Strong Connectivity Among Bharatpur, Lumbini and Pokhara Urged to Boost Tourism

Chitwan, Jan 2 — Stakeholders have emphasized the need for strong connectivity among the major tourist destinations of Bharatpur, Lumbini and Pokhara to accelerate tourism growth.

Speaking at a discussion on Tourism in Bharatpur organized by Sunaulo Nepal on Friday, participants proposed developing the three cities as a “golden triangle” for tourism promotion.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said Bharatpur holds immense yet underutilized tourism potential. Referring to India’s Kumbha Mela held last year, he noted that areas such as Narayani and Devghat could attract large numbers of visitors if properly promoted.

Nabil Bank Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gyawali described Bharatpur as an emerging tourism hub, highlighting growing investment in hospitality infrastructure. He pointed out that out of 27 five-star hotels across the country, six are located in Chitwan, reflecting increasing investor confidence in the region’s tourism prospects.

Tourism expert Dr Bishwa Subedi stressed the need to develop Chitwan as a centre for eco-friendly tourism. He suggested a focused approach, with Lumbini prioritizing cultural tourism, Pokhara promoting trekking tourism, and Chitwan specializing in wildlife and safari tourism, supported by improved inter-city connectivity.

According to Dr Subedi, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Lumbini Municipality and Bharatpur Metropolitan City are working jointly to realize this vision. He added that Bharatpur is also planning to develop a new lakeside tourism circuit by integrating seven nearby lakes.