Sagarmatha Region Welcomes Nearly 700 Tourists in a Single Day, Boosting Local Tourism and Economy

The Sagarmatha region, home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, has witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with nearly 700 visitors entering the area in a single day. According to the Office of the Sagarmatha National Park based in Namche Bazaar, a total of 694 tourists were recorded on Monday alone. Among them, 608 were foreign nationals while 86 were domestic tourists. This notable increase in footfall has brought a wave of optimism to the local tourism industry, which had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bibek Shrestha, a ranger at the Sagarmatha National Park Office, shared that the region is currently experiencing a steady rise in hotel occupancy due to the influx of visitors. With the beginning of the spring season widely regarded as one of the best times for trekking and mountaineering in Nepal, the number of tourists has been steadily climbing. Veteran Sagarmatha climber Temba Chhiri Sherpa noted that the surge in tourist arrivals has made it increasingly difficult to find quality accommodation, indicating a strong revival of tourism in the region.

Adding to the momentum is the improvement in weather conditions, which has led to an increase in flight operations to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Amrit Magar, in charge of Tara Air at Lukla, confirmed that the airline has added more flights to accommodate the rising demand. “With clearer skies, we’ve expanded our flight schedule to ensure that more tourists can reach this iconic destination. Hotel reservations are now at a high level,” he said.

Local tourism entrepreneurs are expressing joy over the rebound. Karma Sherma, Senior Vice Chairman of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), stated that the return of tourists has brought new energy to the region. “After the hardships faced during the pandemic, it’s truly uplifting to see the area bustling again. The revival of tourism means more jobs for local people,” he added. Hotels in both Lukla and Namche are reportedly packed with visitors, providing much-needed economic relief to the communities.

In addition to its natural beauty and trekking opportunities, Sagarmatha National Park also generates significant revenue from tourism through entrance fees. As per the Park Office, tourists from SAARC countries are charged an entry fee of NPR 1,500, while other international visitors pay NPR 3,000. Nepali citizens are charged NPR 100. These fees not only contribute to the maintenance of the park and its resources but also support various conservation and community development initiatives.

The consistent arrival of tourists is not just a sign of recovery, but also a testament to the enduring allure of the Everest region. The mix of breathtaking landscapes, challenging trekking routes, and rich Sherpa culture continues to draw adventurers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. With favorable weather conditions, increased flight operations, and renewed energy among tourism operators, the Sagarmatha region appears poised for a strong tourist season ahead.

As the hospitality industry regains its footing, local businesses and stakeholders remain hopeful that this trend will continue, fostering sustainable tourism and improving the livelihoods of the communities nestled in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain.