Harnessing Himalayan research and innovation for Nepal's mountain tourism. नेपालको हिमाली पर्यटनका लागि हिमालयन अनुसन्धान र नवप्रवर्तनको उपयोग

Harnessing Himalayan research and innovation for Nepal's mountain tourism

नेपालको हिमाली पर्यटनका लागि हिमालयन अनुसन्धान र नवप्रवर्तनको उपयोग

By Dr. Surya Bahadur Ghimire

With majestic landscapes, rugged terrain and rich cultural traditions, the Himalayas are one of the world's most extraordinary treasures, attracting adventurers from all corners of the globe. The Himalayas in Nepal in particular are unparalleled. But to sustain and expand its tourism industry, Nepal must rely on research, innovation and modern technology while ensuring environmental protection and social welfare.

“हिमालय केवल गन्तव्य मात्र होइन, नयाँ अनुसन्धान र नवप्रवर्तनमार्फत विश्व पर्यटनलाई पुनःपरिभाषित गर्ने केन्द्र हो।”

Recent moves suggest that change is already underway. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in collaboration with UNDP, launches the $5 million Sustainable Tourism Project (2025-28). The project will improve trails, strengthen infrastructure, train 5,000 workers and create 2,500 jobs, with the aim of creating a robust world-class tourism sector. Meanwhile, the NeverRest Project, working alongside NTB, unveiled a “sustainable Everest Base Camp”, introducing solar-powered tents and waste-filter urinals that cut urine discharge by 42%. These kinds of efforts not only protect fragile mountain environments but also enhance the visitor experience. 

Nepal’s broader tourism vision emphasises “Smart and Sustainable Tourism”. This includes digital systems like TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) and climate-aware planning. NTB has budgeted for awareness campaigns on climate change, eco-friendly hospitality, and promotional drives such as Sagarmatha Samman, positioning Nepal as an eco-adventure hub. Just as Switzerland has created its “Swisstainable” certification, Nepal too can establish standards and invest in research to brand itself as a leader in sustainable mountain travel.

Environmental and Climate Research for Tourism

The Himalayas face immediate environmental stress: melting glaciers, unpredictable weather and fragile ecosystems. Research into these challenges and effective adaptation strategies is important. The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is already leading the way, working with Mustang's villages through "field schools" that teach local people about climate risk and sustainable practices, connecting community voices directly to policy.

Switzerland offers a valuable model. The partnership with ICIMOD has already brought an early warning system for floods and landslides to Nepal, based on its own alpine research. Nepal can build on this by investing in continuous glacier and weather monitoring, similar to Switzerland's Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, to guide trip safety and educate tourists.

National parks and UNESCO already support research at places like Sagarmatha, but this could be extended to eco-tourism experiences such as guided walks in the glacier lake and geological trails. With partnerships such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Nepal is also promoting renewable energy in the mountains. Hosting Himalayan conferences, training programs and scientific tours can attract researchers and enthusiasts alike. By incorporating climate and geological research into tourism, through hazard maps, signage and interactive experiences, Nepal can protect its heritage while remaining a leader in 'science tourism'.

Mountaineering Technology and Safety

Modern technology makes Himalayan expeditions safe, green adventures. A Nepalese drone company is now delivering supplies and hauling trash on Everest. In June 2025, Reuters reported that drones were carrying climbing equipment over crevasses and bringing debris back to base camp, dramatically reducing rescue and cleanup times. Capable of lifting 25 kg to altitudes over 6,000 meters in minutes, these drones reduce Sherpa workload and reduce helicopter emissions.

Looking to the future, communications networks and portable weather stations inspired by New Zealand's innovations could be deployed in Nepal. The country's harsh conditions make it the perfect testing ground for new equipment, such as insulated tents, advanced oxygen systems and avalanche beacons. Collaboration with universities and equipment manufacturers (such as Alpine Labs of Switzerland) could lead to the creation of new research centers in Nepal. Combining local knowledge with international expertise in safety training (such as avalanche preparedness) will increase both safety and appeal.

Eco-Friendly Infrastructure

Green infrastructure is the backbone of sustainable mountain tourism. For example, Nepal can look to Bhutan's electric buses and Switzerland's efficient railways. The expansion of solar power on hiking trails, already underway through ICIMOD and ISA, will allow cabins, rest stations and emergency shelters to operate off the grid. Strict standards for eco-lodges may require energy efficiency, composting toilets and recycling, similar to the practice in the Swiss Alps.

“हिमाली वातावरण र संस्कृतिमा आधारित अनुसन्धानले संरक्षण र समृद्धि दुवैलाई सन्तुलित गर्ने नयाँ पर्यटन मोडल दिन सक्छ।”

Land-use planning is also key. Nepal must enforce building codes in avalanche- and landslide-prone areas. Transportation could evolve with electric cable cars or suspension bridges, cutting both strain on trekkers and environmental pollution. Digital infrastructure matters too; mapping apps and free Wi-Fi in high-altitude teahouses (like New Zealand’s DOC huts) would enhance the trekking experience. Eco-infrastructure powered by renewables and designed for resilience will strengthen tourism while minimising harm.

Community-Based and Cultural Tourism

For tourism to really benefit Nepal, the local communities must be at the centre. Community-based tourism (CBT) ensures that villagers receive cultural and economic benefits from visitors. Winner of the UNWTO's "Transforming Tourism" award, Nepal's homestay network has already proven how authentic village-based stays can be. As the founder put it, this model connects global travelers to the real faces of Nepal, while diversifying rural economies.

Scaling up this model could include Sherpa and Tamang villages offering tours, craft workshops and homestays. Internationally, New Zealand's Maori-owned businesses and Bhutan's community-centred tourism show how local people can lead the industry. Nepal can replicate this success with microgrants, heritage marketing and guide training. By collaborating with NGOs and universities, Nepal can further strengthen local communities. Ultimately, mountain tourism in Khumbu, Annapurna and Mustang will be successful only when villagers come forward to share their culture and landscape.

Nepal has a strong foundation in Himalayan research, with several organisations doing notable work.

Nepal's Current Himalayan Research & Innovation Landscape

International Best Practices

Switzerland: Blends innovation and sustainability through programs like Innotour (tourism R&D funding) and the Swisstainable label (eco-certification for businesses). Its dense electric railways, cable cars, and 20+ protected parks make tourism accessible yet eco-friendly. Swiss scientists pioneer avalanche and climate research, sharing insights through the Alpine Convention, a model Nepal can emulate.

New Zealand: Marketed as “100% Pure,” NZ’s 2024–28 strategy highlights sustainable growth. Its Tourism Sustainability Commitment boasts 2,000+ signatories, while the Visitor Conservation Levy funds conservation projects. Predator-free reserves, solar-powered huts, and Māori-owned tourism demonstrate deep integration of culture and ecology. Nepal can learn from NZ’s formal certifications and conservation-driven levies.

Bhutan: Champions “high-value, low-volume” tourism, limiting annual visitors and charging a hefty Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This has kept Bhutan carbon-negative and preserved 70% forest cover. Tourism revenue supports infrastructure, conservation, and electric transport. Though controversial, strict eco-fees and permits have kept Bhutan’s ecosystems pristine. Nepal could adapt this model with a more moderate eco-levy for trekkers.

An excellent example of applied innovation is the surveillance work at Imja Lake, a rapidly expanding glacial lake threat. A team from ICIMOD and NREN engineers installed a wireless sensor network at altitudes exceeding 5,300 metres to transmit real-time data of the lake’s expansion in a clear example where technology can be effectively employed for community safety with cutting-edge solutions in harsh environments.

“हिमालयमा आधारित अनुसन्धान र नवप्रवर्तनले नेपालको पर्यटनलाई मात्र होइन, स्थानीय समुदायको जीवनस्तर र प्राकृतिक सम्पदाको संरक्षणलाई पनि सुदृढ बनाउँछ।”

Recommendations for Nepal

• Blend Science and Tourism: Build high-altitude research stations (glaciology, seismology) that double as observatories. Offer educational treks like birdwatching with ecologists or geology hikes with scientists.

• Scale Green Innovation: Expand pilot projects like NeverRest Base Camp and ICIMOD–ISA solar energy into national initiatives. Incubate startups for drones, gear, and off-grid power. Introduce certifications like “Nepal Green Trek”.

• Strengthen Infrastructure: Invest in solar lodges, EV shuttles, smart rest stops, digital maps, and expanded telecom networks to ensure both safety and convenience.

• Empower Communities: Provide microgrants, training, and revenue-sharing for local councils. Involve villagers in decision-making through tourism committees.

• Reform Policy and Funding: Consider eco-levies or permit-based fees (like Bhutan’s SDF) to fund conservation, trail maintenance, and waste management. Enforce strict rules against glacier dumping and seasonal caps in fragile zones.

By combining science, innovation, eco-infrastructure, and community-driven models, Nepal can join Switzerland, New Zealand, and Bhutan as global leaders in sustainable mountain tourism. The Himalayas will always be iconic, but only by innovating responsibly can Nepal keep them both pristine and profitable for generations to come. 

It’s important to remember the Himalayas are not just an adventure playground but a fragile ecosystem and millions of people’s sacred home. The future of Nepal’s mountain economy lies in sustainability and respect.