The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and Lumbini Cable Car Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting tourism in the Lumbini region. The agreement was formally signed by Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, and DN Kayastha, Operations Manager of Lumbini Cable Car Ltd. Both institutions expressed confidence that this collaboration will contribute to enhancing the appeal of Lumbini and surrounding areas for both domestic and international visitors.
Special Tour Packages for VIP Guests
As per the agreement, domestic and foreign very important persons (VIPs) visiting Lumbini will be provided with a special opportunity to travel via the Cable Car to Basantapur Hill Station and pay homage at the Kamakshya Temple. This initiative seeks to diversify the experience of visitors by combining spiritual tourism with scenic hill travel, thereby encouraging longer stays in the region.
Discounted Ticket Facility for Tourists and Staff
The MoU also introduces a 20 percent discount on cable car tickets for officials and employees of the Lumbini Development Trust, as well as for tourists visiting Lumbini. To avail of the discount, LDT officials and staff must present updated identification cards, while tourists will be required to show their Lumbini entry tickets. At present, the standard cable car ticket price is Rs. 750 per person.
Statements from LDT Leadership
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya highlighted that the agreement would play a positive role in the joint promotion of tourism at both Lumbini and Basantapur Hill Station. He noted that encouraging tourists to extend their stay by experiencing the cable car ride to Basantapur would enhance the overall tourism ecosystem.
Shakya added that Basantapur’s climate, which is around 10 degrees cooler than the Tarai, could be an attractive feature for Indian tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from other countries. He further suggested that collaboration with travel agencies from Buddhist-majority nations such as Sri Lanka and Myanmar could bring a significant influx of international visitors.
Suggestions for Spiritual Infrastructure
During the event, Gyannin Rai, Chief Administrative Officer of the LDT, recommended that the cable car’s top station at Basantapur could also serve as a suitable location for establishing a meditation center. This, he argued, would align well with it’s identity as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and reinforce the spiritual dimension of the tourist experience.
Views from Lumbini Cable Car Management
Lumbini Cable Car Operations Manager DN Kayastha described the agreement with the Lumbini Development Trust as a moment of pride. He emphasized that the collaboration would not only expand tourism opportunities but also showcase Nepal’s most advanced and safe cable car system to visitors.
Kayastha noted that the cable car has already entered into agreements with other commercial, educational, and institutional organizations to promote its services. He proudly stated that Lumbini Cable Car, built with European technology from Austria’s Doppelmayr company, is among the most advanced cable cars globally. With 25 gondolas and a daily capacity to transport 6,000 passengers, it has become an integral part of Lumbini’s tourism infrastructure.
Unique Features of Basantapur Hill Station
The top station of the cable car is located at Basantapur Hill in Palpa district, situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. The area is known for its pristine environment, fresh air, greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. Its moderate climate, cool in summer and pleasantly sunny in winter, makes it a year-round tourist destination.
Basantapur is home to notable cultural and religious attractions, including the famous Kamakshya Temple, a century-old Durga Temple, high-standard restaurants, seminar halls, and a range of adventure activities such as ziplining, sky cycling, and traditional swings (ping). These facilities have made Basantapur increasingly popular among both domestic and foreign tourists.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, the company has announced plans to develop a five-star hotel at Basantapur Hill Station. According to Manager Prajwal Ghimire, the proposed hotel will feature a banquet hall with a capacity of 1,000 guests, a swimming pool, and even a casino, along with other luxury amenities. The addition of this high-end hospitality infrastructure is expected to further boost tourist arrivals and lengthen their stay.
Local Investment and Corporate Backing
Lumbini Cable Car is a sister company of the IME Group, a major corporate conglomerate in Nepal. The project also includes investment from local stakeholders, reflecting community participation and ownership in the region’s tourism development. By combining advanced technology, religious significance, and community engagement, the initiative is positioned to become a cornerstone of tourism growth in Lumbini and Palpa.
Event Attendees and Shared Commitment
The signing ceremony was attended by Manager Prajwal Ghimire, Vice-Chairman of LDT Dr. Lharkyal Lama’s Chief Personal Secretary Shyam Roka, and other dignitaries. Both organizations expressed their commitment to continue strengthening mutual cooperation for sustainable tourism promotion.
The MoU between the Lumbini Development Trust and Lumbini Cable Car Ltd. marks an important milestone in enhancing Nepal’s tourism potential. By integrating religious pilgrimage with modern tourism infrastructure, the agreement seeks to attract a diverse range of visitors, from Buddhist pilgrims to adventure seekers. With future plans including luxury hotels, meditation centers, and expanded tourist activities, the partnership has the potential to make Lumbini and Basantapur Hill Station premier destinations for both domestic and international travelers.
