SATV 22 April, Kathmandu: The Everest region recorded the arrival of 694 tourists on Monday alone, according to the Sagarmatha National Park Office in Namche. Among them, 608 were foreign nationals and 86 domestic visitors.

Park ranger Bibek Shrestha said the surge in visitors has led to high hotel occupancy across the Khumbu region.

With the onset of the spring season, climber Temba Chhiri Sherpa noted a significant rise in footfall, making it difficult for visitors to find quality accommodations. Tara Air's Lukla in-charge, Amrit Magar, added that the airline has increased flights in response to favorable weather and growing demand.

"More flights have been added to facilitate the increasing number of tourists visiting the district, home to the world's highest peak," said Magar.

Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic, said Karma Sherma, Senior Vice Chair of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal. "The region is finally bustling again after the blow dealt by Covid-19," he said.

Hotels in Lukla and Namche are reportedly packed, and the growing number of tourists is creating more local employment opportunities.

Most visitors arrive to explore the Sagarmatha National Park, which charges Rs 1,500 for SAARC nationals, Rs 3,000 for other foreigners, and Rs 100 for Nepalis as entry fees.