SOLUKHUMBU, Jan 3: A total of 228 foreign tourists entered the Everest region over the past week, according to the Civil Aviation Authority office in Lukla. Such a significant number of visitors during the off-season is unusual, the office reported.
As per Ginish Rajbhandari, the in-charge at the Lukla office, between December 25 and January 1, 91 female and 137 male foreign tourists arrived in Lukla. The daily breakdown is as follows: December 26 (28), December 27 (31), December 28 (30), December 29 (66), December 30 (36), December 31 (19), January 1 (4), and January 2 (14).
Toya Kumar Shrestha, a tourism entrepreneur, noted that this year’s cold weather, regarded as off-season for tourist arrival, saw a surprisingly good influx of tourists compared to previous years when tourist arrivals were almost negligible.
9,000 tourists arrive in Everest region in month of Ashoj
With the increase in visitors despite the cold weather, hotel operators are also optimistic. "The arrival of tourists during the off-season has brought us immense happiness. In the past, we used to sit idle during December and January, but this year, foreign visitors have been arriving steadily. This has positively impacted the hotel business," said hotel operator Jangmu Sherpa.
However, tourism entrepreneur Lamakaji Sherpa mentioned that extreme cold has made movement in Khumbu difficult. After recent snowfall, freezing temperatures have caused water pipes to freeze, leading to drinking water shortages.
Locals reported that heavy snowfall about a week ago has further intensified the cold in the Khumbu region, with temperatures dropping below-15 degrees Celsius. Many business owners have temporarily relocated to Kathmandu and other warmer areas to escape the harsh weather.
Police ensure security
Considering the increase in tourist arrivals, Nepal Police has heightened security measures in the region, the District Police Office reported. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dwarika Prasad Ghimire stated that police units in the Khumbu area have been mobilized to ensure the safety and peace of tourists. Mobile patrolling and enhanced security arrangements have been implemented.
"With the information that the number of foreign tourists in Khumbu has increased during the off-season, we have made Nepal Police more active. All police units in the Everest region have been briefed and activated to ensure the safety of our foreign guests. We will leave no room for lapses in peace and security," DSP Ghimire affirmed.
