The newly formed Balen government has revealed its ‘Visit Nepal 2028’ national tourism campaign, aimed at doubling visitor spending and attracting 2.5 million tourists by 2029.
The initiative will be launched over the next calendar year and will focus on diversifying tourism beyond the mountain trekking for which Nepal is known.
The government wants to shift attention to spotlight community experiences, nature and culture,. with a focus on new destinations.
There are also plans to take visas fully online and to upgrade aviation infrastructure, including the installation of e-gates.
As part of the campaign, Community Homestay Network is introducing its first fixed departure trips.
Eight immersive, multi-day itineraries are now on offer for guaranteed departure beginning September 6.
The eight-day Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature will be the first fixed trip, with more than 100 multi-day departures now available to book for travel up to December 2027 across the eight itineraries.
“I’m encouraged by the recent announcement of the new government’s strategy to ensure more focus is placed on community tourism,” said Shiva Dhakal, Founder of Community Homestay Network.
“The support of community-led experiences such as those offered by Community Homestay Network will provide travellers with richer experiences across our stunning country.
“It also ensures that more local people benefit from the positive impact of tourism when it’s done mindfully, intentionally and collaboratively.”
The eight new fixed departure itineraries are available to book now and include:
- Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature – This eight-day trip unveils the soul of Kathmandu Valley through authentic Newari experiences. Travellers will engage with artisans in Bungamati, cook momos in Kirtipur, hike to Nagarkot, and connect with local people via homestays; blending culture, nature and community. Priced from $US1,165pp with departures from September 6.
- Live The Tharu Way: Journey Through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – This nine-day itinerary travels from Kathmandu to Nepal’s vibrant Terai, spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people in Bhada and Bardiya and going wildlife spotting on a Jeep safari searching for elephants, rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal tiger. Priced from $US2,245pp with departures from October 11.
- Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – This eight-day Eastern Nepal adventure starts in Kathmandu, journeys to Dhankuta for Aathpahariya homestays and hikes, and ends in Janakpur with Mithila art and a visit to Janaki Temple, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. Priced from $US1,770pp with departures from September 20.
“All our itineraries are co-created with local communities and are designed to amplify their voices and stories, and to share their way of life with travellers while empowering them in their own entrepreneurship journeys.
“The introduction of fixed departures for the first time indicates the growth in demand for this style of travel, so the Balen government is certainly dialled in when it comes to the evolution of tourism in Nepal.”
