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India-Nepal Tourism Meet: How Pokhara Aims to Boost Cross-Border Travel

The second India-Nepal tourism meet just wrapped up in Pokhara with a clear goal: to get more people traveling across the border. Officials from both sides are really pushing to connect religious and cultural sites, especially between Nepal's Gandaki Province and India's Uttar Pradesh. They had serious business talks too, with tour operators exploring joint packages for everything from Buddhist pilgrimages to wildlife adventures. It seems better roads and flights are making this shared vision for tourism much more of a reality.

Key Points: India Nepal Tourism Meet in Pokhara Boosts Uttar Pradesh Travel

  • Enhanced air and road connectivity is accelerating cross-border tourism momentum between India and Nepal
  • Focus on promoting religious and cultural circuits linking Nepal to Indian states like Uttar Pradesh
  • Tour operators discussed collaboration on Buddhist circuits, wildlife, and adventure tourism
  • A familiarisation trip showcased Pokhara's attractions to Uttar Pradesh delegates ahead of the meet
2 min read

Second India-Nepal Tourism Meet held in Pokhara to boost cross-border tourism

Second India-Nepal tourism meet in Pokhara focuses on enhancing cross-border travel, religious circuits, and leveraging new connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Gandaki Province.

"India is the largest source of foreign tourists to Nepal. - Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board"

Pokhara, December 18

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in association with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Pokhara Tourism Council, jointly organised the 2nd India-Nepal Tourism Meet in Pokhara, aimed at promoting tourism between Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, with a special focus on Gandaki Province. The event also celebrated the International Year of Cooperatives.

In his remarks, Dr Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India, highlighted the enhanced connectivity, which is giving further momentum to cross-border tourism.

He emphasised the importance of joint efforts by both countries to fully leverage the India-Nepal tourism potential, particularly by promoting religious and cultural circuits linking Nepal to neighbouring Indian states.

Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, presented on Uttar Pradesh tourism circuits, with special reference to the upcoming Magh Mela, and shared best practices in tourism policy implementation from the state.

In his presentation, Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, provided an overview of Nepal's tourism sector, noting that India is the largest source of foreign tourists to Nepal. He also highlighted various initiatives taken by the Nepal Tourism Board to foster India-Nepal tourism cooperation.

The B2B segment of the meet was attended by about 10 delegates from India and 60 delegates from Nepal. Discussions focused on promoting cross-border tourism, especially via land routes. Tour operators from both countries discussed potential collaboration in areas including Buddhist circuits, wildlife, and adventure tourism.

As part of the programme, the Pokhara Tourism Council and the Nepal Tourism Board organised a familiarisation trip for the delegation from Uttar Pradesh from December 15 to 17, 2025.

The event was graced by Surendra Raj Pandey, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he welcomed the growing tourism cooperation with India, particularly highlighting the potential of Pokhara and Muktinath in promoting cross-border tourism.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who loves trekking, better connectivity for adventure tourism is great news. The Himalayas are a shared treasure. Hope this leads to smoother visa processes and more integrated travel packages for international tourists too.
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Priya S
Wonderful to see focus on Gandaki Province. Pokhara is breathtaking, and Muktinath is a sacred site for so many Indians. More direct bus services or even a special tourist train would be amazing. Let's make travel easier for our families and pilgrims.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but execution is key. Hope they don't just stop at meetings and fam trips. Need concrete results: better roads, clean facilities at borders, and standardized rates to prevent tourists from being overcharged. The intent is positive though.
D
Dinesh Kumar
Promoting the Magh Mela is a smart move. It's one of the largest religious gatherings. If pilgrims from Nepal can easily combine it with a visit to Pokhara, it benefits everyone. Our shared history is our biggest tourism asset.
K
Kavya N
This is the kind of soft diplomacy we need more of. Strengthening people-to-people ties through tourism builds lasting friendship. Hope they also focus on training for local guides and homestay hosts to improve the overall experience. 🙏

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