A Ainapahara cliff that once appeared fearsome at first glance is now captivating the hearts of visitors with its artistically carved stone sculptures. Located along the Prithvi Highway on the Muglin–Aabukhaireni section, Ainapahara Cliff, popularly known as the “Monkey Leaping Cliff,” has rapidly become a favorite among domestic tourists.
Ainapahara Cliff
The picturesque cliff, situated at the border of Aabukhaireni Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 and 4, has been transformed into a park by the municipality to entertain and mesmerize visitors. With an aim to boost tourism and generate sustainable internal revenue, the local authority has invested significantly in developing this area as a new tourist destination.
The cliff area features intricately carved sculptures on natural rocks, including images of a fairy, an elephant’s trunk, and a mother with her child. Enhancing the attraction is a natural waterfall cascading down the rocks, providing a refreshing visual and sensory delight for travelers passing through this busy highway route that connects major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
During the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24), the municipality invested over NPR 15 million in infrastructure development to promote the site, and it has since become a growing source of revenue. From the beginning of the current fiscal year 2081/82 (July to April), the park has already generated NPR 4.2 million in income through entry fees. Entry is set at NPR 50 for locals and NPR 100 for other visitors as an environmental charge.
According to Chief Administrative Officer Bishnu Prasad Sharma, the site experiences heavy footfall during weekends and holidays. The Ainapahara Restaurant and Hotel, located within the park premises, has also been leased out through tender for NPR 46,500 per month, contributing further to local income.
On a recent Saturday, the park saw around 1,000 domestic tourists, generating NPR 46,300 in a single day, the highest daily revenue recorded so far. On average, daily earnings range between NPR 8,000 to 10,000 from ticket sales.
Looking ahead, the municipality aims to achieve an annual revenue target of NPR 10 million. To further enhance the visitor experience, new adventure attractions such as a glass bridge, zipline, and skywalk are under construction and are expected to launch within the next 10 days.
Moreover, the municipality has initiated motorboat operations on the Marsyangdi River and is also working to develop religious tourism by preserving and improving infrastructure around local spiritual sites like Andimool Temple, Chimkeshwori Mai, and Budhi Mai Temple.
With hundreds of vehicles traversing the Prithvi Highway daily, Ainapahara is well-positioned to attract both transit and destination tourists, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural artistry, and adventure. According to Rural Municipality Chair Shukra Chuman, the area is steadily evolving into a recognized tourist hub in Tanahun District.
