Nepal Designates 2025 as a ‘Special Tourism Year’
In a recent federal parliament meeting, President Ram Chandra Paudel declared that the 2080s in the Bikram Samvat calendar would be known as the ‘Visit Nepal decade’. Additionally, the year 2025 will be designated as a special year for tourism. These announcements were made as part of the policies and programs for the fiscal year 2080/81. The aim of these declarations is to promote tourism in Nepal and attract visitors from around the world during the specified time periods.
More About the News
- Tourism in Nepal is recovering after a decline caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the ‘Visit Nepal Year 2020’ campaign, which aimed to attract over 2 million foreign tourists.
- The government is planning to restore tourism influx into the country after the pandemic.
- The government aims to attract over 2.5 million foreign tourists by 2025.
- Over the first four months of 2023, Nepal welcomed more than 3.26 lakh foreign tourists.
- The President announced plans to revise tourism-related laws to support the industry’s recovery.
- Efforts will be made to promote the country’s tourist destinations internationally and develop the necessary infrastructure.
- New tourist destinations will be identified in all seven provinces and transformed into cultural villages.
- More mountains will be opened for climbing, and enhanced security measures will be implemented.
- Film tourism will be expanded, and adventure tourism will be given new dimensions.
- A special honor called the ‘Samarmatha Special Honour’ will be conferred on foreign nationals promoting Nepal’s cultural values.
About Nepal
Geography
- Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the east, south, and west.
- It is known for its diverse geography, including the Himalayan mountain range, with Mount Everest being the world’s highest peak.
- The country is home to several other major peaks, including Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
- It also has a variety of landscapes, from the fertile plains of the Terai region to the hilly and mountainous regions.
Culture and Religion
- Nepal is culturally rich and diverse, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
- Hinduism is the major religion, followed by Buddhism, Islam, and other religions.
- The country is known for its numerous temples, monasteries, and religious festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Holi.
- Nepali is the official language, while other languages and dialects are also spoken.
Tourism
- Nepal is a popular destination for adventure and nature tourism, attracting trekkers, mountaineers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
- The capital city, Kathmandu, is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
- Other popular tourist destinations include Pokhara, known for its lakes and stunning mountain views, and Chitwan National Park, famous for its wildlife and jungle safaris.
Economy
- Agriculture plays a significant role in Nepal’s economy, with the majority of the population engaged in farming.
- The country is rich in natural resources, including hydropower potential, which contributes to its energy sector.
- Remittances from Nepali workers abroad also play a crucial role in the economy.
Challenges
- Nepal faces various challenges, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability.
- The country is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods, which can cause significant damage.
Government
- Nepal is a federal democratic republic.
- The country underwent a significant political transformation from a monarchy to a republic in 2008.
- The President – Ram Chandra Poundel
- The Prime Minister – Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)
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Nepal – FAQs
Is Nepal part of India or China?
Nepal is an independent country and is not part of India or China. It is a separate nation with its own government, territory, and identity. It is located between India and China and shares borders with both countries. It is a sovereign nation with its own political, cultural, and economic systems.
Are India and Nepal friends?
India and Nepal share a close and historic relationship. The two countries have deep cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties. India and Nepal have a unique bond based on shared history, religion, and open borders, allowing for easy movement of people and goods between the two nations. There is a long-standing tradition of close diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between India and Nepal. However, like any two neighboring countries, India and Nepal may also have occasional disagreements or issues, but overall, they maintain friendly and cooperative relations.
