The scenic hilltop destination of Manungkot has witnessed a notable surge in domestic tourist arrivals after the government introduced a two-day weekly public holiday system.
Weekend Travel Culture Boosts Visitor Numbers
Local tourism entrepreneurs say the growing culture of traveling during weekends has significantly increased the number of visitors to Manungkot compared to previous years. Even though it is not considered the peak tourist season, the new holiday policy has encouraged more people to explore nearby destinations.
Hotel View Tower operator Prem Bahadur Raut shared that tourist arrivals have nearly tripled compared to earlier periods. “This is not the main tourist season, but the two-day holiday has brought in three times more visitors than before,” he said, adding that hotels are often fully occupied during weekends.
Easy Accessibility Attracts Domestic Tourists
Manungkot’s proximity, just 6 to 7 kilometers from Damauli, has made it an easily accessible destination for short trips. The convenience of travel has played a key role in increasing tourist footfall, particularly among domestic visitors seeking quick getaways. Tourism entrepreneurs believe that such accessibility, combined with growing awareness, will continue to draw more visitors in the coming days.
Local Businesses See Growth but Face Challenges
While the rise in tourism has brought optimism among local hotel operators, challenges remain. Raut pointed out that the shortage of drinking water is a major issue, forcing businesses to purchase water at a cost of Rs 1.5 per liter to sustain operations. Similarly, local entrepreneur Chudamani Dahal stressed the need for improving road conditions leading to Manungkot and ensuring a long-term solution to water scarcity.
Municipality Prioritizes Tourism Development
Byas Municipality has placed tourism development in Manungkot as a top priority. Mayor Baikuntha Neupane stated that promotional activities such as organizing ultramarathon races from Manungkot to Pulimaryang have been undertaken to boost the destination’s visibility. “Tourism development of Manungkot is our priority,” the mayor said, adding that the municipality is actively working on projects to resolve the drinking water problem and improve infrastructure.
Emerging Destination with Natural Appeal
Manungkot has recently gained popularity as one of Nepal’s emerging tourist destinations, known for its cool breeze, stunning sunrise views, and panoramic scenes of fog-covered Damauli bazaar below. Visitors are also drawn to the distant views of the Himalayan ranges visible from the hilltop.
Local stakeholders believe that with improved infrastructure, better road access, and sustainable resource management, Manungkot has the potential to become a major domestic tourism hub in Nepal. The recent rise in visitor numbers signals a positive trend for local tourism, though long-term development will depend on addressing key infrastructure challenges and preserving the area’s natural charm.
