Over 13,000 tourists visit Rara in 10 months, but foreign arrivals remain low

May 5, Kathmandu: The number of tourists visiting Rara Lake, one of Nepal’s premier tourist destinations in Mugu of Karnali Province, has surged despite challenges like difficult road access and limited accommodation facilities. The lake, renowned for its natural beauty, has attracted both domestic and international visitors, including groups of students, teachers, and foreigners.

According to Rara National Park, more than 13,000 tourists visited the lake in the first 10 months of the fiscal year. Park records show that by the end of Baisakh (mid-May), 13,014 tourists had visited, including 12,761 Nepali, 208 foreign, and 45 SAARC country nationals. 

Park Chief Mahesh Neupane noted that tourist arrivals peak during Chaitra, Baisakh, and Jestha (March-May) and again during the Dashain-Tihar festival season. “The lush greenery during the monsoon enhances the lake’s appeal,” he said, emphasising the need for improved road infrastructure and better lodging to extend tourist stays. Currently, issues like road blockages during the rainy season and inadequate hotel facilities hinder prolonged visits, limiting the region’s tourism potential.

Despite these challenges, Rara National Park has outperformed other tourism destinations in Karnali, generating over Rs 1.97 million in revenue this fiscal year. The park charges Rs 100 per Nepali visitor, Rs 1,500 per SAARC national, and Rs 3,000 per foreign tourist. Of the total revenue,  Rs 1.27 million came from Nepali tourists, Rs 67,500 from SAARC visitors, and Rs 624,000 from foreign tourists.

The park has made significant strides in controlling poaching, improving management, and conserving forest products and wildlife. However, the low number of foreign tourists highlights the need for better infrastructure and promotional efforts to boost international arrivals and maximize economic benefits for the region.