"Surge in Indian Tourists to Nepal Amidst Tibetan Pilgrimage Restrictions"

Nepal experienced a record-high influx of Indian tourists, totaling 287,244 as of November, a notable increase attributed to Tibet's denial of access to nearly 50,000 Indian pilgrims booked for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The ban redirected pilgrims to Nepal's holy sites like Muktinath and Lumbini, driving an upswing in Indian visitor numbers.

This surge, predicted to exceed 300,000 by year-end, was primarily due to pilgrimage draws like Muktinath, further catalyzed after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in 2018. Despite the COVID hiatus, Indian tourists are returning, particularly during the pilgrimage season from April to October, peaking in June and May.

While the closure of China's border disrupted pilgrimage plans, Nepal served as an alternative, boosting the tourism industry's hopes for revival amidst a recession. However, Nepal's stringent policies, including currency restrictions and bans on high denomination Indian notes, remain a concern.

Though Nepal has various routes to Kailash Mansarovar, Tibet's restrictions redirected pilgrims through Nepalgunj, contributing to the rise of luxury hotels catering to Indian visitors. Nepal's hopes to leverage tourism for economic revival face hurdles due to evolving policies and challenges in international flight operations, despite significant investments in infrastructures like the Pokhara international airport.

The future policies of Beijing regarding Indian travelers will unfold in January, possibly affecting pilgrimage routes. As pilgrims seek alternative paths due to limitations, Nepal remains a pivotal gateway despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical restrictions.

[Source: Kathmandu Post]