Rara is set to welcome Karnali Province’s first four-star resort, as construction officially commenced on Monday in Murmatop. Funded by NRN Australia, the groundbreaking ceremony was conducted according to Hindu rituals, marking the start of this landmark project.
While three-star hotels have previously operated in the province, this is the first time a four-star resort is being built. Arun Chand, project manager of Rara Holding Resort Pvt. Ltd., confirmed that the initiative is part of the “Dream Project” led by Nepali NRN Abhishek Vikram Shah from Australia.
The commitment to build the resort was made during the third investment summit in Kathmandu last year. Rara Holding Resort Pvt. Ltd. has signed an agreement with the federal government to complete construction within 18 months.
Spanning 73 ropanis, the resort’s first phase will cost NPR 1 billion and feature 36 rooms, while the second phase will add 19 more, bringing the total capacity to 98 beds. It aims to accommodate 100 domestic and international tourists daily. The formal inauguration is scheduled for Magh 30, with Tourism, Forest, and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi laying the foundation stone.
Set to revolutionize tourism in Karnali, a high-altitude resort at 3,500 meters will serve as a gateway to iconic religious destinations such as Sinja Valley, Rara, Chhayannath, and Khaptad. Infrastructure development is slated to commence in Chaitra, paving the way for a world-class retreat. Upon completion, the resort will generate 120 direct jobs and catalyze economic opportunities for over 1,000 people. Prem Shahi, a resort representative, highlighted its strategic vision to captivate Indian pilgrims seeking spiritual journeys.
Boasting 55 elegantly designed rooms with 98 beds, the resort will feature a state-of-the-art seminar hall accommodating 100 guests and rooms with breathtaking vistas of Rara and the majestic Himalayas. Just a short 30-minute trip to Murmatop will unveil a mesmerizing panorama of seven districts, offering an unparalleled visual feast. Addressing long-standing concerns over Rara’s lack of quality accommodation and dining facilities, this resort is poised to transform visitor experiences, redefining luxury and comfort in the heart of Karnali.
In recent years, over a dozen hotels have operated in the Rara area, but they have struggled to accommodate tourists during peak seasons. With this four-star resort, lodging and dining issues will be resolved, according to Birkhe Rokaya, a hotel entrepreneur from Chhayannath Rara Municipality-8.
Rara Holdings Resort Pvt. Ltd. has secured initial environmental approval (IEE) from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, as well as the Department of Tourism, for its upcoming resort in Chhayannath Rara Municipality-9, Murmatop. This milestone paves the way for the project’s development in the pristine Himalayan region. Strengthening its foundation, a significant agreement was finalized between Rara Holdings Pvt. Ltd. and the Australian Expert Group during the Third Nepal Investment Conference in Kathmandu. This collaboration marks a crucial step in bringing world-class hospitality to the region, enhancing tourism potential, and fostering international investment in Nepal’s tourism sector.
The Department of Tourism has approved the IEE report under the Environment Protection Act, 2076, and Environment Protection Regulations, 2077. The report confirms that the resort will consist of 62 rooms across 19 buildings with a total capacity of 98 beds. As part of its environmental compliance, an evaluation report must be submitted every six months.
With an initial investment of NPR 700 million, the premium resort will span 80 ropanis in Murmatop, blending luxury with sustainability. Emphasizing eco-friendly practices, the project will showcase traditional Nepali architecture while maximizing the use of local resources and materials. Abhishek Vikram Shah of Rara Holdings Pvt. Ltd. confirmed that the official groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place soon, accelerating the construction timeline and bringing the vision of an exceptional retreat closer to reality.
