India And Nepal Eye Tourism Boom As Pokhara Talks Spotlight Connectivity And Culture

Published on December 19, 2025

The Second India and Nepal Tourism Meet was held in Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside city of Nepal and the gateway to the Himalayas, indeed a proper place for deeper human connections. Under the gorgeous Himalayas, the tourism people from both countries united with one common faith: that travel made easy, culture shared and planning done jointly can together transform the open border of India-Nepal into the strongest tourist corridor of South Asia.

The meet, jointly organised by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the Nepal Tourism Board and the Pokhara Tourism Council, focused on strengthening tourism ties between Uttar Pradesh and Gandaki Province. The discussions also aligned with the spirit of the International Year of Cooperatives, underscoring partnership over competition in tourism growth.

Connectivity driving tourism momentum

Speakers highlighted that improving air, road and land connectivity is already reshaping travel patterns between India and Nepal. Representatives from the Indian mission noted that enhanced infrastructure and border facilitation are making short-haul leisure trips, pilgrimage tours and nature-based holidays more accessible for travellers on both sides.

Officials emphasised that religious and cultural circuits remain a natural starting point for collaboration. Routes linking sacred sites in northern India with destinations such as Pokhara and Muktinath were discussed as high-impact itineraries capable of attracting families, senior travellers and spiritual seekers year-round.

Uttar Pradesh and Gandaki Province: Natural partners

A detailed presentation by Uttar Pradesh’s tourism department showcased the state’s diverse circuits, from spiritual hubs to cultural festivals. Particular attention was given to large-scale events such as the Magh Mela, which traditionally draw pilgrims who could be encouraged to extend their journeys into Nepal.

From Nepal’s perspective, tourism officials reiterated that India continues to be the country’s largest source market. Drawing on information promoted through official tourism platforms, they outlined Nepal’s focus on sustainable mountain tourism, wellness travel, wildlife experiences and adventure sports, segments that resonate strongly with Indian travellers seeking short international getaways.

B2B engagement and on-ground collaboration

One of the most practical outcomes of the meet was the business-to-business interaction between tour operators. With around 70 delegates participating, discussions centred on simplifying cross-border itineraries, aligning tour calendars and jointly marketing destinations connected by road.

Operators explored collaboration in Buddhist circuits, wildlife tourism and soft adventure, noting that seamless land routes could encourage self-drive holidays and escorted group tours. Such cooperation, they suggested, would not only increase visitor numbers but also distribute tourism benefits more evenly across border regions.

Familiarisation trip showcases Pokhara’s appeal

To translate dialogue into experience, a familiarisation trip was organised for the Indian delegation between December 15 and 17. The itinerary highlighted Pokhara’s natural beauty, hospitality infrastructure and proximity to pilgrimage and trekking routes.

Tourism stakeholders believe such visits are crucial, as firsthand exposure allows Indian tour planners to design more authentic Nepal itineraries, while also understanding traveller expectations around accommodation, transport and experiences.

Leadership backing for tourism cooperation

The meet was graced by Surendra Raj Pandey, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, who welcomed the growing tourism partnership with India. In his address, he underlined Pokhara’s role as a tourism hub and highlighted the spiritual significance of Muktinath as a shared pilgrimage destination for Indian and Nepali devotees.

His remarks reflected a broader political will to use tourism as a bridge supporting local livelihoods while reinforcing centuries-old cultural bonds.

A travel corridor with shared benefits

Tourism experts attending the meet observed that India–Nepal tourism is uniquely positioned. With no language barriers, deep-rooted cultural links and visa-free travel for citizens, even modest policy coordination can yield significant results. Joint promotion through official tourism platforms, aligned festivals and cooperative marketing were identified as immediate opportunities.

By focusing on Gandaki Province and Uttar Pradesh, the meet also demonstrated how sub-national partnerships can complement national tourism strategies, creating micro-corridors of growth.

Looking ahead

As delegates departed Pokhara, there was a sense that the conversations had moved beyond intent to implementation. For travellers, this could soon mean better-connected routes, thoughtfully curated cross-border circuits and richer storytelling around shared heritage.

For Nepal and India alike, tourism is more than an economic driver, it is a living expression of friendship. The Second India-Nepal Tourism Meet reaffirmed that when destinations collaborate, borders fade, journeys lengthen and travellers return home with stories that bind nations closer together.