Domestic Tourists Fill Hotels Ahead of New Year 2026

Hotel bookings across major tourist destinations have surged on the eve of the Gregorian New Year 2026, with hoteliers reporting occupancy levels ranging from 80 to 100 percent, driven largely by domestic travellers.

The Gregorian New Year 2026 begins on Thursday, and tourist hubs near Kathmandu and across the country are witnessing a sharp rise in visitor numbers ahead of New Year’s Eve.

In Nagarkot, a popular hill destination near Bhaktapur, Soltee Westend Resort Nagarkot has reached full occupancy for Wednesday. General Manager Sushil Dhakal said all rooms have been booked for December 31.

“We have 100 percent bookings for December 31, as expected on New Year’s Eve,” Dhakal said. “All rooms are also booked for the first week of 2026. As Nagarkot is both a tourist and event destination, hotel demand remains strong.”

According to Dhakal, around 80 percent of New Year’s Eve guests at the resort are Nepalis, indicating a strong domestic travel trend.

Tourist arrivals have also picked up in Pokhara, where multiple festivals are underway. The Pokhara Street Food Festival, which began on December 28, has contributed to increased footfall, particularly from domestic tourists.

Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Pokhara Chapter President Laxman Subedi said ongoing events and New Year celebrations have boosted tourist activity in the city. He said hotel occupancy in Pokhara is expected to reach 80 to 90 percent on New Year’s Eve.

Subedi, who also operates Sakura Hotel, said his property has already reached 80 percent occupancy. He noted that domestic tourists dominate arrivals during this period, with many visitors arriving without prior bookings.

“Pokhara is usually quiet in terms of tourism at this time of the year,” he said. “However, festivals and New Year celebrations have kept hotels busy. While hotels are expected to be fully occupied on December 31 and January 1, occupancy has already remained at around 70 to 75 percent for the past week due to ongoing events.”

He added that both domestic and Indian tourists are visiting Pokhara in increasing numbers, helping support tourism during what is otherwise considered the off-season.

In Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok, bookings for December 31 have improved, although demand remains modest for the days before and after New Year. Dhulikhel Mountain Resort Operations Manager Balaram Neupane said most New Year’s Eve guests are Nepalis.

Tourism entrepreneurs say the number of domestic travellers celebrating the Gregorian New Year has risen in recent years, contributing to high occupancy in destinations such as Nagarkot, Pokhara and Sauraha.

Meanwhile, hotels in Chitwan are also reporting strong demand. Hotel Association Nepal Chitwan Chapter President Om Pandey said hotels in Sauraha are nearly full for New Year’s Eve.

“Bookings at Sauraha hotels have reached 100 percent for Wednesday,” he said. “Tourists from China, India and Nepal are visiting Sauraha during this period, with domestic travellers making up the majority.”