Tourism entrepreneurs and local stakeholders have stressed the need for increased investment in infrastructure and services in Rara, a region with immense but underutilized tourism potential. Despite its immense natural beauty and potential as a world-class travel destination, the Rara region of Nepal has yet to reap the expected benefits from tourism. Recognizing this, tourism entrepreneurs and local stakeholders have come together to call for increased investment in infrastructure and services to unlock Rara’s tourism potential.
Tourism Entrepreneurs
An interaction program was held on Monday at Salleri in Mugu during a familiarization visit by the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN), organized with the aim of starting a regular Kathmandu–Rara tourist bus service. Participants at the program highlighted the urgent need to improve the quality of tourism services at the local level and emphasized the importance of providing training, hospitality education, and developing quality hotel infrastructure to accommodate growing tourist demand.
Speaking at the event, local resident Chhatra Saud expressed his gratitude to the entrepreneurs for prioritizing Rara and showed confidence that the promotion of tourism would positively influence local livelihoods and stimulate economic activities in the region.
Devi Krishna Rokaya, a hotel entrepreneur from Rara, pointed out that while tourism activity is gradually increasing, the quality of service delivery remains insufficient. He stressed that structured support is necessary to enhance hotel standards, staff training, and local hospitality capacity in order to meet international expectations.
Hikmat Singh Ayer, Senior Director at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), addressed the gathering and highlighted that Rara has already undergone significant structural development, making it more accessible than ever before. With the support of improved road networks and regular flights, Rara has become a reachable and rewarding destination for both domestic and international travelers. Ayer further added that the region has a dependable system in place to handle guests, which is crucial to building trust among tour operators and visitors.
In particular, Ayer emphasized Rara’s growing popularity as a destination for eco-tourism and film shooting. He suggested that Nepal should promote Rara more actively to attract global tourists and filmmakers, noting that the pristine lake, surrounded by pine forests and Himalayan vistas, offers a unique and cinematic experience.
TBAN President Bhishma Neupane shared the association’s willingness to operate tourist bus services between Kathmandu and Rara despite existing logistical challenges. “We are ready to face the hurdles if the goal is to enhance access to this incredible destination,” Neupane said. He stressed the need for better roadside hotel management and urged efforts to uplift local hospitality standards to ensure a comfortable experience for long-distance travelers.
The visit was a part of a broader initiative to evaluate the feasibility of regular tourist bus services in the area. The 22-member delegation included representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, TBAN, local communities, hoteliers from Mugu, members from Rara National Park, and elected local officials. The joint exploration aimed to study the current status of tourism infrastructure and identify areas for immediate intervention.
Following the visit, the Nepal Tourism Board issued a statement reiterating its commitment to coordinate the infrastructure development required for launching the Kathmandu–Rara tourist bus service. The Board also announced its intent to prioritize hotel upgrades, training programs for local human resources, enhancement of tourism services, and international-level promotion to boost the visibility of the Rara region.
Located at an altitude of 2,990 meters above sea level, Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest lake and a gem of the Rara National Park. The area is known for its tranquil blue waters, alpine meadows, and rare species of flora and fauna. However, despite its breathtaking beauty, the lack of consistent infrastructure and promotional efforts has kept Rara from achieving its full tourism potential.
Tourism entrepreneurs believe that with proper planning and sustained investment, Rara can become one of Nepal’s premier eco-tourism destinations. “We are not just promoting a place, we are trying to uplift an entire community that depends on tourism,” remarked a local guide who participated in the program.
In conclusion, the recent interaction and field visit signal a step in the right direction. Stakeholders now look forward to collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and local communities to transform Rara from a hidden gem into a thriving hub of sustainable tourism.
