Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising has emphasized that improved international road and air connectivity is crucial for strengthening tourism development in Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital. Speaking at the inauguration of the 27th Pokhara Street Festival, organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara at the lakeside of Fewa Lake on Sunday, the minister stated that the government has given high priority to operating international flights from Pokhara International Airport.
Highlighting the strategic importance of connectivity, Minister Ghising said that both road links to China’s Korala border point and regular international air services from Pokhara are essential for the city’s long-term tourism growth. He described air connectivity as not only an economic necessity but also a geopolitical priority.
“For the development of Pokhara, road connectivity up to Korala in China and international flights from Pokhara Airport are indispensable. The government has prioritized air connectivity. This is also a geopolitical issue, and the coming government must continue to prioritize and resolve it. Operating an international airport in a tourist city like Pokhara will significantly boost tourism,” Minister Ghising said.
Road Upgrading to Korala Underway
The minister informed that road improvement and blacktopping works are currently underway on the route connecting Pokhara to Korala via Mustang. According to him, these projects will contribute not only to tourism growth but also to trade with China in the coming years. He added that, in agreement with the Ministry of Finance, the tender process has already been initiated for blacktopping a 50-kilometer road section from Mustang to Korala.
Minister Ghising further stated that underground cabling work is being carried out from Kundahar to Lakeside in Pokhara. Poles and overhead wires are being removed as part of the government’s “Beautiful Pokhara Campaign.” He noted that although much remains to be done in terms of tourism infrastructure, the federal government has already made progress in extending grid connectivity to major trekking destinations such as Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal and Manang.
He also shared that joint efforts are planned with provincial and local governments to conserve and promote Pokhara’s major lakes, Fewa, Rupa and Begnas, which form the backbone of the city’s tourism appeal.
Provincial and Local Support for Tourism
Gandaki Province Minister for Industry and Tourism Mitralal Basyal said that the provincial government is actively working on homestay promotion programs, tourism infrastructure development and destination branding initiatives to support the tourism sector. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya urged Minister Ghising to take further initiatives to ensure regular international flights from Pokhara International Airport.
Festival Aims to Revitalize Tourism
The Pokhara Street Festival, organized to welcome the English New Year 2026, is being held along a three-and-a-half-kilometer stretch from Khahare to Ambot in the Lakeside area and will continue until Poush 17. REBAN Pokhara President Bishworaj Poudel said the festival is expected to help revive the local economy and reinforce the vision of sustainable tourism despite the adverse conditions and challenges following the Gen-Z movement of Bhadra 23 and 24.
Organizers believe the festival will play a vital role in rejuvenating tourism businesses that have slowed down after recent crises and in delivering the message that “Pokhara is safe and open for tourism.”
According to festival coordinator Basanta Gautam, major attractions of the festival include endangered ethnic cultural performances, traditional costume displays, cultural parades, tableau competitions and live displays of national and international cuisines on the streets, making the festival a vibrant showcase of Pokhara’s cultural diversity and tourism potential.
