With the arrival of the Nepali New Year 2082, tourist destinations across the country have turned lively. Spring weather, school holidays, and the government employees' annual leave have prompted many families and individuals to travel, boosting domestic tourism.

Religious sites—from Pathibhara in the east to Shaileshwari in the west—have seen a surge in visitors. Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah says hotel occupancy has ranged from 35 to nearly 100 percent nationwide.

“Business has gained a new lease of life after a sluggish period. New Year's Eve programs in Thamel, Pokhara, Sauraha, Lumbini, Bhendetar, and other areas have energized the sector,” he added.

Key destinations such as Ilam, Tinjure, Dharan, Makalu Base Camp, Khumbu Region, Everest Base Camp, Lukla, Muktinath, Lomanthang, Rara Lake, Janakpur, and Bhairahawa are buzzing with domestic tourists. Popular sites in and around Kathmandu Valley—Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Godavari, Chandragiri, Shivapuri, Jarsingpauwa, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, and the Durbar Squares—are crowded with visitors.

Similarly, Kalinchowk, Charikot, Shailung, Jiri, Panchpokhari, Helambu, Panauti, Palanchowk Bhagwati, Chitwan National Park, Sauraha, Palung, Daman, Langtang, Gosainkunda, Nuwakot Durbar, Bandipur, Pokhara, Gorkha Durbar area, Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot, Ramgram, Butwal, Lumbini have also seen influx of tourists.

According to hotel entrepreneur Naveen Gurung, Nagarkot has reached full occupancy. “There’s no room left,” he said, echoing the broader hospitality trend.

Pokhara, Lumbini, Sauraha Abuzz with Tourists

In Pokhara, considered Nepal’s tourism capital, the New Year has brought a lively atmosphere. Despite a few cancellations, hotels are mostly full. “Indian and Chinese tourists are arriving in large numbers,” said Tara Pahari, Chair of the Pokhara Tourism Development Council. Restaurant and Bar Association (REBAN) Pokhara President Bishworaj Poudel reported over 70 percent occupancy in local hotels.

Lumbini is experiencing similar momentum. In Bhairahawa, hotel occupancy has exceeded 35 percent, largely driven by Indian visitors. “More than 150 hotels, from five-star to budget, are offering discounts and packages,” said CP Shrestha, President of the Siddhartha Hotel Association.

Sauraha in Chitwan is also packed with tourists. REBAN Sauraha President Dhruba Giri attributed this to the rise in various fairs and festivals. Outgoing President of the Regional Hotel Association, Ganga Giri, confirmed that hotels in Chitwan are fully booked for at least three days.

Trekking destinations are thriving as well. With favorable weather, both domestic and international climbers have reached base camps—including Everest—for mountaineering.

Industry Optimism for 2082

Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Sagar Pandey said the New Year has brought renewed hope for the tourism industry. “The influx of both domestic and foreign tourists has lifted spirits among entrepreneurs,” he said.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) also sees momentum. CEO Deepak Raj Joshi said the board has intensified its international marketing efforts, organizing 17 tourism promotion programs abroad in the past five months. Domestically, events like the Nepal India China Expo and the East Tourism Mart have been completed, with the Sudurpaschim Mart and International Buddhist Travel Mart in the pipeline.

Foreign influencers and media have been invited to promote Nepal’s destinations globally. According to NTB, Nepal received 1.115 million tourists in 2023—a recovery from the 230,085 arrivals during the pandemic-hit 2020. The pre-pandemic figure in 2019 stood at 1.197 million.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite optimism, infrastructure remains a concern. While Tribhuvan International Airport is operating at full capacity, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport are underutilized. NATTA President Kumarmani Thapaliya stressed the need for improved air and road connectivity. “Flights at Bhairahawa were suspended in the latter half of 2081, and airfares remain high. But hope persists,” he said.

To sustain the momentum, several regions have launched Visit Year campaigns. Pokhara aims to celebrate 2025 as Visit Year with a target of welcoming two million tourists. The Fewa Festival is already underway.

In Nagarkot, the Visit Nagarkot Year 2082 is set to be inaugurated today, Baisakh 1, by President Ram Chandra Poudel. The campaign, led by the Nagarkot Naldum Tourism Development Committee, aims to highlight the area's natural beauty, culture, and heritage. Chairman Naveen Gurung expressed confidence that the New Year will bring more excitement and visibility to the region. -- RSS