Phungling (Taplejung): The Kanchanjungha region has witnessed a notable increase in the arrival of both domestic and international tourists, making the base camp more vibrant than ever. On Friday alone, 65 foreign tourists, hailing from countries like Spain, France, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Romania, the US, Poland, and India, embarked on their journey to the base camp, according to Tasi Tenzing, a tourism assistant at the Kanchanjungha Conservation Area Management Council in Ghunsa.

The surge in tourist arrivals has brought excitement to local tourism professionals and businesspersons. Pema Sherpa, a hotelier at the Kanchanjungha Entry Point in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6, shared that the increase in visitors has led to the reopening of hotels that were previously closed. Domestic tourists from cities like Biratnagar, Dharan, and Damak are also contributing to the tourism revival in the region.

Tourism is the primary source of income for residents of villages such as Kyapla, Phale, Ghunsa, Khabajen, and Lonak in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6. Currently, 52 hotels are operating along the route to the base camp. Among these, the Singinamjong Hotel, a luxury establishment built with an investment exceeding Rs 70 million, is also attracting visitors. The use of local products in these hotels is further contributing to the local economy.

Tourist Assistant Dies in Landslide Incident

Meanwhile, a tragic accident occurred when Tika Bahadur Rai, a tourist assistant from Silichong Rural Municipality-5 of Sankhuwasabha, lost his life due to a landslide at Ilifok near Japantar in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6. The landslide struck while he was assisting a team of tourists en route to the Kanchanjungha base camp. The District Police Office confirmed that efforts to retrieve the body have been hampered by ongoing landslides. Fortunately, the other members of the team remain safe.