Karnali Tourism Meet 2026: Launched to Attract Indian Tourists

The Karnali Tourism Meet 2063 has commenced in Birendranagar with the aim of linking Karnali to the international tourism market. Karnali Province Minister Suresh Adhikari highlighted Karnali as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations and emphasized that developing tourism here will contribute significantly to Nepal’s economic prosperity. Tourism Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula described Karnali as a vibrant museum of Nepali culture, Himalayan heritage, and biological diversity.

The event started under the slogan ‘On the Lap of Nature and Culture.’ Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Birendranagar Municipality, with coordination from the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation Surkhet, Dullu Municipality, and Gurans Rural Municipality, the conference held on Thursday in Birendranagar focused on Karnali’s tourism potential, cultural richness, and sustainable tourism development.

The program was inaugurated by Karnali Province’s Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment, Suresh Adhikari. Participants included Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Acting Executive Director of the Tourism Board Hikmat Singh Air, Birendranagar Municipality Chief Mohanmaya Dhakal, Chairperson of Gurans Rural Municipality Top Bahadur BC, Chief District Officer of Surkhet Jagadishwar Upadhyay, representatives from Nepal Association for Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Banke branch, tourism entrepreneurs from Karnali and Lumbini Provinces, Indian tourism professionals, private sector entrepreneurs, and tourism workers.

Minister Adhikari pointed out that although Karnali has long been considered geographically remote, its tourism development is poised to play a vital role in the overall economic growth of Nepal. He stressed the need to brand destinations such as Rara, She Foxundo, Kankre Bihar, Gurans, Humla, and Dolpa in the international market. Tourism Secretary Niraula reiterated that Karnali represents not only Nepal’s western geography but also serves as a living museum showcasing Nepali civilization, Himalayan culture, biodiversity, and indigenous lifestyles.

Acting Executive Director Air noted that India represents a vast tourism market for Nepal and that Karnali Province is currently an exceptionally suitable destination for Indian tourists. Birendranagar Municipality Chief Dhakal acknowledged that despite Karnali’s immense tourism potential, its promotion and publicity have been ineffective so far. The event is scheduled to conclude on 10th Jestha.