Doti, Jan 22: The major tourist destination in Sudurpaschim Province, Khaptad, has drawn an increasing number of domestic tourists since the second snowfall this winter last Wednesday.

The green meadow and high hills surrounding Khaptad have been clad with over a feet snow attracting nature lovers, said the Khaptad National Park Office at Jhigrana.

Around 12 to 15 domestic tourists visit Khatpad daily since the first snowfall on 29 December last year. Although COVID-19 risks persist in the district, tourists have been visiting the place to play with snow and soak up the beauty of the snow-clad hills and meadows, said Hiralal Saun, a local.

The snowfall has stopped and sunshine makes it easier for the tourists to visit the place at noon, Saun said. Due to snowfall, Khaptad, also a protected conservational site, cold has invariably increased making it difficult for the locals for outdoor movement. Farmers are, however, elated with snowfall hoping that they can yield a bumper harvest.

Deepak Bahadur Khadka, a homestay proprietor at Jhigrana, shared that the snowy view of the hills and meadows here serves as a feast for eyes to nature and adventure lovers who have to trek to reach here.

Over 4,000 domestic tourists have visited Khaptad since mid-April last year to date, the Khaptad National Park Office said.