Nepal Tourism Board and Cultural Institution Sign Agreement to Promote Cultural Tourism
An agreement has been reached between the Sustainable Tourism Project of the Nepal Tourism Board and the Cultural Institution to promote cultural tourism along the Api-Saipal and Kanchenjunga trekking routes. According to the agreement, various programs will be implemented from mid-July 2026 to late December 2026 to develop cultural products in these Himalayan destinations, aiming to provide direct economic benefits to local communities. Hikmat Singh Air, the national director of the project, emphasized that Nepal’s Himalayan trails are not only natural beauty hotspots but also centers of living culture and authentic identity. (13th July, Kathmandu)
The Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), a collaboration between the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Cultural Institution (National Dance Museum) have signed an agreement focused on developing cultural performance packages and promoting cultural tourism along the Api-Saipal and Kanchenjunga trekking routes. The signing ceremony took place at the Tourism Board on Wednesday, attended by Hikmat Singh Air, Acting Executive Chief and National Program Director of STP, and Kiran Babu Pun, General Manager of the Cultural Institution.
Under this agreement, both organizations will work together to develop cultural heritage as tourism products, aiming to extend tourist stays in remote Himalayan destinations and ensure direct economic advantages for local communities through various initiatives. The project is scheduled to be implemented from mid-July 2026 to 14 December 2026. Within the project, the Cultural Institution will serve as the implementing partner for the “Development of Cultural Performance Packages for Api-Saipal and Kanchenjunga Trekking Routes” program.
The agreement includes plans to conduct training on cultural package development, deploy cultural artists and resource persons, manage musical instruments and sound systems, present sample cultural performances, and organize exhibitions showcasing cultural packages along with local cultural development in the Api-Saipal and Kanchenjunga regions. Additionally, similar cultural performance package development programs will be carried out in Janakpur, Manaslu, and Lumbini areas. The project also incorporates singing training, talent showcases, and recording sessions tailored for individuals with varying skill levels.
Moreover, cultural exchange programs among cultural groups from the Api, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga regions are planned to connect local art, culture, and traditions with tourism. Following the agreement, Hikmat Singh Air, National Project Director of the Sustainable Tourism Project, highlighted that Nepal’s Himalayan trekking routes are centers not only of natural beauty but also of vibrant culture and original identity. According to him, the project aims to support cultural heritage preservation and diversify tourism products with local community participation, thereby helping to enhance the international competitiveness of Nepal’s emerging destinations.