KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 5
The Kanchenjunga region has seen an increase in the arrival of both domestic and foreign tourists, making the base camp more lively.
On Friday alone, 65 foreign tourists departed for the base camp. According to Tasi Tenzing, a tourism assistant at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council office in Ghunsa, visitors hail from Spain, France, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Romania, the U.S., Poland, and India.
This rise in tourist numbers has encouraged tourism professionals and local business owners. Pema Sherpa, a hotelier at the Kanchenjunga entry point in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6, noted that as more tourists have arrived recently, previously closed hotels are reopening.
Domestic tourists from cities like Biratnagar, Dharan, and Damak have also started visiting the Kanchenjunga region. Tourism is the primary source of income for locals in Kyapla, Phale, Ghunsa, Khabajen, and Lonak in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6.
According to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, 52 hotels are operating along the route to the base camp.
Among them, the luxury Singinamjong Hotel, built with an investment of over Rs 70 million, is in operation in Gapla of Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6. Local products are consumed in these hotels, contributing to the local economy.
Tragic Incident:
Meanwhile, a tourist assistant tragically died en route to the Kanchenjunga base camp after being struck by a falling rock.
Tika Bahadur Rai from Silichong Rural Municipality-5, Sankhuwasabha, was killed in a landslide near Ilifok, close to Japantar in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6, according to the District Police Office.
Due to ongoing landslides, police have been unable to retrieve the body. However, other members of the team are safe, police confirmed.