Tourist Arrivals Surge in Manang Alongside Voter Turnout for Elections

Manang. The arrival of tourists is increasing alongside the number of voters here. The hustle and bustle of tourists has started to increase along with the voters who came to cast their votes today in the House of Representatives election.

Bhupendra Gurung, Conservation Education Assistant at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Office, stated that the arrival of tourists is increasing along with voters in every vehicle.

"As voters start returning, tourists are arriving," he said, "We have a record of 50-60 tourists arriving daily."

Gurung mentioned that the 'season' is gradually starting, and because there are elections this time, tourists are arriving along with the voters. "The arrival of tourists has started even before the cleaning of hotels and lodging for tourists is complete," said Conservation Education Assistant Gurung.

He stated that the arrival of foreign tourists is increasing as the weather is becoming favorable here. Gurung added that foreign tourists are arriving now because management for hotels and lodging is easier and there is less crowding at this time.

Chief District Officer Navaraj Poudyal informed that the district residents have come for voting and all preparations have been made to conduct the election safely. He advised tourists to travel cautiously because the security agencies' top priority is conducting the election peacefully due to the election period.

"Since tourism is the main source of income here, security arrangements have been made keeping both aspects in mind due to the responsibility of conducting the election peacefully," said CDO Poudyal.

Most tourists coming to Manang proceed to Mustang by crossing Thorong La Pass via Tilicho Lake, while some tourists head towards Manaslu via Larke Bhanjyang. Additionally, tourists reach Pokhara via Mustang after crossing Thorong La Pass from Manang via the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tourists are attracted and arrive here to see the views of the Himalayas and hills, the customs, culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the Manang people.

Tourists start their journey from Manange Chautara in Lamjung Besisahar Municipality-7, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Five districts, including Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski, are connected by this trek. In the past, tourists used to travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar by vehicle, but recently, due to the ease of the road network, they are able to reach Chame and Khangsar by vehicle. Only then does the trek begin towards the main destination.