Nepal is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism. While Everest remains the crown jewel of trekking, my journey across Nepal has shown me that the country has far more to offer. From the serene Annapurna trails to the unexplored conservation areas, Nepal’s tourism potential is immense. Through data-driven insights and personal experiences, I aim to highlight the trends, challenges, and opportunities for tourism growth in Nepal’s conservation areas and adventure sports.
Paragliding in Pokhara has witnessed varying numbers of participants over the years, with both foreign and Nepali adventurers soaring over the city’s stunning landscapes. The data from 2078 and 2079 highlight the seasonal fluctuations in paragliding activity.
Foreign Paragliders in Pokhara
In 2078, the number of foreign paragliders peaked in February, reaching 1,020, while January also saw a high turnout with 635 participants. March and April had moderate numbers, with 621 and 231 paragliders, respectively. The lowest numbers were recorded in May and June, with only 202 and 198 paragliders. However, July and August saw a gradual rise, with 531 and 511 adventurers taking part. September recorded an unusual spike with 19,961 foreign paragliders, making it the highest in both years. The numbers remained steady in October (998), November (362), and December (860).
In 2079, January saw a slightly higher turnout than the previous year with 388 foreign paragliders. February remained strong with 968 participants, followed by March with 511. April (338), May (224), and June (149) witnessed a decline in numbers. The trend reversed in July and August with 225 and 457 participants. The highest count of the year was recorded in September with 978 paragliders, though significantly lower than the previous year. The numbers stabilized in October (407), November (362), and December (860).
Nepali Paragliders in Pokhara
For Nepali paragliders, 2078 saw a steady influx, with January recording 711 participants, followed by February with 605. March and April had 618 and 405, respectively. The numbers dropped significantly in May (316) and June (398). July and August recorded 296 and 608 participants, respectively. October and November saw a rise, with 828 and 1,850 paragliders, while December experienced the highest number, with 1,836 Nepali adventurers taking flight.
In 2079, January recorded 635 Nepali paragliders, while February and March saw slight variations at 803 and 718, respectively. April (605) and May (203) marked a decrease, with June recording 398 participants. The numbers remained moderate in July (316) and August (566). October and November witnessed an increase, with 1,030 and 1,238 paragliders, respectively. December had fluctuating data, with recorded numbers of 936, 1,320, 1,520, and even a high of 10,000 paragliders.
Overall, the data highlights seasonal variations in Pokhara’s paragliding industry, with peaks in the autumn months, particularly September, and lower numbers during the summer monsoon. These trends indicate Pokhara’s growing popularity as a paragliding destination, attracting both foreign and local adventurers throughout the year.
The number of tourists visiting conservation parks fluctuates throughout the year. In January, 10,566 tourists were recorded, followed by a slight increase to 14,262 in February. March saw a decline, with 7,038 visitors, while April experienced a further drop to 3,675. However, May witnessed a rise, reaching 6,866 tourists, and June recorded a similar number of 6,702 visitors.
The tourist count significantly increased in July, reaching 20,106, and continued to grow in August with 24,042 visitors. September recorded 24,306 tourists, showing a steady trend. The highest number of visitors was recorded in October at 34,041, followed by 31,982 in November. December marked the peak of the year, with 35,000 tourists visiting conservation parks, making it the busiest month.
High Influx of Foreign Tourists in Conservation Areas
The Annapurna Conservation Area stands out as Nepal’s most popular trekking destination, attracting a staggering 82,705 foreign tourists annually. The Manaslu Conservation Area follows at a distant second with 6,725 visitors. Other conservation areas, such as Gaurishankar and Kanchenjunga, see significantly fewer foreign visitors, indicating untapped potential.
Why This Trend?
- Annapurna and Everest have world-famous trekking routes that appeal to adventure seekers.
- Lesser-known parks lack sufficient infrastructure, promotion, and accessibility.
- With strategic improvements, these under-visited areas can attract more trekkers.
Opportunities for Growth:
- Promote hidden gems like Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Dolpo.
- Improve trail infrastructure and increase awareness.
- Develop eco-tourism packages catering to different traveler preferences.
Growth of Domestic Tourism
Interestingly, domestic tourism is also on the rise. Among conservation areas, Krishnasar (Chitwan) leads with 5,520 Nepali tourists annually, followed by Gaurishankar (433) and Manaslu (123). However, places like Kanchenjunga (37) and Apinampa (3) see very few domestic travelers.
Potential for Growth:
- Nepalese are increasingly interested in exploring their own country.
- Domestic tourism can thrive through weekend getaways, pilgrimage sites, and educational tours.
- Awareness campaigns can encourage family trips and adventure sports participation.
Seasonal Differences in Tourist Arrivals
Tourist numbers peak in October and November, when trekking conditions are ideal. However, the monsoon months (June to August) see a drastic decline in visitors.
How to Address Seasonality?
- Develop off-season activities like birdwatching, cultural tours, and wellness retreats.
- Improve infrastructure for year-round tourism, such as eco-lodges and safe monsoon trails.
- Promote indoor and community-based tourism experiences.
Low Attendance of SAARC Tourists
Despite Nepal’s cultural and geographical ties with South Asia, the number of SAARC tourists (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan) remains low. Even in Gaurishankar, where SAARC tourists are slightly more visible, numbers rarely exceed 20 per month.
Opportunities to Attract SAARC Tourists:
- Offer special visa and travel discounts for SAARC countries.
- Create pilgrimage and heritage packages catering to Indian and Bangladeshi tourists.
- Enhance connectivity and promotional campaigns targeting regional travelers.
Growth of Adventure Sports: Paragliding in Pokhara
Paragliding is gaining immense popularity in Pokhara, with increasing numbers of both foreign and domestic participants.
- In 2079, foreign paragliders peaked at 996 in October, marking a rise from the previous year.
- Nepali paragliders also surged, with 1,850 taking flight in October 2079.
Recommendations for Growth:
For Individuals:
- Plan paragliding trips in peak seasons (October-November) for the best experience.
- Consider off-season adventures for lower prices and fewer crowds.
For Businesses:
- Ensure equipment and staff availability during peak months.
- Offer seasonal discounts to encourage off-season bookings.
For Local Government:
- Invest in infrastructure and safety regulations.
- Promote Pokhara as a premier paragliding hub.
- Implement environmental policies for sustainable adventure tourism.
Future Growth of Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in non-restricted areas is witnessing steady growth. Manaslu saw an increase from 5,893 trekkers in 2078 to 9,309 in 2079, while Mustang also grew from 3,361 to 5,198 trekkers. However, challenges remain:
- Restricted areas (like Upper Mustang and Tsum Valley) see limited growth due to permit regulations.
- Conservation parks like Kanchenjunga and Bajhang receive very few trekkers due to a lack of promotion.
Strategic Solutions:
For Individuals:
- Explore alternative treks beyond Everest for unique experiences.
- Engage with local communities to support sustainable tourism.
For Businesses:
- Develop custom trekking packages for different fitness levels.
- Emphasize eco-friendly tourism.
For Local Government:
- Enhance trekking trails and accommodations.
- Implement tourism regulations to balance conservation and tourism.
- Promote Nepal globally as a year-round trekking destination.
My Personal Experience in Nepal’s Untapped Trekking Destinations
As a trekking guide, I have explored beyond Everest and discovered Nepal’s hidden treasures. Some of my favorite treks include:
- Annapurna Circuit – A diverse journey through high passes and cultural villages.
- Upper Mustang – A mystical, ancient kingdom unlike anywhere else in Nepal.
- Langtang Valley – A breathtaking trek through the “Valley of Glaciers.”
- Rara Lake – Nepal’s most stunning and pristine high-altitude lake.
- Dolpo – A hidden, untouched frontier with mesmerizing landscapes.
While Everest is Nepal’s most famous trekking region, exploring beyond it helps distribute tourism income and support rural communities.
Conclusion: Unlocking Nepal’s Tourism Potential
Nepal’s conservation areas and adventure sports have enormous untapped potential. While foreign tourism thrives in places like Annapurna, many other parks remain underutilized. Domestic tourism is growing, and SAARC countries offer an unexplored market. With better infrastructure, strategic promotion, and sustainable practices, Nepal can further cement its status as a global adventure tourism hub. I encourage travelers to explore beyond Everest, discover hidden gems, and support local communities. Nepal is more than just mountains it’s a land of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Written By: Pari Adhikari (Tourism Professional and Trekking Guide)
