To boost tourism development and promotion, the Koshi Province Government has declared 2082 as the Tourism Year. With an ambitious target to attract over 1.5 million tourists from neighboring India and other countries, the initiative has generated excitement among the locals.
The campaign was launched to revitalize the tourism industry, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh officially inaugurated the Tourism Year on Chaitra 27 (early April) at Tinjure Milke in Tehrathum, known as the capital of rhododendrons.
During the event, Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki emphasized that all regions in Koshi Province have significant tourism potential. He also highlighted tourism as a means to reduce Nepal’s foreign debt and trade deficit, while also focusing on sectors like energy, hydropower, and herbal products.
According to Bhabish Shrestha, Co-Coordinator of Koshi Tourism Year, the campaign aims to attract tourists interested in religion, nature, culture, education, health, and sports. He noted that infrastructure, including tourist-grade hotels, is already in place to support the target of bringing in more than 1.5 million visitors. As part of the initiative, the province has started applying special Tourism Year stickers to tourist vehicles at border points. Chief Minister Karki himself launched the sticker campaign by placing one on an Indian vehicle.
Koshi Province is known for its geographical, cultural, and religious diversity. It boasts famous pilgrimage sites, the world’s highest peak Mount Everest, and Nepal’s lowest point at Kachankawal (70 meters above sea level). Ilam’s Shree Antu Hill attracts thousands of tourists daily for sunrise views, while Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Betana Wetland are known for birdwatching and turtles.
The province has designated 13 environmental tourism destinations and 10 trekking trails. Government data shows that 43% of foreign and 57% of domestic tourists visit Koshi annually to view Mount Everest.
Prominent religious sites include Chhintang in Dhankuta, Pathivara Temple in Taplejung, Halesi in Khotang, and Baraha Kshetra in Sunsari. Ilam’s tea gardens, Dhankuta’s Bhedetar, Bhojpur’s Tyamke Myungdanda, and Panchthar’s Sadhutar are among other popular attractions.
The region is also home to the majestic Himalayan ranges, including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Choyu, which captivate foreign tourists. Treks to the base camps of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga are considered adventurous and fascinating. Additionally, the Falgunanda Trek, Mundhum Trail, and Sabha Pokhari Trek are key routes for eco-tourism in the province.
