Kathmandu. Looking down from the hills of Manungkot with the light of dawn, Damauli Bazaar seems to be lost under a thick veil of fog. The golden rays of the sun rising above the white fog, the surrounding mountain ranges and the touch of the cool breeze mesmerize anyone who visits here. To see this scene, the movement of domestic tourists has started increasing in Manungkot, the tourist destination of Tanahun.

Geeta Parajuli, who reached Manungkot from Pokhara, considered the morning here as an unforgettable experience. She said that she was very fascinated by the sunrise and fog scene in the morning after spending a night in Manungkot. She feels that the natural scenery seen from here is mesmerizing.

Radhika Parajuli of Pokhara is also mesmerized by the scene covered in fog. She said that the fog spread all around in the morning and the natural scenery seen through it is very beautiful. The experience of these tourists indicates that Manungkot is becoming an attractive place not only for a return destination but also for those who want to spend the night and enjoy the natural beauty of the morning.

Manungkot, located in Byas Municipality-5 of Tanahun district, has seen an increase in the number of tourists with the onset of the winter season. The number of domestic tourists coming with family, friends and groups for holidays has increased the tourist activity here. The main attraction of Manungkot is the fog and sunrise seen in the morning. When the weather is favorable, the fog spreading down from the hills, the sun rising above it, and the hilly terrain visible in the distance create a beautiful view. With the onset of the winter season, the attraction of tourists increases as the environment here becomes more pleasant.

From Manungkot, one can see Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu and Lamjung Mountains. The mountain ranges seen during the season and the changing natural scenery in the morning become a special attraction for the tourists who come here. Along with the natural scenery, Manungkot is also known as a suitable destination for those who want to spend time in a peaceful environment. Due to its proximity to Damauli Bazaar, the number of tourists visiting here has increased from short excursions to nighttime trips to watch the sunrise.

According to Anil Adhikari, a local youth, two to three hundred tourists have been reaching Manungkot every day in the last few days. This influx of tourists has increased the hustle and bustle of Manungkot. He said that the atmosphere here has become more lively due to the tourists who come to see the sunrise in the morning, observe the natural scenery and take pictures.

With the increase in the flow of tourists, the movement of hotels and other businesses around Manungkot has also increased. According to local businessman Shailesh Sunam, the presence of tourists has benefited the local businesses. With the increase in the number of tourists, the demand for hotels and catering services will not only increase but also the employment and income generating opportunities can be expanded at the local level. He said that the businessmen, vehicle operators and people associated with local products can also benefit from the tourism activities.

Religious legend associated with fog

The fog scene from Manungkot is also linked to the local religious and cultural beliefs. The incident of the fog covering the Damauli market is associated with the mythological legend of Parashara Rishi and Satyavati, the father of Maharishi Ved Vyas.

According to the legend, when Parashar Rishi wanted to stay alone with Satyavati, he created fog so that the people would not know. Due to this religious belief, the fog seen in and around Damauli has also got cultural and mythological significance. Along with the natural scenery, such legends have also made the identity of Manungkot more interesting. Tourists who come here get an opportunity to understand the religious beliefs and cultural stories prevalent in the local society along with the view of fog and sunrise.

Preparation to build a tourist village on seven hundred ropanis

Byas Municipality is preparing to develop this area in a planned manner as the attraction of tourists is increasing in Manungkot. The municipality is planning to develop Manungkot as a well-managed tourist village by implementing a land pooling project in about seven hundred ropanis of land. According to Sukdev Lamsal, Chief Administrative Officer of Byas Municipality, preparations have been made for the land integration project with the objective of making Manungkot a well-managed and sustainable tourist destination.

He said that from the preliminary study, the area has been found suitable for the implementation of the project. He said that institutional preparations are being made to operate the project through the municipality’s own land integration project implementation unit.

“This area near Damauli Bazaar is considered to have great potential for long-term tourism development due to its unique identity and scenic beauty,” Lamsal said. According to him, after the implementation of the project, it is expected that basic infrastructure including roads, drinking water, electricity, footpaths, parks will be developed in a planned manner. This will prepare the basis for developing Manungkot as a well-managed tourist destination.

The plan to systematize the settlement and infrastructure through land integration is expected to expand employment and systematic settlement opportunities for the local residents along with tourism development. Similarly, the municipality believes that it will be easier to attract domestic and foreign tourists if necessary infrastructure can be built.

The challenge of sustainable tourism while preserving originality

Increasing tourist footfall in Manungkot is an opportunity for the local economy, but as tourism activities increase, it is equally important to preserve the natural environment, local culture and originality of the destination. Along with the expansion of roads, drinking water, electricity, footpaths and public facilities, it is necessary to pay attention to waste management, cleanliness, safe transportation and conservation of natural scenery. It is said that if the needs and participation of the local residents can be given priority while building tourism infrastructure, it will be easier to take the benefits of development to the community.

The attraction of Manungkot lies in its natural appearance, morning fog, sunrise and the surrounding mountainous and hilly scenery. Therefore, tourism here can be sustainable in the long term only if these natural features are preserved along with the development of infrastructure. The increase in tourist activity in Manungkot along with the cold season has once again highlighted the tourism potential of this area. According to the locals, two to three hundred tourists have started arriving daily and the municipality’s preparation to develop a tourist village on seven hundred ropanis has raised hopes that the upcoming tourist journey of Manungkot will be more systematic.

The unique identity of Manungkot is the Damauli Bazaar hidden under the veil of fog, the sun rising on the horizon and the enchanting view of the mountain range visible in the distance. If the necessary infrastructure can be expanded while protecting this identity, Manungkot is likely to be established as an attractive tourist destination not only in Tanahun but also in Gandaki Province.