Manang district drawing more tourists

Manang, October 30

Far-flung Manang district is developing as a major tourist destination. While the place has always been a major attraction for foreigners, more domestic tourists have been visiting the district for the past few years, thanks to the construction of a motorable road linking the district with road network.

According to Manang Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Committee Chairperson Binod Gurung, every day hundreds of visitors from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan and Palpa, among other places, visit Manang these days. “Among those who visit Manang are young couples and families. They come on bikes or other private or public vehicles,” he said.

“Ever since the motorable road came into operation, it has also led to an increase of visitors even from nearby Lamjung district,” Gurung said, adding majority of the tourists make it a point to visit the world famous Tilicho lake while others also make it to Thorang La pass. Tilicho lake, situated at 4, 919 metres from the sea level, lies in Nesyang Rural Municipality-9, and can be reached after about eight hours’ trek from Manang Khasar.

Chame Rural Municipality Chairperson Lokendra Ghale said growth in the number of visitors was encouraging.

“In fact, many had thought that construction of the road would have an adverse effect on tourism in Manang, but that didn’t happen. Growth in the number of visitors is really heartening,” said Ghale. According to Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Manang Office Chief Babulal Tiruwa, every day 300 to 400 foreign visitors and domestic tourists between 50 and 60 enter Manang district.

Influx of tourists has brought cheers to the faces of tourism entrepreneurs here. Almost all hotels, mainly in Khasar Shreekharka and Tilicho base camps, are running at full capacity now.