Damauli, Aug 7: An emerging tourism hub located at Byas municipality-5 in Tanahun, Manungkot has recently witnessed a decline in the number of visitors.

While speaking about the situation, Byas-5 Ward Chair Bishnu Kumar Shrestha noted, “Manungkot, which gained significant publicity during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, is now experiencing a decrease in tourist footfall. In the past, the area attracted a large number of tourists from various districts of the country. However, over time, its once-popular image has diminished.”

Shrestha further added, “Particularly during the winter months, tourists flocked to Manungkot to experience its unique foggy ambiance and abundant sunshine. The place holds a special appeal during this season, with panoramic foggy surroundings creating an enchanting atmosphere.” He noted, “While there is only a nominal number of tourists during other seasons, the winter months see a daily influx of hundreds of visitors seeking to relish the special attributes of this touristic destination.”

Media reports suggest that the trend of establishing new hotels has grown in response to the increasing mobility of tourists in Manungkot. Efforts have been made by the municipality to promote tourism in the area, including hosting the annual Ultra Marathon tournament from Manungkot to Pulimarang.

Among the attractions of Manungkot are the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. Additionally, the local residents often visit Manungkot during the morning hours in the winter to bask in the early sunlight, which provides warmth in the higher altitudes.

With the growing allure of Manungkot as a tourism destination, locals who had previously migrated to urban areas have returned and started businesses in the region. This trend has been especially significant for those who left Manungkot due to water crisis, as the area has become an alternative source of clean water to processed jar water and tanker-transported water in urban areas.

Basanti Thapa, who left Manungkot in 2052 BS due to water scarcity, now operates a hotel in the same area. She shared that her family returned to Manungkot due to the surge in tourist arrivals.

The road to Manungkot has been upgraded with blacktopping, a project funded by the Ministry of Urban Development. The 4,300-meter road from Alaiinche to Manungkot has undergone this improvement, enhancing accessibility to the region.