Nepal’s rotating houses disappear with tradition
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In Lamjung District, Nepal, traditional rotating houses, built from stone, mud, wood, and thatch, are rapidly disappearing as people build modern homes.
A few decades ago, these unique homes were common in rural villages, showcasing the area’s cultural identity. Now, residents report that only a handful remain. Narayana Gurung, the ward chair of KholaSothar Rural Municipality-4, Bhujung, says that while many rotating houses once stood in his village, only one is left standing today.
About six years ago, locals converted another rotating house into a museum, allowing tourists to view and photograph the traditional architecture. These houses were not just shelter, but also provided warmth in winter and were durable enough to last generations thanks to their construction and single-story design. In Sundarbazar Municipality-11, Turlungkot, the number of rotating houses has fallen from over ten to just two or four. However, in Rinas Municipality-9, Rinasakot, locals are working to preserve the tradition.
The Rinas Home Stay Management Committee constructed a new rotating house in the traditional style to showcase the architecture to tourists and educate younger generations. Residents fear that as more old houses are demolished for modern structures, the associated building skills, lifestyle, and cultural identity will be lost. They believe documenting, preserving, and reconstructing these remaining homes, and teaching their importance to new generations, is essential, and that linking these structures to tourism could help keep the tradition alive.
