The Ankhu Khola valley: An introduction to a multidisciplinary research programme in Nepal

The valley of Ankhu Khola is located between Ganesh Himal to the north, Tiru Danda to the east and Abuthum Lekh in the west in an area to the northwest of Kathmandu. The area was found to be of interest due to the multiplicity of ecological problems and its apparent remoteness in spite of its close proximity to Kathmandu. The author has been involved in running a series of surveys in the area in the fields of geology, geomorphology (soil erosion, transformation of landscapes), zoology, botany, ecology and anthropology since 1974.