Ilam, one of Nepal’s picturesque destinations, has witnessed a notable increase in tourist arrivals in the fiscal year 2080/81 compared to the previous year. According to the Tourism Information Center at Jorkalash Rong, located at the entry point from Jhapa via the Mechi Highway, a total of 141,517 tourists visited Ilam during this period. This includes 117,740 domestic tourists and 23,777 foreign visitors. The data, provided by Information Officer Gagan Ghimire, indicates that the highest number of tourists, 36,123, visited in Poush, while the lowest, 918, came in Bhadra.
The previous fiscal year 2079/80 saw 133,445 tourists, while 129,581 visited in 2078/79. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2077/78, only 29,811 tourists visited Ilam, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on tourism.
Ghimire noted that the available data only accounts for tourists entering through the Jorkalash entry point. Thousands more enter through other routes such as Sukhani in Mai Municipality, Baanjho in Mangsebung Rural Municipality, and Pashupatinagar in Suryodaya Municipality. The years following the pandemic have shown a consistent increase in tourist numbers entering the district.
The rise in visitors is attributed to Ilam’s numerous attractions, including Sandakpur, Kanyam, Fikkal, Pashupatinagar, Maipokhari, Dhappokhari, and other scenic spots such as Jhandaidanda, Antudanda, Patinagi, Bhaludhunga, Panitar, Kuibhir, Gajurmukhi, Mangmalung, Larumba, and Andharaja Andharani. These locations continue to draw both domestic and international tourists annually, contributing to the growth of the local tourism industry.
