Lamjung, December 6

The arrival of tourists has increased in Ghalegaun — a tourist destination in Lamjung.

Ghalegaun Tourism Development Committee Secretary Umal BK said the number of tourists had decreased in the winter season last year, but this year the number had shot up.

According to BK, around 100 domestic and 15 international tourists reach Ghalegaun on a daily basis. Locals said they had managed lodging, food and cultural programmes in homestays. Of the 120 houses, homestay service is being operated in 33 houses.

Chairman of Ghalegaun Tourism Development Committee Prem Ghale said homestay service had started 18 years ago.

Homestay operator Kamala Ghale said she had been running homestay service for the past 15 years. “The tourists came, ate and enjoyed in homestays,” she added.

Another homestay operator Durge Devi Ghale said the profession had helped make ends meet. “Our lifestyle changed after starting homestay service,” she added.

Major attraction for tourists in Ghalegaun is the scenic himalayan range — Mount Manaslu, Mount Annapurna IV, Lamjung, Gangapurna, Uttarkanya temple, tea garden, art and culture, among other things.