The 'Nagarkot Visit Year 2082 BS' officially set to begin today, coinciding with the arrival of the Nepali New Year. The campaign aims to promote the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance of the Nagarkot area. Four municipalities—Changunarayan, Mandandeupur, Banepa, and Shankharapur—have jointly launched the event, which kicks off with celebrations at Batasedanda in Nagarkot.

Mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, Jeevan Khatri, said the campaign would highlight eco-tourism, agricultural tourism, traditional attire, local festivals, and the cultural identity of the participating municipalities. The event is being organized in coordination with the Nagarkot Naldum Tourism Development Committee, the Bagmati Province government, and the Nepal Tourism Board.

Nagarkot welcomed a massive influx of both domestic and international tourists for New Year celebrations, with all 62 hotels in the area fully booked. Many tourists arrived to enjoy the New Year festivities and witness the start of the Visit Year. Streets and hotels were lit up with decorations, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Tourism entrepreneurs hosted live concerts and other entertainment programs throughout the night.

According to Ward Chair of Changunarayan-6 and Vice-Chair of the Nagarkot Naldum Tourism Development Committee, Dhan Bahadur Lama, around 28,000 tourists booked hotels for overnight stay in Nagarkot on the New Year’s Eve. Homestays in nearby rural areas were also packed as hotels ran out of rooms, and some visitors had to return due to lack of accommodation. To encourage continued visits, hoteliers are offering 10 to 15 percent discounts throughout the Visit Year.

Deputy Mayor of Changunarayan, Ramesh Budhathoki, said the campaign was launched with a long-term vision for sustainable tourism and regional economic growth. "The Visit Year has energized local entrepreneurs and is expected to contribute to national economic development as well," he said.

Chairperson of the Tourism Development Committee, Nabin Lama, said that after being severely impacted by the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, the local tourism industry is beginning to bounce back. “Seeing Nagarkot filled with tourists today has reignited hope,” he added.

Local hoteliers also expressed optimism. Badri Makaju, operator of Hotel Chautari, noted that Nagarkot’s year-round attraction—its panoramic mountain views and sunrise—is bringing in both domestic and foreign visitors. “We’re especially encouraged by the surge in domestic tourism post-COVID,” he said.

Similarly, Ramshankar Djoju, who runs Peaceful Cottage, said that the joint initiative by all four municipalities has boosted enthusiasm and investment in the tourism sector. “The increased footfall and interest from Nepali travelers have given new life to the industry,” he remarked.

With high expectations and a festive start, the Nagarkot Visit Year 2082 aims to revive and reshape the region's tourism landscape. -- RSS