GORKHA: The Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) has exceeded the mark of Rs 25 million in revenue collection during the nine months of the current fiscal year 2080/81 BS.

From July 17, 2023, to April 12, 2024, the office garnered this sum primarily through entry fees paid by tourists visiting the region.

Over this period, a total of 8,302 foreign tourists, excluding SAARC citizens, explored the area, contributing Rs 24.9 million to the revenue pool, stated MCAP Chief Santosh Sherchan.

Additionally, 152 foreign tourists from SAARC countries toured the Manaslu Conservation Area, yielding Rs 152,000 in revenue.

Sherchan clarified that the entry fee for SAARC tourists is set at Rs 1,000, while it stands at Rs 3,000 for tourists from other nations.

This year has witnessed a surge in tourist visits compared to the previous year, resulting in a higher revenue collection within the first nine months.

Sherchan disclosed projections of over 12,000 foreign tourists to visit the Manaslu Conservation Area by year-end.