POKHARA, Nov 6: Locals have called for construction of airport at Tsarang in Upper Mustang, stating that an airport there would promote religious and adventurous tourism in the country’s northern district. The proposed area lies 3,700 meters above sea level.
A local municipal official said that a technical team is preparing to visit Lo Manthang to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of the airport.
Locals say if Korala border point that connects Tibet to Nepal could be opened, more Chinese tourist would visit the country via Mustang.
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Indradhara Bista, member of Gandaki Province elected from Mustang, said that the government has taken the locals’ call on a positive note. The airport will be built in a way to operate domestic flights, Bista said. Tsarang is the second largest settlement in Upper Mustang.
“Religious and adventurous tourism will be promoted with the construction of the airport. We can benefit more from an airport at Tsarang than the one at district headquarters Jomsom,” Bista said, “We can benefit from tourism if the airport is constructed.”
The airport will make traveling easier for tourists visiting Damodarkunda and Kailash Mansarovar, Bista added.
According to her, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai, during his recent visit to Lo Manthang, had said that there was a possibility of constructing an airport at Tsarang.
She said the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has been notified about the 3,000 ropanis of land that is available at the location for airport construction. “The land is free of dispute. It is plain and suitable for airport,” she said.
The current airport at Jomsom is situated beside Kali Gandaki River, where flights are possible only in the morning due to perennial afternoon winds.
Locals say tourists can travel to Kailash Mansarovar and Damodarkunda within 5/6 hours if an airport comes into operation at Tsarang.
