nepal government tourism

Government Of Nepal

Ministry of Culture,Tourism and Civil Aviation

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu

[email protected]

M8WF+3X Kathmandu

व्यावसायिक र सृजनशील प्रशासन,विकास, समृद्धि र सुशासन

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Hit Bahadur Tamang

Honorable Minister

Dr. Dipak Kaphle

Hem Raj Tamang

Joint Secretary

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A Journal of Intangible Culture Year 7, Vol 7 Year 20280 BY MOCTCA, Nepal

आर्थिक वर्ष २०७८/79 मा सम्पादन गरिएको प्रमुख कार्यहरूको सँगालोको रूपमा तयार पारिएको वार्षिक प्रगति पुस्तिका, २०७९

22nd Mar 23

NEPAL TOURISM STATISTICS 2012

17th Jul 17

Nepal Tourism Statistics:2021

20th Jun 22

NEPAL TOURISM STATISTICS 2020

28th Jul 21

सार्बजनिक निकायका पदाधिकारी तथा सदस्यको नियुक्ति र मनोनयन सम्बन्धि मापदण्ड २०७३

21st Oct 21

नेपाल पर्यटन तथा होटेल ब्यबस्थापन प्रतिष्ठान आन्तरिक आर्थिक कार्यविधि २०७७

12th Aug 21

नेपाल पर्यटन तथा होटेल ब्यबस्थापन प्रतिष्ठान आर्थिक प्रसाशन नियमावली २०६३

नेपाल पर्यटन तथा होटेल ब्यबस्थापन प्रतिष्ठान कर्मचारी सेवा शर्त नियमवलि २०६१

सार्बजनिक खरिद नियमावली २०६४

सार्बजनिक खरिद ऐन २०६३

प्राचीन स्मारक संरक्षण ऐन, २०१३

Tourism Ministry

26th Jun 18

गैर सैनिक हवाई उडान (सिभिल एभिएशन) ऐन, २०१५

24th Aug 17

नेपाल वायुसेवा निगम ऐन, २०१९

पर्यटन ऐन, २०३५, हवाई नीति, २०६३, पर्यटन नीति, २०६५, राष्ट्रिय संस्कृति नीति, २०६७.

क्यासिनाे व्यवसायीलाई गरिएकाे निर्देशन २०७६(संशाेधन सहित)

25th Aug 22

नेपालबाट प्रस्थान गर्ने यात्रुहरुको यात्रा व्यवस्थापन सम्बन्धी आदेश, २०७८ (मं.प. बाट स्वीकृत मितिः ०७८।९।३०)

22nd Jan 22

पर्यटन पूर्वाधार तथा पर्यटन उपज विकास साझेदारी (सञ्चालन तथा व्यवस्थापन) निर्देशिका, २०७७

15th Aug 20

सरकारी निकायमा विद्युतीय पत्राचार (इमेल) व्यवस्थापन सम्बन्धि निर्देशिका, २०७५

विद्युतीय खरिद प्रणाली सञ्चालन निर्देशिका , २०७४

लोकतान्त्रिक जनवादी गणतन्त्र कोरियासँग सम्बन्धित सुरक्षा परिषद्को प्रस्ताव 1718 (2006) अन्तर्गतको प्रतिबन्धित सूची

24th Apr 24

प्रतिबन्धित व्यक्ति वा समूहको सूची - Amendment to the list of Designated Persons under Regulation 4 (7) of the UN Regulations No. 1 of 2012

पर्यटन पूर्वाधार तथा पर्यटन उपज विकास साझेदारी (सञ्चालन तथा व्यवस्थापन) निर्देशिका, २०७७ बमोजिम संचालित आयोजना/कार्यक्रम अनुगमन फाराम

12th Feb 24

संस्कृति, पर्यटन तथा नागरिक उड्‌डयन मन्त्रालयद्वारा वितरण गरिने विभिन्न राष्ट्रिय पुरस्कारहरुको लागि आवेदन फाराम 2080:

31st Jan 24

भगत सर्वजित मानव मर्यादा राष्ट्रिय पुरस्कार - निबेदन ढाँचा २०८०

28th Jan 24

बी.पी.कोइराला राष्ट्रिय पुरस्कार सम्बन्धी कार्यविधि, २०७८

18th Jan 24

महाकवि देवकोटा पुरस्कार कार्यविधि

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राष्ट्रिय तथा सूचना सञ्चार प्रविधि दिवस २०२४ को लागि तय भएको नारा " समृद्ध नेपालको आधार, सूचना प्रविधि र सञ्चार"

लिलाम बिक्री सम्बन्धी सूचना :-२०८०/८१, nepal tourism statistics 2023 final report, ईद (ईद-उल - फित्र) पर्व, २०८० को शुभकामना सन्देश - माननीय मन्त्री हितबहादुर तामाङ, press release:- विमस्टेक साँस्कृतिक सहयोग सम्बन्धी संस्कृति बिज्ञ समुहको बैठक २०८०, press release:- हवाई सेवा सम्झौता, बिमस्टेक पर्यटन सम्बन्धी कार्य समुहको दोस्रो बैठक सम्बन्धी प्रेस विज्ञप्ति, प्रेस विज्ञप्ति:- विषयगत समितिको बैठक सम्बन्धमा।, press release:- स.न २०२३मा पर्यटक सङ्ख्या १० लाख पुगेको सम्बन्धमा प्रेस विज्ञप्ति, नेपाल सरकार र बंगलादेश सरकारबीच पर्यटन क्षेत्रमा सहयोग आदान प्रदान गर्ने उद्श्यले बंगलादेश सरकारसंग mou सम्म्पन |, श्रीमान सचिव यादव प्रसाद कोइरालाज्यूको विभिन्न समयमा भएको अनुगमन तथा निरीक्षणका तस्विरहरु, tourist arrivals, 1st 6 months of 2016 to 2018, मा. संस्कृति, पर्यटन तथा नागरिक उड्डयन मन्त्री ज्यूबाट सम्पदाको पुन निर्माण कार्यको निरिक्षण, २५६२ औं बुद्ध जयन्ति तथा अन्तराष्ट्रिय बौद्ध सम्मेलन तयारी/प्रगती सम्बन्धमा मन्त्रालयमा छलफल.

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Tourism in Nepal

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Nepal Tourism Board Click here

Nepal with rich ancient cultures set against the most dramatic scenery in the world is a land of discovery and unique experience. For broad minded individuals who value an experience that is authentic and mesmerizing, Nepal is the ideal destination. Come and revel in the untouched and the undiscovered and uncover yourself.

It is unsurpassed that the sheer diversity Nepal boasts, from steamy jungle and Terai to the icy peaks of the world’s highest mountains means that the range of activities on offer. Trekking, mountaineering, rafting in spectacular scenery are just three things Nepal is famous for. Activities as diverse as Elephant Polo and a micro-light flight through the Himalayas show that in Nepal, the only boundary is your imagination. With 15 National & Wildlife Parks (two are UNESCO Heritage sites) Nepal is one of the last places on earth you can spot the Asiatic rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

For many, Nepal’s greatest attraction is its people. The traditions and famous hospitality of its many different groups are indeed a major part of what makes Nepal so special. From remote mountain villages to medieval hill-towns and the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, the people of Nepal are always welcoming. Come and experience the strong and unique flavors of Nepalese cuisine, prepared with love and a depth of flavor or join in and celebrate at one of the many festivals year round. In fact, with more festivals than days of the year, there is nowhere else in the world that can offer as many festivities as Nepal.

Tourism is one of the mainstay of Nepalese economy. It is also a major source of foreign exchange and revenue. Possessing 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventures. The Hindu, Buddhist and other cultural heritage sites of Nepal, and around the year fair weather are also strong attractions.

Nepal is the country of the Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, and the Birthplace of Gautama Buddha- Lumbini. Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. There are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country for the followers of various sects and religions.

According to statistics from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 598,204 foreign tourists entered the country via aerial route in 2012. The government of Nepal declared 2011 to be Nepal Tourism Year, and hoped to attract one million foreign tourists to the country during that year. The tourist industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in the country.

 Wilderness tourism

Nepal’s major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as mountain biking, bungee jumping, rock climbing and mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, bird watching, mountain flights, ultralight aircraft flights, paragliding and hot air ballooning over the mountains of the Himalaya, hiking and mountain biking, exploring the waterways by raft, kayak or canoe and jungle safaris especially in the Terai region.

Religious sites

Nepal is a multi-religious society. The major religion in Nepal is Hinduism, and the Pashupatinath Temple, which is the world’s one of the main Hindu religious sites is located in Kathmandu, attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Other Hindu pilgrimage sites include the temple complex in Swargadwari located in the Pyuthan district, Lake Gosainkunda near Dhunche, the temples at Devghat, Manakamana temple in the Gorkha District, and Pathibhara near Phungling, Mahamrityunjaya Shivasan Nepal in Palpa District where biggest metallic idol of Lord Shiva is located.

Buddhism is another main religion. The World Heritage site Lumbini, which is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, is an important pilgrimage site. Another prominent Buddhist site is Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, in Kathmandu. Dang valley is also a sacred place for Hindus as well as other religions. Kalika and Malika Devi in Chhillikot hill, Ambekeshawori temple, Krishna temple, Dharapani temple etc. are sacred place in Dang district. Chillikot hill is also a good place for sightseeing and also an ancient palace of a king. Muktinath is a sacred place for Hindus as well as Buddhists. The site is located in Muktinath Valley, Mustang district.

 Culture and Heritage Sites

Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal is the city of temple and very rich in cultural heritage. Within 7 km radius there are 7 world heritage sites (Pashupatinath Temple, Baudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square) which cannot be found anywhere. Museums in Kathmandu have rich collections of archaeological, historical and artistic importance and galleries display art work of the past and present. Full of art, architecture and culture, the Kathmandu Valley is the prime destination for the tourists. As Nepal is a land of festivities and celebrations, visitors can experience how a culturally diverse and rich society of Nepal grooms in harmony.

Major Tourism Activities in Nepal

Mountain Climbing

The 800 km stretch of the Nepal Himalayan is the greatest in the world with eight peaks that rise above 8,000m including the highest in the world, Mt. Everest. Ever since the country opened its peaks to climbers in 1994, the Nepal Himalayan has become a great theatre of mountaineering activity and the drama of success and failure have provided impetus to thousands of men and women to meet the ultimate challenge. The Nepal Himalayan has been an attraction to many people, be they saints, philosophers, researchers or adventures.

The best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture riches is to walk through them. One can walk along the beaten trails or virgin tracks. Either way you are in for an experience for a lifetime. Along with forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets, and small mountain villages, birds, animals, temple, monasteries and breathtaking landscapes, you will also encounter friendly people of different cultures offering a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life.

Bird Watching

Nepal is a paradise for bird lovers with over 646 species (almost 8% of the world total) of birds, and among them almost 500 hundred species are found in Kathmandu Valley alone. The most popular bird watching spots in Kathmandu are Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Bagmatiriver, Taudaha and so on. Get your binoculars and look forward to a rewarding experience.

Rafting/Kayaking/Canyoning

Rafting  is one of the best ways to explore the typical cross section of natural as well as ethno-cultural heritage of the country. There are numerous rivers in Nepal which offer excellent rafting or canoeing experience. You can glide on calm jade waters with munificent scenery all about or rush through roaring white rapids, in the care of expert river-men employed by government authorized agencies. One can opt for day of river running or more. So far, the government has opened sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting. The Trisuliriver  is one of the most popular of Nepal’s raftable rivers. The Kali Gandaki winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids. The BhoteKoshi is 26km of continuous white water and the raging Marshyanghi is four days of uninterrupted white water. The Karnaliriver provides some of the most challenging rapids in the world. The Sun Koshi , 27km, requiring 8-10 days to complete, is a big and challenging river. Adventurers are provided with world-class services by rafting agents. Agencies here provide life jackets, camping and the standard rafting paraphernalia needed by world-class rafting. An extremely popular sport in Europe, cannoning is now available in Nepal. Cannoning gives you the freedom to explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is very popular with tourists for it affords the most spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan ranges towering in the background. On a clear day it’s a superb way to view the Himalayan (from over 6000m up), and the view of the valley is equally breathtaking.

Bungee Jumping

The ultimate thrill of a bungee jump can now be experienced in Nepal at one of the best sites that this sport can boast of anywhere in the world. Nepal’s first bungee jumping site is situated 160m. Over the BhoteKoshiriver, inviting you to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in the surroundings of this amazing place. The jump, at 160m., is staffed and operated by some of the most experienced jumpmasters in the business.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Nepal can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seeking. A trip will take you over some of the best scenery on earth, as you share airspace with Himalayan griffins vultures, eagles, kites and float over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungle, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.

Ultralight Aircraft

Ultralight aircraft take off from Pokhara and offer spectacular views of the lakes, mountains and villages. This is an ideal way to see life from a new perspective. The choice of Pokhara Valley for ultra-light aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. For those who wished they could fly birds when growing up, this flight is a must. It might be lonely at the top, but this flight is a must. It might be lonely at the top, but the spectacular view from up high certainly makes it all worth it. Flights are from the Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months.

Mountain Biking

The best way to explore the Kathmandu Valley is on a mountain bike. Nepal’s diverse terrain is a mountain biker’s dream adventure comes true. Mountain biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring this magnificent country, its landscape and living heritage. There are plenty of dirty roads and trails in Nepal to meet every mountain biker’s wildest fantasy. Mountain biking is specially recommended if you wish to explore urban centers of Nepal such as Pokhara and Kathmandu as well as the countryside. Adventurous souls may plan extended trips to such exotic locals as Namche Bazaar, and western Nepal. You could even do the entire length of Nepal across the plains. Mountain bikes are available for rent by the day or longer in many of the bicycle rental outlets in Nepal and around the city.

Jungle Safari

National Parks located specially in the Terai region in Nepal attract visitors from all over the world. A visit to these parks involves game- stalking by a variety of means-foot, dugout canoe, jeep, and elephant back. One is bound to sight a one – horned rhino or two at every elephant safari. Besides the rhinos, wild boars, samburs, spotted deer, sloth bear, four-horned antelope are also usually seen. A Royal Bengal tiger may surprise you by his majestic appearance.

Mountain Flight

Only awe-stricken silence can come close to matching the experience of going on a mountain flight to encounter the tallest mountains on earth. Mountain flights offer the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan Plateau. Mountain flights appeal to all category of travelers and have become a popular tourist attraction of Nepal. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going for a trek, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan in just one hour.

Rock Climbing

For all those cliffhangers out there, Kathmandu offers a roster of stone walls that make for an experience of a lifetime. Now of late, Rock climbing has become a popular sport in Kathmandu, which offers some really terrific places for rock climbing. Nagarjun, Balaju, Shivapuri and Budhanilkantha are some of the places where you can try this sport.

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Beautiful View of Mountain Dhaulagiri (8167 m.)

सगरमाथा आरोहणको ७० औ वार्षिकोत्सवको अवसरमा सगरमाथा आराेही वागमती प्रदेशका पूर्वाधार विकास मन्त्री मा. युवराज दुलाललाइ पर्यटन विभागका महानिर्देशक होम प्रसाद लुइटेलद्वारा व्याच वितरण गरिदै

श्रीमान सचिव भरतमणि सुवेदीज्यू विभागकाे कfर्यबिबरण छलफल कार्यक्रममा निर्देशन दिंदै

श्रीमान सचिव भरतमणि सुवेदीज्यूलाइ विभागमा स्वागत तथा विभागकाे वारेमा महानिर्देशक होम प्रसाद लुइटेलद्वारा प्रस्तुतीकरण

KRISTOFFER JON ERICKSON receiving Good Luck Shawl for successful summit by DG Hom Prasad Luintel

विभागका महानिर्देशक श्रीमान सचिव भरतमणि सुवेदीज्यूको स्वागत एवम् पद बहाली कार्यक्रममा

महानिर्देशक श्री रुद्रसिंह तामाङज्यूबाट मिति २०७७/६/२५ गतेका दिन मनास्लु हिमालको आधार शिबिरमा भएको निरिक्षण तथा उक्त टिमको अवस्था बारेको जानकारी लिने क्रममा ।

Bahrain prince in Nepal to scale Mt Manaslu

Civil Service Mt Everest Expedition 2011

कोभिड-१९ बाट सिर्जित लकडाउनको अवधिमा मन्त्रालयद्धारा सम्पादित प्रमुख कार्यहरु सम्बन्धमा आयोजित प्रत्रकार सम्मेलनको तस्वीर-(०७७-३-१९ )

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सम्पत्ति शुद्धीकरण तथा आतंकबादी कृयाकलापमा बित्तीय लगानी निवारण सम्बन्धमा क्यासिने व्यवसायीलाइ जारी गरिएको निर्देशन, २०७६

एकतारे देखि पाँचतारे डिलक्स स्तरसम्मका होटल र पर्यटक आवास रिसोर्ट) का सम्बन्धमा जारी आदेश,२०७० (Hotel Standard, 2070)

हालको सूचना | समाचार

Press Release

Royalty report (01 march 2024 to 28 april 2024), countrywise sagarmatha expedition (01 march 2024 to 28 april 2024), press release and name list of liaison officer (lo), नाम सिफारिश सम्वन्धमा।, पाँचतारा डिलक्स तथा पाँचतारा हाेटलहरुकाे विवरण सार्बजनिक सम्वन्धी सूचना , दाबी बिरोध गर्ने सम्बन्धी सूचना, mountainwise and countrywise expedition permitted data autumn till 15th september, 2023, सूचीकृत गराउने बारेकाे सूचना ।, self declaration form of successful summit on the mountain, प्रेस विज्ञप्ती, पुन: ध्यानाकर्षण गराइएकाे सूचना , लिलाम सम्वन्धि सूचना, ध्यानाकर्षण गराइएकाे सूचना, राष्ट्रिय एकद्वार प्रणाली स्वीकार गर्ने सम्बन्धि सूचना, पर्यटन विभागमा स्तरवर्गीकरण भएका पाँचतारा डिलक्स हाेटलहरुकाे विवरण, पर्यटन विभागमा स्तरवर्गीकरण भएका पाँचतारा स्तरका हाेटलहरुकाे विवरण, पर्यटन विभागमा स्तरवर्गीकरण भएका साधारण रिसोर्ट, लक्जरी रिसोर्ट, डिलक्स रिसोर्ट र एक तारा देखि चार तारा सम्मका हाेटलहरुकाे विवरण, सगरमाथा आधार शिविरमा पर्वताराेहण अनुगमन तथा सहजीकरण समितिकाे बैठकमा पर्वताराेहण सम्बन्धी विभिन्न विषयहरूमा सराेकारवालाहरूसंग छलफल हुदै।, सम्पर्क अधिकृतहरुकोलागि जरुरी सूचना, क्यासिनो संचालन अनुमति सम्बन्धमा पर्यटन विभागको विज्ञप्ति, पर्वताराेहण अनुगमन तथा सहजीकरण समिति गठन गरिएकाे सूचना, चालु आर्थिक वर्ष माघ मसान्तसम्ममा इजाजतपत्र प्राप्त भएका क्यासिनो कम्पनीहरुको विवरण, इजाजत पत्र रद्द गर्ने सम्बन्धी सूचना, साहसिक पर्यटकीय गतिबिधी सञ्चालन गर्ने सम्बन्धि सूचना, चालु आर्थिक वर्ष पौष मसान्तसम्ममा इजाजतपत्र प्राप्त भएका क्यासिनो कम्पनीहरुको विवरण, चालु आर्थिक वर्ष २०७८/७९ को पौष मसान्तसम्म यस विभागमा प्राप्त राजस्व रकमको विवरण, additional hotels enlisted for quarantine, लकडाउनको प्रकृती अनुसार स्वास्थ्य मापदण्डको पालना गर्ने सम्बन्धि सूचना, विभागमा दर्ता भएका रिसोर्ट तथा तारास्तरका होटलहरूको विवरण, hotel/resort काे संकेत चिन्ह नि‍र्धारण गरिएकाे सूचना, सूची अभिलेख दर्ता पुस्तिका प्रकाशन गरिएकाे सूचना, एकतारेदेखि पाँचतारे डिलक्ससम्मका होटलहरुको वर्गीकरणको मापदण्ड, विदेशबाट नेपाल आगमन हुने यात्रुहरूको व्यवस्थापन सम्बन्धी आदेश,२०७८, hotels enlisted for quarantine, additional hotels list for quarantine, hotel standards provision and hotels enlisted for quarantine, lilam bikri sambandhi suchana (laptops. computers, printers, etc), notice for mountaineering expedition agencies, standards to be followed by nepalese and foreign citizens coming from abroad, special weather bulletin, notice for liaison officer, आरोहण व्यवस्थापन सम्बन्धी सूचना, पुराना जिन्सी मालसामान (फर्निचर ) लिलाम विक्री सम्बन्धी बोलपत्र आव्हानको सूचना, standards for streamlining of tourist visit, 2021:download file, notice on mountain guides license and identity card, पर्यटकहरुको आवागमनलाई ब्यबस्थित गर्ने सम्बन्धि मापदण्ड २०७७, notice on mountain guides licenses and identity cards, पर्यटन उद्योग सेवा प्रवाह निर्देशिका, २०७० को दफा ९४ मा साहसिक तथा मनोरञ्जनात्मक खेल/क्रियाकलापहरु सञ्चालन गर्नु पूर्व यस पर्यटन विभागबाट इजाजत लिनुपर्ने, notice of mountain guides license and identity card, notice for mountaineering expedition management, suchi abhilekh bibaran, on arrival visa notice, entry protocol for mountaineering expeditions and trekking in nepal , 2077 date of issue : 2077/06/09, पर्बतारोहण तथा पदयात्रा मा नेपाल आउँदा पालन गर्नुपर्ने शर्त सम्बन्धी मापदण्ड २०७७, बिश्व पर्यटन दिवसको अवसर शुभकामना संदेश, शोक विज्ञप्ति: आँङरिता शेर्पाको असामयिक निधन सम्बन्धमा, kathmandu: hotel list name for quarantine: काठमाण्डौ प्र जि अ वाट क्वारेन्टाईन प्रयोगका लागि प्रकाशित होटलहरुको सूची आवश्यक जानकारीका लागि, आर्थिक वर्ष २०७७ को लागि कार्यालय मसलन्द सामग्री आपूर्ति सम्बन्धि सूचना.

भिडियो ग्यालरी थप हेर्नुहोस्

सम्पर्कमा रहनुहोस्

हामीलाई सम्पर्क गर्नुहोस्!

श्री .................

नेपाल पर्यटन प्रहरी

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Nepal unveils action plan for tourism revival

The Nepali government on Sunday announced a number of measures to revive the tourism industry battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a plan to declare the years between 2023 and 2033 as Visit Nepal Decade, Xinhua reported.

Unveiling the Tourism Rehabilitation Action Plan, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Nepal’s minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation, said the government is breaking the tradition of announcing a single year as Visit Nepal Year so as to run a sustained campaign to promote tourism, a major foreign exchange earner and job creator for the country.

As per the action plan, the Visit Nepal Decade is expected to come out within the next three months.

The government plans to attract 1 million foreign tourists in the 2022-23 fiscal year which began in mid-July. “We have not yet set any target for the planned Visit Nepal Decade. We have to do further homework and consultations with the stakeholders,” Hom Prasad Luitel, joint secretary at the tourism ministry, told Xinhua.

Nepal received 1.19 million foreign visitors in 2019 and sought to attract 2 million in 2020 when Visit Nepal 2020 was launched, but COVID-19 forced the government to call off the campaign. As the pandemic persisted, the tourism sector fared poorly in 2020 and 2021.

Nepal was reporting more foreign visitor arrivals in 2022 as fewer people were infected. As of June, there were 237,670 foreigners visiting the South Asian country, according to the tourism ministry.

Under the new action plan, Nepal will launch promotion campaigns in China, India and Bangladesh, of them the former two being the largest sources of tourists for Nepal in normal years, Xinhua reported.

There is a plan as well to promote Nepal as a destination for meetings, conferences and exhibitions and spiritual tourism with packages of yoga, wellness and spa to be offered.

In addition, the ministry is mulling over retirement visas and healthcare facilities for elderly foreigners to stay longer in Nepal. Currently, there is no legal provision of issuing retirement visas in the country. “We will discuss it with the Ministry of Home Affairs which is responsible for visa issuance,” said Luitel.

As mountaineering is a key part of Nepal’s tourism, the country is planning to open more Himalayan peaks. Under the action plan, more peaks at 5,800 to 8,000 meters above the sea level will be opened for mountaineering. According to authorities, Nepal has so far opened 414 peaks above 5,700 meters for climbing.

Included in the action plan are other measures like cooperation and coordination with international airlines, GPS tracking system to make trekking and mountaineering safer, multi-lingual helpline support centers for tourists and many more facilities for foreigners who come to Nepal for movie shootings.

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COVID-19 and Tourism in Nepal: Opportunities for New Pathways

• COVID-19 and Tourism in Nepal: Opportunities for New Pathways Download

Introduction

Flip through any important official or political document, whether the Constitution of Nepal, the election manifestos of political parties or a development plan of the government, tourism seems a magic wand for socio-economic transformation and development in Nepal. As the country is blessed with magnificent snow-capped mountains, beautiful flora and fauna, remarkable trekking routes, rich cultural and religious diversity and sacred temples and monasteries, these documents are full of the arguments for Nepal’s competitive advantage in tourism.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines tourism in a broader sense as a complex sector that covers travel for both business and leisure that has multiple backward and forward linkages into diverse sectors of the economy. [1] Cognizant of such economy-wide linkages, the Nepali government’s fifteenth development plan recognizes tourism as a major source of foreign exchange and investment and a key driver for reducing poverty and improving living standard of people by generating employment and business opportunities. The planning document also appreciates the role of tourism sector in driving prosperity, reducing inequality, and empowering women and marginalized groups of the society. [2] The government, in token of recognition of the importance of the industry, declared this year ‘Visit Nepal 2020,’ dedicated to the tourism industry. Officially launched on January 1, 2020, Visit Nepal 2020 aimed to attract 2 million tourists, generate $2 billion revenue and create thousands of new jobs.

Following the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 12, economic and social crises ensued. Countries adopted non-pharmaceutical measures such as lockdown, social distancing, travel and mobility bans, stay at home instructions, self- or mandatory-quarantine, curbs on crowding etc. to contain infections. Such measures have arrested global travel and tourism. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that globally, international tourist arrivals decreased by 56 percent and USD $320 billion in exports from tourism were lost in the first five months (January to May) of 2020. [3] For the year 2020, international tourist number is projected to decline from 58 per cent to 78 percent, which would translate into a drop of USD $910 billion to USD $1.2 trillion in global export revenue from tourism. It also puts 100-120 million direct tourism jobs at risk, many of them women, youth working informally in micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). [4] UNWTO expects international tourism to recover by the second half of 2021 but warns that tourism is facing unprecedented challenges and an existential threat from the impact of COVID-19 globally. [5]

Although the first imported COVID-19 case was detected as early as 23 January, Nepal was cautious about enforcing containment measures, including complete or partial lockdowns, and did so with significant time lags. Visit Nepal 2020 was put on hold on March 3. On-arrival visas for nationals from five countries – China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Japan – were suspended on March 10, and for another three countries – France, Germany, and Spain- on 13 March. On March 14, all on-arrival visas were suspended, including those for Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN). [6] On the same day, all permissions for mountaineering expeditions were suspended. [7] All domestic and international flights and long-distance transport services were suspended starting March 23. On 24 March, Nepal went into a national lockdown which was lifted on 22 July. But prohibitory orders imposed by chief district officers in more than half of the districts including Kathmandu, the capital city, continue to bar the public from coming out of their houses except for emergency work. [8] Although the government has made a decision to resume international flights in a few countries from September 1, domestic flights will remain suspended until September 15. [9] Of all the major economic sectors, the tourism sector has been worst-hit by such measures. This essay attempts to assess the impact of COVID-19 on tourism sector of Nepal and proposes restarting strategies for sustainable tourism growth.

[1] UNWTO, Tourism for Sustainable Development in the Least Developed Countries. Geneva. 2017 and https://www.unwto.org/glossary-tourism-terms .

[2] National Planning Commission, Fifteenth Plan. Kathmandu, 2020. (in Nepali)

[3] UNWTO, World Tourism Barometer. Vol 18, Issue 4, July 2020 Update. available at https://doi.org/10.18111/wtobarometereng

[4] UNWTO, World Tourism Barometer, vol. 18, No. 3, June 2020 available at https://doi.org/10.18111/wtobarometereng.

[5] Op. cit.

[6] http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/post/updated-notice-on-9th-march-2020-21-30-hrs-regarding-the-suspension-of-visa-on-a .

[7] https://immigration.gov.np/post/updated-urgent-notice-regarding-travel-restriction-related-to-covid-19-dated-13t

[8] https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/week-long-movement-restriction-in-kathmandu-from-wednesday-midnight/

[9] https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nepal-airlines-releases-schedule-of-regular-flights-for-september/

Published Date: September 25, 2020

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Govt prepares nepal tourism decade strategic action plan.

Kathmandu: The government has prepared the ‘Nepal tourism decade (2023-2032) strategic action plan’ as part of the revival of the tourism sector.

The action plan has set a target to bring in 3.5 million foreign tourists till 2032 in the country as well as creating employments to one million more people in the tourism sector during the decade.

At a programme organised at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to brief about plan, Tourism Minister Jeevan Ram Shrestha said the concept of tourism decade was brought for the revival of tourism sector which has been adversely affected by COVID pandemic. He expressed the belief that the action plan would help establish Nepal in the front of world tourism market. 

It has been targeted to ensure the arrival of tourists as that of 2019 and increasing tourists arrival by 15 per cent every year, added Minister Shrestha. 

The government has also set the goal to make tourism sectors’ contribution in country’s gross domestic product to 10 per cent. As per the action plan, province and national-level campaigns would be launched for tourism promotion across the country by making institutional strengthening, upgrading of infrastructures, investment and tourism promotion, diversification and revival of tourism.

The Tourism Minister further shared that they would move ahead by establishing a smooth coordination among three-level governments for effective implementation of tourism decade action plan.

It is necessary to move ahead by developing infrastructures and creating tourism-friendly environment to meet the target, he underscored.

As per the strategic plan, a thematic campaign of cultural heritage of Bagmati Province will be launched in 2024, while Gandaki Province will be in focus in 2025 and a nationwide campaign in 2026. Similarly, Buddhist tourism will be promoted in 2027, Madhesh tourism in 2028, and Sudurpaschim tourism in 2028. The tourism promotion will focus Province No 1 in 2030 and Karnali Province in 2031. Ultimately, in 2033, a nationwide tourism promotion will be enforced.

On Thursday, the Tourism Minister was submitted a report by a taskforce formed to prepare the roadmap of the strategic work plan. A five-member team was formed under the coordination of tourism expert Prachanda Man Shrestha to prepare the roadmap.

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Nepal Tourism Decade 2023-2032 : Tourism Sector Hopes to Set New Milestones in the Next Decade

The new tourism promotion campaign aims to bring 3.5 million tourists in the next 10 years

The Nepali tourism sector went through a tumultuous three years in the wake of the global outbreak of the coronavirus that devastated international travel. But with the subsiding of the pandemic, the sector is now buzzing with new plans, expansion, and growth strategies. The surge in tourist arrivals in 2022 along with the start of the commercial operation of Pokhara Regional International Airport and the Gautam Buddha International Airport have signaled that Nepal is ready to welcome international guests more than ever.

Developed by a four-member expert panel led by the former Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) CEO Prachanda Man Shrestha, the framework has set ambitious targets such as increasing tourist spending to USD 125 daily from the current USD 48, creating 1 million direct jobs in the tourism and increasing the sector’s contribution to national GDP to 10 percent.

The government has planned to bring the tourist numbers to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and increase arrivals in each subsequent year by 15 percent.

The decade will have tourism campaigns organized across the country province-wise. While 2023 will be the year for preparations, 2024 will be the tourism campaign year in Bagmati Province, 2025 in Gandaki Province, and 2027 in Lumbini Province. In 2028, the focus will be on Madesh Province, while campaigns will be organized in 2029, 2030, and 2031 in Sudur Paschhim, Province 1, and Karnali Province, respectively. The year 2026 and 2032 will be marked by national-level programs.

Despite the government’s grand tourism plan, there are still some stumbling blocks that could derail the recovery prospect. For Nepal to get a good number of international tourists in the coming years, the operation of two recently built international airports is critical in this context. Tourism entrepreneurs agree there is a dire need to improve connectivity if Nepal wants to gain from the post-pandemic period in which tourist inflow is expected to surge.

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Nepal Travel Advisory

Travel advisory december 18, 2023, nepal - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to risk indicators and "if you decide to travel" section.

Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence .  

Country Summary: Political demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes escalate into violence and may be met with force by Nepali authorities.  

Read the  country information page   for additional information on travel to Nepal.  

If you decide to travel to Nepal:      

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Do not trek or climb alone. The Government of Nepal requires solo or foreign independent trekkers (FITs) to use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal's official national parks and protected areas.      
• Review the Adventure Travel Page before your trip.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Nepal. 
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Nepal Investment Summit 2024: Driving Investment, Strengthening Ties

The government has identified priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure for development

The third edition of the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 commenced with the aim of attracting investments in key sectors of the country. Over 1600 potential foreign investors from more than 55 nations gathered in Kathmandu, as announced by the Investment Board Nepal (IBN).

Finance Minister Barshaman Pun emphasized the government's commitment to amending several laws to enhance the investment environment. Efforts are being made to simplify taxation laws and introduce policies to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI). Nine laws related to FDI are being revised through an ordinance, including acts concerning land, technology transfer, forests, and industrial enterprises.

Pun highlighted the provisions of the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019, which streamline FDI approval processes and facilitate profit repatriation for foreign firms.

Former finance ministers and economists echoed the importance of policy consistency and political stability in attracting investments. They cited Nepal's stable political environment, market assurance, and efficient profit repatriation procedures as factors favoring investment.

The government has identified priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure for development. Additionally, there are opportunities in IT services, biodiversity, human resource development, education, health, and pharmaceuticals.

Notably, during the summit, two agreements were signed to enhance international partnerships. One agreement aimed at fostering professional cooperation between domestic and foreign business organizations, while another focused on collaboration between Nepalese and Indian companies to establish and operate a data center.

In Frames: Bhaktapur Biska Jatra Observation

Celebration of indra jatra, krishna janmashtami: celebrating the divine birth of lord krishna, the gateway to the mt. makalu; 5th highest mount peak of the world, beautiful hill town of eastern nepal.

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• Monday, 29 April 2024
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Minister invites investors to invest in Nepal's energy, tourism, IT, agriculture sectors

Kathmandu, April 22: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has said that the continuation of the best policies taken by the government would help create an environment conducive for investment and repatriate the returns.     

In a meeting with the media persons ahead of the Nepal Investment Summit 2024, the Finance Minister said government policies will remain unchanged despite the change in the government and the investors won't have to face difficulties in taking their returns back.     

Minister Pun made it clear that there will be no changes in Nepal's investment laws and policies though the changes take place in internal politics. "The characteristics of capital is an environment for investment and securing profits. There is nothing to do with any ism and system for the investors. Investors look for the environment and now Nepal has an appropriate environment for investment," the Finance Minister said.     

He also hoped that domestic and foreign investment will increase in Nepal due to different legal, procedural and structural changes that the government made in recent times.     

On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun urged the investors to invest in Nepal's energy, tourism, information technology and agricultural goods processing sector terming them more lucrative areas for investment.     

There is no problem for the market for goods produced in Nepal since Nepal enjoys friendly ties with two gigantic nations India and China, Minister Pun argued. (RSS)

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Nepal sets sight on multi-billion dollar LGBTIQ tourism market

Sangam Prasain

Nepal on Saturday hosted the first international LGBTIQ tourism conference. It wants a chunk of the multi-billion dollar pink market after the stunning success of a legally recognised same-sex marriage last November.

“Forget Nepal’s biased history. Now, we aim at building more just and equitable societies. Let the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ) get equal economic opportunity,” said Sunil Babu Pant, the first openly gay former parliamentarian in Asia, addressing the conference in Kathmandu.

Just a few years back, police beating gay and transgender individuals in the streets used to be a common sight.

“After fighting legal battles for nearly two decades, the law and the society have accepted the LGBTIQ community. Now we are in the second phase—we need equal economic opportunities. For this we need to bring LGBTIQ tourists from the global market.”

The conference was announced following the successful marriage registration of Surendra Pandey and Maya Gurung, the first same-sex couple to get legally recognised in Nepal, on November 29, 2023, after a years-long legal wrangling.

This interim arrangement remains valid until the legal provisions are made.

Their legally recognised same-sex marriage is the first of its kind in South Asia and marks a milestone for LGBTIQ rights.

“It is a privilege to stand before you and reflect on a pivotal moment in my career, one that underscores the importance of justice, equality, and the pursuit of human rights,” said Supreme Court Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal, who in 2007 as a lawyer argued in favour of laws guaranteeing full rights of LGBTIQ people and in defining gender minorities as “natural persons” under the law. They had the right to marry, he argued.

Eventually, in December 2007 , the court issued a historic verdict ensuring the rights of the community.

The verdict reads: “No one has the right to question how two adults perform sexual intercourse and whether this intercourse is natural or unnatural and that … the way the right to privacy is secured to two heterosexual individuals in sexual intercourse, it is equally secured to the people of third gender who have a different gender identity and sexual orientation.”

“In 2007, I found myself entrusted with a case… by Sunil Babu Pant that would leave an indelible mark on my journey. At the helm of Blue Diamond Society, Sunil brought forth a case that demanded not just representation, but a profound understanding of the struggle faced by the LGBTIQ community,” said Phuyal.

“Admittedly, my initial knowledge was limited on the issue, but through dedicated learning and unwavering commitment, I found the confidence to evoke it, and here we have it. The outcome, a resounding decision of the Supreme Court, stands as a backbone of hope and progress not only for Nepal but the world at large.

“We recognise that the civil and political rights are fundamental, but so are economic, social and cultural rights.”

He said that “rainbow tourism” not only promises economic growth but presents an opportunity to foster inclusion and empowerment in the LGBTIQ community. “By integrating them into the national economy, we not only create employment opportunities but also contribute to the overall prosperity of our nation.”

He stressed that the decision made by Nepal’s Supreme Court is a precedent for other countries, including the neighbours.

Diane Anderson-Minshall, CEO and chief storyteller of GO Magazine, in her presentation titled ‘LGBTI Tourism Global Overview and its Contribution to the Economy’, said that LGBTIQ or pink tourism are the segments of travellers that have a lot of wealth and purchasing power.

According to her, based on the Wealth and Travel Data Report of LGBT Capital 2023, the global annual spending power of LGBTIQ consumers is $4.7 trillion. Among them, the Americans have a spending capacity of $1.4 trillion, followed by the Chinese at $872 billion, Germans at $224 billion, Indians at $168 billion and the British at $164 billion.

China is an untapped market and that’s going to grow over the next several years. “And one of the things that we know from Chinese gay travellers is they are looking for places they feel safe, where they can hold hands and where they can have new experiences.”

And those are things they'll find in Nepal, said Anderson-Minshall. Germany and the UK are the LGBTIQ capitals.

Nandini Lahe-Thapa, director of the Nepal Tourism Board, said, “For Nepal’s tourism industry, the LGBTIQ conference is a triumph as this is one of the most important market segments that we have yet to tap.”

To attract more tourists to spend more and stay longer, Nepal is following the principle of ‘tourism for all and the power for all seasons and all reasons’, said Lahe-Thapa. “And so we are very proud to partner with the first-ever Rainbow Tourism International Conferences.”

People choose to travel to places where they feel safe, respected and can be themselves.

“People might feel uncomfortable sharing their identity and choices if the place and the people are judgmental and unfriendly. Here we have an advantage as a destination,” said Lahe-Thapa.

Nepal Tourism Board and the travel trade fraternity plan to capitalise on the potential of the pink community worldwide and have started investing in creating a more friendly and enabled environment to foster such tourism. Last year, the board organised a trekking guide training for 25 individuals from the LGBTIQ community.

According to Pant, now there are several businesses owned by members of the LGBTIQ communities—with at least two dozen bars, restaurants, travel and tour operators and hotels in Kathmandu. “Businesses are opening up for the queer and that’s a good sign. We can promote Nepal as a same-sex marriage and honeymoon destination.”

Nepal’s diverse culture includes rich LGBTIQ-related traditions. Exploring the country’s festivals, temples, symbols, rituals and stories, such as the concept of Ajima and the recognition of six genders, offers a unique cultural experience.

Pant said that they have launched a ‘tantra heritage tour’ that provides an in-depth exploration of Nepal's culture and spiritual aspects, including those related to matriarchy and LGBTIQ communities.

The pink community worldwide opens up a new segment of valuable visitors for Nepal.

Veronique Lorenzo, the EU ambassador to Nepal, said, “For Nepal, this is the first of many happy journeys. I think this conference can play an important role in supporting Nepal’s economy and helping the LGBTIQ community with jobs and recognition. There's an array of benefits from this tourism segment.”

“Nepal is a success story. It's the second country in Asia to have have registered same-sex marriage. Of course, there's still a lot of progress to be made. The fight has to go on every day to bring the legislative and legal frameworks in line with the evolution of society.”

“It's not just about the pink money, it's also about promoting inclusiveness and being fair to travellers.” 

Sangam Prasain Sangam Prasain is Business Editor at The Kathmandu Post, covering tourism, agriculture, mountaineering, aviation, infrastructure and other economic affairs. He joined The Kathmandu Post in October 2009.

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