Tourism Info Nepal

Tourism in Nepal’s Terai Region Poised for Growth with International Flights and Global Recognition

Tourism in Nepal’s Terai Region Poised for Growth with International Flights and Global Recognition

Nepal’s tourism is often synonymous with the Himalayan region, with most tourists flocking to iconic peaks like Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. Along with these, cultural heritage sites, pilgrimage destinations, and cities like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Lumbini also attract both domestic and international tourists. Despite the country’s rich tourism potential, experts note that the Terai region has yet to experience significant tourism development compared to other areas.

However, recent developments at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini have sparked excitement among tourism professionals in the region. The launch of international flights has boosted the region’s tourism industry, with airlines rapidly increasing their flight operations. This surge in international flights is expected to attract more foreign tourists, thereby promoting regional tourism and uncovering the untapped tourism potential of the Terai.

Airlines such as Nepal Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Qatar Airways, Jazeera Airways, and FlyDubai have already commenced operations from Gautam Buddha International Airport. The arrival of these international flights has brought a surge of activity to the airport, and the surrounding region is seeing an increase in tourism interest.

Maniraj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, expressed confidence that the launch of international flights to Lumbini would support the decentralization of tourism, moving beyond the crowded central areas like Kathmandu. He highlighted the significance of direct flights from Middle Eastern countries to Lumbini, which would gradually help spread tourism across the country.

To support the growth of tourism in the Terai, former Minister of Tourism Sharad Singh Bhandari initiated the formation of various tourism committees aimed at promoting destinations from East Mechi to West Mahakali. These committees focus on regions like Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and other areas in the Terai to create a more organized framework for tourism development.

In recognition of Terai’s tourism potential, the internationally renowned travel site Lonely Planet has included Nepal’s Terai region among the “Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations” for 2025. The list highlights Lumbini, Chitwan, and Bardiya as key attractions, praising Chitwan National Park for its population of one-horned rhinos and Lumbini’s historical significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lonely Planet notes that while the Terai region may not be as famous as the Himalayan or Kathmandu Valley, it has enormous tourism potential, especially with its wildlife and religious sites.

“Being recognized by Lonely Planet and the surge in international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport will undoubtedly help boost regional tourism and promote new destinations,” said Lamichhane. He added that this could benefit the country’s overall tourism development, attracting more visitors and spreading tourism benefits across Nepal. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, nearly 941,032 foreign tourists visited Nepal in the first ten months of 2024.

Gautam Buddha International Airport: A Hub for International Flights

The Gautam Buddha International Airport has seen a rapid increase in international flights. Nepal Airlines operates flights four days a week on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Thai AirAsia began its commercial flights in mid-November, with services to Bangkok twice a week. Qatar Airways has also launched daily flights to and from Lumbini. FlyDubai operates daily flights connecting Dubai, Bhairahawa, and Kathmandu, while Jazeera Airways has resumed flights to Kuwait three times a week.

The government has prioritized the operation of both international airports in the country as part of its action plan, ensuring smooth immigration, customs, and security operations at the Gautam Buddha International Airport. According to Tribhuvan International Airport’s General Manager, Pratapbabu Tiwari, all necessary arrangements for efficient airport operations are in place, ensuring a seamless experience for international tourists arriving in the Terai.

The future of tourism in Nepal’s Terai region looks promising, with the combination of international flight operations, global recognition, and focused regional development strategies set to boost its visibility as a vibrant tourist destination.

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