In a concerted effort to promote sustainable tourism and initiate regular tourist bus service to one of Nepal’s pristine destinations, Rara, a 22-member delegation from the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN) recently completed an observation tour of the region with support from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The primary objective of this visit was to assess the feasibility of launching Kathmandu–Rara tourist bus services and identify areas for improvement in tourism infrastructure.
Rara Beckons
As part of the field visit, a stakeholder interaction program was organized on Monday in Salleri, Mugu. The event brought together representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, local hoteliers, members of the TBAN delegation, officials from Rara National Park, local government representatives, and members of the Mugu community to discuss tourism opportunities and challenges in the region.
During the interaction, local resident Chhatra Saud expressed gratitude to the organizing team for prioritizing Rara as a tourist destination. He highlighted that increased focus on tourism would positively influence the local economy and improve the standard of living in the region.
Devikrishna Rokaya, a hotel entrepreneur operating in the Rara area, shared that while the region is evolving as a tourism hub, there is a pressing need to improve the quality of services provided at the local level. “We are learning and gradually developing. We are open to providing suggestions from the community level, but we need additional support for training, capacity building, and upgraded hotel infrastructure,” Rokaya said.
Hikmat Singh Ayer, Senior Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, underscored Rara’s growing significance as a tourism destination. “It is no longer a remote and forgotten destination. Structurally, much progress has been made. With improved accommodation facilities, regular air connectivity, and better roads, It is now more accessible than ever,” he said.
Highlighting Rara’s appeal for eco-tourism and film shooting, Ayer added, “We must explore the region’s untapped potential and work together to attract international tourists. While everything cannot be done at once, strong willpower and a positive mindset can lead to transformative development. The Nepal Tourism Board is ready to invest in human resources to support holistic tourism development in Rara.” He emphasized NTB’s commitment to providing training, promoting skilled workforce development, and enhancing promotional efforts to bring global attention to Rara.
Bhishma Neupane, President of the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN), acknowledged that while there are some logistical challenges in operating regular tourist bus services in the Rara region, TBAN is ready to take up the initiative. “It is essential to improve the quality and organization of roadside hotels and enhance hospitality skills among the locals,” he said.
Neupane also pointed out that the region holds significant tourism potential and called on all stakeholders to work together to foster an investment-friendly environment. The Nepal Tourism Board has expressed its commitment to coordinating the feasibility and infrastructure development necessary for launching Kathmandu–Rara tourist bus services. It has also pledged to prioritize key areas such as hotel upgrades, skill-based training for local human resources, improved tourist services, and international promotion of the Rara region.
This visit and subsequent dialogue mark a pivotal step in connecting Rara more directly with the national tourism circuit, potentially transforming it into a major attraction for domestic and international travelers alike. The collaboration between government agencies, private operators, and local communities is expected to create a solid foundation for the sustainable development of tourism in one of Nepal’s most scenic yet under-visited destinations.
