Nepal Tourism Year 2011: Internal Tourism?

From the very beginning of this website, people have been telling me to write about Nepal Tourism Year 2011. But everything needed to be said has been said already and you probably know it all. And here, we try not to waste our time/your time stating the obvious.

Although an idea struck my mind while I was thinking about that matter. Over a period of years of living in the west, I along with almost all other Nepalese friends have come across questions like “Have you been to the Himalayas?” or “Have you seen the Everest?” or even “Have you been on a mountain top?” And for most of us, it is a no. There are many reasons to blame as to why! Lack of peace and security, money matters, family restrictions……….just to name a few. When I was younger, I used to travel along with my dad around the country. So I have been to nooks and corners of Nepal like Rukum, Rupandehi and Butwal. I have been to Pokhara and Manakamana multiple times. But even then I haven’t seen a mountain up close (not like Machchhapuchhre from Phewa Lakeside up-close). Let alone Mt. Everest. And it is kind of a bummer when you think of it. You explain your friends where Nepal is and you say proudly we have 8 out of 10 highest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest but you haven’t seen one in front of you.

Kathmandu Valley

Internal tourism is one aspect that never fostered in Nepal. Travelling is good for many reasons. It helps the people in rural areas. It fosters the feeling of nationalism and creates better understanding of cultures. And in many ways, it helps in the tourism industry too. Until and unless you have experienced the beauty and the cultures yourself first hand, you would hardly be excited about explaining it to others. Or even if you are, you’d probably end up giving out wrong/incomplete info.

Mustang Valley

Responsible bodies should take this issue up and promote internal tourism too. Also the people should save on buying the new fancy phones and do some travelling. Get to know their country better. There is so much beauty everywhere. It’s a crime to miss!

Here’s hoping you’re doing what you can for a successful Nepal Tourism Year 2011!!

( If you’re interested in contributing more, then please get in touch with organizations in your area. UnitingNepal is one such organization in Australia which has successfully launched Nepal Tourism Year 2011 ad campaigns in many locations of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.)