LUKLA: The Sagarmatha region is witnessing a significant resurgence in tourism as 694 visitors entered the Khumbu area in a single day, according to the Sagarmatha National Park Office in Namche.
Of the total, 608 were foreign nationals while 86 were domestic tourists, said Ranger Bibek Shrestha. Hotel occupancy in the region has risen sharply with the growing number of arrivals.
Climber Temba Chhiri Sherpa noted that the onset of the spring trekking and climbing season has led to a surge in visitors, creating a shortage of quality accommodations in popular areas like Namche and Lukla.
Flight operations to Lukla have also increased amid favorable weather. “We’ve added flights to meet the growing demand from tourists heading toward the Everest region,” said Amrit Magar, In-Charge of Tara Air at Lukla. “Hotel reservations are currently very high.”
Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic about the recovery of the region. “The Sagarmatha region is finally bustling again after the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Karma Sherma, Senior Vice Chairman of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal. “More tourists mean more employment for locals.”
The Park Office also noted a rise in revenue collection, with each foreign tourist from non-SAARC countries paying an entry fee of Rs 3,000, SAARC nationals Rs 1,500, and Nepali visitors Rs 100 to enter Sagarmatha National Park.
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