Dhankuta. The ‘Skywalk’ operated in Bhedetar of Dhankuta has been established as a new tourist attraction of late. Daily hundreds of tourists visit the skywalk as one can observe the natural beauty by walking on the transparent glass.

More than 309,000 tourists have visited the ‘skywalk’ brought into operation by Wonders Amusement Parks and Attraction Pvt Ltd since July 24, 2081. According to the project, 178,000 tourists visited the skywalk in the first year and 131,000 tourists in the second year. Of them, around 35 percent are Indian tourists. Along with the skywalk, adventure activities like freefall jump and swing are also being conducted. Sanjeev Rokaha, managing director of the project, said that there are plans to build sky cycling, zipline and a park for children in the coming days.

Situated at an altitude of around 1,400 meters above sea level, one can observe the Saptakoshi River, the eastern Terai plains, and the mountain range including Sagarmatha, Makalu and Kanchenjunga from the skywalk.

The sight of sunrise and sunset on clear days attracts more tourists. Anandi Kumar Chaudhary of Dewangunj, Sunsari, said that he had a different feeling when he climbed the skywalk for the first time.

Lilaraj Lawati, proprietor of Hotel Lawati Karnan, said that the skywalk is a suitable destination for those wanting to enjoy the natural scenery. Also the former president of Hotel Association of Bhedetar, he said the confluence of mountains, hills and Tarai as seen from the top of the tower has established Bhedetar as an important tourist destination not only of Koshi state but of the country. According to him, the skywalk has made the small shops and hotel business more vibrant.

“We have to pay three lakh rupees renewal fee, tourism tax, VAT and various other taxes annually. Managing Director Rokaha said, “Last year, we had to pay around Rs 45 lakh royalty for the transaction of around Rs 90 million. ’

Although the state government has adopted a policy to promote PPP projects, it is necessary to review the tax policy to make such projects sustainable, according to the directors. Operators say that adopting practical and investment-friendly policies instead of tax will help attract new projects, promote tourism and increase the revenue of the state in the long run.