Government Budget Neglects Pokhara as Tourism Capital Despite Declaration

Pokhara. Although the government declared Pokhara as the tourism capital, it has been neglected in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84.

Tourism Minister Khadga Bahadur (Ganesh) Paudel represents Pokhara. However, the government did not make any concrete plans public in the budget regarding the operation of Pokhara International Airport, considered the main lifeline of Pokhara.  

There are complaints from businessmen that Pokhara's tourism has not been able to gain momentum due to the lack of international flights from the airport. The government is also silent on Pokhara's tourism infrastructure. However, some tourism plans of Gandaki Province have been included in the budget.  

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle informed that a special project will be operated for the conservation of more than two dozen historical monasteries, some over 200 years old, in Mustang and Manang. Similarly, a plan has been put forward to promote a regional tourism corridor encompassing Devghat, Muktinath, and Triveni.  

Wagle stated that a high mountain eagle trekking route will be constructed connecting Khaptad, Ramarosan, Badimalika, Budhinanda, Rara, Swargadwari, and Muktinath. A plan to develop trekking routes in the Dordi Himal and Sikes Kapuche area has also been included.

The government has announced the development of cycle trails in the mid-hill areas of Gandaki. The government aims to develop routes connecting Kaski, Lamjung to Karapu, and Vyas-Chhapti-Bandipur-Devghat as pilot projects.