In Sudurpaschim, tourists are coming. Infrastructure isn’t

Viral mountain destinations are attracting thousands of visitors, but neglected infrastructure threatens the region’s tourism ambitions.

On a fine morning last month, a jeep carrying domestic tourists from Bajhang, Dhangadhi and Dadeldhura climbed a dirt road towards Jadalek in Saipal Rural Municipality, Bajhang. Lured by breathtaking photographs and videos shared on social media, the group had travelled hundreds of kilometres to visit the southern base camp of Mount Saipal (7031 metres), the western base camp at Raidughi and the secluded Maza valley, surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks.