SATV Humla, Dec. 8: This year, more than 1,000 domestic and international tourists have visited Lapcha in Namkha Rural Municipality-6 in Nepal to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake.

The rise in visitors is attributed to the area being connected by road networks and increasing awareness about the scenic vantage point Lapcha offers.

Kuncho Tamang, the operator of Limi Resort in Takchi, shared that since April this year, 1,037 tourists have visited Lapcha to marvel at the views of Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. Of these, 312 were international tourists, while 737 were Nepali visitors.

The number of visitors has increased by over 300 compared to last year. Tamang added that Lapcha is increasingly becoming a popular choice for both domestic and international tourists.

This year, a group of eight motorcyclists from Pokhara and Kathmandu also reached Lapcha to witness the stunning views. To accommodate tourists, a resort has been opened in Takchi.

Located at an altitude of 5,000 metres, Lapcha provides breathtaking views of Lake Manasarovar, nestled in the foreground, with Mount Kailash as a stunning backdrop. Manasarovar lake lies around 25 to 30 kilometres away, while Mount Kailash is about 70 kilometres distant.

The tranquil atmosphere at Lapcha, combined with the majestic scenery, leaves visitors spellbound, often making them wish they could stay longer.

However, the weather plays a critical role. During other times of the year, cloudy conditions often obstruct the views, forcing visitors to leave without seeing Mount Kailash or Manasarovar Lake. Some tourists have reportedly waited four to six hours, only to return disappointed.

Currently, the clear weather ensures visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views, making this a peak season for tourists. Many domestic travellers visited Lapcha during the Dashain holiday.

To reach Lapcha, travellers first need to fly to Simkot from Nepalgunj. From Simkot, local transportation is the only option to continue the journey. While walking is possible, it takes five to six days, making vehicle travel a more convenient choice.

From Simkot, tourists can reach Tumling or Takchi by vehicle in one day and stay overnight. The next morning, a 3.5-hour drive takes them to Lapcha, ideally arriving by 8:30 or 9:00 am. Visitors are advised to carry warm clothing, as the winds make the weather cold despite sunshine.

After spending two to four hours enjoying the sights, visitors can return to Tumling or Takchi. Some even return to Simkot the same day. Also, they can explore the ancient, 1,200-year-old Halji Monastery and the scenic Limi Valley.

Until two years ago, renting a vehicle from Simkot to Lapcha would cost between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 per day. With an increase in vehicle availability, the fare has now decreased to Rs. 22,000 for a reserved vehicle, especially economical for groups of seven.

Hotel prices are also reasonable, with an overnight stay and two meals costing Nepali tourists around Rs. 1,900.

Previously, visitors to Lapcha had to arrange everything themselves, making travel challenging. Now, with the establishment of homestays in Tumling and a resort in Takchi, accommodations have become comfortable and accessible.

A three-day itinerary is ideal for visiting Lapcha. Apart from enjoying views of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, tourists can spot wildlife, taste local delicacies like yak milk, yoghurt, cheese and churpi, and even interact with herds of yaks.