During the Dashain festival, tourist destinations in Tanahun are witnessing a notable rise in domestic visitors. Popular spots like Bandipur and Manungkot are particularly bustling with activity.
In recent years, the trend of traveling during the Dashain holiday has led to an influx of tourists to these scenic locations. Kishan Pradhan, president of the Bandipur Tourism Development Committee, reported that both domestic and international tourist numbers have surged in Bandipur.
He noted, “This is a peak time for tourist arrivals in Bandipur, especially due to the Dashain holidays, which has seen significant participation from local visitors, alongside an increase in foreign tourists.”
Tourists from various parts of Nepal are making their way to Bandipur, and the newly operational Bandipur Cable Car has enhanced the area’s appeal. Visitors can reach the cable car’s bottom station by vehicle, from where they take the cable car to Bandipur. Notably, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Bandipur has increased, with data indicating that tourists from 26 different countries visited the area last year.
Tourists from countries such as Japan, China, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France, the USA, Germany, Denmark, Pakistan, Australia, the UK, Ireland, South Korea, Belgium, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, Malaysia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Iran, India, Greece, and Argentina have all explored Bandipur.
To facilitate access to tourist sites, the Bandipur municipality has compiled a list of 17 attractions in seven languages, providing information in Nepali, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, and more. Key attractions include the Thanimai Temple, the Mani Mukundeshwari Wall (Mini Great Wall), the Bindhyabasini Temple, Padma Library, Patele Dwar Cave, and Shahid Memorial Park.
Reaching Bandipur involves an 18-kilometer drive from the district headquarters in Dumre, followed by an eight-kilometer uphill trek. The area offers stunning views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, captivating visitors with its natural beauty.
In Bandipur, 77 hotels, ranging from small to large, operate under the Hotel Association. Notable accommodations include Green Park, Hotel Durbar Himalaya Phewa, Gamghar, Boldine, Bandipur Mountain Resort, and Bandipur Palace.
Similarly, Manungkot in Vyas Municipality-5 has seen a rise in domestic tourists. Hotelier Chudamani Dahal reported that tourists are increasingly drawn to the area to witness the breathtaking views of fog-covered landscapes and sunrises. He noted, “As the morning chill sets in, the Dumre market becomes shrouded in fog, attracting many visitors eager to experience the scene.”
From Manungkot, tourists can enjoy views of the Dhaulagiri, Machapuchre, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung mountain ranges. The phenomenon of fog covering Dumre is tied to local folklore, which narrates that Sage Parashara created fog to conceal his desires when approaching Satyavati.
As the festival season continues, both Bandipur and Manungkot remain key destinations for those seeking to experience Nepal’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
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