS AFFECTING THE SETTLEMENT HOUSING

In sikles the rural houses are usually built with the traditional or indigenous
knowledge. Almost, all houses were built in same style of construction technology. There are
two factors for the diversification of the form of houses. They are as following: -
i. Environmental factors (climate, soil condition, amount of rainfall, vegetation)
ii. Socio-economic factors (economical status, social hierarchy, availability of the
construction material, religious belief, ritual etc)

3.8.1 Relationship between Environmental factors with settlement

 We know from experience that flat land is more suitable for building settlements.
 Even China's current planning code describes land with slopes steeper than 25 degrees
as being unsuitable for building on.
 Sikles is located in mountainous territory featuring many steep slopes and little flat
land.
 By surveying this site, we know that settlements were disturbed at the foot of
mountains or sloppy land rather than the completely flat land, with their layout
stretching along the elevation contours.
55

 Because of the steep slope in this area, it was difficult to construct the building during
exaction and transportation process also.
 The main transportation of the inner village was pedestrian method because of the
compact settlement so it takes longer time to reach the destination as compare to the
completely flat land.
 Less farmland area and it affect the negative impact on the agriculture scope of the
village.
 If drainage facilities undeserved or geologic conditions poor, it is easy to decrease the
strength a strength and stability of the land.
 According to the experts it was believed that peoples are settled on for protect
themselves from the enemies.
 Most of the houses are built with slope roof because of the excess snowfall instead of
rainfall.

3.8.2 Relationship between socio-logical factors with settlement

 Culture is the one of the most powerful factors, which is guiding the evolutionary
pattern of households.
 Studying the settlement of sikles, the impact of culture in the formations of house
forms can be understood.
 In case of the sikles it was found that maximum numbers of households are held by
gurung and culture and tradition also dominated by it.
 Almost all houses were built on the basis of gurung cultural house typology instead of
using modern building typology.
 It was found that in some cases Construction materials for houses are updated to
increase the strength to the building but building style remains same to conserve the
gurung culture and tradition.Maudu

3.9 Kyufi Temple

According to locals every year from first day of magh called maghe Sankranti till
3-4 days there happens to be a Mela/Occasion at Maudu Kyufi temple –the temple of lord shiva.
Around the temple, there this water sprout which remains dry the whole year. Except in the
month of magh there is a huge flow of water in the sprout. People Believe that if they take
shower or bath at the sprout , one will get out of all the past sins
56

CHAPTER IV

MEASURED DRAWING

4.1 STREET FACADE

We chose the location on the southern part of siklesh because in ours group the oldest homes
belong to their.
57

We chosen the location on the southern part of siklesh because in ours group the oldest
homes belong to their.

The facade is generally south facing, towards the sun. The main feature of the
facades of the Siklesh houses is symmetry attained, generally the main door or access
through the house in the left portion of house. Generally the house contains two floor where
the the ground floor of the house has been used for kitchen, and upper floor for
accommodation. The toilet is separated from the house generally on the right portion of the
house. The ground floor is mainly used for the kitchen the reason behind it is the house
contains timber so the heat from the kitchen protect from decaying.
58
59

The sloped roof with locally made

stone tiles used as architectural
element in the traditional houses,
which has been completely replaced
by GI sheet roof.

The GI sheet is also used in the

balcony.
60

4.2BUILDING DRAWING

Measurement
Drawing of
single Building
61

The main reason to selecting this building for case study purpose is
 Uses of local material with local construction technology
 Open space public
 Renovation with local material

House Detail
 Owner Name: naan subba gurung
 Located at gairether tole
 Constructed at 2000 BS
 2 storey building
 South facing
 Attached type of building
62
63

Ground floor
 Consist of wide verandah kitchen store and sleeping zone within one enclosed space
 Kitchen consist of fireplace agenu located at the centre position of the room
 Corner room used as the stored
 Platform near the entrance called jurato for providing vessel containing water
 Pidhi used for living or gathering space

First floor
 Used for storage of food material like rice corn millet and other valuable and
ornaments

Roof
 Slope roof with 1’-6” projection for rapid flow of water
 For the roofing purpose stone slate and G.I
sheet
64

Construction Material and Technology

 Combination of load bearing wall and posts and beam system followed
 Wall coated with a dry plaster both inside and outside
 Load bearing wall build with stone masonry in mud mortar with thickness of 25 cm
 The door opening is about 4’
 Total Floor clearance height of 7’
 Besides wall other supporting members like post (tham) beam (dalin) joists (karaye)
and frame of door and window
 Single tham in ground support the capital dain and joist above
 First floor mud flooring with joists and fragmented wood
 Wood frame ‘sal’ which are brought from upper forest area
 A row of three pillars support the rigid beam transversely principal rafter large purlins
at ridge
65
66
67

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION
The settlement planning expedition provided an opportunity to learn the actual
design process through different phase of design carried out to obtain the final result. Not only
learning but it also provide us an opportunity to interact with people of the society, understand
their problems. The architecture of the Gurung ethnic group is unique although shares some
common characteristics with other mountain areas. Due to its difficult access and remote
location of these communities, the architecture uses mostly local materials (stone and wood).
Although this characteristic is common to many other communities of the Himalayan mountain
range, even today it is possible to differentiate architectural styles associated with ethnic groups
in different regions. Building material used in Gurung residence are contextual to its
environment and surroundings which makes it unique setting of settlement. Thus, studying and
analyzing settlement on the basis of background helps us borden our knowledge and experience
for future projects in vernacular architecture. The amount of time spend were very fruitful.