Karnali Tourism Meet 2026 Concludes, Aiming to Attract International Tourists
The Karnali Tourism Meet 2026, held in Surkhet, concluded with a firm commitment to promote Karnali in the international market. Rajesh Sinha, President of the Travel Trade Welfare Association of India, described his visit to Karnali as an unforgettable experience, praising the hospitality and natural beauty of the region. Santosh Bikram Thapa, Senior Officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, stated that the event was organized with the goal of introducing Karnali as a tourism hub based on religious, cultural, and nature-centered attractions to the world.
Kathmandu, May 24 – The Karnali Tourism Meet 2026, aimed at promoting Karnali Province in international markets, has successfully concluded. The event, themed “In the Lap of Nature and Culture,” began on May 21 and wrapped up on Sunday in Surkhet. Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Birendranagar Municipality in coordination with the Federation of Hotel Entrepreneurs Associations of Surkhet, the meet attracted around 50 tourism professionals, journalists, and bloggers from various Indian cities.
At the closing ceremony, Padma Bikram Shahi, Central Member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, highlighted that participants had experienced the historic, religious, and natural attractions of Karnali. He expressed that the event injected new energy into the promotion of Karnali tourism. “Karnali is a sacred land with immense potential for religious and spiritual tourism, health tourism, and nature-based tourism,” he said. “Karnali is also the gateway to Kailash Mansarovar; from Lucknow in India, the cool breeze of Gurans can be experienced within a few hours. The region’s climate and natural beauty offer a unique experience for tourists.”
Rajesh Sinha, President of India’s Travel Trade Welfare Association, described his Karnali visit as unforgettable. He noted that the hospitality of the local people, the culture, and the natural beauty deeply impressed him. “We have received a very warm welcome here,” he said. “Karnali holds great potential to establish itself in the international tourism market, and we want to assure the promotion effort will bring Indian tourists to this region.” Journalist B.S. Parihar from India mentioned that religious and cultural ties between Nepal and India could form a strong foundation for tourism development.
As part of the Karnali Tourism Meet on May 23, Indian tourism professionals and participants were introduced to the religious and historical sites of Dailekh. Following Hindu beliefs, the group visited Navisthan—where the navel of Sati Devi fell while Lord Shiva was carrying her body—and Shir Asthan—the location where her head fell—where the participants observed an eternal flame.
During the experience-sharing program held in the Gurans area, attendees described Karnali’s weather, hilltop landscapes, and local hospitality as key tourism attractions. At the closing event, Senior Officer Santosh Bikram Thapa emphasized that the program was designed to position Karnali not only as a remote area but also as a global center for religious, spiritual, cultural, adventure, and nature-based tourism.
Throughout the conference, traditional Karnali cultural performances such as Hudke dance and Deuda, along with presentations of local culture, were showcased. Additionally, local authentic cuisines and community-based tourism practices particularly attracted Indian tourism entrepreneurs, according to Senior Officer Thapa. He added that the program is expected to play a significant role in expanding Nepal-India tourism cooperation, promoting investment in Karnali, enhancing access to international markets, and publicizing new tourism destinations in Karnali.