The first day of the English New Year 2026 has brought a festive tourism boom across Bhaktapur’s major hill destinations, with hotels from Ranikot to Nagarkot witnessing full occupancy due to a surge in domestic tourists. The growing participation of Nepali travelers in New Year celebrations has infused new confidence and energy into the region’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Hotel entrepreneurs across Bhaktapur say that both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have increased significantly, creating a lively atmosphere in popular destinations such as Ranikot, Ghyampedanda, Sipadol, Gundu, and Nagarkot. The inflow has strengthened local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transportation services and souvenir shops.
Ranikot Emerges as a Rising Tourism Hub
Ranikot, located at the confluence of Gundu (Ward No. 7) and Sipadol (Ward No. 8) of Suryabinayak Municipality, has rapidly emerged as a preferred domestic tourism destination in recent years. All hotels and resorts in the Ranikot–Ghyampedanda area are currently operating at full capacity as Nepali families and youth groups gather to celebrate the New Year with music, dance, and overnight stays.
Tourism entrepreneur and operator of Village Highland Resort, Ram Sundar Bake, said that domestic tourists thronged the area throughout the New Year’s Eve night. “Visitors arrived in large numbers to welcome the New Year with cultural programs, music, and celebrations. Ranikot has now established itself as a prime domestic destination, and New Year celebrations have filled all local hotels,” he said.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level at the border of Suryabinayak Municipality and Panauti Municipality of Kavre, Ranikot offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur city, and multiple Himalayan ranges.
According to Bake, Ranikot provides breathtaking sunrise views of eight peaks above 8,000 meters, including Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Sagarmatha (Everest), Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Manaslu, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Gaurishankar, Dhaulagiri, and Langtang ranges. “The Himalayan panorama and serene environment have made Ranikot a year-round destination, with the New Year being the busiest period,” he added.
Improved Connectivity Boosts Tourist Flow
The smooth asphalt road network, Suryabinayak–Ranikot–Aashapuri and Suryabinayak–Ranikot–Phulchoki hiking routes, along with the short road connecting Ranikot to Panauti, have made travel easier and safer for tourists. Entrepreneurs believe that improved accessibility has significantly contributed to the growing popularity of the destination.
Ranikot’s historical significance also adds to its appeal. Built as a fort by King Prithvi Narayan Shah before the Bhaktapur conquest and later developed as a palace area for queens during the Malla era, Ranikot carries both cultural heritage and scenic value, making it ideal for short holidays, picnics, and overnight stays.
Nagarkot Also Sees Full Occupancy
Meanwhile, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur’s most established hill destination, has also recorded a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals. Hotels in Nagarkot were fully booked as both domestic and foreign tourists arrived to witness the first sunrise of 2026 and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
Hotel entrepreneur and Hotel Chautari operator, Badri Mak, said that hotel occupancy in Nagarkot during the New Year reached near full capacity. “About 50 percent of our guests are foreign tourists, and the remaining 50 percent are domestic travelers. The balance of domestic and international visitors has created a very lively tourism environment,” he said.
With hotels ranging from budget accommodations to five-star properties, Nagarkot continues to expand its hospitality infrastructure. Several new hotels are currently under construction to meet the rising demand.
Hoteliers Optimistic About Tourism Revival
Ram Shankar Dhwaju, operator of Hotel Peaceful Nagarkot, expressed happiness over the increasing number of visitors. “Even during cold nights, tourists are arriving to welcome the New Year and enjoy the sunrise. Compared to last year, we have seen noticeable growth in arrivals,” he said.
Similarly, Gokul Lamichhane, operator of Hotel Marigold Nagarkot, shared his optimism. “I have been in the hotel industry for 25 years. After the pandemic, we feared the business might never fully recover. But now, hotels start getting fully booked a month before the Nepali and English New Year. The rise in domestic tourism has restored hope and confidence among entrepreneurs,” he said. The festive tourism surge across Bhaktapur has highlighted the increasing role of domestic travelers in revitalizing Nepal’s tourism economy, signaling a promising outlook for the year ahead.
