The upcoming “Nagarkot Visit Year-2082,” which is set to begin on the 1st of Baisakh (April 14, 2025), is already garnering strong support and commitment from various local authorities, political parties, business representatives, and other stakeholders across the region. The event is being organized to significantly promote the tourism potential of Nagarkot and the surrounding areas, as it embarks on a year-long celebration of its cultural, natural, and historical significance.
A meeting held today in Nagarkot, with the participation of the chiefs and representatives from three districts Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Kavrepalanchok and four municipalities, including Chagunarayan, Mandan Deupur, Banepa, and Sankhu, demonstrated a collective effort to ensure the success of the Nagarkot Visit Year. The meeting featured discussions on various strategies to attract tourists, improve infrastructure, and promote the region’s diverse tourist destinations.
The attendees of the meeting expressed their unwavering commitment to making the Nagarkot Visit Year a remarkable event. The local government representatives emphasized the importance of declaring Nagarkot as an official tourism hub, a move that would boost its visibility and appeal to both domestic and international tourists. They called on the Nepal government to officially recognize Nagarkot as a key tourist destination.
Former Provincial Assembly Member Raju Bista highlighted the potential impact of the Visit Year on the tourism development of the surrounding areas, particularly the three districts and four municipalities connected to the place. He mentioned that the ongoing development of roads linking important tourist destinations, such as the Boudhanath-Jorpati-Sankhu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel routes, would increase internal tourism. He further emphasized that the success of the Visit Year would not only benefit Nagarkot but also provide long-term economic growth for the entire region.
Kanchen Badae Shrestha, a former minister and provincial assembly member, underscored the need for promoting the 11 different entry points and roads leading to boost tourism. He proposed the introduction of a new cycling route between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, which could potentially attract more tourists and extend their stay in the area. Shrestha’s comments echoed the sentiments of other officials, who expressed the importance of ensuring that the event would provide both short-term and long-term benefits for tourism development.
District Coordination Committee (DCC) leaders, including Deepak Kumar Gautam, stated that the collaboration of the three districts would play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges that Nagarkot faces as a tourist destination. He emphasized that the Visit Year would enhance it’s global recognition, positioning it as a top destination for both Nepalese and international tourists.
Bhaktapur District Chief, Gopal Prasad Aryal, emphasized the importance of promoting affordable and family-friendly travel packages for tourists. He suggested that the government at all levels coordinate efforts to make travel to Nagarkot accessible to a wide range of visitors, from low-income to high-income families. Aryal stated that collaboration between local authorities, the provincial government, and the central government was essential for the success of the Visit Year.
Chagunarayan Municipality’s Mayor, Jeevan Khatri, highlighted the grand events planned for the Visit Year’s opening. The event will be inaugurated by President Ram Chandra Paudel on the 1st of Baisakh, with celebrations continuing until the 3rd of Baisakh. Khatri stated that the Visit Year would showcase not only Nagarkot but also connect the municipalities of Chagunarayan, Sankhu, Mandan Deupur, and Banepa in a journey of prosperity, facilitated by tourism and cultural exchange.
Khatri also emphasized that infrastructure improvements, particularly on the road between Bhaktapur and Nagarkot, would ensure smoother access for tourists. The municipality aims to develop programs that will attract visitors not only to Nagarkot but also to other lesser-known tourist destinations in the region. He expressed the intent to bring tourists via different routes and emphasized the importance of creating programs that cater to tourists’ diverse needs throughout the year.
The commitment to improving infrastructure was further emphasized by Mandan Deupur Municipality’s Mayor, Tok Bahadur Waiba, who emphasized the importance of promoting Nagarkot’s unique identity internationally. Waiba assured that the four municipalities would join forces to develop Nagarkot as a central hub for tourism in the region. He also highlighted the positive contributions of the local hospitality and tourism businesses, such as hotels, and emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach in creating attractive travel packages.
In terms of infrastructure, Waiba mentioned that the construction of a paved road from Banepa to Nagarkot, which would reduce travel time to 20 minutes, was already underway. This would significantly enhance accessibility and allow more visitors to experience Nagarkot’s scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
The development of sustainable tourism practices is also a priority for the local authorities. A series of monthly festivals will be organized across the different municipalities, showcasing local culture and traditions while promoting various tourist destinations within the region. This initiative aims to create a dynamic tourism environment throughout the year, ensuring that Nagarkot remains a vibrant and sought-after location for visitors.
Hotel and tourism businesses are also encouraged to play an active role in the success of the Visit Year. Shanti Ratna Shakya, the Mayor of Banepa Municipality, urged local hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs to adopt a positive attitude and contribute to the event’s success. He stressed the importance of providing a diverse range of experiences to tourists, from Himalayan views to cultural explorations, making Nagarkot a must-visit destination.
The Nagarkot Visit Year-2082 promises to be a significant milestone in Nepal’s tourism development. With collective support from local governments, businesses, and stakeholders, it is poised to enhance the region’s economic prospects, foster tourism growth, and ensure that Nagarkot, along with its surrounding areas, becomes an iconic tourist destination. The Visit Year will not only highlight the area’s natural beauty but also its rich cultural heritage, contributing to the long-term prosperity of the region.
