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Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Indian Express
Amid rise of ‘luxury options and soft adventure' Indians accounted for nearly 23% of tourists in Nepal between Jan and May
Of the 5.01 lakh tourists that arrived in Nepal between January and May this year, Indians accounted for the largest share with 1.15 lakh tourists, which translates to nearly 23 percent of the share. While India continues to dominate the tourist market, a new trend is emerging among Indian tourists with a larger demand for leisure travel and 'soft adventure' particularly amongst tourists from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi. The surge, according to the Nepal Tourism Board, has been spurred by the rise of high-end, luxury properties developing across the Himalayan nation. Data procured from Nepal government's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation showed that tourism is witnessing a steady rise post-pandemic, with 11.47 lakh tourists arriving in Nepal in 2024, marking a jump of 13.07 percent from the previous year. Of the total tourists, Indians made up for the largest number of tourists in the Himalayan country accounting for 3.17 lakh tourists in 2024, followed by 1.11 lakh tourists from the USA, 1.01 lakh tourists from China and 57,554 tourists from the United Kingdom. In 2025, India continued to retain its position as the largest source for the tourism market in Nepal. Between January and May, this year, 5.01 lakh tourists visited Nepal with Indians accounting for nearly 23 percent of the total share with 1.15 lakh tourists. What makes Nepal an appealing choice for Indians, according to experts, is the lack of visa application, open borders and proximity. While holidays, trekking and pilgrimage tourism continue to dominate the purpose of travel in Nepal, tour operators have observed a shift in preferences among Indian tourists with a larger share of visitors now demanding 'soft adventure' and luxury experiences. Speaking to The Indian Express, Sunil Sharma, officiating director, public relations and publicity department of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said that while typically Indians have preferred traveling to places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan or visiting pilgrimage sites over longer durations, higher numbers of Indian tourists are now looking for leisure travel. Sharma said, 'As a large number of high end properties are developing all over Nepal particularly in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara, Indian tourists' demand has surged for leisure travel and soft adventure. This means that Indian tourists are increasingly preferring exotic resorts and destinations in the mountain areas where they stay for two nights, relax, explore the surrounding mountains leisurely before returning back. Such demand is particularly being observed amongst tourists from Maharashtra and Gujarat.' Records furnished from the Nepal tourism department showed that between 2023 and October 2024, star hotel properties saw a much higher rise of nearly 17.6 percent across the country while non-star hotels increased by 10.5 percent. 'Unlike hard adventure in trekking where trekkers climb upto nearly 5,000 metres for days, 'soft adventure' is where visitors trek for two – three hours at the most, adventure without punishing the body. More Indians are now preferring such soft adventures where they trek for some hours, then relax in their resorts and leisurely enjoy the mountains,' said Sharma, adding, 'One of the popular destinations for such travel amongst Indians is Dhampus which offers majestic views of the Annapurna range.' Furthermore, towns situated along Indian borders such as Birjung, Simra, Nepalgunj, Bhairawa, cities in Jhapa district are also fast emerging as a preferred hub for destination weddings among Indians as well as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). 'The surge in these destinations' appeal is driven by excellent connectivity from India, coupled with the growing presence of high-end hotels and resorts in Nepal's border cities. This combination of accessibility and luxury infrastructure has made Nepal an increasingly attractive choice for hosting memorable weddings,' added Sharma. For Nepal, tourism is the second highest foreign exchange earner, after remittances, contributing to nearly seven percent of the country's GDP, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). (The correspondent was in Nepal at the invitation of Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi)
Time Business News
18-06-2025
- Time Business News
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Guide: TIMS & ACAP Explained
Introduction Planning an Annapurna Base Camp trek requires proper permits. Every trekker needs two permits to visit this popular Nepal destination. These permits are the TIMS card and the ACAP permit. This guide explains everything you need to know about getting these important documents. You need two main permits for the Annapurna Base Camp trek: TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit Both permits are mandatory for all trekkers. Trekking without these permits can result in fines or being turned away from checkpoints. TIMS stands for Trekkers' Information Management System. It helps track trekkers for safety purposes. The system helps authorities locate trekkers in case of emergencies. Here are key details about the TIMS card: Cost : $10 for individual trekkers, $5 per person for group trekkers : $10 for individual trekkers, $5 per person for group trekkers Validity : One entry, valid for a single trek : One entry, valid for a single trek Where to get it : Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara : Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara Required documents: Passport, passport-sized photos, and filled form The TIMS card contains your personal information. It also has your emergency contact details. Always carry it with you during your Annapurna Base Camp trek. The ACAP permit allows entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area. This protected region covers most Annapurna trekking routes. Your permit fee helps with conservation efforts. Here's what you need to know: Cost : 3,000 NPR (approximately $25) for foreign nationals : 3,000 NPR (approximately $25) for foreign nationals Validity : Valid for the duration of your trek : Valid for the duration of your trek Where to get it : Same offices as TIMS (Nepal Tourism Board) : Same offices as TIMS (Nepal Tourism Board) Required documents: Passport and one passport-sized photo The ACAP permit helps protect the natural environment. It funds local development projects and wildlife conservation initiatives. Getting your permits is straightforward. You can get both at the same time. Follow these simple steps: Visit the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara Bring your passport and passport photos (2-3 copies) Fill out the application forms (available at the office) Pay the fees in local currency Receive your permits on the spot Most trekking agencies can arrange permits for you. This service often adds a small handling fee. Getting permits yourself saves money but takes time. You'll encounter several checkpoints during your Annapurna Base Camp trek. The main ones are: Birethanti (first TIMS checkpoint) Tikhedhunga (ACAP checkpoint) Ghorepani (permit verification) Chhomrong (final major checkpoint) Officials will check and stamp your permits at these points. Keep your permits accessible in a waterproof bag or pouch. Recent updates to the permit system include: Slight fee increases for both permits Digital registration system at major checkpoints New requirement to carry a physical copy despite digital registration Additional checkpoints added on some routes These changes aim to improve trekker safety and environmental protection. Here are some helpful tips about permits: Get permits before starting your trek Keep permits in a waterproof container Make photocopies as backups Register at every checkpoint you pass Respect local regulations and guidelines Following these tips ensures a smooth trekking experience in the Annapurna region. Proper permits are essential for your Annapurna Base Camp trek. The TIMS card and ACAP permit support safety and conservation efforts. The process is simple and can be completed in one day. These permits protect both trekkers and the stunning natural environment. Start your trek preparations early. Get your permits sorted before heading to the trailhead. This avoids delays and ensures a worry-free trekking adventure in the magnificent Annapurna region. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Indian Express
This Word Means: Sherpa
WHY NOW? Kami Rita Sherpa, a 55-year-old Nepali Sherpa guide, broke a record he set last year by scaling Mount Everest for the 31st time on Tuesday (May 27). He led a 22-member team of the Indian Army through the traditional southeast ridge route to scale the world's highest peak. The group was accompanied by 27 other Sherpas. The Sherpas are a Tibetan ethnic group hailing from the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal and Tibet. The term is Tibetan for 'people from the East'. Sherpas have been valued for their guidance and knowledge, especially of use to climbers who aim to scale the Himalayas and Mount Everest. Their valued status has also been recognised by the G20 grouping, which has dubbed each country's delegate a 'Sherpa' for their role in facilitating discussion and agreements for the final summit with Heads of Government and State. New Zealander mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first people to climb the Everest in 1953. Kami Rita, or the 'Everest Man', holds the world record in climbing Everest. He first scaled the peak in 1994 as a guide on a commercial expedition. He has since climbed the mountain at least once a year. The world's highest mountain, at 8,848.86 metres high or around 29,030 feet, is located in Nepal. It is also known as Sagarmata in Nepal and Qomolangma, and is revered by Hindus and Buddhists as a sacred peak. While mountaineers have long set their sights on scaling the peak, the momentum to scale Everest picked up in the 19th century once alpinists, or European mountaineers, had successfully climbed about every significant peak in Europe. In the iconic words of George Mallory, the veteran climber regarded as the best of his era, 'Because it's there.' Mallory and Sandy Irvine undertook the ill-fated 1924 expedition and have been speculated to be the first to reach the summit. However, the duo did not survive the expedition, with their bodies found years later. Adults aged over 18, who have completed basic and advanced courses in mountaineering from recognised training institutes, are eligible. They are required to exhibit above-average physical and mental fitness. Experts have maintained that only those with four to five years of experience trekking in the Himalayas, including a few peaks at heights over 7,000 metres, should attempt to climb Everest. The Nepal Tourism Board approves applications, and the climbing season, the period best suited for the task, lasts three months, ending May 31. DO MOUNTAINEERS SCALE ALL 8,000+ KM? Not usually. Most climbers commence their expedition from one of two base camps: the North Base Camp in Tibet, at a height of 5,150 metres (16,900 feet), or the more frequented Southern Base Camp in Nepal, at a height of 5,364 metres (17,598 feet). The first person to climb Everest from sea level to the peak was the Australian Tim Macartney-Snape, who began the trek from Gangasagar along the Bay of Bengal in February 1990, and reached the peak on May 11, 1990. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, he climbed via the Normal Route, alone without the assistance of sherpas, fellow climbers or bottled oxygen.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mountain Dew celebrates Nepal's mountaineering legacy in new ad
HighlightsMountain Dew has launched the 'Peaks of Courage' initiative in Nepal, celebrating the spirit of adventure and the country's mountaineering legacy beyond Mount Everest. The campaign, supported by the Nepal Tourism Board, aims to inspire Nepalese youth and create sustainable opportunities for local climbing guides and Sherpas through immersive digital storytelling. A unique 'Dare Score' has been developed to provide adventure enthusiasts with a roadmap to explore Nepal's lesser-known peaks, enhancing their climbing experience and challenging their fears. Mountain Dew, PepsiCo's beverage brand, has launched ' Peaks of Courage ' in Nepal — a cultural movement celebrating the spirit of adventure, courag, and untold stories of Nepal's mountaineering legacy. Powered by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and amplified globally by Discovery Channel, the initiative shines a light on Nepal's lesser-known but formidable peaks — expanding the country's global identity beyond Everest. The campaign was launched from the top of some of the toughest 8K peaks by global mountaineers and sherpas. 'Peaks of Courage' challenges that narrative — anchored in the bold truth that Nepal is not just home to Everest - It is the land of the world's most formidable, and daring climbs. 'Peaks of Courage' is designed to inspire a new generation of Nepalese youth — reclaiming pride in their mountaineering heritage and redefining adventure as a vital part of their identity. With support from the Nepal Tourism Board, the initiative creates real, sustainable opportunities for Sherpas, climbing guides, and local travel communities — turning adventure into year-round economic impact. To bring the initiative to life, the brand has unveiled a campaign film set against Nepal's landscapes. The film follows a seasoned Sherpa and an international climber, revealing that the true spirit of climbing isn't just about reaching a summit — it's about seeking what lies beyond it. Tarun Bhagat, chief marketing officer – South Asia, PepsiCo India, added, "This campaign brings together technology, storytelling, and cultural insight to offer a new lens on adventure; one that celebrates the depth of Nepal's legacy and dares the world to look beyond the obvious." Vishal Singh Thakur, country head, Varun Beverages Nepal said, "The campaign is about celebrating local pride while inviting the audience to see Nepal through a new, more daring lens. We're looking at real impact on the ground with this initiative." Deepak Raj Joshi, chief executive officer, Nepal Tourism Board said, 'The campaign goes far beyond just a film. It actively engages with the mountaineering community—including seasoned Sherpas, local climbing experts, and aspiring adventurers—through immersive digital storytelling and on-ground experiences.' 'We aggregated all the data around the scalable peaks of Nepal including the weather, the terrain, availability of sherpas, etc., and created a 'Dare Score' – an adventure score card for each route. We then packaged this information in an immersive experience - accessible by scanning the Mountain Dew bottle. In doing this, for the first time ever, we have given adventure enthusiasts a roadmap to discover uncharted territories of Nepal and, in-turn, challenge their own fears,' said Vikram Pandey, chief creative officer, Leo – South Asia. Watch the video here:
The National
11-04-2025
- The National
Inside the incredible lives of Sherpas, the unsung heroes of Himalayan expeditions
Golden-green barley fields stretch alongside the winding lanes leading to the centuries-old Kemgun Gomba, a monastery located in Nepal. A soft veil of fog obscures the path, but the silhouette of a red concrete entryway stands out as I get closer. Adorned with intricate motifs – a conch shell, a wheel and a lotus flower – it beckons me forward. At arm's distance, there are prayer wheels, and it is believed that turning them clockwise brings good fortune, just like the engraved motifs at the doorway. But overhead, thick grey clouds begin to blanket the sky. In that setting, an amma (the Nepalese word for mother) asks me to come into her house, offering shelter from the drizzle. Pasang Yangzi Sherpa's kitchen-cum-living room feels warm, a stark contrast to the coldness outside. Brass and steel utensils line her kitchen. On the wall adjoining it is a framed image of her son, Nima Ongchu, with a khada (or a ceremonial scarf). 'He's a trek guide,' Yangzi says, placing a pan on the stove to boil water. She hands me a cup of salty su-cha, also known as butter tea, saying it'll keep me warm. I am in the small town of Lukla, which is 2,860 metres above sea level, located on the fringes of the Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu district, in north-eastern Nepal. The park, inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1979, teems with biodiversity and rare wildlife species such as snow leopards and red pandas. Lukla serves as the gateway to Mount Everest (known locally as Sagarmatha, which translates to "Peak of Heaven"). As I feel the warmth of the tea, Yangzi chimes in: 'My son has summited Ama Dablam and Mount Everest". The air is filled with pride – hers from her son's achievements and a chance to share the Sherpa way of life; mine from the success of making it to Everest base camp. It's an endeavour that feels incomplete without acknowledging the real heroes, the ammas who nurture Sherpas such as Nima Ongchu. Sherpas, who carry the weight – both literally and figuratively – make these feats possible. They are an ethnic group native to Solukhumbu. Originally of Tibetan descent, they migrated to Nepal around the 15th or 16th centuries. The name Sherpa derives from the Tibetan word "sher-war", meaning people of the east, a nod to their origins in Tibet's Kham region. During peak season, from March to May and September to November, thousands of global tourists visit Khumbu. Data from the Nepal Tourism Board reveals more than 100,000 tourists from the Middle East arrived in Nepal in 2024. In the bustling region of Khumbu, the clinking of trekking poles and backpacks, boots scuffing against cobbled paths, gears being packed and unpacked, instructions from guides, encouragements from fellow travellers and cafes brewing espresso to celebrate milestones are all a reflection of deep Sherpa culture and hospitality. It is also why almost every house in Khumbu relies on tourism, as the locals say. Some Sherpas work as guides, porters, support crew, while many others have their own small businesses, such as lodges, guest houses, cafes, restaurants and shops. Not far away from Lukla's Kemgun monastery is business owner Tenzing Sherpa, who sells trekking accessories such as poles, clothes and down jackets. The store comes to my rescue when I am in need of warm trousers. 'Tourists are important for Lukla because the entire town depends on them,' he says. 'I want to give tourists the service they want and make them happy.' He can provide his services only on good weather days. 'If it is cloudy, there are no flights coming into Lukla, which is infamous for its cliffside runway," he says. "No flights mean no business.' Across the region, the efforts of Sherpas are a familiar sight. Yet, what goes unnoticed amidst the trails draped in Nepal's national flower, the rhododendrons, are the Sherpas working quietly behind the scenes. Just a few days earlier, along the trails connecting the towns of Namche Bazar and Khumjung, a group of workers were hunched over, chiselling rocks and laying out the paths for trekkers. Among them was Nima Sherpa, one of the underappreciated who helps build the trails. 'We've been making this path for days,' he says. 'It will take more than a month to make the way.' This serves as a reminder of the unseen labour that sustains these mountains. He's not the only one. In Khumjung, Gelmo Shepra, 18, works as a cook and handles housekeeping. That morning, she's busy washing bedsheets. 'I need to earn money, so I don't want to study further,' she says. From potato flatbreads to stews, Gelmo adds, 'I can cook everything on the menu.' In her free time, she loves to watch Nepali folk songs, allowing the melodies and rhythms to provide a brief escape from her busy days. Nearby, Khumjung Secondary School, founded by Edmund Hillary in 1961, offers education up to grade 10 for more than 250 students. Tucked away in one of the region's more remote areas, the school quietly supports the next generation of Sherpas, who may go on to work as guides, in hospitality, or even start their own businesses. While Everest often takes the spotlight, it's the Sherpas – an essential part of climbing culture – who help make these journeys possible.
