Damauli- The arrival of domestic tourists at Manungkot, a scenic hill station in Tanahun, has increased with the onset of the cold season. Located in Byas Municipality–5, Manungkot now receives visitors almost daily for its panoramic views.

During the Tihar holidays, more than 300 domestic tourists have been visiting the area each day on average. According to Som Bahadur Nepali of Damauli, the sight of the sunrise and the fog from Manungkot captivates every visitor.

Sudin Paudel from Bandipur Rural Municipality–2 said many people come to enjoy the view of Damauli Bazaar blanketed in fog.

Chudamani Dahal, operator of Hilltop Hotel, said tourist numbers have risen over the past week. Most visitors stay overnight to watch the sunrise and fog the next morning.

With the growing number of visitors, new hotels have opened in the area. A place that once had no hotels now has about a dozen. Byas Municipality has built a viewing tower and installed railings along the ridge for safety. A new footpath has also been built beside the railings.

From Manungkot, visitors can see Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. The fog covering Damauli Bazaar is linked to an old legend. It is believed that Sage Parashara, the father of Maharshi Ved Vyasa, created fog to hide himself from the public when he wished to be with Satyavati.

As tourism has grown, locals who once left the village have returned to start businesses. Many had migrated due to a lack of drinking water, but the problem is now partly managed through jarred and tanker-supplied water.

The road to Manungkot has been blacktopped with financial support from the Ministry of Urban Development. The 4,300-metre stretch from Alenche to Manungkot has been paved, and an additional 180 metres of difficult terrain has been concreted with RCC.