Tourism

Naturally Nepal, Once is not Enough

Tourism in Nepal

Thanks to its versatile natural, cultural and geographical attributes, Nepal offers everything to everyone. We have something special to serve for adventure seekers, nature lovers, connoisseurs of rich aesthetic treasures and all others. 

Nepal is an ideal destination for adventure tourism because of its variegated, often formidable geography, inherently replete with rich, refreshing nature.  Once in Nepal, one can enjoy a number of outdoor activities from Paragliding near the mountains to spotting the Bengal tigers in the dense forest of Chitwan. Being gifted with 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest, Nepal is the hub of mountaineering.  Trekking,  Rafting,  Jungle Safari,  Exploration of Flora and Fauna,  Mountain Biking,  Bungee Jumping, Bird Watching, Canoeing,  Rock Climbing, Mountain Flight, Horseback Riding, Fishing , Honey Hunting are major choices of adventure tourism. The latest concept of Everest Marathon is unique of its kind. Elephant Polo Competetion held every year in Nepal is another unmatched niche of adventure in Nepal.

For ages, the Nepalese Himalayas have provided a serene and sacred place to all. Sages and seers have made them home in their quest of deliverance from suffering and ignorance. The same Himalayas now serve as attractive destination for adventure tourists from around the world.

Good news for nature lovers, Nepal is also a home to a wide variety of flora and fauna in various national parks and reserves.Visitors may opt to go for jungle safaris or may stay at some of the finest wildlife resorts to experience the wildlife of Nepal. Estimates assert that Nepal hosts over 100 different kinds of mammals and at least 750 kinds of birds. The Royal Chitwan National Park alone has nearly 50 different varieties of mammals and 450 species of birds. Located above 9000 feet, the Sagarmath National Park, the highest wildlife reserve in the world offers eye catching view of snow pecked peaks.

Nepal has 10 World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. Eight of the World Heritage Sites are all amazing man-made wonders still standing majestically, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Nepal in a wonderful manner: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar, Patan Durbar, Lumbini, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan and Swayambhunath Stupa.

Besides, Nepal is a land of artistic pioneering. Legends and stories relate in abundance that Nepali artists travelled abroad popularizing their spellbinding creations of rich aesthetic treasure. The same tradition of creativity has been carried on by Nepali artisans today who produce the articles that visitors fall in love and have also been major exportable merchandise of Nepal. Major artisan products of Nepal include silver jewelry, figurines and statues, musical instruments, thankas and other paintings, masks and puppets, paper products, pashmina and silk products and hand-loomed garments.

Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual nation. Unity in pluralism and diversity are its unique and notable features. As a showcase of the magnificent diversity of Nepal's cultural forms, the Ethnic Museum is a living resource center to know and learn about the structure of Nepalese society. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal National Ethnographic Museum (NNEM) have joined hands to establish the museum, which contains a permanent exhibition of eleven different ethnic communities (the Thakali, the Sherpa, the Tamang, the Gurung, the Rai, the Limbu, the Chepang, the Jyapu of Newar group, the Magar, the Sunwar, and the Tharu) and a periodic exhibition of of other communities as well.

Visitors can also obtain quality medical services in affordable prices, staying in the proximity of untainted virginity of nature.  Nepal offers economic and affordable medical treatment by qualified and efficient English speaking medical personnel. The country is also known for excellent naturopathy services. Natural methods include exercise, yoga, reki, Meditation, physiotherapy and other ways of treatment, which have been proved effective in and outside the country.

A country where a vast majority of people live in rural areas, Nepal attaches huge importance on rural tourism.  This new genre of tourism entails a possibility to get acquainted with the main treasures of the country: culture, customs and traditions. Rural tourism allows visitors to get acquainted with the everyday life and culture of the local residents. They will be able not only to watch sidewise the life in the village, but also to participate directly in it.

In Nepal, tourism contributes over 5% of total employment; over 6% of foreign exchange earning and harbours USD 218 million of total capital investment according to the latest estimates. In 2008, 11% of investment was in tourism. Tourism's share of GDP is 3.6%. Recognizing the significant role of tourism in Nepal's economy and the comparative advantage, we have adopted various policies and programmes for the development of the industry. We have designated 2011 as Nepal Tourism Year with the set target of welcoming one million tourists in that year and increase their number to two million by 2020.

Nepal is making a democratic transition after over a decade long armed conflict. There is a consensus among all political parties irrespective of their ideologies, for the promotion and development of tourism as an instrument of development. Accordingly they have pledged not to call any strikes in the year 2011. Tourists remained safe and protected even during the peak of the armed conflict. We have a tradition of honoring visitors as esteemed guests of the country.