Maulakali Cable Car and Lumbini Cable Car have signed a strategic agreement to promote tourism in Nawalpur and Palpa districts, offering travelers a 20 percent discount on rides when using both services. The collaboration was formalized with the signing of the agreement by Maulakali Cable Car Station Manager Suraj Poudel and Lumbini Cable Car Manager Prajwal Ghimire.
The initiative aims to encourage cultural and religious tourism, improve visitor experiences, and foster cooperation among local tourism stakeholders. By linking two significant attractions, the agreement seeks to create a seamless travel network for tourists exploring the region’s heritage sites.
How the Discount Works
Under the new policy, visitors who have traveled on either cable car service can claim the discount by presenting their previous ticket at the other service. For example, a passenger using the Maulakali Cable Car to visit the 15th-century Maulakalika Temple in Gaindakot, Nawalpur, is entitled to a 20 percent reduction on the Lumbini Cable Car journey to the Maa Kamakhya Temple in Basantapur, Palpa, and vice versa.
The discount is valid for three months from the date of the initial ticket purchase, providing flexibility for tourists to plan their visits. Poudel noted that while physical tickets are currently being used to verify eligibility, both services are exploring more systematic methods to streamline the process and enhance convenience for travelers.
Strengthening Local Tourism Infrastructure
The agreement is expected to complement existing infrastructure developments in the region. The top station of the Maulakali Cable Car already features a well-equipped hotel, while a 150-room hotel is under construction near the Lumbini Cable Car’s Basantapur terminal. These facilities are designed to attract tourists seeking immersive cultural and religious experiences, providing accommodation and amenities alongside scenic cable car rides.
Maulakali Cable Car connects visitors to the historic Maulakali Temple, a prominent site of religious significance in Gaindakot, Nawalpur. Meanwhile, Lumbini Cable Car, located in Golpark, Butwal, provides access to the Maa Kamakhya Temple atop Basantapur Danda, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Together, these sites provide a diverse tourism experience, blending spirituality, culture, and nature.
Promoting Regional Cooperation
Both managers emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing tourism accessibility and economic benefits for local communities. “This initiative promotes cross-promotion of destinations, making travel more convenient and enjoyable for visitors,” said Poudel.
Ghimire added, “By working together, we aim to highlight the cultural wealth of our region while creating economic opportunities for local businesses and communities. This is a step toward establishing a connected tourism circuit that benefits both travelers and residents.”
Immediate Implementation
The discount policy has taken effect immediately, with both cable car services actively promoting the offer to tourists and travel operators. The collaboration is expected to increase footfall at both attractions, stimulate local businesses, and showcase the potential of public-private partnerships in Nepal’s tourism sector.
By linking two iconic destinations through a simple, value-added service, the initiative demonstrates how strategic collaboration can enhance the overall visitor experience, encourage longer stays, and boost tourism revenue in regional areas.
Looking Ahead
Tourism experts believe that such cross-promotional partnerships can serve as a model for other destinations in Nepal, encouraging sustainable tourism practices, improving infrastructure, and providing economic resilience for local communities.
With scenic landscapes, cultural landmarks, and improved accessibility, the combined efforts of Maulakali and Lumbini Cable Cars are poised to strengthen Nepal’s reputation as a must-visit destination for cultural and religious tourism.
