Home » ASIA » Nepal is Surging the Travel Industry with New Visa-Free Policy for India and Visa on Arrival for 3 Countries Including China Nepal is Surging the Travel Industry with New Visa-Free Policy for India and Visa on Arrival for 3 Countries Including China
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Reading Time: 4 minutes Nepal boosts travel with a new visa-free policy for India and a visa on arrival for 3 countries, including China. This move aims to surge tourism in the region.
Nepal, celebrated for its mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers visa-free access to Indian citizens, further encouraging tourism from its neighboring country. During the first half of 2024, Nepal saw a notable rise in foreign tourist arrivals. According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), an impressive 583,016 international visitors arrived by air by the end of June, signaling a hopeful resurgence in the tourism industry. Positioned between China and India, Nepal is a federal democratic republic with Kathmandu as its capital and the Nepalese rupee as its currency. The country’s geography is marked by the majestic Himalayan and Annapurna mountain ranges, with significant rivers like the Karnali and Koshi adding to its natural beauty. In 2023, Nepal reached a significant milestone by attracting one million foreign tourists, primarily from India, reflecting a strong recovery from the pandemic’s aftermath.
Current Trends in Tourist Arrivals
The increase in tourist arrivals is evident when examining the numbers for June over the past years. In June 2024 alone, Nepal saw 76,736 foreign tourists, exceeding the previous peak of 74,883 in June 2019. This highlights a significant recovery, especially when compared to the drastic fall to just 102 tourists in June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent years showed a steady rise, with 11,887 arrivals in 2021 and 46,957 in 2022, illustrating a resilient rebound.
Demographics of Tourists
Most tourists in June were from India, with 37,835 arrivals. American tourists formed the second-largest group, with 8,281 visitors, followed closely by 7,494 tourists from China. These figures underscore Nepal’s wide appeal across various international markets.
Pokhara: Nepal’s Tourism Capital
A significant event in 2024 was the declaration of Pokhara as Nepal’s tourism capital. This announcement was made during a vibrant ceremony at Barahi Ghat, featuring cultural performances that highlighted the region’s diverse heritage. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ led the event, reaffirming the government’s dedication to advancing Nepal’s tourism infrastructure.
As of 2024, Nepal allows visa-free entry for citizens of India. Nationals from three countries can obtain a visa on arrival: Maldives, Bhutan, and China. Citizens of other countries need to obtain a visa either upon arrival or online before their visit.
International Airports
- Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu): The busiest airport in Nepal and the main international gateway.
- Pokhara Airport (Pokhara): A popular tourist destination currently being upgraded to an international airport.
- Gautam Buddha Airport (Lumbini): Located in the birthplace of Buddha, it is significant for its development into an international airport.
Domestic Airports
- Bharatpur Airport (Chitwan): Provides access to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Lukla Airport (Lukla): Known as the gateway to Mount Everest, renowned for its challenging approach and scenic views.
- Biratnagar Airport (Biratnagar): An important hub for domestic flights serving the southeastern region of Nepal.
Major Airlines
- Nepal Airlines: The national flag carrier offering both domestic and international flights.
- Buddha Air: One of the largest private airlines in Nepal, with extensive domestic services and some international routes.
- Yeti Airlines: Known for its domestic flight network and reliable service.
Regional Airlines
- Shree Airlines: Primarily a domestic carrier, also known for helicopter services.
- Simrik Airlines: Focuses on domestic flights to various regional destinations.
- Tara Air: Specializes in serving remote and mountainous regions and is a subsidiary of Yeti Airlines.
Emerging Airlines
- Saurya Airlines: A newer airline providing domestic services with a focus on comfort and customer service.
- Summit Air: Operates primarily in remote areas, offering flights to challenging and less accessible regions.
- Guna Airlines: Recently rebranded and expanding its domestic flight network, aiming to offer competitive services.
Developments and Attractions in Pokhara
Pokhara is renowned for its scenic beauty, positioned beside Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range providing a spectacular backdrop. It serves as a starting point for treks like the Annapurna Circuit and offers tranquil boating experiences on Phewa Lake. Cultural sites like the Bindhyabasini Temple and the World Peace Pagoda add to its allure. Additionally, the newly completed Pokhara International Airport, aided by China, stands as a testament to Nepal’s development efforts, despite initial disagreements about its association with the Belt and Road Initiative.
Here are the top places to visit in Nepal:
Kathmandu Valley
- Kathmandu: The capital city, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Square.
- Patan: Known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and the Patan Durbar Square.
- Bhaktapur: Famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Natural Attractions
- Mount Everest: The world’s highest peak, attracting climbers and trekkers from around the globe. The Everest Base Camp trek is a popular route.
- Annapurna Region: Offers stunning trekking routes such as the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek, known for their breathtaking views.
- Chitwan National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, and elephants, and jungle safari experiences.
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Lumbini: The birthplace of Lord Buddha, a significant pilgrimage site with the Maya Devi Temple and other ancient ruins.
- Pokhara: Known for its beautiful lakes, including Phewa Lake, and as a gateway to the Annapurna region. It offers adventure activities like paragliding and boating.
- Bandipur: A charming hilltop town with preserved traditional architecture, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
- Gosaikunda Lake: A sacred alpine lake located in the Langtang National Park, popular among trekkers and pilgrims.
- Rara Lake: The largest lake in Nepal, situated in Rara National Park, offering stunning scenery and tranquility.
- Mustang: Known for its unique landscape and rich Tibetan culture, the region offers trekking routes to the ancient city of Lo Manthang.
Adventure Activities
- Sagarmatha National Park: Home to Mount Everest and other high peaks, offering trekking and mountaineering opportunities.
- Langtang Valley: Known for its beautiful landscapes and the Langtang National Park, a popular trekking destination.
- Helambu: A region close to Kathmandu offering scenic treks through traditional villages and lush forests.
Conclusion
The first half of 2024 has been a promising period for Nepal’s tourism, reflecting a significant resurgence in international interest. The strategic focus on regions like Pokhara and the continued development of critical infrastructure are key drivers behind this resurgence. With its unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry, Nepal remains a top destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
