Santosh Pokharel

Indian tourists account for nearly 35 percent of Pokhara’s tourism market Tourism entrepreneurs say that after domestic travelers, Indian visitors now make up the largest share of arrivals in Pokhara. The influx is partly seasonal, as rising temperatures in Indian cities prompt travelers to s...

“Currently, Saturday holidays already push hotel occupancy to around 50 percent. With Sunday added, we expect longer stays,” Bharat Parajuli, a central committee member of the Hotel Association Nepal, said. “But for tourism to fully benefit, fuel supply must remain smooth, and the...

Asian visitors increase, Americans and Europeans decline

Under the previous system, even if a guide was hired, solo travellers were not permitted to enter restricted areas. Tourists were compelled to find a partner to meet the minimum group requirement, which often led to inconvenience and, in some cases, forced arrangements with unfamiliar individuals.

According to business owners, hotels and restaurants use multiple cylinders at once and operate high-pressure stoves, making half-filled cylinders impractical for the sector. They have also informed the Kaski administration that full-capacity cylinders (14.2 kg) are necessary for tourism businesses.

Ongoing tensions in Middle Eastern countries have prevented several international pilots from participating in an upcoming paragliding competition in Pokhara. A total of 15 pilots from different countries who had registered for the event scheduled in the skies of Sarangkot have been unable to travel...

According to tourism entrepreneurs, the ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted travel routes, preventing many visitors from reaching Nepal. Some tourists have been stranded mid-journey, while others have postponed or canceled their plans altogether.

Mani Raj Lamichhane, head of the Tourism Board, Gandaki, also noted that the conflict affects high-spending tourists, mainly from the US and Europe. “European and American tourists typically spend more, and their reduced arrivals mean Nepal may mostly receive budget travelers. The absence of h...

According to business owners, the period from March to May is considered the peak trekking and tourism season in Nepal. Tourists preparing to visit trekking areas have been canceling their bookings rapidly. If the Middle East conflict persists, the tourism sector could face even greater challenges.

Thakali secured 3,307 votes, defeating CPN-UML candidate Indradhara Bista, who received 1,806 votes. Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Aditya Chandra Thakali came third with 759 votes.