With the onset of the Dashain festival, the tourist destination of Manungkot in Tanahun has seen a significant rise in domestic tourist activity. Located in Byas Municipality-5, Manungkot is attracting visitors daily, primarily for its scenic views.
Hotel operator Chudamani Dahal shared that tourists often stay overnight to witness the sunrise and fog in the early morning. According to Dahal, weekends, particularly Fridays and Saturdays, see a larger crowd compared to other days. “The flow of tourists has increased since the start of Dashain. As schools and offices are closed during the festival, more domestic tourists are visiting. We expect the number to rise further from the Saptami day of the festival,” Dahal stated.
Resident Anil Adhikari noted that the breathtaking sunrise and fog in the morning have become a major attraction for tourists. “Visitors are captivated by the view of Damouli market covered in mist and often return for another visit,” he added.
Manoj Raut, a visitor from Byas-4, expressed his admiration for the stunning views of the fog, sunrise, and the Himalayan range visible from Manungkot. “This place gained popularity during the COVID-19 period. Promoting tourism here can contribute to the local economy and attract even more visitors,” Raut said.
The growing tourist footfall has also led to the development of new and modern hotels in Manungkot. While there were no hotels in the past, over a dozen are now in operation. The Byas Municipality has also constructed a viewing tower for tourists and installed railings along the edges for safety. A pedestrian pathway has been newly constructed alongside the railings.
From Manungkot, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. As tourism grows, many locals who had previously left the village have returned to engage in local businesses. Previously, the area faced a water shortage, forcing residents to move away. Now, purified water from jars and tankers provides an alternative water source for the community.
The road to Manungkot has also been blacktopped, thanks to the financial investment from the Ministry of Urban Development. Hotel operator Dahal mentioned that the 4,300-meter road from Alaiche to Manungkot has been fully blacktopped, with 180 meters of RCC construction in difficult areas.
Manungkot continues to grow as a key domestic tourism destination, with its natural beauty and improved infrastructure attracting an increasing number of visitors during the festive season.
Source: RSS
