Category Archives: Economy

Indian tourist arrivals triple at Palpa’s Kamakhya Dham

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Kamakhya Dham, located at Basantapur in Palpa near Butwal, has recently developed not only as a tourist destination but also as a popular wedding venue.

Under the leadership of the IME Group, the Lumbini Cable Car, the first in Lumbini Province came into operation two and a half years ago with an investment of Rs 1.5 billion involving both the company and local stakeholders. The company reports that around 400,000 tourists have used the cable car in this period, with a significant number of visitors coming from various cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, according to manager Prajwal Ghimire.

The upper station of the cable car houses the famous Shaktipeeth Kamakhya Devi Temple and the Durga Temple, where worship has reportedly been performed for nearly a century. Owing to these sacred sites, both Nepali and Indian visitors have increasingly begun choosing the area as a wedding destination.

Hindus believe that receiving blessings from Goddess Kamakhya ensures a successful married life, brings the joy of children, and helps overcome life’s obstacles. This belief has contributed to the growing number of couples choosing to marry at the temple, said chief priest Suresh Paudel.

Just two days ago, Vijay Jaiswal and Chandni Jaiswal from Uttar Pradesh, India, arrived in Basantapur with their relatives and got married there.

“Marriage is a memorable and joyous event for everyone, so we chose a new destination,” said groom Jaiswal. “Our family are devotees of Kamakhya Devi, but travelling to Guwahati in India is far, so we decided to marry at Nepal’s Kamakhya Dham instead.”

He said that Basantapur hill, located about 1,000 meters above sea level, is green, peaceful and beautiful, making their wedding experience especially delightful.

“Compared to last year, the number of couples marrying here has increased this fiscal year. This month alone, five couples are getting married,” chief priest Paudel said, adding that the first couple of the wedding season is from Uttar Pradesh.

Hari Aryal, president of the Butwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that even if a small percentage of Uttar Pradesh’s 240 million population could be brought to Butwal each year for cable car rides and visits to the Basantapur hill station, it would positively impact Rupandehi’s economy.

“The government authorities must work with the private sector to attract Indian tourists to hill stations such as Basantapur, Nuwakot and Hill Park near Butwal,” Aryal said. “Tourism is the easiest means to revive the economy weakened after the Gen Z movement.”

The cable car connects the lower station at Bamghat in Butwal-3 with the upper station at Basantapur in Tinau Rural Municipality-3 of Palpa. The upper station, located about three kilometres away, can be reached in 12 minutes.

According to operations manager D.N. Kayastha Sainju, the proportion of Indian visitors increased from 8 per cent last fiscal year to 21 per cent this fiscal year. Nearly 100,000 Indian tourists have visited in the past two and a half years. Visitors from other countries account for less than one per cent.

Prem Shrestha, chairperson of Tinau Rural Municipality, said that Basantapur once deserted for decades has become vibrant following the operation of the cable car.

Facilities such as a zipline, sky cycling, giant swing, children’s park, viewpoint, restaurant, and seminar hall have been built in Basantapur.

The cable car offers free rides on birthdays and special discounts for groups of more than 50. A grand evening aarti is held on the first day of every month.

Manager Ghimire said that Basantapur is around 7 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the Tarai, making it pleasant in summer and warm in winter, attracting tourists year-round.

He said that due to religious and tourism infrastructure, favourable climate in all seasons, and a peaceful environment free from noise and pollution, Basantapur has become a preferred destination not only for Nepalis but also for tourists from Uttar Pradesh, India.

The cable car, built by Austria’s Doppelmayr Company, is 2.6 kilometres long and has 25 gondolas, capable of transporting up to 6,000 tourists daily.

The Province Tourism Development Council has listed Basantapur as a major tourist site following the operation of the cable car, according to council chief Ramu Joshi.

Rising tourist numbers lift Nepal’s hotel industry

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Hotels operating in Bagmati Province, the region that has witnessed the largest investment in Nepal’s hospitality industry, have reported a rise in guest arrivals. According to the Economic Activity Study 2024/25 published by Nepal Rastra Bank, the average hotel room occupancy rate in Bagmati has reached 57 percent, up from 51.9 percent in the previous fiscal year 2023/24. The study notes that the increase in both domestic and foreign tourists has boosted the hotel, restaurant, and trekking sectors.

The data shows that hotel occupancy was highest in mid-October to mid-November 2024 at 67.8 percent and lowest in mid-January to mid-February 2025 at 44.7 percent. In other months, the rates were 47.6 percent in mid-July to mid-August 2024, 59.7 percent in mid-August to mid-September 2024, 59.2 percent in mid-September to mid-October 2024, 63.7 percent in mid-November to mid-December 2024, 56.6 percent in mid-December 2024 to mid-January 2025), 60.5 percent in mid-February to mid-March 2025, 63.6 percent in mid-March to mid-April 2025), 56.8 percent in mid-April to mid-May 2025, 54.5 percent in mid-May to mid-June 2025, and 49.2 percent in mid-June to mid-July 2025.

Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) president Binayak Shah said that the occupancy rate during October-November this year also appears encouraging. However, he noted that such trends may not remain consistent throughout the year. According to him, trekking tourists generally arrive in greater numbers during this season, and they often prefer destinations like Pokhara, Manang, Mustang, Chitwan, or Lukla rather than Kathmandu. As a result, hotels outside the capital tend to remain full.

“In Mustang, some hotels even had to stop taking bookings,” he says to Onlinekhabar, adding that it is natural for hotel occupancy to rise when both domestic and foreign tourists travel simultaneously.

Following the Gen Z movement, two five-star hotels in Kathmandu suspended operations, which led to increased business for other luxury hotels. Shah explained that large hotels are currently doing satisfactory business and that the closure of Hilton and Hyatt has redistributed their business to other hotels, creating a natural rise in pressure. He added that Shangri-La and Annapurna, two other five-star hotels, are also not in operation at present, allowing newly opened large hotels to enjoy higher occupancy rates. In Chitwan and Pokhara, hotels have reported good business during public holidays, supported by a steady flow of both domestic and Indian tourists. Hotels in the Terai region have also recorded satisfactory arrivals of Indian visitors.

Nepal Rastra Bank, analyzing the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2025/26, expects further improvement in the service sector. Although foreign tourist arrivals declined in mid-August to mid-September 2024 following the Gen Z movement, the numbers have since improved, contributing to a rise in tourism revenue and economic activity. The report also suggests that ongoing reconstruction efforts and the upcoming elections will further expand the transport, hotel, and restaurant businesses, supporting overall economic growth.

In October 2025, which is considered Nepal’s main tourist season for trekking and mountaineering, a total of 128,443 tourists visited the country, 3.3 percent more than in the same month the previous year. American and European tourist arrivals were particularly notable. Although Indian tourists topped the list in number, other countries recorded higher growth rates. That month, 17,298 tourists came from India, 13,286 from the United States, 8,718 from the United Kingdom, 6,755 from China, and 6,366 from Germany. Among the total visitors, 31.6 percent were Europeans (40,600 tourists), while 22.6 percent were from South Asian countries, including India (29,060 tourists). Other Asian countries accounted for 23,127 visitors, while 16,407 came from the Americas, 6,814 from Oceania, 3,548 from the Middle East, 443 from Africa, and 8,444 from other regions. During this autumn season, 1,450 climbers from 175 expedition teams received climbing permits, generating NPR 25.51 crore (about USD 1.9 million) in royalties for the government.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 943,716 tourists visited Nepal in the first ten months of 2025, a slight increase compared to the same period the previous year. Among them, India ranked first with 243,350 visitors, followed by the United States with 93,985 and China with 78,929. The United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Australia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Thailand, and South Korea also contributed significant numbers. In total, 35.8 percent of visitors came from South Asia, 20.9 percent from other Asian countries, 19.1 percent from Europe, 12 percent from the Americas, 4.4 percent from Oceania, 0.4 percent from Africa, and 5.5 percent from other regions.

Share market rises after 3 days, 4 companies gain 10 %

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After declining for three consecutive trading days, the share market rebounded on Tuesday. Compared to the previous day, the NEPSE index increased by 3.21 points, settling at 2,565 points.

Although the market fell until around 1:30 pm after the opening session, it recovered later in the day. Prices of 142 companies rose, 102 declined, and 10 remained unchanged. The transaction volume, however, decreased from Rs 4.51 billion on the previous day to Rs 3.62 billion today.

Sectoral indices showed mixed trends, with all fluctuations remaining below one per cent. The indices for Banking rose by 0.07 per cent, Hydropower by 0.77 per cent, Life Insurance by 0.57 per cent, Manufacturing and Processing by 0.33 per cent, Non-Life Insurance by 0.50 per cent, and Trading by 0.69 per cent.

Meanwhile, the indices for Others declined by 0.67 per cent, Microfinance by 0.05 per cent, Investment by 0.29 per cent, Hotels and Tourism by 0.38 per cent, Finance by 0.61 percent, and Development Banks by 0.47 per cent.

Share prices of four companies surged by the maximum limit of 10 per cent all of them newly listed. The companies are Bandipur Cable Car, Mabilung Energy, Sagar Distillery, and Bungal Hydropower.

Similarly, shares of Daramkhola Hydropower rose by 6.88 percent, Eastern Hydropower by 6.29 per cent, and Swastik Laghubitta by 4 per cent. City Hotel recorded the sharpest decline of 4.96 per cent.

The most actively traded companies of the day were Sahas Urja, Radhi Bidyut, NRN Infrastructure, Shivam Cement, and Synergy Power.

Gold price jumps by nearly Rs 5,000 in a single day

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The price of gold surged by nearly Rs 5,000 per tola on Tuesday. Compared to the previous day, the price rose by Rs 4,900 per tola, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations. The new rate for fine gold has been set at Rs 246,400 per tola, up from Monday’s Rs 241,500.

Similarly, the price of silver increased by Rs 105 per tola, reaching Rs 3,170 from Rs 3,065 the previous day.

The rise in gold and silver prices in the international market has directly influenced the Nepali market, traders said.

Singapore Airlines introduces Boeing 737-8 MAX on Kathmandu–Singapore route

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Singapore Airlines has launched permanent operations of the Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft on the Kathmandu–Singapore route, offering passengers enhanced comfort and convenience.

Previously, the airline operated Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft on this route. The upgrade to the new Boeing 737-8 MAX significantly improves the overall flying experience, the airline said.

According to Singapore Airlines, the new aircraft features fully lie-flat seats in Business Class, allowing passengers to enjoy a more comfortable journey and arrive feeling refreshed. Complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi is also available for passengers in all classes, enabling them to work, stay connected with family and friends, or enjoy entertainment during the flight, according to the airline’s General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nepal, Everest Express International.

The Boeing 737-8 MAX offers a modern cabin design, an advanced in-flight entertainment system, and superior fuel efficiency, making it an environmentally friendly aircraft. Singapore Airlines stated that the Boeing 737-8 MAX will now serve the Kathmandu–Singapore route and onward destinations on a permanent basis, ensuring consistent quality and reliability for travelers flying from Nepal to destinations worldwide.

Singapore Airlines honours cargo and travel partners in Nepal

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines recognised three cargo companies and 10 travel agencies in Nepal for their outstanding business contributions this year.

According to Everest Express International, the airline’s GSA in Nepal, Pioneer Cargo, Rising Star Cargo, and Legend Cargo received the Outstanding Cargo Agent Award.

Similarly, Rupakot International Travels, Rupse Holidays, Aishwarya Travels, Roaming Nepal, and Sumegh Tours & Travels were honored with the Enterprising Agent Award.

In addition, Prabas Travel & Tours, Bon Travel & Tours, Sea Links Travels & Tours, Da Vinci Travels & Tours, and Osho World Travel Nepal received the Outstanding Travel Agent Award.

Malaysia stalling labour agreement renewal for 18 months

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Nepal and Malaysia signed a labour agreement (MoU) in 2018, with a provision to renew it every four years. Six years later, the agreement has yet to be renewed.

According to Nepali officials, Nepal has repeatedly written to Malaysia requesting renewal of the agreement, but no response has been received so far. The agreement was signed by then Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista and Malaysia’s then Minister for Human Resources Kula Segaran.

An official from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security said Nepal sent two letters seeking renewal, but both went unanswered. “We have sent letters several times. There has been no reply, and we are still waiting. Perhaps the process is ongoing on their side,” the official said.

According to ministry spokesperson Pitambar Ghimire, the correspondence was done through diplomatic channels.

While delaying renewal, Malaysia recently issued a 10-point standard guideline for manpower companies in five labour-sending countries, including Nepal. The guideline set conditions Nepali recruitment agencies must meet to send workers to Malaysia. However, Nepal rejected it outright, sending a diplomatic note stating it could not be implemented.

Officials say Malaysia’s hesitation to renew the labour agreement is linked to several factors. One is the decline in job demand in Malaysia itself. Another is the growing influence of syndicates trying to monopolise recruitment through limited companies.

About 18 months ago, Malaysia proposed renewing the deal under the same model as its agreement with Bangladesh. But then Minister for Labour Sharat Singh Bhandari rejected the idea, stating Nepal would not sign any agreement that created syndicates among manpower agencies.

“The government treats all businesses equally, large or small. We cannot sign an agreement that promotes syndicates,” said a ministry official. “The agreement must also promote ethical migration, which was not ensured under that proposal.”

Some Nepali and Malaysian recruitment agents had pressured Minister Bhandari to follow the Bangladeshi model, which restricts worker deployment to a few selected companies. Bhandari, however, maintained that the manpower sector needed regulation, not syndication.

Malaysia has long recruited Bangladeshi workers through a few licensed manpower companies. A Bangladeshi businessperson, Aminul Islam Abdul Noor (Amin), residing in Malaysia, reportedly played a key role in establishing the syndicate system. His company, Bestinet, also helped draft the 10-point guideline that was circulated to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.