Over Rs. 22.7 M collected from visitors in MCA

BY Guna Bahadur Roka,Sulikot, Nov. 30: The world-renowned Himalayan destination in northern Gorkha, the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), has collected Rs. 22,796,970 in entry fees within first four months of the current fiscal year.

The revenue has surged significantly due to a notable rise in both domestic and international tourist arrivals.

According to Santosh Serchan, Chief of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), a total of 8,828 tourists visited the region during the four months. 

There were 142 Nepali visitors, contributing Rs. 28,400 (Rs. 200 per person), 172 SAARC nationals, contributing Rs. 172,000 (Rs. 1,000 per person) and 8,504 foreign tourists, contributing Rs. 22,596,570 (Rs. 3,000 per person).

Serchan informed that tourist arrivals have increased by nearly 30 per cent compared to the same period last year. 

The growing attraction of the Manaslu region, known for its rugged terrain, extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and some of the world’s most scenic trekking routes, has significantly boosted revenue from entry permits.

Among Nepal’s officially declared protected areas, the Himalayan region of Manaslu is rapidly gaining international recognition. 

Its reputation as a safe, adventurous and naturally stunning destination for both mountaineering and trekking continues to rise among global travelers.

Years of continuous promotion, expansion of transportation and communication infrastructure and the warm hospitality of local communities have contributed to creating a tourist-friendly environment, according to the MCAP office in Gorkha.

The project has announced that it will intensify efforts in the coming months to manage the increasing number of visitors while safeguarding environmental balance.

Campaigns are being prepared to curb unplanned construction, improve waste management and minimise risks to the area’s sensitive ecosystem.

The collection of over Rs. 22.7 million confirms the Manaslu Conservation Area’s strong potential to support both sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

The region has played an exceptional role in uplifting the local economy while preserving natural resources, further solidifying Manaslu’s position as a prominent national and international destination.

The entry fee revenue has been a key source of funding for programmes promoting community participation, environmental monitoring and sustainable tourism. 

It has also significantly aided post-earthquake resettlement, trail maintenance, sanitation management, biodiversity conservation and risk mitigation efforts in local settlements, according to MCAP Gorkha.

Manaslu trekking route restoration completed Meanwhile, the restoration of the Manaslu trekking route in Lokpa Thanga, located in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6 of northern Gorkha, has been successfully completed. 

The project was carried out with the active participation of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, the Manaslu Conservation Area, locals and elected representatives, covering the trekking trail from Lokpa Thanga to Baje Khola.

According to Serchan, landslides, soil erosion, and road damage during the monsoon season are common challenges in the region due to its mountainous topography.

The Chumnubri Municipality President, Nima Lama, shared that the region sees heavy footfall from both domestic and international tourists.

“Lokpa Thanga serves as the main route to the Manaslu Conservation Area, and every year, the local municipality allocates necessary funds for the repair and improvement of this key trekking trail to avoid inconvenience for both locals and tourists,” Lama said.

The monsoon-triggered landslides had blocked several sections of the trail, especially between Lokpa Thanga and Baje Khola, making the path narrower and more dangerous. 

The blocked trekking route had severely affected not only the daily lives of the locals but also the flow of tourists. The recent restoration work involved clearing debris, removing rocks and soil, and adding safety features such as ropes and wooden planks to reinforce the weak areas of the trail.

Sherap Gurung, a local youth, informed that after the restoration, the trail has become wider, safer, and more user-friendly. 

Locals have expressed happiness that the improved trekking path is a great relief for daily commuters, tourists, students, pregnant women, patients, and the entire community.