BHAKTAPUR, Jan 1: Today marks the first day of the English New Year 2026. Hotels from Nagarkot to Ranikot—considered major tourist destinations in Bhaktapur—are filled with domestic tourists celebrating New Year’s Day, bringing excitement to local tourism and hotel entrepreneurs.
Not only foreign tourists but also a large number of domestic visitors have boosted local tourism businesses.
In recent years, Gundu (Ward No. 7) and Sipadol (Ward No. 8) in Suryabinayak Municipality have developed into popular tourist destinations. All hotels located at the confluence of the historic Ranikot and Ghyampedanda areas are fully occupied by domestic tourists.
Tourism entrepreneur and proprietor of Village Highland Resort, Ramsundar Bake, said crowds of domestic tourists arrived to celebrate the New Year, enjoying dancing and singing throughout the night.
From Ranikot—located at an altitude of 2,000 metres above sea level in Suryabinayak and on the border of Panauti Municipality in Kavre—visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur city and several snow-capped mountains.
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Bake said, “Along with a scintillating sunrise, one can see several mountains above 8,000 metres, including Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Manaslu, Annapurna, Machhapuchchhre, Gaurishankar, Dhaulagiri and Langtang. Recently, Ranikot has emerged as a major tourist destination. During the English New Year, domestic tourists have fully occupied hotels here, and entrepreneurs are excited.”
Travel to Ranikot has become easier due to the Suryabinayak–Ranikot–Aashapuri and Suryabinayak–Ranikot–Phulchoki trekking routes, as well as a short road connecting Suryabinayak and Panauti via Ranikot.
Bake added, “Ranikot is historically significant as it was a fort built before Prithvi Narayan Shah’s attack on Bhaktapur. Later, the Malla kings constructed a palace here for the queen. It is also ideal for scenic views. The mountains and sunrise seen from here attract visitors throughout the year, and the area becomes even more crowded during the New Year.”
Rajendra Pyatha, operator of Ghyampedanda Resort, said the influx of domestic tourists has boosted enthusiasm in the local hotel business, adding that his hotel was fully booked during the English New Year.
Similarly, Narayan Shrestha, operator of Ranikot Resort, said, “It has become difficult to get rooms here not only during the New Year but also on holidays. The number of domestic tourists has been increasing, including families coming for overnight stays, picnics, gatherings and various organisational events.”
In Nagarkot—the main tourist destination of Bhaktapur—hotels were filled with both domestic and foreign tourists welcoming the first sunrise of the New Year. Hotelier and operator of Hotel Chautari, Badri Maka, said tourists arrived to bid farewell to 2025, witness the first sunrise of 2026 and enjoy Himalayan views.
“The number of foreign tourists has also increased, while domestic tourist pressure remains the same. During the English New Year, hotels here were occupied by about 50 percent foreign tourists and 50 percent domestic tourists,” he said.
In recent years, Nagarkot—with hotels ranging from ordinary to five-star—has seen growing enthusiasm among business owners as domestic tourist arrivals increase during the New Year. The trend of opening new hotels is also continuing.
Ramshankar Dhwaju, owner of Hotel Peaceful in Nagarkot, said he was delighted to see large numbers of tourists arriving to enjoy New Year celebrations and sunrise views despite the cold nights. He added that tourist arrivals have increased compared to last year.
Gokul Lamichhane, owner of Hotel Marigold in Nagarkot, said, “I have been in the hotel business for 25 years. After the Covid pandemic, I feared the industry might never recover, but hotels have been booked a month in advance for both the Nepali and English New Year. The increase in domestic tourists has boosted our enthusiasm and renewed hope for the future.”
