Tourists Return, Yet Nepal’s Himalayan Peaks Still Call for More Climbers

Neptune-style Adventures: Nepal’s 21st-Century Take on Tourism

In a bold move to jumpstart an economy still shaking its stomach from the Covid‑19 shock and sky‑high import bills, Nepal is sprucing up its travel scene. Where once the focus was on the classic “hike‑and‑climb” routine, the country is now adding a splash of adrenaline‑packed excitement. Bungee jumping, paragliding, and sky diving are joining the family‑friendly trekking and mountaineering lineup, says Taranath Adhikari, the Department of Tourism’s top brass.

Why the Shake‑Up?

Adhikari shared a quick update in Kathmandu: “We’re building fresh tourism infrastructure, and hotel investments are getting a nice lift.” Guess the hotels are getting a makeover, and the whole sector is feeling a little more buoyant.

Extra‑Push to Get Tourists Back

Tour operators are being sent off the streets to drum up foreign visitors.
The government promises visa rule light‑ening smoother entry.
And they’re even nudging China to let more people cross the border, even with lingering Covid‑related restrictions.

From Pause to “Inspiring” Replay

Remember when Nepal put all trekking and climbing on ice in early 2020? Those dormant trails have seen a huge revival. In Q1 of 2022, foreign arrivals doubled year‑on‑year to nearly 79,000. And, Adhikari is optimistic: “The comeback will keep peaking in the months ahead.”

Still Small, but a Tiny Step Forward

Even so, visitor numbers are less than half of pre‑pandemic measurings. That’s like stepping forward but still being tiny compared to the giant leaps we’re looking for. With soaring import costs—crude oil, edible oils, coal—this small boost means the economy is still rocking in a stormy sea of price hikes.

All in all, Nepal is adding a bit of heart‑thrill to its famed peaks and hoping these fresh, bungee‑worthy vibes pull the world’s gaze back to its breathtaking landscapes. The goal? A richer, more resilient economy—and maybe a few more selfies with free‑falling rubber cords!

Picture This: Nepal’s Economic Tightrope and the Hospitality Dream Team

On a breezy Tuesday, April 26, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba swapped out luxury car keys for a “no‑car” policy, banning the import of cars and other high‑end goodies until mid‑July. It’s a classic “save the plate, bail on the shiny rides” move because the country’s foreign‑exchange reserves are trickling away faster than river stones in the Mahakali.

A Hoteliers’ Rally‑Behind of Renewal

Despite the import taboos, the hotel sector is all‑in, dreaming of a tourist boom. “We’re ready to roll out the red carpet for the next wave of visitors,” says Binayak Shah of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN). His optimistic numbers? Nepal could now house up to 2.5 million tourists, which is more than double the 2019 record of 1.2 million guests.

Tourism: The Star Performer, but Not the Money Maker

Tourism’s Touchy‑feely Share: About 5 % of Nepal’s foreign‑exchange cash comes from letting people stroll over, photograph the mountains, and shop for souvenirs.
Remittances: The Bank Account’s Big Brother: Roughly 60 %—yes, six times more—comes from Nepalis working abroad sending money back home.

So, while Nepal’s famous trekking trails and mythic temples might be on everyone’s lips, the real boss of the economy is the steady pulse of overseas remittances. Meanwhile, the hotel industry keeps its fingers on the pulse, hoping the tourist tide will soon be a tidal wave that everyone can catch.

How the Pandemic Crashed Nepal’s Tourism and Why the Future Still Feels Hopeful

When the world locked down, many foreign workers had to head straight back to their home countries. This sudden exodus left Nepal’s 29‑million‑strong population scrambling for livelihoods.

Outdoor Revenue in the Shadows

Mountain trips hit hard: Roughly 80 % of earnings vanished for those who rely on trekking and hiking.
Local businesses caught out: About 3,500 enterprises in the Kathmandu valley—cafe owners, guide‑services, souvenir shops—had to shut their doors.

Visitors Are Coming Back, But Concerns Remain

Tourists from Russia, the UK and the East are on the decline—why? The Ukraine war sent passports on the way out. Meanwhile, flight prices and other costs are still on the rise.

Yet, the big culprits of the downturn remain the neighbouring giants: India and China dominate visitor traffic. Both are tightening rules to stave off new Covid spikes.

Covid‑19 Status in Nepal

Nepal’s economy is around $36 billion (S$49.7 billion). In the last month, it recorded fewer than 50 Covid cases and zero deaths. With 66.8 % of its population now fully vaccinated, the country is cruising towards safe normalcy.

Stories From the Ground

Swiss tourist Katharine Loosli, 65, went into a bustling street in Kathmandu and reassured everyone: “I’m fully vaccinated… Nepal is a safe place.”
She has been visiting since 1998 and was keen to tackle Pun Hill near the world’s 10th‑tallest peak, Mount Annapurna, this season.

Meanwhile, local business owners are cautiously optimistic.

Case in Point: Dhaka’s Souvenir Shop

Dhaka, 47, has run a souvenir shop in Kathmandu for 30 years. “We felt the worst was behind us,” he says. “It looks like Nepal’s tourism’s black era is over.”

So though the pandemic left many bruised, the resilience of local communities and a drop in Covid cases suggest bright days ahead for Nepal’s island of trekking, hospitality and charm.

Tourists Return, Yet Nepal’s Himalayan Peaks Still Call for More Climbers – Asia News