DAMAULI: At the break of dawn, Damauli in Tanahun appears to disappear beneath a thick blanket of fog when viewed from the hilltop of Manungkot.
The golden rays of the rising sun illuminating the white blanket of fog, the surrounding mountain ranges and the gentle morning breeze create a captivating spectacle for visitors.
Drawn by this enchanting scenery, domestic tourist arrivals at Manungkot, a popular tourist destination in Tanahun district, have begun to increase with the onset of the colder season.
Gita Parajuli, who travelled to Manungkot from Pokhara, described the morning experience as unforgettable. She said spending the night at Manungkot and watching the sunrise amid the fog was particularly captivating, adding that the natural scenery visible from the hilltop was enchanting.
Another visitor from Pokhara, Radhika Parajuli, was equally mesmerized by the landscape blanketed in fog. She said the sight of fog spreading in all directions, with glimpses of the surrounding natural scenery emerging through it, was exceptionally beautiful.
The experiences of these visitors reflect Manungkot’s growing appeal as more than a short-stop destination. Increasingly, tourists are choosing to spend the night there to witness the spectacular sunrise and enjoy the tranquil surroundings in the early morning.
Located in Byas Municipality-5 of Tanahun, Manungkot has been attracting more visitors since the onset of the cold season. Families and groups of friends are travelling to the hilltop to spend their holidays and enjoy its natural beauty.
The morning fog and sunrise remain the destination’s main attractions. On clear days, the fog spreads across the landscape below the hill as the sun rises above it, revealing sweeping views of the distant hills. The arrival of the colder season adds to the charm of the setting, making it particularly appealing to visitors.
Manungkot also offers views of the Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu and Lamjung mountain ranges. On clear days, the mountain panorama, combined with the changing colours and patterns of the morning landscape, provides a memorable experience for tourists.
The destination is also gaining popularity among those seeking a peaceful retreat amid nature. Its proximity to Damauli Bazaar makes it convenient for both day-trippers and visitors planning an overnight stay to experience the sunrise.
According to local resident Anil Adhikari, between 200 and 300 tourists have been visiting Manungkot daily in recent days. The growing influx of visitors has brought renewed activity to the area.
Adhikari said the hilltop has become increasingly lively as tourists arrive to watch the sunrise, admire the scenery and take photographs.
The rise in tourist arrivals has also boosted business activity at hotels and other establishments in and around Manungkot. Local entrepreneur Shailesh Sunam said the growing number of visitors had created new opportunities for local businesses.
According to Sunam, increased tourist arrivals have raised demand for accommodation and food services while creating opportunities to generate local employment and income.
He added that tourism-related activities could benefit a wide range of local stakeholders, including service providers, transport operators and people involved in producing and selling local goods.
A religious legend behind the fog
The fog visible from Manungkot is also associated with local religious beliefs and cultural traditions. A mythological legend involving Sage Parashara, the father of Maharshi Bedvyas, and Satyawati is linked to the phenomenon of fog covering Damauli.
According to the legend, Sage Parashar conjured up a thick fog when he wished to be alone with Satyawati, ensuring that their encounter would remain unnoticed by others. This belief has given the fog surrounding Damauli cultural and mythological significance.
Alongside its natural beauty, the legend adds to Manungkot’s distinctive appeal. Visitors can experience the morning fog and sunrise while learning about the religious beliefs and cultural narratives cherished by the local community.
Plans to develop a tourist village across 700 ropanis
As Manungkot’s popularity continues to grow, Byas Municipality has begun preparations to develop the area into an organized tourist village. The municipality plans to implement a land consolidation project covering approximately 700 ropanis.
According to Sukdev Lamsal, chief administrative officer of Byas Municipality, the project aims to transform Manungkot into a well-planned and sustainable tourist destination.
He said preliminary studies had indicated that the area was suitable for the project. Institutional preparations are also underway to implement it through a dedicated land consolidation project implementation unit established by the municipality.
“Located near Damauli Bazaar, this area holds immense potential for long-term tourism development, thanks to its unique identity and scenic beauty,” Lamsal said.
He added that the project would facilitate the planned development of basic infrastructure, including roads, water supply, electricity, walking trails and parks, laying the foundation for a well-organized tourist destination.
The proposed land consolidation initiative is expected to support tourism development, create employment opportunities and improve living conditions for local residents. The municipality also believes that developing the necessary infrastructure will help attract more domestic and international tourists.
Balancing sustainable tourism with local identity
While the growing number of visitors presents new opportunities for the local economy, protecting Manungkot’s natural environment, cultural heritage and distinctive character will be equally important as tourism expands.
Alongside improvements to roads, water supply, electricity, walking trails and public amenities, attention must be given to waste management, cleanliness, visitor safety and the conservation of the natural landscape. Ensuring the participation of local residents in tourism planning and infrastructure development will also help distribute the benefits of tourism more equitably within the community.
Manungkot’s appeal lies in its natural landscape, morning fog, spectacular sunrises and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan ranges.
For tourism to remain sustainable in the long term, these natural attractions must be protected alongside infrastructure development. The recent rise in visitor numbers during the colder season has once again highlighted Manungkot’s tourism potential.
With local reports indicating that between 200 and 300 tourists visit the area daily and the municipality preparing to develop a tourist village across 700 ropanis, expectations are growing that tourism in Manungkot will become more organized and sustainable.
The sight of Damauli Bazaar shrouded in mist, the rising sun on the horizon and the distant mountain ranges together define Manungkot’s unique identity.
With careful planning and infrastructure development that preserves its natural and cultural character, Manungkot has the potential to emerge as a major tourist destination not only in Tanahun but throughout Gandaki Province.
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