Dr. Surya Bahadur Ghimire (PhD) Mountain Tourism Researcher

Nepal's tourism industry experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2024, marking a strong rebound from the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  "Nepal’s tourism resurgence in 2024 is not just a return to normalcy—it’s a bold step forward, driven by adventure, spirituality, and cultural discovery. " The latest statistics released by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation highlight a thriving sector driven by renewed traveller confidence, strategic promotional efforts, and the timeless allure of Nepal’s natural and cultural landscapes. Tourist Arrivals: A Promising Uptick In 2024, Nepal recorded 1,147,548 international tourist arrivals, marking a 13.07% increase from 2023. Of these, 89.23% (1,023,937) entered the country by air, while 10.77% (123,611) arrived over land. This surge reflects improved air connectivity, the gradual easing of travel restrictions, and effective tourism promotion campaigns. "With over 1.1 million tourist arrivals an...

"The shift from a rule-based to a deal-based order marks a significant transformation in global governance." The international order that emerged after the Second World War was underpinned by a “rule-based” system governed by multilateral institutions, legal norms, and collective decision-making mechanisms. Institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) , and the I nternational Monetary Fund (IMF) played crucial roles in mediating global interactions. However, in recent years, this system has increasingly given way to a “deal-based” order, wherein bilateralism, transactional diplomacy, and power politics have superseded universal norms (Acharya, 2017; Allison, 2018). Erosion of Multilateralism Multilateral institutions are facing a crisis of legitimacy and functionality. For instance, the WTO's appellate body has been rendered inoperative since 2019 due to the United States blocking judicial appointments (Bown, 2020). As a result, trad...

Kathmandu, May 17, 2025— Nepal has inaugurated the first-ever Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global climate dialogue convened in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18, bringing together over 350 delegates from around the world to address the escalating climate crisis in mountainous regions. Named after Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali), the event underscores Nepal’s commitment to amplifying the voices of vulnerable mountain and island nations disproportionately affected by climate change.   Ref: ([The Diplomat][1], [Nepal News][2]) A Platform for Mountain Nations Themed “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” the dialogue aims to foster international cooperation on climate resilience, adaptation, and justice. Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this inaugural session is organized by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Forests and Environment. ...

"समृद्धिको शिखरमा पुग्न, हामीले हिमाल चढ्नु पर्दैन— वस् हामीले आफ्नै हिमाललाई विश्ववजार सामु चिनाए काफी हुन्छ।" नेपाल—सगरमाथा, अन्नपूर्ण, माछापुच्छ्रे जस्ता हिमशृंखलाले सुशोभित देश। जहाँ हिमाल केवल दृश्य होइन, जीवनशैली, संस्कृति र सम्भावना हो। आज जब हामी “नयाँ नेपाल” को परिकल्पना गर्छौं, त्यसको केन्द्रबिन्दु बन्न सक्छ—पर्वतीय पर्यटन। तर के साँच्चै नेपालले आफ्नो हिमाली सम्पदालाई समृद्धिको आधार बनाउन सक्छ? सँगसँगै, विश्वका अन्य पर्वतीय मुलुकहरूले कसरी पर्यटनमार्फत देश उकासिरहेका छन्? यस लेखमा यही विषयलाई सरल, तुलनात्मक र प्रेरणादायी रूपमा विश्लेषण गर्न खोजेको छु। नेपालः हिमालको देश, सम्भावनाको खानी होः हाम्रो देशमा ८००० मिटरभन्दा अग्ला ८ वटा हिमशिखर छन्, जुन विश्वमै दुर्लभ विशेषता हो। यसका साथै, हजारौं ट्रेकिङ र पदमार्ग, दर्जनौं संस्कृतिहरू, बौद्ध र हिन्दू तीर्थस्थलहरू र साहसिक गतिविधिहरूको अपार सम्भावना। तर अझै पनि यस्ता अनेकन गन्तव्यहरू प्रचारबिहिन छन्, पूर्वाधारहरु अत्यन्त कमजोर छन्, र स्थानीयहरू पर्यटक हेर्ने मात्र होइन, आर्थिक लाभ लिने पात्र बन्न अझै संघर्षरत छन्। अब हेरौं...

1. Overview of Koshi Province Tourism Products & Growth Potential In the eastern region of Nepal, Koshi Province (Province No. 1) boasts a captivating tapestry of landscapes that transition from the lush Terai plains to the majestic heights of the Himalayas. This remarkable diversity presents a wealth of tourism opportunities, inviting travellers to explore its natural beauty and cultural richness. Below is a detailed district-wise analysis of the key tourism products available, along with their potential for attracting visitors. प्रदेश १, नेपाल, प्राकृतिक र सांस्कृतिक सम्पदाले भरिपूर्ण क्षेत्र हो, जसमा विश्वको पहिलो अग्लो हिमाल सगरमाथा र तेस्रो अग्लो हिमाल, कञ्चनजङ्घा, हरियाली वन, विविध वनस्पति तथा जीवजन्तु, स्वच्छ नदीहरू, र विभिन्न जातजातिको सांस्कृतिक विविधता रहेका छन्। यसलाई विश्वस्तरीय पर्यटन गन्तव्यका रूपमा विकास गर्न दिगो र रणनीतिक दृष्टिकोण आवश्यक छ, जुन सफल अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय पर्यटन मोडलहरूमा आधारित हुनुपर्छ। 🌿 Explore the Hidden Gems of Koshi Province, Nepal! 🏔️✨ 1.1 Ke...

Shivapuri National Park , situated on the northern outskirts of Kathmandu, possesses immense potential to develop as a premier ecotourism destination. Inspired by the stunning Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, this study examines how Shivapuri can create a sustainable and carefully regulated tourism model that seamlessly integrates conservation efforts, thrilling adventure activities, and the vibrant local culture. By cultivating an environment where nature and human experiences coexist harmoniously, Shivapuri has the chance to showcase its rich biodiversity while promoting both environmental stewardship and economic development in the region.  A Comparative Study: Blue Mountains vs. Shivapuri National Park 1. Understanding the Blue Mountains Model of New South Wales, Australia. The Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies a successful ecotourism model by offering diverse experiences while maintaining ecological balance. The main components of this mod...