The Himalayan region of Rasuwa district is witnessing a significant increase in the arrival of both domestic and international tourists. Senior Conservation Officer of Langtang National Park, Annath Baral, reported that the number of foreign tourists has been steadily growing, with 20 to 25 international visitors arriving daily. As a result of this surge in tourism, local hotel, and lodge owners have begun transporting essential supplies and upgrading their facilities to accommodate the rising number of guests.
Despite the monsoon season, the months of July and August saw around 10,500 tourists, with 10,440 being domestic visitors and 360 international tourists, according to Langtang National Park. This increase in domestic tourism is partly attributed to the annual pilgrimage to the sacred site of Gosaikunda, a religious and cultural festival that draws thousands of devotees during August.
Gosaikunda, a sacred lake located at a high altitude, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims trek to this holy site for a ritual bath and worship, contributing to the rise in tourism even during the rainy season. In addition to Gosaikunda, other attractions in the district include Langtang and Ganesh Himal, the historic Rasuwa Gadhi, waterfalls, and the Tamang Heritage Trail, where visitors can experience the local Tamang culture, cuisine, traditional dances, and unique mountain flora.
According to Nisan Gajurel, President of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association of the District, visitors are drawn to local delicacies found along the Tamang Heritage Trail, including areas like Goljung, Gatlang, and Bridim. The well-maintained road from Kathmandu to Dhunche, the district headquarters, has made the journey more convenient, reducing travel time to just five hours.
In response to concerns about safety, Chief District Officer Bednidhi Ghimire assured that security has been tightened along the trekking routes, with both uniformed and plain-clothes police patrolling the area. Visitors are encouraged to immediately report any issues to the District Administration Office or local security agencies.
The Langtang National Park area, which encompasses most of the trekking trails in Rasuwa, requires visitors to adhere to park rules to ensure the protection of the region’s rich biodiversity. Senior Conservation Officer Baral expressed optimism that tourists will continue to contribute to the preservation of the Himalayan ecosystem while enjoying the natural and cultural beauty of the area.
