Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has emphasized the necessity of establishing dedicated tourist bus parks across Nepal to accommodate the growing number of visitors. During an inspection of a temporary bus park in Kathmandu, the Minister highlighted the demand for such facilities in the federal capital and other key destinations across the country.
“Nepal is a country rich in tourism potential, and tourist bus parks are essential at every tourist destination. I will take initiatives to ensure their construction,” Minister Pandey stated. He also assured collaboration with stakeholders regarding the ongoing efforts of the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal to construct a bus park at Pashupati Area Development Trust in Gaushala, Kathmandu.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, stressing the need for a well-organized tourist bus park in Kathmandu to promote tourism. Joshi affirmed the board’s commitment to supporting this initiative.
Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), noted that NATTA and the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN) had already initiated discussions with the Pashupati Area Development Trust to proceed with the bus park’s construction. He urged the Minister to facilitate the process further.
Bhishma Neupane, President of TBAN, pointed out that while tourist hubs like Pokhara and Sauraha in Chitwan have dedicated bus parks, Kathmandu lacks such facilities. “Tourist buses are forced to operate from the streets in the federal capital. This issue needs urgent government intervention,” he added.
Stakeholders, including TBAN’s founding President Shrikanta Acharya and advisors like Kedar Sharma and Madan Acharya, highlighted operational challenges. Due to the absence of a proper bus park, tourist buses departing Kathmandu for destinations like Chitwan, Pokhara, and Lumbini must operate strictly in the early hours between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. A dedicated bus park would allow for more flexible and convenient schedules.
Currently, around 100 tourist buses ply daily routes connecting Kathmandu with popular destinations such as Pokhara, Chitwan’s Sauraha, Lumbini, and Janakpur. These buses cater to approximately 3,000 to 4,000 domestic and international tourists each day. However, the lack of parking facilities forces operators to park their buses along the streets of Sorhakhutte during the early hours or pay for overnight parking at private garages.
The tourism sector stakeholders have urged the government to expedite the construction of tourist bus parks to enhance visitor convenience and improve Nepal’s image as a tourist-friendly destination.
