Travel & Tourism

Domestic and foreign tourists have started arriving in the Kanchenjunga region, home to the third-highest peak in the world. 

The number of visitors has excited tourism entrepreneurs in the Kanchenjunga area, which has been deserted for a long time. The tourism business is the primary 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 tourism arrivals reached zero due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But his thoughts have changed with signs of tourism revival 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. 

Programme assistant coordinator at the council office, Jiten Chemjong, said that four hotels built with an investment of more than Rs10 million operate 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 Corona Virus 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 2022/23, 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. Only 63 tourists visited the region in 2021/22. - RSS