nepal tourism value

Harnessing Tourism to Enhance the Value of Biodiversity and Promote Conservation in Nepal

Rhino in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Photo: Animesh Shrestha/World Bank

Animesh Shrestha/World Bank

More than 45 percent of tourists to Nepal visit the country’s wealth of natural resources, including snow-capped mountains, abundant rivers, and sub-tropical forests. The country’s significant biodiversity and wildlife assets are managed within 20 protected areas, including 12 national parks covering about 20 percent of the country’s land area. 

The tourism industry contributed about 6.7 percent to Nepal’s GDP, while its total impact was US$ 2.2 billion . In addition, in 2019, tourism supported over one million direct and indirect jobs, or 6.7 percent of total employment. Approximately 80 percent of these jobs are in the most remote and resource-constrained regions.   

While tourism already contributes significantly to Nepal’s economy, there are opportunities for further investments in the sector to reap additional benefits , especially for local livelihoods. This is important since Nepal is one of the many countries working to control unprecedented biodiversity losses while trying to address the development setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, there is increased awareness of two critical challenges: the steep declines in global biodiversity and the need for a green recovery from the pandemic. Policymakers recognize that these challenges need to be jointly addressed as one cannot be solved without the other.  

A new report released by the World Bank is providing some answers. Economic Impacts of Protected Area Tourism on Local Communities in Nepal estimates the direct and indirect benefits of protected area tourism to the local economies, thereby making the case that the economic benefits of protected areas far outweigh the benefits reaped by protected area management alone. Moreover, the report argues that promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism in Nepal’s protected areas is foundational for the country’s Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID). 

Promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism in Nepal’s protected areas is foundational for the country’s Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID).  

The report is centered on a study of the country’s famous Chitwan National Park, which is home to iconic species like the Greater One-Horned Rhino. Surveys were conducted in communities around the park, such as the Khairahani, Ratnanagar, and Bharatpur municipalities.

Data was also gathered from tourists, lodges, resorts, and local businesses and formed the basis for a general equilibrium model for local economy-wide impact evaluation (LEWIE) to analyze tourism’s direct and indirect impacts. Direct impacts cover the money spent by tourists in the protected areas.

In contrast, indirect impacts are the ripple effects that the spending has on the tourism market and how these are transferred through the local economy. For instance, the revenue generated by protected areas through park fees is an essential source of funding for biodiversity conservation.  

The revenue generated by protected areas through park fees is an essential source of funding for biodiversity conservation. 

The study finds that each visitor to Chitwan National Park adds, on average, about US$ 84 million annually to the real income of households in communities around the park. In addition, tourism to protected areas generates 4,309 jobs. The expenditures by tourists in protected areas generate significant household income multipliers – the change in local household incomes per the amount spent on local retail, services, and transport.

These multipliers benefit many households, including those not directly involved in the tourism sector. Two-thirds of tourists in the country visit protected areas but are concentrated in only four of 20 protected areas despite good conservation records. In addition, protected areas cover over 23 percent of the country’s land area and include national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife and hunting reserves.

Despite the increasing visitor flow (1.19 million in 2019), Nepal has been facing the risk of becoming a low-value mass tourism destination, damaging the very natural assets on which the sector depends. While visitor numbers increased sharply from 2016 to 2019, tourism receipts declined and have been low compared to competing destinations – an average of US$48 per day per international visitor in 2019 – almost half the global average and one-third of those in Thailand and India. 

However, Nepal has a lower benefit ratio for tourism, unlike other countries. This is because the country’s tourism industry infrastructure (trails, bridges, activities, and lodging) is underdeveloped and undermaintained. The country’s comparative advantage in nature-based tourism lies in its network of protected areas therefore, developing a high-value tourism offering, alongside infrastructure development (to make it easier for people to reach the improved offerings), can enhance development benefits.     

Nepal’s comparative advantage in nature-based tourism lies in its network of protected areas. Therefore, developing a high-value tourism offering, alongside infrastructure development can enhance development benefits.     

The report also suggests other ways the government could improve the benefits to the communities, such as providing incentives to businesses around Chitwan National Park to source locally. For example, a five percent increase in local purchases could increase local incomes by about US$ 2.8 million. In addition, two other critical challenges in Nepal’s tourism sector are highlighted: a shortage of skilled labor and a lower-than-average earning potential for workers.

The government could address these challenges by directing targeted investments to skills development and providing training and capacity-building opportunities to increase labor productivity and benefit households in the local economy. In addition, incentives could be introduced which would attract private sector investments.   

The report makes recommendations for policymakers to enhance the protection of Nepal’s natural assets, grow and diversify the country’s tourism sector and distribute the benefits to the local communities. These recommendations include an increase in public investment in protected area management by building the capacity of the park managers, managing the environmental footprint of tourism, and conducting a targeted assessment of the impacts of visitor spending.

In addition, Nepal’s tourism sector needs to expand and diversify beyond the four parks that are the main tourist attractions. This will require policies, programs, and investments extending beyond the protected areas and developing reliable commercial services and concession programs to create new sites, attract tourists, and generate revenue. Finally, the government also needs to explore opportunities for strengthening the linkages between the tourism value chains and the stakeholders in the local economy.

The World Bank supports the development of an upgraded concessional policy, which will facilitate businesses to partner with the government of Nepal to boost the economic role of protected areas in job creation while generating revenues to preserve biodiversity and landscapes.

The World Bank supports the development of an upgraded concessional policy, which will facilitate businesses to partner with the government of Nepal to boost the economic role of protected areas in job creation while generating revenues to preserve biodiversity and landscapes—assets that also generate climate resilience and mitigation benefits.

Furthermore, by enhancing private investment in demand-driven nature-based tourism development, Nepal can generate income and other benefits for the communities living around these globally renowned protected area assets. 

Last Updated: Nov 24, 2022

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Tourism in Nepal

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Tourism earnings hit record high

Sangam Prasain

Nepal recorded its historic high income from tourism in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, which ended mid-June, according to the latest data issued by Nepal Rastra Bank. Industry insiders attribute this to the appreciation of the US dollar.

The central bank said that the country earned Rs76.55 billion from tourism in the review period, surpassing the record set in 2018-19 when the country had earned Rs75.37 billion from 1.2 million foreign tourists. (At that time, the exchange rate was $1=Rs112.9.)

According to a central bank report, Nepal received 1.06 million tourists in the first 11 months.

“The surge in tourism income is primarily a result of the exchange rate,” said Deepak Raj Joshi, former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board.

Any adjustments in the exchange rate will prompt an appreciation or depreciation of the tourist’s currency, affecting transport costs and the tourist’s decisions to visit the country.

“Thus, the exchange rate impacts the number of tourist visits and tourism receipts,” said Joshi.

“Besides, the growth of international chain hotels and Nepal gradually switching to a digital payment system has also contributed to the growth in tourism income.”

The tourism ministry’s statistics show that the average stay of tourists in Nepal is currently 13.2 days, while they spend $41 per day.

Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson for the Nepal Rastra Bank, said the depreciated exchange rate positively relates to the tourism demand, as travel becomes less expensive when visiting a devalued country.

“The currency factor, normally, forces tourists to select a destination before a trip. In this context, a country with a depreciation in domestic currency will attract international tourists,” said Bhatta.

He said that while most of Nepal’s economic indicators have been underperforming, tourism has been doing exceptionally well.

While Nepal’s economy is anticipated to grow by 3.87 percent in the current fiscal year, accommodation and food service, which are linked to tourism activities, are expected to see a robust growth of 21.84 percent, the highest among all 18 economic compositions in the Nepali economy.

“This shows how the tourism industry has been a boon for Nepal’s sluggish economic growth.”

The digital payment system has also been making tourism income transparent.

Paras Kunwar, chief operating officer of Fonepay, said Indian tourists have been spending Rs5 million a day since Nepal started the payment system through the quick response (QR) code on March 1.

“Since the central bank has fully opened the digital retail payment gateway for Nepali operators with any other country, it will help bring more foreign currencies.”

Through the budget, the government has announced that it will draw 1.6 million foreign visitors this year.

According to industry insiders, the target is attainable, but there are a few challenges.

From November 8, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport will be closed for 10 hours daily, from 10 pm to 8 am, for five months until March 31, to expand the taxiways.

September-November is Nepal’s peak tourist season.

Besides, industry insiders say the Nepal Tourism Board has been headless for the past four months, affecting all international promotional and marketing events.

A number of reports, including the latest by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said Nepal’s economic activity is expected to pick up, with growth reaching 4.9 percent in the next fiscal year 2024-25. This growth will be supported by an increase in tourist arrivals, boosting domestic demand.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the country’s tourism promotional body, in 2023, tourist arrivals crossed the million mark for the first time in four years.

Foreign arrivals had crossed the one million mark for the first time in 2018 when the country received 1.17 million foreign visitors.

The number reached 1.19 million in 2019. Then, the Covid pandemic started in early 2020, bringing arrivals to a standstill. Travel restrictions and an economic slowdown triggered by lockdowns delivered a massive blow to Nepal’s burgeoning tourism industry, decimating revenues and profits after 2020.

Nepal received 230,085 and 150,962 tourists in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In 2022, the number shot up to 614,869.

Joshi said that by the end of 2024, Nepal may get 1.2 million tourists in the year.

“A careful execution of plan and proper marketing, especially in China, could boost arrivals to 1.6 million,” said Joshi. “It will be justified to shift Kathmandu’s airport expansion from November to December, to let the peak season pass.”

Dozens of luxury hotels have opened across the country so there are no problems with accommodation, he said.

Nepal has been widening roads and building other infrastructure, like airports, which will help attract more tourists.

However, industry insiders say the government’s neglect of air safety problems could hinder future growth, particularly in the high-end segment, where travellers consider the safety of any destination country while making travel plans.

Most embassies have put Nepal’s air safety situation on their travel advisories. The European Commission imposed this list in 2013 after Nepali airlines failed to meet international safety standards.

The government has wilfully ignored the call of the United Nations aviation watchdog, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, to split Nepal’s civil aviation body into two entities: service provider and regulator.

The separation is a crucial organisational reform agenda which has been a work in progress for the past one and a half decades.

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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Sustainable tourism in nepal: challenges and opportunities.

Lisa Choegyal a renowned tourism consultant who has worked throughout South Asia and the Asia Pacific. Her areas of work include natural and cultural heritage tourism focusing on sustainable livelihoods of communities. She first came to Nepal in 1974 and worked with Tiger Tops Jungle lodge in Chitwan until 1997. Thereafter, she has been engaged in sustainable tourism development in Nepal based on her experience. Since 2010 she is also honorary Consulate of New Zealand to Nepal. This is an excerpt prepared on basis of a virtual talk of Lisa Choegyal moderated by our creative editor Anita Gurung covering various aspects of challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism in Nepal. 

Meaning of Sustainable Tourism

What does sustainable tourism mean? This is an important question and needs to be understood properly. Having a long-standing experience and knowledge in the area of tourism and conservation, Lisa puts it as: “Sustainable Tourism is a concept of visiting somewhere as a tourist and consciously making a positive impact on the environment, society and economy”.

She also narrated that the core principle of Ecotourism is to protect nature and culture, benefit local people, provides interpretation and education. These are enshrined in the policies of the Government of Nepal (GoN) as tourism is deemed to be helping local people and development in the country. She adds, “The tourism industry has been certainly natural conservation and cultural heritages led. Our group always adopted the partnership approach which consisted of community, tourism manager, and tourism industry. It is these three elements that can be correlated to tourism sustainability.”

Sustainable tourism also entails awareness creation and appreciation of natural resources and heritage values, diversifies community jobs, livelihood and skills. It stimulates local products, crafts, and arts as well as improves visitors’ behavior and develops a self-financing mechanism. She notes. “Nepal has been utterly successful in developing tourism for self-financing, preserving culture, heritage, and nature. I think Nepal has achieved great strife in all these components.”

Mountain Travel and Mountaineering in Nepal 

Lisa revealed that Col. Jimmy Roberts was the one to start trekking in Nepal in 1964 which is now a huge business in Nepal. When he retired from the army service he was a famous mountaineer. His first group of trekkers (American ladies) went up in 1965. At first, it was started as a group activity. The tea houses later followed Jimmy’s style of trekking which are interestingly very long ones. Many tourists return to Nepal to do the trekking again.

She reckons that mountaineering has proved to be very significant in recent days. As much as 3.5 million has gone to Everest while 4.4million was for royalties.3136 climbers were expected in 2018. It has been a long hiatus since the Covid-19 pandemic infected Nepal.

To promote tourism in Nepal partnership was done with scientists, NGOs, government, travel industry, Bhutan, India. The key parts of Nepal’s success have been the diversified markets. Today social media has a lot of roles to play for sustainable tourism. She stresses, “For sustainable tourism, we have to be commercially viable and we cannot be niche. We also have to embrace the entire tourism industry.”

Changing Trends

“Now it has been realized how many people have been affected if tourists stopped coming in. We have always been focusing on partnership for development and Nepal has been very clever in doing partnership by using development partners such as UKaid, ADB, UNDP, WBG, NTB, NGO contribution, WWF, Ecotourism project, Great Himalayan Trail, etc and private sector.”

“Tourism is not only accommodation but also where you spent the nights, what stories you are told and who accompany you. Dwarika hotel in this aspect has been successful to great extent. The naturalists and guides are very important and Nepal is good as Nepal’s hospitality is very much appreciated by the foreigners. That’s why many tourists come here again and again.”

She also suggests, “Local products, local foods are important adapting local style. Packaging products include river running, wildlife. Nepal has a couple of hundred elephants and if tourists don’t come here it is going to be a problem. So I contend that it is disappointing that the current world view and judgment is that it is cruel to be keeping elephants like that and not releasing elephants to the wilderness, that they are not abused if they are kept. It is a hot topic in global tourism.”

Protecting Resources

“Protecting local resources is important on which the tourism depends. International Trust for nature conservation has made it possible for protection or nature conservation. Dwarika has been successful as the best example in Asia in providing the local resource to the tourists.”

She suggests.”Use Covid-19 to reset and regenerate sustainability, less extractive and attuned to nature. Arrival in Nepal in 2020 went down by 81%. Lack of coordination between countries about regulation, quarantine, aviation policies is some of the elements of misinterpretations.”

She stresses, “We must use tourism advocacy to effect change and climate reform in the wake of upcoming COP 26. We can see the melting glaciers and climate crisis and the foundation of houses cracking.”

How can you help?

Lisa has suggested that one can help by being conscious of one’s footprint, take nothing but photos, minimize waste, buy local, do not disturb flora and fauna, respect traditions, and choose responsible operators.

Try to contribute with your presence to the development of responsible and sustainable tourism building with your trip to a healthier and more solid planet.

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Editor: Khim Ghale [email protected] www.highlightstourism.com is dedicated to promoting tourism activities in Nepal. We produce video documentaries, feature articles, blogs, and guides related to the Nepali tourism destination, heritage, culture, and society.

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Tourism in Nepal

Welcome nepal.

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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.

Travel & Tourism - Nepal

• The projected revenue of the Travel & Tourism market in Nepal is estimated to reach US$444.80m by 2024, with an expected annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 9.06%.
• This growth is expected to result in a projected market volume of US$686.40m by 2029.
• The largest market in this market is the Package Holidays, with a projected market volume of US$203.60m in 2024.
• By 2029, the number of users in Package Holidays is expected to amount to 3,169.00k users.
• In 2024, the user penetration rate is 11.3%, which is expected to increase to 16.3% by 2029.
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$125.80.
• Online sales are projected to generate 65% of the total revenue in the Travel & Tourism market by 2029.
• It is worth noting that in global comparison, United States is expected to generate the most revenue in this market, with a projected revenue of US$214bn in 2024.
• Nepal's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a shift towards sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on ecotourism and community-based tourism initiatives.

Key regions: Malaysia , Europe , Singapore , Vietnam , United States

Definition:

The Travel & Tourism market encompasses a diverse range of accommodation services catering to the needs and preferences of travelers. This dynamic market includes package holidays, hotel accommodations, private vacation rentals, camping experiences, and cruises.

The market consists of five further markets.

• The Cruises market covers multi-day vacation trips on a cruise ship. The Cruises market encompasses exclusively passenger ticket revenues.
• The Vacation Rentals market comprises of private accommodation bookings which includes private holiday homes and houses as well as short-term rental of private rooms or flats.
• The Hotels market includes stays in hotels and professionally run guest houses.
• The Package Holidays market comprises of travel deals that normally contain travel and accommodation sold for one price, although optional further provisions can be included such as catering and tourist services.
• The Camping market includes bookings at camping sites for pitches using tents, campervans, or trailers. These can be associated with big chains or privately managed campsites.

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Travel & Tourism market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues and users for the above-mentioned markets. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year. Additional definitions for each market can be found within the respective market pages.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

Prominent players in this sector include online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Opodo, as well as tour operators such as TUI. Specialized platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Airbnb facilitate the online booking of hotels and private accommodations, contributing significantly to the market's vibrancy.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

• Bookings directly via the website of the service provider, travel agencies, online travel agencies (OTAs) or telephone

out-of-scope

• Business trips
• Other forms of trips (e.g. excursions, etc.)

Travel & Tourism

• Vacation Rentals
• Package Holidays
• Analyst Opinion

Nepal, known for its majestic mountains and rich cultural heritage, has been experiencing a notable growth in its Travel & Tourism market. Customer preferences: Travelers visiting Nepal are increasingly seeking authentic and immersive experiences, such as trekking in the Himalayas, exploring ancient temples, and participating in local festivals. The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices is also on the rise, with tourists showing a preference for responsible travel options. Trends in the market: One of the key trends shaping the Travel & Tourism market in Nepal is the growing popularity of adventure tourism. Activities like mountaineering, white-water rafting, and paragliding are attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe. Additionally, the country's focus on promoting cultural tourism has led to an increase in heritage tours and homestay experiences. Local special circumstances: Nepal's unique geography, which includes eight of the world's ten highest peaks, positions it as a prime destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The country's diverse ethnic communities and vibrant traditions also add to its appeal, offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultures. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The political stability and improved infrastructure in Nepal have played a significant role in driving the growth of the Travel & Tourism market. Government initiatives to promote tourism, such as easing visa regulations and investing in hospitality services, have helped attract a larger number of international visitors. Additionally, the increasing connectivity through air travel and the presence of a skilled workforce in the tourism industry have further boosted the sector's development.

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Additional notes:

• Sales Channels
• Travel Behavior
• Global Comparison
• Key Market Indicators

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Reviving Tourism

The latest data from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) shows that 72,719 foreign tourists entered Nepal in August 2024, marking an 8.29 per cent increase from the same month in 2023. This figure remains 23.85 per cent lower than the tourist arrivals in August 2019. This difference highlights a sluggish recovery, especially considering the rapid rebound seen in other global destinations post-COVID-19 pandemic. The underlying issues affecting Nepal’s tourism revival are multifaceted. One of the most pressing concerns is the country’s air safety record. Frequent air accidents have not only tarnished Nepal’s image as a safe destination but have also led to a noticeable decline in the number of American and European tourists.

This decrease is worrying, given that the markets are traditionally high-spending and contribute significantly to tourism revenue in Nepal.  The potential visitors seem discouraged by safety concerns, overshadowing the allure of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The NTB’s data also reveals that tourists from India accounted for 35 per cent of the total arrivals in August 2024. While the strong inflow of Indian tourists is encouraging, it also shows a reliance on regional visitors. This is evident as nearly half of all tourists visit Nepal from SAARC countries, with Asian nations outside this region contributing another 17. 34 per cent. In contrast, tourists from Europe and the Americas accounted for just 13.7 per cent and 8.8 per cent respectively.

Given this scenario, it is clear that a concerted effort is needed to revive Nepal’s tourism industry fully. The first step must be addressing the safety concerns that are driving potential visitors away. The government must prioritise improving both air and road safety to restore confidence among international travelers. This includes stricter regulations, better enforcement, and transparent communication about safety measures to reassuring the visitors. In addition to safety concerns, the government needs to reinvigorate its marketing efforts, particularly in Western markets. The NTB and private sector stakeholders must collaborate to craft compelling campaigns that not only highlight Nepal’s unique attractions but also directly address and mitigate the concerns that have led to a decline in visitors from the American and European countries. Digital marketing, targeted advertising, and partnerships with international tour operators could play crucial role in this strategy.

Moreover, the government must work to diversify the tourism sector. While the country is renowned for its trekking routes and cultural heritage sites, expanding into niche markets such as adventure tours, yoga meditation, organic foods, local people, wilderness, wellness retreats, and eco-tourism could attract a broader range of visitors. The tourism sector has immense potential in Nepal, but realising this requires addressing safety concerns, revitalising marketing efforts, and diversifying the tourism portfolio. The comprehensive measures are essential to restoring its tourism industry to its former glory and ensuring sustainable growth in the years to come.

Tourism industry is a vital contributor to foreign exchange earning and national economy of Nepal. Rich in ancient cultures and mesmerising natural beauty, the Tarai, hills and mountains attract visitors from around the world. The unparalled diversity, spanning from the steamy jungles to the icy peaks of the world’s highest mountains, offers a vast array of attractions that are unique to Nepal. Nepal is renowned for its adventure activities like white water rafting, bungy jumping mountain climbing, trekking, jungle safari, paragliding, canyoning, sky diving, rock climbing, zip-lining, sky cycling and so on. In addition, sight-seeing, cultural and heritage tours and mountain flights are also liked by Nepal visitors. Despite all these attractions, COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on this industry. Lately, tourism is recovering and thriving  which is a positive thing for the economy. 

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The Impact of Tourism on Nepal's Economy and Environment

This article explores the impact of tourism on environment and economy of nepal. discover how tourism has affected nepal's economy and learn about the environmental challenges that arise from increased tourism..

Without a doubt, tourism is a significant contributor to Nepal's thriving economy. It is responsible for providing sustenance to many individuals and is also the cause of prosperity for several households. The tourism industry has provided employment opportunities to numerous unemployed people, thereby improving their lifestyles. The absence of the tourism industry would lead to the deprivation of food and other necessities for many. However, just like any other aspect, tourism also has its pros and cons. This article examines both tourism's positive and negative aspects.

Below are some of the positive impacts that tourism can have on the economy and environment:

1.        foreign currency earning:.

Tourists from various countries are Nepal's primary foreign currency source. As they travel to relax and have fun, they spend money on local services and facilities provided by business owners, which creates an opportunity to earn foreign currency. This benefits both the tourists and the local economy.

2.        Contribution to government revenue:

When tourists arrive in any country, they pay for entry permits or visa applications. Additionally, they spend money on various services and facilities provided by service operators. These operators are required to pay taxes to the government, which helps increase the government's revenue. Therefore, both the taxes paid by service providers and the money spent by tourists contribute significantly to the government's revenue.

3.        Employment opportunities:

As the number of tourists increases, there is a greater need for more services and facilities. The tourism industry requires skilled manpower, providing educated individuals with employment opportunities. This can reduce complaints about being unemployed or underemployed. When tourists arrive at a destination, they have a variety of interests and require various services, such as accommodation, transportation, preservation of attraction areas, cultural shows, and other activities. These services create job opportunities that contribute to the area's economic growth.

4.        Infrastructural development:

Infrastructure plays a vital role in attracting tourists to a particular area. Tourists are unlikely to visit areas where infrastructure development has not taken place. While most places in cities are well-developed, rural areas often lack the necessary infrastructure. However, when people realize the benefits of tourism, they become motivated to develop their area. As many tourists are interested in enjoying nature, they tend to visit rural areas, which can lead to the development of necessary infrastructure.

5.        Contribution to local business and economy:

Small-scale local industries play a significant role in supporting large industries, both directly and indirectly. They also contribute to the growth of local businesses by utilizing their services in the service sector. When tourists visit rural areas, they prefer staying in a home rather than hotels. This creates a demand for local products, which tourists are willing to pay for, generating income for the local community. By doing so, the local economy can flourish and grow.

6.        Increase in living standard of people:

Tourism is a diverse business with several sectors, and its advantages reach a wide range of individuals and groups. When tourism thrives in a region, it generates more revenue and opens up prospects for greater engagement from all stakeholders. This increase in revenue and engagement can contribute to an improvement in the local community's living conditions. As a result, tourism may benefit the local economy by producing employment and opening up prospects for entrepreneurship and community development.

7.        Improve quality product:

When traveling, tourists often seek high-quality things to guarantee that they get good value for their money. Because visitors would not accept satisfactory items, this demand for quality products may motivate local manufacturers to raise the level of their products. As a result, the local community gains access to and benefits from these higher-quality products. Finally, the push for higher-quality items in response to tourist demand might have a knock-on impact, resulting in better living conditions for the local population.

Below are some of the adverse effects of tourism on Nepal's economy and environment:

1.        inflation:.

Inflation is the process of raising and lowering the value of a currency. Tourism creates the situation due to the unbalanced payment of nations and the comparison of local currencies in dollars. The flow of tourists in certain places may cause inflation, which may create an economic crisis in certain places where tourists visit. Therefore, while tourism can provide significant benefits to the local economy, it is essential to manage its impact to avoid the negative consequences of inflation.

2.        Dependency on tourism:

Tourism can contribute to any location's economic growth, but it can also create dependency and create crises in certain situations. Excessive reliance on tourism can lead to negative consequences, causing difficulties in sustaining businesses and forcing people to seek alternative livelihoods. This was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel restrictions halted tourism activities, and areas in Nepal that heavily relied on tourism were unable to meet their basic needs. Thus, while tourism can be a valuable source of income, it is essential to diversify the economy and not become overly reliant on tourism as the sole source of revenue. By doing so, communities can better withstand the negative impacts of crises and maintain a sustainable economy.

3.        Seasonally load:

Tourism is a seasonal business and has its highs and lows. During the high season, there is a surge in the number of tourists, which creates a high seasonal load to handle. On the other hand, during the low or off-season, the arrival of tourists is low, which means there is not much work to do and consequently, low income.

4.        Less priority to domestic products:

Tourism businesses often prioritize providing standard services and branded products to tourists who come from abroad. This can create a situation where domestic products are given less priority, and businesses may choose to import goods from other countries instead. This can lead to fewer opportunities for domestic products and industries to thrive.

5.        Illegal economical activities:

Tourists may make illegal demands from those engaged in the tourism industry, with the belief that money can buy anything. Unfortunately, some individuals may be willing to accept such illegal demands, which can harm the long-term sustainability of the business. These practices can also create negative impacts on society and the economy of certain areas.

As tourism carries both positive and negative aspects, it is important to manage tourism in a sustainable way that maximizes the benefits while minimizing the negative impacts. This can be achieved by implementing policies and regulations that ensure environmental and cultural preservation, as well as equitable economic distribution. By doing so, Nepal can continue to enjoy the benefits of tourism without compromising its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

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• sustainable tourism
• environmental challenges
• tourism industry
• economic growth

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Tourism in Nepal

• Last Updated on Apr 9, 2020

Nepal is known for being one of the most famous travel destinations in the world. With thousands of tourists visiting the county every year, Tourism in Nepal has soared to new heights. Nepal has become a popular tourist hotspot. The capital city of the country, Kathmandu and the city of lakes, Pokhara are the top cities in the country to see a sharp increase in the number of tourists in recent years. With trekking routes to Everest and Annapurna flooded by foreigners throughout the year, the trekking has added a boost to increase the tourism market. From UNESCO world heritage sites to different ancient landmarks, from a diverse ethnic community to experiencing different cultures and traditions, all of which have been successful to catch the interest of foreigners to visit the country of Nepal.

So how did Nepal, a small country in South East Asia become a hub, which has been successful to attract travelers from all around the world? To get a better grasp on how this developing country made its way to be one of the top global tourism industries, let us take a look at how this all began.   

Table of Contents

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

History of tourism in nepal.

The History of Tourism in Nepal began, after the first successful expedition of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary to reach the top of Everest. Before 1951, tourism was not an option for the country as the Rana Regime had banned any foreigners from entering the country. It wasn’t after the successful ascent of Everest that tourism had started to bloom in Nepal. In 1956, the National Planning Council on Tourism was established. With an addition to the National tourist Development Board establishment in the same year and Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation starting its services in 1959, the tourism just exploded in Nepal.

In the 1960’s and early 1970s hippies started to notice Nepal as the place to get an abundant amount of marijuana and hashish. The government started to notice the event and banned the selling of marijuana and hashish in 1973. This became a turning point in the tourism sector of Nepal. More and more people started to visit the country for its traditional culture and religion. With a high inflow of refugees from Tibet Buddhism started to become popular. As the community became diverse, in the 1980’s Nepal tourism board formally started to promote Nepal as a great destination for traveling. After the 2000’s the country is seeing a rise with the tourist inflow every year. Thousands of travelers are coming to Nepal to explore its pristine natural beauty and to observe the vast and rich cultures and traditions that it holds with its diverse religious communities.

Development of Tourism in Nepal

The popularity of tourism surged in Nepal after the country started to better care about its natural atmosphere(Resources) which helped in the Development of Tourism in the country. Nepal was recognized as the world’s second-richest country in water sources. This helped in promoting cities like Pokhara(known as the city of Lakes). With the capital bustling with tourists because of the one and only international airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) in the country, Kathmandu started to become the center for setting up hotels and restaurants to receive the foreign guests. Everest was already the top destination for all travelers visiting Nepal but began to change as new trekking routes started to come into operation. Pokhara made a big contribution by promoting trekking adventures around its city and surrounding mountain valleys.  An example is a famous trek to the base camp of Mt Annapurna(8091m, 26,545ft).

With the Everest trails flooded by tourists and travelers, new exploration options to some of the world’s highest mountains became popular. Actually, there’s more. 8 of the top 10 highest peaks in the world lie in Nepal. So you can see why the trekking became a famous tourism boot for the country. With cities and trekking becoming rapidly popular, adventure activities like paragliding, zipline, bungee jumping, rafting, and more started to get high responses from travelers. But, this isn’t all.

• Nepal holds a rich forest area with diverse flora and fauna which is a curiosity to  foreign scientists
• The country holds many UNESCO World heritage sites and popular landmarks famous throughout the world
• The addition of jungle safari in Chitwan was a huge boot to the Asian traveling market which increased the inflow of foreigners
• Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha lies in Nepal and brought Buddhists from all around the world. 

Scope of Tourism in Nepal

Now lies the question. What can Nepal offer to its travelers and increase the scope of the tourism industry to grow itself to greater heights? The answer is rather simple. The Scope of tourism in Nepal extends from the east to the west, from the north to the south, from the air and to the land. With many rivers, lakes and water sources in the country, rafting and boating have and can become a better attraction to foreigners. The paragliding, hot air balloon, bungee, and Zipline through the air are seeing more interaction for foreign adventurers. Mountain biking, trekking, city tours, and site visits, and jungle safari is definitely one that brings excitement to travelers and foreigners by connecting them with the local traditions and culture and with the pristine natural atmosphere of Nepal. All of this plays a vital role to increase the scope of the tourism industry throughout the country. Every year new adventure activities like rock climbing and trekking adventures are popping up one after another in the country. If the Government of Nepal can manage all of its resources properly, the tourism sector of the nation can grow to greater heights in the international tourism sector.

Possibilities of Tourism in Nepal

The Possibility of Tourism in Nepal is actually, at a potentially high level. This has to do with its geographical location, its culture and traditions, landmarks, and probably the most important factor, is its natural beauty. Nepal has many forests, mountain valleys, and river trails. This is a major attraction to tourists who seek out quiet time with their families. Many travelers like to explore the nature and culture of the people. Nepal offers 101 ethnic groups with over 92 different languages. With vast culture and traditions, it is always a treat for the foreigners to observe the life of different communities in Nepal.

The mountain valleys hold the high snow peak mountains. Some famous ones are probably Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, Mardi Himal, etc. All the trails around the mountain region are being developed at a rapid pace with many hotels and lodges being set up all around the routes. Foreigners or travelers who visit Nepal, love to watch the high mountains and the trekking option available around these mountain trails. How can we forget the 10 UNESCO world heritage sites and different ancient and historical landmarks? These landmarks can be converted to sightseeing trips for the foreigners. Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha has many monasteries and Buddhist temples that are and can attract more inflow of tourists.

Also, the natural parks like the Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park , and the Bardia National Park can be included with many adventure activities like Jungle Safari, Jeep Safari, Zoo visit, Wildlife viewing center, and more. Other activities like Paragliding, Bungee jumping, rafting, Zipline, Mountain Biking, and more are being developed at a rapid pace. Such activities are popular throughout the world and are gathering the attention of many adventurers and travelers visiting Nepal.

Advantages of Tourism in Nepal

Tourism heavily influences the working of Nepal's government. The advantages of tourism start with the following points

The main source of foreign currency

Tourism is the number one source to generate foreign currency in Nepal. As the tourism sector grows and more foreigners spend their time in Nepal, the inflow of the currency directly uplifts the working of the country. As Nepal imports more goods than exporting its local products, the foreign currency is the highest number two source to generate money for the country to compete internationally.

Supports handicraft and Cottage Industries

Foreigners take a keen interest in handicraft goods made from the local products using raw material available in the country. Goods like carpers, status, portraits are at a high demand by travelers. This helps the community to grow. It also expands the popularity of the Nepalese people’s handiwork throughout the world.

Development of Infrastructure

The Nepal Government after seeing tourism flourish in the country have given a lot of focus to develop facilities for the foreigner and travelers from all around the world. This helps to develop better infrastructure in the Country which benefits the citizens of the country as a whole.

Conservation of Art and Culture

When foreigners visit the country, they get to experience the local culture and traditions. Historical site visits and observing the art and architecture of famous UNESCO world heritage sites and landmarks help the country to spread its religious norms and values throughout the world.

Increase in Trade

As the tourism industry started to develop in the country, the demands for locally made goods and products started to increase in the global market. This boosts the economy of local businesses and the country as a whole.

Publicity throughout the World

Tourism helps us to spread our influence in the world. Names of sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Muktinath, Swayambhunath, Lumbini, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Davis Falls, Phewa Lake, and more have been successfully spread in the world. This has led to an increase in tourist inflow to watch visit these places and its surroundings. This helps to generate easy income for people around the landmarks and +

Importance of Tourism in Nepal 

The importance of tourism in Nepal is a business supporting its workers. From tourism, the Country has many benefits. Of which the most two important is basically the following:

1. Local Handicrafts industry, RestaurSupports ants and Hotels

Tourism in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara influences the Hotels and restaurant businesses. It also directly influences buying locally made handicrafts that the citizens show less interest in.

2. Helps to Grow the economy of the Nation as a whole

The main importance of Tourism is that it is the second-best method to generate an economy for the country. With the high inflow of tourists, the spending of their currencies provides a great income source to the less important currency of Nepal. This helps to develop the country's resources and help to develop the life of people as a whole.

Present Situation of Tourism in Nepal 

The situation of the Tourism industry in Nepal has taken a dire turn. This year, which was supposed to be the #visitnepal2020 (the slogan for the tourism year) went in ruins for the country. With the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China the virus has spread throughout the world. With travel bans and countries in lockdown, no one wants to leave their home. This has affected the tourism industry very hard. With the loss inflow of tourists, many organizations, companies, and businesses in the country are having a hard economical downfall. On March 30, 2020, the total cases for the coronavirus reached a total of 740,000 people who tested positive. It would have been easier if there was a cure for this pandemic. However, as the virus is never seen before type, the cure is still not available. The total number of people dead in the world crosses 35000. In Nepal, 4 deaths were confirmed with no accurate data of the positive number of cases reported. With such a situation in the world, travelers were banned from going out of their country. Even in Nepal, quarantine has become a usual activity since March 24, 2020. With every business that depends on tourism for a proper income generation, it all came to a Halt until further notice.  

Tourism in Nepal Statistics 

Tourism in Nepal can be estimated by some statistical data. Let us take a look at the year 2018. In this year, the ranks for the tourist with respect to their country are, 

• United Kingdom

If you take a look at their purpose for visiting, 703,843 people visited the county for holiday, 187,692 for pilgrimage tours, 169,180 for trekking, and 112,357 people for other reasons. The Shree number in just 2018 helps to look at the growth rate for each sector in the tourism industry. We have listed the arrivals of tourists from 2012 to 2018 through a chart which shows the staggering increase in the number of visitors to come to Nepal for exploring. 

For the Nepal statistics on tourism, we can see how important the country is prioritizing itself to better improve the tourism sector. 

Prospects of Tourism in Nepal 

Nepal has many prospects for tourism. From ancient art and architecture to historical landmarks the country is shaped around ancient architectural buildings surrounded by a beautiful natural atmosphere. The country has flatlands, rocky hilly trails, and high mountain valleys which shows the geographical diversity in the country. With this diversity, many options and services can be created to make the tourism industry boom in the country. Some Prospects the might play a key role are:

Pilgrimage and Spiritual significance

Exploring pilgrimage destinations that are scattered throughout the nation. Nepal is a Hindu country, which has numerous ancient pilgrimage sites. The Kathmandu Valley alone houses the famous Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath and several other temples and monuments which have a rich cultural significance. Janaki Mandir in Janakpur, Tengboche Monastery in the Everest trail, Lumbini, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, and etc are just a few which are scarred throughout the nation. Moreover, the Himalayas are considered to have a huge spiritual significance to the Tibetan Buddhist culture.

City and Mountain Visits

The capital city of Kathmandu holds 7 of the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal and offers a sightseeing adventure to observe the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. If we look at Pokhara( the city of lakes), it is a popular destination with many famous site visits and trekking options around the region. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and Chitwan, is the home of the rarest animals in Nepal. These city tours will have great help in making the tourists engage with the people around the region.  Trekking and mountaineering have always been the beginning of the start of tourism in Nepal. Of the world’s 14 highest peaks above 8,000 m, eight of them are held by the country of Nepal. The trekking trails and mountain views around these paths are a treat to the eyes of foreigners. With local people's rich culture and lifestyle around these mountain visits, it attracts the tourists. They take their experience home and share it around which is a free advertisement for the country. Just the mountain trekking alone sees thousands of tourists visiting the country.  

Natural experience and adventure activities it offers

The tropical jungles of Nepal hold some of the rarest wildlife habitats in South East Asia. The One-Horned Rhinoceros, The Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red panda, and Musk Deers are just a name of new rare species seen in the region. The nature conservation centers house more than 850 species of birds in various parts of the country. With national parks providing adventure activities of Jungle safari, Nepal can see a rise in its tourism. Nepal is also popular with its adventure activities through its natural resources. Paragliding, Bungee, mountain biking, boating, zipline, etc are just to name a few. 

Be a part of Nepal's visit and excursion with Nepal Trek Adventure in 2022 and upcoming years ahead.

Manju Mahato

Manju Mahato is a content and blog writer with over 5 years of experience in the field. She has a passion for creating compelling and engaging content that resonates with readers. Her expertise lies in crafting informative and well-researched articles on a wide range of topics, including health, travel, and technology. She is a skilled communicator and enjoys connecting with her readers through her writing. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she strives to deliver high-quality and informative content that makes a difference.

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11 tips for exploring Nepal on a budget

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Budget your trip to Nepal with this guide to daily costs with money-saving tips © Nabaraj Regmi / Shutterstock

Nepal is a great-value destination for travelers at any budget level.

From independent backpackers solo-hiking Annapurna to luxury safari tent lodges in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, you’ll get more in Nepal for any given budget than in most popular tourism destinations. Kathmandu has had a strong budget-travel scene since the Hippie Trail era of the 1970s, and in the years since, this has expanded to include cities and trekking routes all across the country. 

While prices are no longer quite what they were in the '70s, Nepal is not expensive, and there’s plenty of value to be had for visitors that follow these budget tips.

Looking for the top things to do in Nepal? Here are the country's best experiences

A guide to daily costs in Nepal

• Hostel bed: from Rs 400
• Basic room for two: from RS 1500
• Public bus Kathmandu to Pokhara: from Rs 800
• Tourist bus Kathmandu to Pokhara: from Rs 1300
• Espresso-based coffee: from Rs 200
• Plate of momos (dumplings): from Rs 130
• Fancy dinner for two: from Rs 3300–6500
• Daal bhaat (traditional Nepali dish of rish and vegetables) at a mountain lodge: from Rs 400–850
• Craft beer at a Kathmandu bar: from Rs 400

Average daily cost: from Rs 2000–6700

Average cost to travel to Nepal for 2 weeks:  Rs 28,000–94,000

Aim for the shoulder seasons: February/March and September/October

The busiest seasons for tourism in Nepal are mid-October into late November and late March through April; prices go up for accommodation across the country during this period, and on popular trekking routes it can be difficult to show up and find a room as lodges sometimes book out completely. Visit just outside of these periods in the shoulder seasons, however, and expect far fewer visitors and lower prices across the country – in towns this might mean a 20–30% discount on mid-range hotels and guesthouses, while in the mountains it will often mean free charging or wi-fi negotiated as part of your room price. The tradeoff is occasional rainy days, but of course your legs do need a rest day at some point.

Ready to plan your time in Nepal? Here's our seasonal guide

Walk away from Kathmandu airport

You came to Nepal for walking, right? Taxis at Kathmandu airport often quote laughably high prices to arriving travelers. Walk approx 80m (260ft) down from the airport building to Ring Road, where you can expect more normal taxi rates – expect around Rs 600 to the popular Thamel neighborhood – or catch public transport to your destination in the city. If that’s not appealing, contact your hotel in advance, as many arrange fixed-price or even complimentary transfers for guests staying multiple nights.

Get around town with Pathao and InDrive 

Even better than hailing a taxi on the street, download the Pathao or InDrive mobile ride-hailing apps to get taxis at local prices. Pathao works well in Kathmandu, while outside of the valley InDrive is by far the more reliable choice.

Get out of Thamel to eat and sleep

Thamel is arguably the most convenient area of Kathmandu for travelers who need to stock up for long treks, arrange tours or guides, or want restaurants catering to foreign cuisines and palates. However, this also means prices are higher in the neighborhood than at comparable venues elsewhere in the city. The edges of Thamel are easy places to look for good-value accommodation – some up to 20% less than somewhere more central – and for dining you’ll find better value (if certainly less variety) elsewhere in the city.

Consider Boudhanath as an alternate base

While certainly still a touristy area, the neighborhood immediately surrounding Boudhanath Stupa is a great alternative to Thamel with good-value accommodation and food but a much more relaxed vibe. Expect to be dodging crowds of pilgrims rather than rickshaws, and waking up to Buddhist chants far more often than car horns. It’s also very convenient to the airport, so makes a good base for a few relaxing days in the city at the end of a trip.

Extend tickets to Kathmandu Valley’s major tourist sites

Boudhanath, Patan Durbar , Kathmandu Durbar , and historic Bhaktapur are rightfully some of the most popular cultural attractions in Nepal. Ticket prices range from $3 in Boudhanath to $15 at Bhaktapur, but what many tourists don’t realize is that you can get any of these extended on-site for reuse (mostly for one week, though Kathmandu Durbar is valid until the expiration of your tourist visa). You’ll need your passport to extend any of them, and, at Kathmandu Durbar, passport photos as well.

Traveling beyond Kathmandu? Here's our guide to public transportation in Nepal

Eat local – especially when trekking

There’s a large price gap between Nepali and international dishes, not only when comparing restaurants in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara but also when choosing between dishes in high mountain trekking lodges. In the mountains, daal bhaat (a mixed plate of lentil soup, rice, and curried vegetables) is the best value around – and with all-you-can-eat refills of lentils and rice, it’s the ideal way to refuel after a long day of walking.

Book the tourist bus instead of the local

While not the cheapest option available, the many tourist buses that depart each morning for Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini consistently offer more comfortable and faster trips for just a few dollars more than the local option. By hour six or seven you may still be cursing yourself for not taking that domestic flight, but when you calculate the money saved in terms of momos to be eaten, it’ll all seem worth it. 

Find a trek at your skill level, and do it unguided

The most popular treks in Nepal are along well-defined and busy paths, so hikers with a firm grasp on the fundamental skills of trekking in mountainous terrain can be reasonably confident of managing the journey without a guide. This is not to say you should go solo – a risky proposition at any skill level – but know your own limits in the outdoors and select a trek based on those limits.

If you go guided, arrange it once you arrive to Nepal

Whether for safety concerns, cultural insights, or just ease of planning, many tourists do prefer to hike with a local guide in Nepal. If that’s you, and if you’re not on a tight schedule, consider waiting until you actually arrive to make arrangements. Tour agents in the cities can advise on suitable trekking routes based on hiking experience and personal preferences, as can independent guides themselves (though always ask about qualifications), and you’ll save a good chunk of money by cutting resellers out of the process. If you find a guide you get along well with, keep their contact info handy for future trips or to pass to friends, as most are freelancers and can happily arrange tours independent of booking agencies.

There are many great trekking routes in Nepal. Here are the best

Rent gear for short treks

Similarly if you intend to do a short trek as part of a longer itinerary and don’t want to travel with a full load of trekking gear, or just don’t trek much in general and don’t own all the necessary kit, consider renting equipment for the duration of your hike once you arrive in Nepal. 

Expect to spend around Rs 100 per day for a jacket or bag, most reliably available in Kathmandu and Pokhara’s touristy areas.

This article was first published Mar 28, 2022 and updated Jun 6, 2024.

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Attractions

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Protected Areas
• Eight Thousanders
• Pilgrimage Sites
• Bungee Jumping
• Motor Biking
• Rafting & Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Paragliding
• Cave Exploration
• Hot Air Balloon
• Bird Watching
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• Nagarkot Sunrise and Sunset
• Traditional Crafts
• Meet the People
• Village Tours
• Food & Culinary
• Cultural Tours
• Heritage Walk
• Museum Tours
• Faith Healing
• Panchakarma Treatment
• Sound Meditation
• Natural Hot Water Springs in Nepal
• Pilgrimage Tours
• Destination Wedding
• Indra Jatra
• Chhat Parva
• Event Calendar
• Festival Highlights
• Travel with children
• Ganesh Himal Trek
• Chandragiri - Chitlang - Kulekhani
• Pilgrimage to Doleshwar mahadev Temple

About Nepal

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• Safety in the Mountains

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Latest Travel Updates

Updates about latest rules and standard protocol for traveling and trekking in Nepal.

New Provision for Trekking in Nepal

FAQs about the new provision

The new rule will come into effect from April 1st, 2023. The trekkers who get the permits and start the trek before April 1st will not require a guide. But they'll need to have entered the trekking area before April 1st.

All the treks need to comply with the new rule. You can contact a trekking agency in Nepal for the guide to accompany you in mountain bikes.

Trekking Agencies in Nepal

What if I an experienced trekker and associated to a trekking/mountaineering association in home country?

The rule is applicable for all the foreign national trekkers.

Is this rule also applicable when I hike around Kathmandu? Or to Sarangkot? Where all are these rules applicable?

The Revised Provision for Trekking in Nepal must be followed only while trekking to areas where TIMS is applicable. It is applicable in all national park areas in the mountains. It is not applicable in Kathmandu Valley outskirts, Pokhara outskirts, and hiking areas in and around major cities.

Do I have to go via a trekking agency? Or is it OK so long as I have a guide?

It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide through a government-registered trekking agency.

How can I find that out if the trekking agency is legit?

Trekking guide must be hired through government-registered trekking agency. You can verify information on the trekking agency from Department of Tourism and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal .

What are the consequences if I do not follow this rule?

Not following the rule is a punishable offense.

I am a trail runner and fast packer, no agency specifically provided guides that can keep up with me. What should I do?

It is applicable to all. You must ascertain that the trekking agency can provide guide who matches your specific requirement.

I am an expat living in Nepal. Does this rule also apply to me?

Yes, the rule is applicable to Diplomats as well as Expats.

I am Nepali. Does this rule apply to me?

The rule is not applicable to Nepali citizens.

What if I go on a motorcycle ride to Muktinath?

The rule does not apply to motorcycle ride or the bus ride to Muktinath. TIMS and Annapurna area permit are required.

What are the areas requiring TIMS and permits?

Covid 19 Related Information

Useful links.

• Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN)
• Nepal Mountaineering Association
• COVID-19 Crisis Management Center
• Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Department of Immigration
• Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
• Nepal Airline Corporation
• Diplomatic Missions in Kathmandu

Just in Case

NTB Crisis Cell: [email protected]

COVID Hotline: 9851255839,9851255837,9851255834

Tourist Police: 1144/014247041

Sukraraj Hospital, Ktm: 014253396

Gandaki Hospital, Pkr: 061520067

Nepal Tourism Board is a national tourism organization of Nepal established in 1998 by an Act of Parliament in the form of partnership between the Government of Nepal and private sector tourism industry to develop and market Nepal as an attractive tourist destination. The Board provides platform for vision-drawn leadership for Nepal’s tourism sector by integrating Government commitment with the dynamism of private sector.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nepal

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 22, 2022

Nepal is a surprisingly diverse country that attracts visitors for many reasons. Some are lured by the call of the mountains and seeking to climb or trek in the Himalayas, others are intrigued by the culture and the famous city of Kathmandu, and yet others come hoping to find some sort of spiritual awakening. Nepal can be an adrenaline adventure, a cultural eye opener, a life-changing experience, or all of the above.

Most travelers spend some time in Kathmandu visiting sacred and historic attractions, and then head out to other parts of the country. Some of the best places to visit outside the capital are Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park for wildlife viewing, and the lakeside town of Pokhara , a popular area for embarking on treks.

Trekkers will find a variety of options across Nepal, with the most important areas being the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions.

In 2015, a major earthquake struck Nepal, causing severe damage in Kathmandu and other areas, and restoration is still underway. In Nepal, things take time to happen, and when they do, they tend to happen unevenly, so progress has been substantial in some areas and limited in others. That said, much of the damage to the major sights has been repaired, although some historical treasures were lost forever.

To find the best places to visit, have a read through our list of the top attractions in Nepal.

Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath)

Trekking in the annapurna region, chitwan national park, trekking in the langtang region, swayambhunath (monkey temple), everest & the trek to base camp, bardiya national park, pashupatinath temple, international mountain museum, helambu trek, white water rafting.

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the heart of the city are a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere that permeates the streets. The smell of incense wafts from stores while street sellers push their goods, and people go about their daily lives, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.

For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. Situated in close proximity to each other, today these three almost run together.

The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here.

Kathmandu's Durbar Square was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake, with many buildings destroyed beyond repair, but it still remains a special place to visit.

Bhaktapur, the third of the "Royal Cities," lies on the old trade route to Tibet, just outside of Kathmandu. For Bhaktapur, the trade route was both an arterial link and major source of wealth. Its relative remoteness at the time allowed the city to develop independently and in ways which distinguish it from the other two cities.

In contrast to Patan and Kathmandu, the population of Bhaktapur is primarily Hindu. The best place from which to begin a tour of the city is Durbar Square, where in addition to the royal palace, several temples are also situated. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Many of the buildings in Durbar Square in Bhaktapur were damaged in the 2015 earthquake; the main temples are close to being repaired fully. However, other buildings in the complex remain in ruin. The UNESCO-funded restoration work came to a stop in 2019 and the agency had to withdraw due to threats against its workers. The project has been turned over to the Nepali Department of Archeology. Restoration work continues albeit very slowly.

The Bodhanath Stupa, just outside Kathmandu, is one of the largest stupas of its kind in the world and dates to some time around the 6th century, possibly even earlier. Like Bhaktapur, it lies on the old trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stupa itself is a symbol of enlightenment but at Boudhanath the symbolism is particularly clear. Each different shape represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, which are also the attributes of the five Buddhas. Brought together in the form of the stupa, their unity reflects in abstract fashion the structure of the universe itself.

The stupa sustained minor damage during the 2015 earthquake and is now fully repaired.

Set at the base of the foothills and surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world – Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I – Pokhara is one of Nepal's most scenic cities. For trekkers, Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna region. It's also a wonderful spot to relax for a bit, either before or after a hiking trip.

By population, it is the second largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu but still does not feel like a big city. As you travel from Kathmandu, 200 kilometers to the east, you'll notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate almost immediately. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops, is ideal for those looking for a little relaxation.

The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal, with options that range from a few days to a few weeks. Three main routes in the Annapurna Region intersect and combine in places, and you can opt to do a portion or a variation on the routes. The routes are well marked and easy to follow.

The Annapurna Circuit around Annapurna Mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is incredibly popular with people who have enough time. This route is sometimes called the "Apple Pie Circuit," in reference to the fact that most of the teahouses along the route serve their own version of fried apple pie.

A popular hiking destination in this region, often offered in hiking packages in combination with the Annapurna Circuit, is the trek to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) near Ghorepani. Most hikers try to be on Poon Hill early to see sunrise and a stunning view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.

The Annapurna Sanctuary nestles between the peaks of Annapurna and takes five days to reach. Muktinath is on the way to Annapurna but has since become a destination in its own right. The Muktinath route runs in the Kali Gandaki Valley on the east flank of Annapurna and takes seven days. North of Muktinath is Mustang, a small region that was only opened up to tourists in 1992. This area has its own fascinating culture.

In many regards, the Annapurna Region, north of Pokhara, is an ideal walking area. The dramatic contrasts of the Nepalese countryside are especially visible, from the subtropical vegetation of the Pokhara Valley to the dry rain shadow area, with features of the Tibetan plateau. The people and cultures are also very different: facial characteristics, food, houses, lifestyles, customs, and religion.

The Annapurna region was declared a protected area in 1986. Most importantly, it has a good infrastructure to support the many trekkers that come through this area. The paths are well maintained, and food and lodging are plentiful.

Chitwan National Park is the place to come to experience a different side of Nepal. This is a wonderful place for wildlife viewing and it has a safari-type atmosphere. At an altitude of only 100 meters in some areas, much lower than Kathmandu at 1,400 meters, Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate, quite different than what you'd expect to find in Nepal.

Travelers come here to see wildlife. The park is home to rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (buffalo), deer, and many other critters. Freshwater dolphins (gangetic) and crocodiles inhabit the rivers and streams but are rarely seen. More than 500 species of birds make Chitwan a paradise for ornithologists. Tours from the lodges take you out into the park, either on foot, or more often, on elephants for close-up views of the animals.

Chitwan lies southwest of Kathmandu close to the Indian frontier and is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites.

The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to February. Average temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), with high humidity, although the mornings can be quite cool. June to September is the monsoon season, with frequent and heavy rain.

The Langtang Region, home to Langtang National Park , is an incredible area for hiking, with high passes, extensive views, old monasteries, and beautiful mountain scenery. Rhododendron forests bloom during the spring hiking season adding color to the vistas.

The region, home to the Sherpa people, is less developed than some of the other popular trekking areas in Nepal and generally less busy on the trails, despite its close proximity to Kathmandu. Villages with guesthouses and food can be found along the route, although somewhat more spread out than in other trekking regions.

This area can be reached easily from Kathmandu by jeep in seven to eight hours. On a clear day, the peak of Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters), which dominates the surrounding area of the same name, is visible from Kathmandu.

Trekking lengths and duration in Langtang range from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the routing. Some trekkers combine Helambu and Langtang for a longer trek.

Set on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is the second most important shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. Due to the resident monkeys that inhabit parts of the temple, it is more affectionately known as the Monkey Temple.

The Swayambhu Stupa, painted with the eyes of the omnipresent god, forms the centerpiece of the temple complex. It was originally a prehistoric cult site, but the temple complex dates to the 5th century. Swayambhu plays a major part in the lives of the Vajrayana Buddhists of Northern Nepal and Tibet, but especially of the Newari Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley.

The 2015 earthquake caused some damage to the Swayambhunath temple complex; however, repairs are now complete, and the temple is back to its original condition.

The summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth, reaches 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) high. Trekking in the Mount Everest area became popular following the now legendary first ascent of the peak in 1953 by Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and the Sherpa Tensing Norgay.

Since that time, many more have summited the mountain, but far more trek the route to Everest Base Camp simply for a glimpse of the peak far above. In recent years the mountain has seen its fair share of tragedy and drama. The 2015 earthquake and previous avalanches, along with disputes between climbers on the mountain, have left their mark on Everest trekking and climbing.

The Everest Region is generally not regarded as the most scenic region in the country for trekking, but the allure of Everest makes it a popular destination, both for climbers and trekkers. There are various routes to access base camp and several options for organizing a trip.

Many trekking companies offer a guided hike, either with Nepalese companies or western-based companies. It's also possible to hire a private guide or porter and do it yourself; however, all trekkers are technically required to have a guide. The main hiking seasons are in the spring and fall, from March to May and September to December.

For those not looking to trek to Mount Everest but still wanting to see the mountain , it is possible to see it on clear days from the hill town of Nagarkot near Kathmandu. Hotel staff will knock on guests' doors on clear mornings if Everest is visible. This might be the lazy traveler's best chance of seeing the world's highest peak.

Many people are surprised to learn that Nepal has extensive lowland areas where Bengal tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, and elephants roam. One of the best spots to see these animals in their natural habitant is Bardiya National Park (also Bardia National Park). In addition to the large animals, the park is also a bird-watching hot spot, with over 400 species either living in, or transiting through, the region.

Located off on its own in northwest Nepal near the border of India, this area is known for its river valleys, extensive grasslands, and tropical forest dominated by the Sal tree. Areas of the national park were once the exclusive hunting domain of Nepali royalty. Through the years, it has been expanded and now encompasses 968 square kilometers.

Dating from the turn of the 17th century, the Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest temple in Kathmandu and also considered one of the most sacred in Nepal. Located in western Kathmandu along the Bagmati River, the temple is known for its beautiful pagoda-style architecture, with copper and gold covering.

The temple is dedicated to Pashupati, one of the incarnations of Shiva. Of the three gates, only the western one is open, and only practicing Hindus of South Asian descent are allowed inside. A good viewpoint of the complex for non-Hindus is located across the river. One note of caution: the monkeys that hang out around this area may look cute, but they tend to be aggressive and should be treated with caution.

Located in the beautiful mountain town of Pokhara, the International Mountain Museum is a must-see prior to heading off on a trek. This very impressive modern building is a bright and airy space and houses all the information you could ever want to know about the mountains of Nepal and the people who inhabit them.

Three main galleries are spread throughout the museum, the first being the Mountain People Gallery. Here, through exhibits and a video, you'll learn about the Indigenous people of Nepal and the Khumbu region in particular.

The second gallery deals with the mountains themselves and provides extensive information on 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, along with an overview of the geology that formed them.

The third gallery provides insight into equipment used in mountain climbing and delves into the mythology of the secretive Yeti. In addition to the galleries, a Lakhang room is available for quiet contemplation.

If you're looking for other things to do nearby, outside is a tall triangular climbing wall along with a smaller version for those less inclined.

Address: Nagpokhari, Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal

Official site: https://www.internationalmountainmuseum.org/

Lumbini is famous for being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historic Buddha, known as Buddha Shakyamuni. Situated off the main tourist track, almost 250 kilometers from Kathmandu, Lumbini is a worthwhile detour on the route from Pokhara to the Chitwan National Park.

In this pilgrimage town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a feeling of tranquility. Most of the visitors are Buddhist pilgrims from around the world, retracing Buddha's footsteps through the stations of his life. The Maya Devi Temple , dedicated to Buddha's mother, is believed to be the spot where Buddha was born. It contains an ancient stone relief from the 2nd century AD depicting Buddha's birth.

The Helambu region is a popular trekking area, particularly with trekking companies offering guided hikes. This is largely because it is close to Kathmandu, does not reach astoundingly high elevations, and offers some beautiful mountain scenery.

For many of these same reasons, it is often touted by tour groups as being easy. However, many hikers who come here on tours find it is more demanding than they feel they were led to believe and more difficult than they anticipate.

Trekking in the Himalayas is always demanding, and although it is not as high as other treks, it is still a physically demanding hike and trekkers should be in good physical condition. With that in mind, this is a beautiful trek, with stunning rhododendron trees in bloom in March and April, and it's well worth the effort.

The Helambu region is inhabited by the Sherpas and situated in the upper part of the Malechmi Khola valley. The Helambu Trek can be started in Kathmandu and completed in five to eight days . The typical seven-day itinerary is circular, with the first day's section being repeated at the end of the walk. The sudden contrast between the lower and upper lying regions and their characteristic cultures is striking. Accommodation can be found in lodges and village guest houses.

With towering mountains and rushing rivers Nepal is an excellent place for white water rafting. Several options are available depending on how much time you want to spend on the river.

An easy trip for travelers only looking for a one-day adventure is the Trisuli Rafting Day Trip from Kathmandu. Unlike many rafting trips, which are seasonal, this one is available year round. After your day of rafting, you can either go back to Kathmandu or on to Chitwan or Pokhara.

If you are looking to spend more time on the water and interested in more serious rapids, one of the most popular places to go is the Bhote Kosi River .

Bhote Koshi River Rafting trips take two days and are intense. You'll find yourself in the white water shortly after put in, and along the way, you'll blast through class IV and V rapids. The trip is 25 kilometers long and includes camping on the riverbank for one night. Meals are included.

Other multiday trips to consider are on the Tamur, Karnali, Arun, and Bheri rivers.

More on Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking – Nepal

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers adventurers a chance to enjoy Nepal’s stunning natural beauty . Over the course of 9 days, trekkers will be treated to breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, picturesque villages, and lush forests. From the sunrise at Poon Hill to the rejuvenating hot springs at Jhinu Danda, this trek promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. With its customizable options and comprehensive inclusions, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a must-consider for those seeking to explore the captivating wonders of the Himalayas.

• The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 9-day journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal, covering approximately 70-80 kilometers and culminating at an altitude of 4,210 meters.

• Highlights of the trek include exploring Pokhara, witnessing stunning sunrise and sunset views at Poon Hill, and experiencing the Gurung culture and natural hot springs.

• The trek is best undertaken during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-December) seasons, which offer favorable weather conditions and fewer crowds compared to summer.

• The trek is customizable, with options to shorten the route (Ghorepani Poonhill Trek) or extend it to include additional destinations (Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek).

• The tour operator, Outshine Adventure, provides experienced guides, handles all logistics, and prioritizes sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Stop at Everest View Hotel
• Private Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour – UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Landing at Hotel Everest View
• 14-Day Private Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Location and Duration

The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking takes place in the stunning Annapurna Region of Nepal and typically lasts 9 days from start to finish.

Located in the heart of the Himalayas, this popular trek offers trekkers a chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna massif, one of the highest mountain ranges in the world.

The journey starts in Kathmandu, where participants meet with their guide and obtain the necessary permits before setting out on the adventure.

Covering a distance of roughly 70-80 kilometers, the trek takes trekkers through picturesque villages, lush forests, and high-altitude landscapes, culminating in the awe-inspiring Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of 4, 210 meters .

Highlights of the Trek

Trekkers on the Annapurna Base Camp journey can expect to explore a variety of captivating highlights along the way, from the picturesque city of Pokhara to the stunning sunrise and sunset vantage points at Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp itself.

The trek takes them through the charming Gurung village of Chhomrong and offers a chance to unwind at the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda.

Trekkers will be mesmerized by the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna as they ascend to the base camp at 4,210 meters.

This comprehensive trekking experience combines natural beauty, culture, and the opportunity to challenge oneself in Nepal’s breathtaking Himalayan landscape.

Detailed Itinerary

The Annapurna Base Camp trek follows a well-established itinerary spanning 9 days, taking trekkers through diverse landscapes and elevations while offering ample opportunities to immerse in the region’s natural splendor and Gurung cultural heritage. The trek starts with a drive to Nayapul, followed by a gradual ascent to Ghorepani, home to the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint. Trekkers then journey through picturesque villages, dense forests, and high-altitude landscapes, reaching the stunning Annapurna Base Camp at 4,210 meters. The return route includes a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda before the final descent to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.

Trekking Seasons

Two prime trekking seasons in the Annapurna region offer optimal conditions for the Annapurna Base Camp trek – spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December).

During the spring, days are sunny with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, perfect for trekking. Wildflowers bloom, adding splashes of color to the landscape.

Autumn brings clear skies , crisp air, and mild temperatures of 10-20°C. Views of the Annapurna massif are typically at their finest.

Both seasons feature fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.

Whatever the season, trekkers can expect stunning mountain scenery , cultural interactions, and a chance to challenge themselves physically and mentally on the path to Annapurna Base Camp.

Customizable Options

Besides the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek, Outshine Adventure offers several customizable options to cater to various trekking preferences and fitness levels. Adventurers can choose from:

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek – a shorter, easier route with stunning sunrise and sunset views.

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek – a journey blending culture and adventure.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek – a comprehensive experience of the entire Annapurna region.

Customized itineraries – allowing travelers to craft their ideal trekking experience.

Best seasons – spring and autumn offer optimal conditions for trekking in the Annapurna region.

These diverse options ensure Outshine Adventure can craft the perfect Annapurna trekking experience for each traveler’s unique needs and interests.

Costs and Inclusions

Outshine Adventure offers a competitive pricing structure for the Annapurna Base Camp trekking experience, with costs starting from $775.00 per person.

This price includes a private car for transfers to and from Pokhara and Nayapul, standard meals during the trek, lodging in the best available guesthouses, a licensed English-speaking guide , and a porter to carry your luggage.

The package also covers Annapurna conservation permits, a TIMS card , and the use of a down jacket and sleeping bag if needed.

However, the cost excludes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, laundry, and tips for the trekking staff, which are expected.

Outshine Adventure ensures a seamless and enjoyable trekking experience within a reasonable budget.

Gear and Preparations

Proper gear and preparation are paramount for a successful Annapurna Base Camp trek, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey through the diverse Himalayan terrain.

Trekkers should pack the following essentials:

High-quality hiking boots with ankle support and good traction

Warm, layered clothing including thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and waterproof outerwear

Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen to protect against the intense mountain sun

Trekking poles to aid in ascents and descents

Water bottle, snacks, and personal first-aid kit

Plus, it’s crucial to train for the trek by incorporating cardiovascular exercise and hiking into one’s routine.

Consulting with experienced trekkers or a reputable tour operator can also help ensure a well-planned and enjoyable adventure.

About the Tour Operator

Outshine Adventure, the tour operator behind the Annapurna Base Camp trekking experience, boasts a team of seasoned guides and staff committed to ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey for all participants.

With a deep knowledge of the Annapurna region and strong relationships with local communities, Outshine Adventure curates trekking itineraries that showcase the best of Nepal’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

From arranging all necessary permits and transportation to providing quality gear and support staff, the company handles every logistical detail, allowing trekkers to focus on the breathtaking scenery and immersive experiences that define this iconic trek.

Outshine Adventure’s commitment to sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices further enhances the overall trekking experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a weight limit for the porter service.

The porter service typically has a weight limit of 15-20 kg per person. This ensures the porter can safely carry the load without overexerting themselves. Travelers should pack accordingly and coordinate with the trekking company regarding any weight restrictions.

Can I Bring My Own Trekking Poles?

Yes, you can bring your own trekking poles. Most trekking companies allow and even encourage the use of personal trekking poles, as they can provide valuable support and stability during the hike.

Are Trekking Permits Required for Solo Trekkers?

Yes, trekking permits are required for solo trekkers in Nepal. Permits like the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and Annapurna Conservation Area permit must be obtained before starting any trek in the Annapurna region, even for solo hikers.

Is There Access to Medical Facilities Along the Trek?

Along the trek, there are basic medical facilities available at various teahouses and villages. Trekkers can access first-aid supplies and seek emergency care if needed. However, more serious medical issues may require evacuation to the nearest town or city.

Can I Store Extra Luggage in Kathmandu During the Trek?

Yes, you can store extra luggage in Kathmandu during the trek. Many trekking agencies offer this service, allowing you to leave behind belongings you won’t need on the trail and retrieve them upon your return.

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The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal offers an unforgettable adventure through stunning Himalayan landscapes.

Trekkers can expect breathtaking views , culture , and a chance to challenge themselves physically.

With customizable options and expert guidance, this trek is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience in the heart of the mountains.

Whether it’s the sunrise at Poon Hill or the soothing hot springs, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek promises an adventure of a lifetime.

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