Lumbini Cable Car recorded a 24 percent increase in Indian tourist arrivals in fiscal year 2025/26 compared with the previous fiscal year, highlighting the growing popularity of Basantapur Hill in Palpa as a religious and leisure tourism destination. Indian visitors now account for 29 percent of the cable car’s total passengers, according to company chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal, who shared the figures at the company’s 23rd Annual General Meeting.
The Lumbini Cable Car is focusing on expanding tourism infrastructure, introducing new recreational attractions and strengthening partnerships to attract more domestic and international visitors. The planned developments aim to diversify the visitor experience and further establish Basantapur as a regional tourism destination.
Indian Tourists Drive Visitor Growth
Visitors from several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, have been travelling to Basantapur Hill. The destination combines religious attractions, scenic views and a cable car ride, offering visitors a mix of spiritual and leisure experiences. Among its major attractions are Kamakhya Devi Temple and the ancient Durga Temple.
To strengthen its presence in the Indian market, Lumbini Cable Car has been promoting the destination through transport operators and Indian vloggers. These promotional efforts aim to raise awareness among potential visitors and encourage cross-border travel to the region. The growth in Indian arrivals highlights the potential of religious tourism and leisure travel in connecting Nepal’s destinations with the neighbouring Indian market.
Hotel Investment and New Attractions Planned
Lumbini Cable Car is advancing plans to expand tourism infrastructure at Basantapur. A five-star-standard hotel with a casino is among the proposed developments, with the approval process reportedly nearing completion. Work on the water supply system has also progressed partially. The Lumbini Cable Car also plans to introduce recreational facilities, including a roller coaster, bounce castle and zero-gravity ride.
These attractions are intended to broaden the destination’s appeal to families and leisure travellers, complementing its existing religious and scenic offerings. If implemented, the planned investments could encourage visitors to spend more time in the area and create additional business opportunities for accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and other tourism-related enterprises.
Partnerships Expand Regional Tourism Network
The Lumbini Cable Car has established partnerships with more than 70 hotels in Butwal and Bhairahawa, over 40 organisations and more than 45 educational institutions. It has also collaborated with businesses and tourism-related institutions, including Bhatbhateni Supermarket, QFX Cinemas, Lumbini Development Trust, and Shankarnagar Forest and Botanical Garden.
These partnerships are intended to strengthen destination promotion, reach different visitor groups, and connect Basantapur with tourism activities across the surrounding region. Collaboration with hotels, educational institutions, and other organisations can also help increase awareness of the Lumbini Cable Car and encourage group visits.
Basantapur Targets Religious and Leisure Tourism
With Indian tourist arrivals increasing, Lumbini Cable Car is seeking to position Basantapur Hill as a destination that combines religious heritage, panoramic views and family-oriented recreation.
The proposed hotel and additional attractions could further diversify the tourism products available to visitors. Continued investment, effective promotion and cooperation with regional tourism businesses will be important in sustaining visitor growth and expanding the destination’s contribution to the local tourism economy.
