The three-day ‘Karnali Tourism Meet–2026’ concluded in Surkhet with a strong commitment to promote Karnali Province in the international tourism market. Organized under the slogan “In the Lap of Nature and Culture,” the event began on Friday, Jestha 8, 2083, and concluded on Sunday, Jestha 10, bringing together tourism entrepreneurs, journalists, bloggers and stakeholders from Nepal and India to explore the tourism potential of Karnali.
The program was jointly organized by Nepal Tourism Board and Birendranagar Municipality in coordination with the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation Surkhet.
Around 50 tourism entrepreneurs, media representatives and travel bloggers from different cities of India participated in the event, which aimed to position Karnali as an emerging destination for spiritual, cultural, wellness and nature-based tourism.
Karnali Described as Gateway to Spiritual and Nature Tourism
Addressing the closing ceremony, Padam Bikram Shahi, central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the participants had experienced Karnali’s historic, religious and natural destinations firsthand, adding that the event had injected new energy into tourism promotion efforts in the province.
“Karnali is a spiritually sacred land,” Shahi said. “There is immense potential for religious and spiritual tourism, wellness tourism, and nature-based tourism here. Karnali is also a gateway to Kailash Mansarovar. Tourists from Lucknow in India can experience the cool climate of Gurase within just a few hours, and the region’s weather and natural beauty can offer a unique experience.”
He stressed that Karnali should no longer be viewed solely as a remote region but rather as a destination with extraordinary tourism assets capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Indian Delegates Impressed by Hospitality and Natural Beauty
President of the Travel Trade Welfare Association of India, Rajesh Sinha, described his visit to Karnali as unforgettable. He praised the hospitality of local communities, the rich culture and the untouched natural beauty of the region. “We received an extremely warm and heartfelt welcome here,” he said. “Karnali carries enormous potential to establish itself in the international tourism market. We are confident that Indian tourists will be increasingly attracted to this region in the future.”
Indian journalist BS Parihar also highlighted the strong religious and cultural ties between Nepal and India, saying these shared traditions could become a strong foundation for tourism development between the two countries.
He noted that religious circuits connected to Ram and Sita, Gautama Buddha and Hindu civilization could further strengthen Nepal-India tourism cooperation. “Nepal is a peaceful nation,” Parihar said. “Its climate, natural beauty and cultural diversity are its greatest attractions. Karnali’s limitless natural beauty offers visitors an entirely new experience.”
Delegates Visit Religious and Historic Sites in Dailekh
As part of the tourism meet, Indian delegates and tourism professionals were taken on a familiarization tour to important religious and historical sites in Dailekh on Saturday. Participants visited the sacred sites of Nabhisthan and Shirsthan, which are deeply associated with Hindu mythology.
According to religious belief, Nabhisthan is the place where the navel of Goddess Sati fell while Lord Shiva carried her body, while Shirsthan marks the place where her head is believed to have fallen. Delegates also observed the continuously burning natural flame in the area, considered a major spiritual and geological attraction. The participants were formally welcomed in Dailekh by Dullu Municipality Mayor Bharat Prasad Rijal, who also handed over a publication featuring the tourism destinations of Dailekh.
Visitors expressed admiration for the district’s religious significance, natural landscapes and cultural authenticity. During an interaction program organized in the Gurase area, participants described Karnali’s climate, mountain scenery and local hospitality as key tourism strengths capable of attracting international visitors.
Cultural Performances and Local Experiences Highlighted
Throughout the conference, organizers showcased Karnali’s indigenous culture through performances of Hudke dance, Deuda songs and other traditional cultural presentations. Delegates were also introduced to authentic local cuisine and community-based tourism practices, which organizers said became one of the most appreciated aspects of the event.
Senior Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, Santosh Bikram Thapa, said the event was organized with the vision of presenting Karnali to the world not merely as a remote province but as a center for spiritual, cultural, adventure and nature-based tourism.
According to Thapa, the tourism meet is expected to contribute significantly to expanding Nepal-India tourism cooperation, promoting investment opportunities in Karnali, increasing international market access and promoting new destinations across the province.
