As the New Year sits on the horizon, Nepal is all set to celebrate 2020 as the ‘Visit Nepal Year’ offering visitors a worthwhile experience and memories of a lifetime. Well-known in the world for the Himalayan range, geographical and biological diversity and the multi-faceted culture that is nurtured across the length and breadth of this dynamic country, Nepal is often recognized as a must-visit destination by leading travel publications. So what makes 2020 a special year to visit Nepal? Read on to find out.
- A nationwide program initiated by the government and backed by the people
The ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ is a national festival dedicated to any traveller–international or domestic promising an enriched travel experience. The entire Nepalese tourism fraternity is eager to offer a pleasant, convenient and affordable stay in the ‘Visit Nepal Year 2020’ program which has been taken up by the Government of Nepal and the Tourism Department of Nepal, dedicating the year to the Tourism Industry of Nepal. The campaign aims to solidify Nepal as one of the leading travel destinations in the world and further expedite the growth of the industry in Nepal while promoting local sustainable tourism. Leading to the campaign, the government had initiated preparation in 2017. Trekking, touring, climbing, rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, wilderness safari, bird watching, social-cultural exchange are some of the tourism activities highlighted in the program.
- Additional amenities in 2020
Renovation of the World Heritage Sites within the Kathmandu Valley is expected to complete by 2020 and touristic destinations across the nation are being prepared to welcome visitors. Additional destinations are also being identified and organized for the Visit Nepal Year 2020.
Nepal has completed the runway rehabilitation and renovation program at the Tribhuvan International Airport ahead of the Visit Nepal Year 2020. With this, the sole international airport located in the capital will operate 21 hours a day starting January 1, facilitating the incoming and departing passengers.
The Gautam Buddha International Airport (aka Lumbini International Airport) is expected to come into operation from May, 2020. This would offer an alternative to international visitors who can currently fly only to Kathmandu. The 4E-category airport is located at Siddharthanagar Municipality, Province 5, 24 km from Lumbini–the birthplace of Gautama, the Buddha and about 280 km southwest from Kathmandu. Lumbini is a major travel destination in Nepal.
In view of the Visit Nepal Year, the private hotel sector plans to add 4,000 new rooms in four and five-star category in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, the popular triangular destinations in Nepal. New international hotel chains have already begun operation from 2019 like the 214-room Kathmandu Marriott Hotel and 167-room Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. Additionally, hotels in other categories and homestays in rural Nepal have also seen upgradations and rise in numbers–all set to welcome guests with utmost hospitality and prove the old Nepali adage “Guest is God”.
- Some Special Events in 2020
Kathmandu by Night. Arrangements would be made for special itineraries in the heritage cities of Kathmandu and Janakpur for tourists to visit even after sundown.
Mustang Trail Race slated for 4 to 16 April, 2020 is an 8-stage, 170km long, high altitude trail race that takes you through the trans-Himalayan region bordering Tibet. The trail is a mix of challenging run on centuries-old trail used in the Nepal-Tibet trade with plenty of free time for rest and cultural exploration in caves, villages, monasteries & Hindu temples from Lower to Upper Mustang.
The 18th edition of the Everest Marathon is on 29th May. Dubbed as the world’s highest marathon, the 42km full marathon run starts at the Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and ends at Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
The 4th rendition of Otaku Jatra is scheduled in May. It is an event which brings together cosplayers, artists, artisans, designers, gamers, YouTubers, musicians and dancers to pay tribute to hardcore anime fans.
The 5th Sustainable Summits Conference is to be held in Kathmandu from June 1 to 5 to showcase the country’s mountain environment, highlight climate change issues, and bring international attention to Nepal’s mountain tourism. The Sustainable Summits Conferences are inspired by the growing pressures on our mountain environments and the need to address impacts such as overcrowding, waste, noise, and more–and a drive to sustain these environments.
The 8th World Trails Conference is to be hosted in September. The World Trails Network (WTN) is an initiative to connect the diverse trails of the world to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of outstanding trail experiences. The World Trails Network brings trail associations, trail advocates, walkers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts together from around the world to foster global collaboration and networking for the betterment of the world’s trails.
November sees hosting of the Great Karnali Quest. It is a raft race, probably the longest in the world anticipated to be attended by many international rafters.
The 2nd Kathmandu Triennale starts 4 December until 9 January, 2021. The event presents contemporary and traditional art by Nepali and international artists on particular edition themes and develops programming and outreach to explore the pedagogical potential of the arts.
- Support local sustainability and environment-friendly practices
Visiting the rural destinations for tour and trekking lends big support to the local businesses focused on utilizing locally available resources, skills and entrepreneurship. Establishments such as community and private homestays, mountain lodges and teahouses and indigenous products and craftsmanship receive a significant boost and a fair chance of representation. Employment opportunities and revenue get distributed to rural economies and directly help to uplift the living standard of the people. This in turn encourages communities to proactively conserve their heritage and environment while responsibly conducting business activities leaving minimal impact on the environment, especially the fragile ecosystems in the mountains, national parks and other protected areas.
Looking to be a part of the festival? Do get in touch to plan a perfect holiday for the Visit Nepal Year 2020. Our team of dedicated travel specialists would be delighted to tailor an ideal getaway depending upon your preferences and requirements. Hope to welcome you here in 2020!
