Vyas-5 of Tanahu Set for Integrated Development of Rising Destination
Manungkot, a picturesque hilltop destination in Vyas Municipality–5 of Tanahu district, is set to be developed as a tourism village, thanks to a new initiative by the local government aimed at promoting organized tourism and preserving its natural and cultural charm. Recognized for its breathtaking sunrise views and captivating fog-filled mornings, Manungkot has recently emerged as a major internal tourism hotspot.
According to Vyas Municipality Mayor Baikuntha Neupane, the growing appeal of Manungkot has prompted the municipality to expand its integrated land development project with the vision of creating a well-managed tourism village. “We want to ensure planned development while maintaining the cultural and natural authenticity of Manungkot,” said Mayor Neupane. He added that the municipality is working in collaboration with local landowners and the Town Development Fund to implement land pooling and coordinated infrastructure projects.
Managing Unplanned Urbanization
Mayor Neupane expressed concern over the increasing trend of local Magar communities selling off their land and outsiders purchasing it for commercial use. “There’s a noticeable migration of indigenous residents, and uncontrolled land sales are threatening the village’s character. Our goal is to intervene and manage these trends constructively,” he said.
The municipality also has plans to extend its integrated land development model to nearby areas such as the Shishaghat New Town Project in Ward No. 6. Through these initiatives, the local government aims to promote planned urban expansion while fostering sustainable tourism.
Sunrise Destination Gains Popularity
Manungkot has become increasingly popular as a viewpoint destination, especially for domestic tourists. The sunrise emerging above the clouds and mist, as viewed from Manungkot, has drawn comparisons to renowned Himalayan hill stations. “Tourists are enchanted by the play of sunlight piercing through the fog and revealing the panoramic Himalayan skyline,” said Ward Chairperson Bishnu Kumar Shrestha.
Hoteliers and local entrepreneurs echo the same sentiment. Chudamani Dahal, a hotel operator, mentioned that tourists often stay overnight in the village to witness the early morning sunrise and the spectacular cloud cover over Damauli Bazaar. “It used to be a quiet hilltop with no hotels, but now we have over a dozen hotels catering to growing tourist demand,” he said.
To support the influx of visitors, Vyas Municipality has constructed a viewpoint tower and installed safety railings along the hill’s edge. A newly constructed foot trail now runs alongside the railings, making it safer and more accessible for pedestrians and trekkers.
Spectacular Himalayan Views and Cultural Significance
One of the most distinctive features of Manungkot is the panoramic view it offers of multiple Himalayan peaks. Visitors can witness stunning sights of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal from a single vantage point. The mystical cloud-covered view of Damauli town below also carries a mythological connection.
According to local legend, the fog surrounding Damauli is linked to the ancient sage Parashar. When he wished to unite with Satyavati, the mother of sage Ved Vyasa, he created a blanket of fog to shield their union from public gaze. This religious folklore adds a layer of spiritual curiosity to Manungkot’s natural phenomena.
Locals Returning for Business
The tourism boom has encouraged former residents who had migrated to urban areas to return to Manungkot and start businesses. Many families who had abandoned the village due to drinking water scarcity have started to resettle, thanks to the availability of jar and tanker water supply systems brought in from nearby towns.
With growing tourism, local investment in small hotels, eateries, and souvenir shops has surged, transforming the once-silent hill into a bustling hub of entrepreneurial activity.
Road Connectivity and Infrastructure
Accessibility to Manungkot has dramatically improved. A blacktopped road now connects the site with surrounding areas, making it convenient for tourists to reach the destination. The Ministry of Urban Development funded the road project, with 4,300 meters of roadway blacktopped from Aleche to Manungkot. In areas where asphalt paving was challenging, 180 meters of RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) have been laid to ensure road stability and year-round accessibility.
The upgraded road not only facilitates easier access for tourists but also plays a critical role in transporting goods, emergency services, and promoting local businesses.
A Model for Rural Tourism Development
The transformation of Manungkot into a tourism village represents a model of rural tourism planning, combining cultural preservation with modern infrastructure. With proper management, Manungkot could become one of Nepal’s leading examples of how local communities and governments can collaborate to create sustainable, economically viable tourism ecosystems.
As more initiatives are launched, such as improved sanitation, water systems, and waste management, Manungkot is poised to offer a rich tourism experience that blends nature, history, spirituality, and modern comfort.
The municipality’s proactive steps in planning, infrastructure development, and local empowerment indicate a strong future for Manungkot, not just as a tourist destination, but as a vibrant, thriving community at the heart of Tanahu’s tourism narrative.
