Dhike

Dhike is a village located in the eastern part of Nepal within the Sankhuwasabha District of the Koshi Province. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, the settlement lies along the valley of the Arun River, surrounded by rolling hills and terraced farmland.

The population of Dhike is estimated at around 1,500 residents, a figure drawn from the most recent national census conducted in 2011. The community is predominantly inhabited by members of the Limbu and Rai ethnic groups, with Nepali serving as the common lingua franca. Local languages such as Limbu and Kiranti are also widely spoken.

Agriculture forms the backbone of Dhike’s economy. Farmers cultivate paddy, maize, millet, and a variety of horticultural crops including apples and cardamom, taking advantage of the region’s fertile alluvial soils and favorable microclimate. In addition to subsistence farming, there is a small but growing segment of community-based eco-tourism: trekkers passing through the Arun Valley stop in Dhike to experience traditional hospitality and local produce.

Culturally, Dhike observes a number of festivals that blend animist traditions with Hinduism and Buddhism. The annual Rajrajeshwor Yatra attracts visitors from neighbouring villages, featuring processions, folk music, and communal feasts. Religious life is centred around a small shrine dedicated to local deities, as well as a Buddhist monastery that serves the spiritual needs of the northern part of the district.

Infrastructure in Dhike remains modest. A primary school provides education up to grade five, and a health post offers basic medical services. Transportation links include an unpaved road that connects Dhike to the district headquarters of Dunai, though improvements are planned as part of the province’s rural development strategy.