The tourism sector in Taplejung, the northeastern mountain district, is attracting increased investment. The area is famous for Kanchanjunga – the third highest mountain in the world.

Suresh Limbu, who had spent most of his life in South Korea, Singapore and other foreign countries celebrated the first anniversary of operating his hotel recently. He had invested Rs60 million to construct a tourist standard hotel-Mewa Khola Hill Resort-in Fungling, the district headquarters.

Local say that most of the visitors coming to Taplejung don’t believe such a well-equipped hotel exists in Taplejung. After Mewa Khola, another new hotel in Faktalung, Gyabla is under construction. Tourism entrepreneur Chowang Sherpa has invested Rs30 million in the property. Sherpa plans to inaugurate the hotel after 9-10 months. The hotel can a capacity of 50 rooms. Likewise, Gyabu Sherpa is another investor looking to get into the hotel business. He is investing Rs5 million in a property based in Sekathum. “Initially, I had planned to complete the hotel at a cost of Rs3.5 million. However, cost of cement and other construction materials have increased,” he said. “I plan to make the hotel attractive with well-equipped facilities.”

Investors sensed a business opportunity for hotels after tourists started complaining about poor accommodation facilities in the district. Entrepreneurs said that demand for hotel has increased after the blacktop of Suketar Airport, which can be operated year-round now. 

“Now, there are a number of hotels in the pipeline at the district headquarters,” said Chowang. “There are also hotels with well-equipped facilities in Ghunsa as well,” he said, adding that they have been planning to construct five hotels up to Kanchanjunga Base Camp.” If these hotels are constructed, it will address the accommodation needs of tourists coming in the northeastern mountain district.” It is not only foreign trekkers and mountaineers complain about the hotels. Nepali and Indian pilgrims who come to offer prayers in the popular Pathibhara Temple often complain about poor accommodation facilities as well.

This little-known region attracts tourists seeking spiritual fulfillment and blessings from the Pathibhara Devi. Hindus and Buddhists visit the temple for celebrations during special occasions.

Annually, the temple has been receiving 200,000 Indian and Nepali pilgrims. “With a number of hotels in the pipeline, there will not be any complaints after few months,” said Suresh Limbu, proprietor of Hill Resort. Taplejung has been receiving 700 foreign tourists annually.