Pokhara, October 26
Pokhara is witnessing a significant surge in tourist arrivals as domestic and foreign visitors flock to the city during the long Dashain-Tihar holidays. Clear mountain views and favourable weather have boosted the festive atmosphere, filling hotels, restaurants, and tourism establishments with renewed energy.
“The tourism sector of Pokhara, which had been struggling due to various disasters, is finally seeing some relief,” said Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara. “During Tihar, the number of domestic and foreign tourists has been very satisfactory. Currently, about 90 per cent of lakeside hotels are occupied.”
According to Subedi, Pokhara has around 1,200 tourist-level hotels, with about 700 concentrated in the Lakeside and Damside areas. The city’s hotels can collectively accommodate nearly 40,000 guests per night.
Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Pokhara President Krishna Acharya said the scenic trails in the Annapurna region continue to attract trekkers from across the world. “The arrival of both domestic and foreign tourists is encouraging,” he said, adding that TAAN has recently promoted the Annapurna North, also known as the Maurice Herzog Trail.
Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara President Bishwaraj Poudel expressed optimism over the revival of tourism, noting that tourist arrivals during Tihar have been higher than during Dashain.
However, Pokhara Tourism Council Senior Vice President Hari Bhujel stressed that sustained investment requires a year-round strategy. He urged the government to adopt long-term, sustainable tourism policies to safeguard the sector from natural disasters, political instability, and pandemics.
