More hotels coming up in Muktinath
MUKTINATH (MUSTANG), Sept 2:
New hotels with modern amenities are being opened in Muktinath, targeting foreign tourists.
Hotel Grand Shambala, which was built with an investment of Rs 30 million, started operation from this week. Promoted by Suraj Gurung, Hotel Grand Shambala has facilities like running hot/cold shower and attached bathrooms. "Our hotel serves all types of dishes," Gurung told Republica.
Similarly, Prem Gurung is also building a hotel with an investment of Rs 30 million. He has already invested Rs 20 million I the project.
Muktinath is a popular pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. As the place is a major stopover on the popular Annapurna Circuit trek, it also receives sizeable number of trekkers. Earlier, pilgrims and trekkers had no option but to carry all the stuffs, including food and tent, all the way from Pokhara. Now, there are around 30 hotels in Muktinath alone. Hotel Eureka and Hotel Serene are other popular hotels in Muktinath.
Most of the new hotels in Muktinath are promoted by entrepreneurs who made fortune in other businesses elsewhere. Suraj Gurung, for example, invested the money that he earned in Japan as well as the earning from his restaurant in Kathmandu in his hotel. Prem Gurung also has businesses in Kathmandu. Chhewang Gurung, who operates Path of Dream Hotel, used money sent by his son and daughter from USA to open the hotel. Rapke Gurung and his wife invested money earned in Japan to open the hotel in Muktinath.
According to Prem Gurung, one Sonam Lama has taken his land in lease to open a new hotel. Lama runs Yak Restaurant in New York. "He plans to invest around Rs 10 million," he added.
Average room rate at Muktinath is Rs 1,500. As the place lies at the height of 3,800 meters above sea level, most of the hotels here have installed solar heating system for hot water facilities.
Meanwhile, flow of tourists, both domestic and foreign, to Muktinath has increased after the place was connected to road network eight years ago. Though number of tourists has dropped after the earthquake, local hoteliers are hopeful that flow of tourists will increase once the autumn season begins.
Jacob, an American tourist who is in Muktinath with his wife, said they found Nepal safe. "Nepal is different from what international media are reporting," he added. Indian pilgrims have also resumed pilgrimage after the earthquake.
Source: Republica
