A Report on Geological Field Excursion

to Chobar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Institute of Crisis Management Studies

(ICMS)

Samarpan Academy

Affiliated to Tribhuwan University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Academic Requirement for

M.A in Crisis Management

Submitted by

Pratiggya Nepal

1st Sem – 8th Batch

14th Jan 2022

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, praises and thanks to Prof. Dr. Tara Nidhi Bhattarai Sir for his sincere
guidance, motivation, patience and immense knowledge for this field excursion. I could not
have imagined having a better mentor for this field visit.

Secondly, I would like to thank the Institute of Crisis Management Studies (ICMS) for
providing the opportunity to have a practical knowledge of the subject matter and
administration team for their support on making this field trip possible.

My completion of this report could not have been accomplished without the support of my
team members Abigya Panta, Nishan Aryal & Suneeta Khatiwada and my classmates of
ICMS 8th batch. I appreciate the help all my friends have provided during the excursion and
in preparing this report.

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 Table of Contents

Table of Contents...............................................................................................................................III

1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Study of the area....................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Aim and objectives of the trip............................................................................................... 3

2. Methodology.................................................................................................................................4

2.1 Observation Method:............................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Experimental methods............................................................................................................ 5

2.3 Geological Tools and Equipment......................................................................................... 6

3. Discussions and Results...........................................................................................................7

3.1 Discussion................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Results.......................................................................................................................................... 8

4. Conclusions...................................................................................................................................9

5. REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

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 1. Introduction

Geological studies have shown that the Kathmandu Valley was previously a huge lake that
drained southward through the Chobar Gorge, opening up the valley. Myths and legends
about the birth of Kathmandu Valley speak of the deity Manjushri cutting the hill at Chobar
into half with a mighty sword, letting out the water of a primordial lake and opening the
fertile vale for habitation.

The scar of Manjushri's sword can still be seen at Chobar. This is where legend meets
science: the hill is actually made of limestone and the lake was drained when water seeped
through the soft rock and created a gaping cleft.

The geological field trip was organized on dated 22nd April, 2021, by Samarpan Academy
with the motive to provide knowledge about geological structure, cross section view,
distribution of different rocks, soil types and use of topographical map which lies in south
west of Kathmandu. The geology of Nepal constitutes one of the most tectonically active
mountain belts and the mid part of the Hindu Kush Himalayan lies in Nepal spread over 800
km (500 miles). Nepal can be divided into five latitudinal morpho- tectonic zones: i) The
Gangatic Plain (Terai); ii) The Sub Himalayan (Chure or Siwalik); iii) Lesser Himalayan
(Mahabharat Mountain Range); iv) Greater Himalayan, and v) Tibetan Himalayan zones
(Tethys Himalaya) from North to the South.

The exploration of the selected site, research and finding on the site, study the structure, land
formation and evolution of the current landmarks and get insight of the current status of the
soil, rocks, plates and other information were involved in our field excursion. Fieldwork is an
important part of Geology as it the excursion makes us understand, and gets hands on
experience on the interesting facts that we have learned in the textbooks and research papers.

It was one of the best moments for us to learn and gain experiences from the professor, Dr.
TN Bhattarai himself. His years of knowledges, information and hands on experiences on
geological excursions helped us vastly during our entire excursion to Chobhar.

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 1.1 Study of the area

On April 22, Institute of Crisis Management had organized a field visit for first semester level
students to Chobhar which lies in south west of Kathmandu. The visit was aimed to
understand various geological aspects like fault, land structure, peak saddle. We also viewed
the river bank and cuts made by Bagmati river.

The aims of excursion at Chobhar were thus fulfilled. Thorough knowledge of geomorphic
features at and around Chobhar, its topography and geology were gained. Landforms uplifted
by tectonic processes and those disintegrating over a period of time owing to weathering and
erosion were observed and described. Chobhar has always been an interesting landscape
within Kathmandu Valley. According to geologic researches of Kathmandu Valley, it has
been known to be covered by a huge lake. Prior to formation of lake, one million years ago,
the southern edge of Valley rose up due to some tectonic process. This blocked the only
outlet of water, termed proto-Bagmati. The hills rose at a rate of 3cm/year and the lake
shifted northwards filling up the Valley where it was up to 200m deep at some places. The
main water body drained out by disintegrating limestone rich rocks at Chobhar creating a
gorge.

Though archaeological evidences regarding Manjushree are rare, his popularity over Tibet,
China and Bengal suggest that he might have come with his disciples to Kathmandu Valley to
witness an already drying up lake. He might have used his influence to carve out cliffs
making a bigger gorge at Chobhar, where people still believe that the mark of his sword can
be seen. This, however is only a modification of mythology and not completely scientific. So,
based on scientific observations and interpretations, the action of water on limestone rich
cliffs at Chobhar has been evident. The water acting on the cliff must have cut off it into a
cavern finally flowing out by cutting a drainage. The Bagmati river thus formed seems to
have been of significance for human settlement within Kathmandu Valley.

This excursion helps us in better and practical understanding of various geological aspects,
getting hands on experience on using the geological instruments for analyzing the geological
status of the area measuring the angles of a place, knowing the location through
Topographical Map etc.

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 1.2 Aim and objectives of the trip

● Practical knowledge of the geological aspects

○ Mapping

○ River Erosion

○ River Deposition

○ Study of different types of rock

○ Different geological challenges

1. Visualize the bedding, joints and holes in the rocks.

2. Study the geomorphic features of the chobar area.

3. Get hands on experience on using the topographic Maps and Compass to locate.

4. Measure the length of suspension bridge referring it to the scale of the map.

5. Measure the height of the suspension bridge from the water level under it in Bagmati
River referring the contour lines in the map.

6. Identify and locate the different features such as cut bank, deposit bank and the
terraces made by Bagmati River as its erosion process

7. Study and locate different geological features such as Ridge, slope, saddle, and Peaks.

8. Study the effects of weathering and erosion by Bagmati River under the bridge.

9. To find out own position in map using given back bearing.

10. Study and identification of rocks in the field.

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 11. To measure the strike of the incline, dip amount and dip direction using geological
compass.

2. Methodology

Throughout the geological excursion, the geomorphic features, topography, geology, and
structures were studied. Three sites were selected during excursion i) a small hill just
opposite of the Manjushree Park; ii) the rocky bank under the Chobhar Bridge (new) and iii)
a depression, quarry formerly used by Himal Cement Factory.

Both observation and experimental methods were used in the location.

2.1 Observation Method:

It was more interaction between the teacher and the students to identify the geological planes
(bedding planes, foliation plane, joint plane, fault plane, etc.). Different kinds of rocks were
observed as well. No equipment was used. It was more visual and verbal.

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 Figure 1: Sink holes due to chemical weathering in the bank of Bagmati River bank of Chobhar area

2.2 Experimental methods

Different geological equipments were used to find out the geological features of the location.
topographical was used to locate out the area. Using Brunton Compass, dip direction, dip angle
strike and the inclination of the rocks were identified. With the help of geological hammer, physical
properties of rock were identified.

This method not only enhanced the theoretical knowledge but also gave hands experience.

Figure 2: Diluted hydrochloric (hcl) acid to identify the Figure 3: Measuring elevation, dip direction, strike with
S. typeObjectives
rock and reaction Methodolog Geological Tools
the help of Brunton compass
N y
1 To find out the location and contour line of Experimental Topographical map
the field
2 To Identify the different features such as cut Observation
bank, deposit bank and the terraces made by
Bagmati River during its erosion process
3 To observe different geological features Observation
(fault, slope, bedding plates, peak etc.)
4 Compact test of soil to find out the soil moist Experimental
density

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 5 Measurement of strike, dip direction, dip Experimental Brunton Compass
angle
6 Geological Difficulties and consequences Observation

2.3 Geological Tools and Equipment

S. No Material/Equipment Usage

1. Brunton Compass measure attitude parameters like strike, dip, dip

amount

2. Topographical Map 
observe various natural and man-made
features in the field
 locate positions and elevation of
3. Discussions and Results
different areas usually with the contour
lines
3. Diluted Hydrochloric3.1
(HCL) identify the type of rock (seeing the reaction)
Discussion
acid

For the
5. significant result finding,
Geographical Hammer we made a group
dig orofhammer
4 members in each
the rocks team,
so as and worked
to identify, analyze
on finding the answers, results and facts for the
andsame set of questions.
understand the rock andAsitsdifferent
structuregroups
were working on the same set of observations and experiments, this helped to track and to
6. the Protector
conclude (180/360
findings from degree) andmeasure
the observation angle and plot the grid on the map
experiments.
7. Stationery like ruler, pencil, take notes, mark on the map, measure map
As a team effort we summarized the following finds based on our experiments and
notebook etc. distance
observations:
8. Camera Take pictures of the field site
i) Identify the elevation of Chobhar George.
Table
ii) Identify the type of 1soil
Instruments
and rockand
ofmaterials used during Field excursion at Chobhar:
the surrounding.

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 3.Discussions and Results

3.1Discussion

For the significant result finding, we made a group of 4 members in each team, and worked
on finding the answers, results and facts for the same set of questions. As different groups
were working on the same set of observations and experiments, this helped to track and to
conclude the findings from the observation and experiments.

As a team effort we summarized the following finds based on our experiments and
observations:

i) Identify the elevation of Chobhar George.

ii) Identify the type of soil and rock of the surrounding.
iii) Identify the width of Bagmati river at suspension bridge.
iv) Identify the no of terraces created by the Bagmati river.
v) Find the elevation of the suspension bridge based on the flowing river.

Observing the Chobhar surrounding, and the valley seen from Chobhar area, we see Bagmati
river flowing out of Kathmandu valley towards the south, the mountains with difference in
elevation, river basins, different levels of terraces, ridge, saddle peaks, slopes, the bedding of
rocks, cracks in the rocks cut banks deposition banks limestone hill, sinkhole in the rocks and
caves.

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After applying experimental and observational observations over the rocks of the Chobhar
area, we came in conclusion that the rocks found in the Chobhar area are not so strong and
are weak in nature. Also, the fizzy reaction of the rocks after pouring the diluted HCL acid
indicates that the rock found here is of limestone type. Likewise, the rocks collected over this
area is of sedimentary rock type.

Observing from the Chobhar, we noticed 4 terrains lying near the current flowing river. Also,
the Kathmandu valley stands as a giant valley and the valley could have formed when the
water stored at the lake (thousands of years ago) when the water got it passage out of the
current Chobhar George. The George when observed contains lots of holes in the rocks and
caves build on the rocks.

3.2 Results

Using the topographical map of Kathmandu valley, and compass we located our current
position and marked on the map. Using the compass, and ruler we were able to take the
measurements. The results from the field excursion are summarized below:

S. Information Methodologies Data

No.
1. Elevation of Chobhar Following the contour lines on the 1308 meter.
George Topographic map
2. Type of rock and soil Observation of surrounding and The soil found on
using geographical hammer the flat surface at
hill is clay and the
rock type is
limestone
3. Width of river at Measuring the length of bridge in 75 meters
suspension bridge map and converting with the scales

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 of map i.e., 1:25000
4. Max depth or elevation Measuring the length between river 36 meters
of bridge based on river and bridge and calculating based on
the scales of map i.e., 1:25000
5. No of terraces created Observing the no of terraces 4 terraces noticed
by Bagmati river distinctly from the location;
measuring its length on map and
calculating based on the map scale

INFORMATION, DATA AND METHODOLOGIES GATHERED FROM THE TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP

4. Conclusions

Within a day, we got a chance to learn a whole lot of things. All in all, this excursion helped
us broadening our views and knowledge about various geological aspects. The importance of
geologist can also be valued with this field trip. The Bagmati river that resulted appears to
have been important for human habitation inside the Kathmandu Valley.

Chobhar is one of the beautiful landmarks near Kathmandu valley for conducting the
geological research and fieldworks. The formation of the sinkholes and the caves are the
results of the continuous flow of water and the acid rains in the past. Based on the
observation and experiments on the rocks of the area, the rocks are found to be of limestone
type. Also based on the scientific observations and interpretations, the action of water on
limestone rich cliffs at Chobhar has been evident. The water acting on the cliff must have cut
it off into a cavern, eventually draining out through a drainage cut.

Thus, geomorphic characteristics, geology, and their link to Kathmandu Valley's geologic
history were observed and investigated at Chobhar.

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Figure 4: During Field Excursion

5. REFERENCES

1. Bhattarai, T.N., Rai, S.M., 2015. Fundamental of Geological Excursion and Field
Work, Second. ed. Creative Work Nepal, Kathmandu.
2. Keller, E.K., 1999. Introduction to Environmental Geology. Prentice-Hall, New
Jersey.
3. Tarbuck, E.J., Lutgens, F.K., 2005. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 8th
ed. Prentice- Hall, New Jersey.
4. www.britannica.com

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