At an interaction organized by Look Himalayas on Wednesday, tourism entrepreneurs in the district demanded the government and private airlines to operate at list five flights a week to Humde airstrip in the district. [break]
At present only Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) operates flights to the district. The airline flies three times a week to Humde from Pokhara.
"We need more flight frequency not only to facilitate the movement of tourists in the district but also for the convenience of local people," Binod Gurung, president of Tourism Entrepreneurs´ Association of Manang (TEAM), said.
Gurung, who is also the coordinator of Destination Manang 2010 campaign, said the increase in flights by NAC and beginning of new flights by private operators would help increase both domestic and international visitors to Manang.
Tourism entrepreneurs are organizing a series of programs throughout the year under the Destination Manang Campaign to promote tourism in the district.
Funju Gurung, former chairman of Manang District Development Committee, said the government was not doing the needful in improving infrastructures at the only airstrip in the district.
He also complained that the airline was charging almost double the fare that it has been charging on Pokhara-Jomsom route. The airline charges Rs 4,000 per person on Pokhara-Manang route.
The Twin Otter of NAC carries only 8 to 10 passengers per flight as the airport is situated at the altitude of 3,400m above sea level. The aircraft carries up to 16 passengers in other sectors.
Lakpa Dorje Sherpa, proprietor of Yak Hotel, said lack of road connectivity, poor electricity infrastructure and health facilities are the other problems in the district. We have to pay transportation fare of Rs 100 per kg to ferry essentials from Besishahar, he added.
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