Manungkot

anandab

January 2, 2026

“An Emerging Tourism Destination of Tanahun”

Manungkot is a newly and rapidly developing tourism destination located in Byas Municipality–5 of Tanahun District, within Gandaki Province, Nepal. It is a scenic hilltop that has recently gained significant attention for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique landscapes. Due to its strategic elevation and panoramic viewpoints, Manungkot offers visitors an extraordinary visual experience that feels almost unreal and magical.
One of the most striking features of Manungkot is its spectacular sunrise views. At dawn, the Damouli Valley and surrounding lowlands are often covered by a thick blanket of fog, creating a dramatic scene often described as a “sea of clouds.” Above this mist, the sun rises and casts golden hues across the landscape, while the distant white Himalayan peaks glow like a shimmering crown. This rare combination of fog-filled valleys and illuminated mountains makes Manungkot a truly unforgettable destination.

Scenic Views and Attractions
Located approximately 8 kilometers west of Damauli Bazaar, the district headquarters of Tanahun, Manungkot is easily accessible and has become a popular early-morning destination for visitors seeking sunrise and fog-viewing experiences. The attraction is particularly strong during the winter season, when fog formations are at their best.
From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of some of Nepal’s most iconic Himalayan ranges, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. In addition to the mountains, the site provides stunning views of Damouli Bazaar, the Madi and Seti river valleys, and numerous surrounding villages nestled below.
Looking south from Manungkot, visitors can also observe the sacred confluence of the Seti and Madi Rivers, where important religious landmarks are located, including Parashar Rishi’s meditation site and the holy birthplace of Veda Vyasa, known as Pabitra Pawan Dham. This spiritual significance adds a strong cultural and religious dimension to the destination.

Development and Tourism Promotion
Recognizing Manungkot as an emerging tourism hub, both provincial and local governments have prioritized tourism promotion and infrastructure development in the area. Ongoing and completed initiatives include the construction of view towers, safe walking trails, and road upgrades, all aimed at improving visitor access and safety.
The local government has also announced plans to develop Manungkot as a planned tourist village, ensuring that its natural beauty and cultural identity are preserved while promoting sustainable and organized tourism growth.

Events and Activities
To further promote tourism and local culture, sports and adventure events such as ultra-marathon races are organized in and around Manungkot. These events attract athletes, adventure seekers, and tourists, helping to position Manungkot as both a nature-based and activity-oriented destination.

Key Highlights

• Rapidly emerging hilltop tourism destination in Tanahun.
• Spectacular sunrise views and “sea of clouds” phenomenon.
• Panoramic Himalayan views including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal.
• Overlooks Damouli Valley, Seti and Madi river basins, and surrounding villages.
• Proximity to sacred religious sites and river confluences.
• Hosts sports and adventure events such as ultra- flight and marathons competition.

Tips for Visitors
Best time: October to February for clearer views and fog effects.

source: Gupta Bahadur Bhandari

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