In the past fiscal year, more than 14,000 female trekkers visited the Gosaikunda and Langtang regions of Langtang National Park. These women came from both domestic and international locations to experience the natural beauty and religious significance of the area.
The Langtang National Park reported that during the fiscal year 2080/81, a total of 8,479 domestic and 4,977 international female trekkers visited the region. In contrast, the number of male visitors, including both domestic and foreign nationals as well as those from SAARC countries, totaled 23,118.
The park has collected significant revenue from visitor fees, with charges of NPR 3,000 per person for foreigners, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 for domestic tourists. In the past fiscal year, the park generated over NPR 30 million in revenue from these fees.
Additionally, the overall annual revenue for the park, including fees from tourists, forest products, hotel royalties, helicopter landings, fines, and penalties, amounted to NPR 54,319,121, according to Senior Conservation Officer Ananath Baral.
The Gosaikunda and Langtang trekking routes are popular among tourists due to their accessible locations and well-managed accommodations, including hotels and lodges that cater to various needs. Nisan Gajurel, District President of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, highlighted the convenience of reaching these destinations from Kathmandu and the increasing preference for these areas among tourists.
Chief District Officer Bed Nidhi Khanal urged travelers to avoid journeys during the monsoon season if possible and to exercise caution if travel is necessary. He noted that coordination with the District Administration Office, District Emergency Center, and police is in place to assist in emergencies, making travel smoother for tourists.
With the rising number of female trekkers, local women have become increasingly enthusiastic. They are demonstrating that women can trek just as well as men, and this growing trend is inspiring local sisters and daughters to take up trekking, contributing to a more inclusive trekking culture in the region.
