Pokhara Launches New Tourist Packages Targeting First-Time Visitors and Adventure Seekers

Pokhara. According to a study by Nepal Rastra Bank, the average stay of tourists visiting Gandaki is 12 days. It shows that their stay in Pokhara, the capital of tourism, is about 11 days. Tourists spend the most time in Manang, nearly 19 days, while in Gorkha, they stay for only about 5 days.

According to the study by statistician Niranjan Bam, the duration of stay for tourists in Pokhara has been further reduced to about 9 days. While this period is shown when trekking routes are also included, the study states that the stay focused only on Pokhara city is around 6 days.

Even though the duration has decreased, the number of tourists in Pokhara is on the rise. Even during this off-season for tourism, hotels and tourist areas in Pokhara are crowded. Pokhara businessmen are enthusiastic and bustling, especially with the arrival of Indian tourists in Pokhara. The improvement in air and road connectivity is considered the main reason for creating a favorable environment for tourist arrivals in Pokhara.

Currently, flights operate from Pokhara International Airport even during the night. The road upgrade from Aabukhairani to Pokhara is almost complete. Minor upgrades have also been made to the Pokhara-Butwal road.

After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for dollar savings, citizens of that country turned to Pokhara to spend Indian Rupees. The regular flight that Flydubai is scheduled to start from September 23 will create a basis for directly connecting Pokhara with 76 countries and 143 international airports through transit. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said that international air connectivity is strengthening due to the interest of international airlines. He said, 'Pokhara is currently in a favorable condition for tourism. After we announced the Visit Year, its impact has spread everywhere. We have also made significant improvements in infrastructure and connectivity. The convenience for tourists visiting Pokhara has increased.'

Meanwhile, the tourist capital Pokhara has released various packages targeting new tourists. The tour packages have been brought by including Pokhara Valley and its surrounding areas. However, it is said that some improvements will be made in this. The Pokhara Visit Year Committee, formed to promote Pokhara, has released packages for 4 nights and 5 days. Some packages also have longer durations. However, the Visit Year Committee stated that separate packages have been created keeping in mind the needs and desires of tourists in different sectors.

Focus on First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors are prioritized. This basic package has been prepared targeting tourists visiting Pokhara for the first time. It includes boating on Phewa Lake, visiting Talbarahi, Ratan Mandir, Komagane Park, sunrise at Sarangkot, Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Stupa, Shiva statue at Pumdikot, Mountain Museum, and a historical tour of the old market. This will complete the 4 nights and 5 days duration.

Adventure Package

This package can be an excellent option for tourists interested in adventure activities. It includes exciting activities such as paragliding from Sarangkot to Pame, cable car, rock climbing in Methlang, zipline in Hemja, canyoning in Lwang Ghalel, ATV ride, giant swing, rafting in the upper Seti, ultralight, hot air balloon, and horse riding.

Viewpoint and Sunrise Package

This package, named 'Pokhara From The Bird's Eye', offers sightseeing from various hills and viewpoints in Pokhara. It includes arrangements for viewing the beautiful scenery of sunrise and mountain ranges from places like Sarangkot, Kahundanda, Matepani Gumba, Thulakot, Arkhale, Tiger's Top, and Dhiki Danda.

Buddhist Circuit Package

This spiritual package has been prepared for Buddhists and those interested in meditation. It includes meditation at the World Peace Stupa, visits to the Tibetan Monastery in Chhorepatan, Pema Chhaling Monastery in Kahare, Matepani Gumba, Dharmashila Buddha Vihar, and Lamagaun Gumba, and an experience of Buddhist philosophy.

Hindu Circuit Package

This religious package, named 'Shree Ganeshaya Namah', includes visits to the Panchamukhi Ganesh Temple in Sarangkot, Vindhyavasini and Guptakalika in Kashikot, Talbarahi, Kedareswar, Pumdikot Mahadev, Gupteshwor, Ram Mandir in Birauta, Bhadrakali, Shitaladevi, Harihar Gufa and Dham in Bhamla, bathing at Gaighat, Siddhababa Temple, and Begnaskot Kalika.

Wellness Package

This package has been prepared for physical and mental rejuvenation. It includes sound bowl meditation in Sedi, natural treatment and counseling at Vindhyavasini Natural Therapy Center, yoga practice, and meditation sessions at Osho Upavan in Dobilla and Monkranti Ashram.

Lekhnath Excursion

This special package has been introduced to promote the Lekhnath area, known as the 'Garden of Seven Lakes'. It includes visits to Begnas, Dipang, Rupa, Khaste, Newreni, Maidi, and Gunde lakes, as well as historical Begnaskot, suspension bridge, Sundaridanda, and Majhikuna.

In addition, the Visit Year Committee coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai informed that the metropolis has also proposed packages for photography expeditions, bird watching, cycling in hilly areas, environmental circuits, and educational and historical museum tours for students. He stated that this package is being finalized based on the suggestions of businessmen and experts. The package was prepared by Manhar Kadariya, member secretary of the Visit Year Committee and coordinator of the Metropolitan City's Economic Development Committee, and a team of experts.