Domestic and foreign tourists have started arriving in the Kanchenjunga region, home to the third-highest peak in the world.
Tourism entrepreneurs are excited about the arrival of tourists in the area, which has been deserted for a long time. Tourism business is the main source of income for the communities in the high mountain settlements such as Kapla, Phale, Ghunsa, Khabajen, and Lonak in Phattanglung Rural Municipality-6 of Taplejung.
Hotel owner Pema Sherpa had thought of changing his profession after tourist arrivals came down to zero due to COVID-19. But his thoughts have now changed with signs of revival of tourism in the area.
According to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, 52 hotels are operating on the trekking route leading to the base camp of Kanchenjunga mountain.
Program assistant coordinator at the Council office, Jiten Chemjong, said that four hotels built with an investment of more than 10 million rupees are operating at an altitude of 3,500 meters to 4,500 meters above sea level. The hotels which had been closed for a long time due to the pandemic are now full of guests.
Two paths have been used to reach the base camp of Mt Kanchenjunga. Tourists reach the base camp of Kanchenjunga through Sirijunga Rural Municipality of Taplejung.
Tourism assistant at Management Council's Yamphudin office, Suryaman Rai said along with foreigners domestic tourists are also arriving to see the Mt Kanchenjunga region through the South Route.
In the financial year 2021/22, 359 tourists entered the Kanchenjunga conservation area of Taplejung. Chief Conservation Officer Ramesh Kumar Yadav said that 222 foreigners, 63 from SAARC countries, and 74 domestic tourists have entered the conservation area to observe the natural, religious, historical, and tourist areas. In the previous year 2020/21, only 63 tourists arrived.
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