Tourism In Nepal

 Tourism In Nepal 

Evolution of tourism in Nepal (Origin and Development)

Starting from the ancient time, Nepal's tourism history is based on both myth and documentation. There is a very popular saga about the Manjushree that he came all the way from Tibet to Kathmandu who cut the Chovar hill, drained all water and made a valley suitable for living. Manjushree is believed to be the first tourist in Nepal. Similarly, Emperor Ashoka from India frequently visited Nepal and raised Ashoka Pillar in different sites marking historical evidence that had occurred in the particular area in the ancient time. Such monuments of him hold great historical importance.

It is believed that during Lichhivi era and Malla era, many monuments and buildings of great value were constructed then such as Kailashkut Bhawan, Managriha and Bhadradhiwas Bhawan, which helped and is still helping Nepal to gain enormous popularity. The Lichchhavi period started in 400A.D. and the Mallas ruled over Nepal from around 750-1480 A.D.Plenty of magnificent and eminent pagodas, royal residences and houses reflect the richness of art and architecture during the Malla period. Princess Bhrikuti, daughter of King Amushuvarma got married with srong-sten Gampo, the king of the northern state Lhasa in 592 A.D.which strengthens a strong relationship between Nepal and China. Also, it heightened the China-Nepal tourism relation to the next level. After that, Nepal was established as the only route to visit China via Lhasa and travel from China to India via Lhasa for a certain period. This marital relationship ended up favoring Nepal to increase visitors from both countries. Later, with the reign of the Malla kingdom, people from the western countries began coming to Nepal with an aim to spread Christianity. In 1737 A.D. king Jaya Prakash Malla gave written permission to Christians for spreading Christianity which increased a lot number of Christian tourists. The Lichchhavis and Malla kings brought about total conversion in the customs, tradition, and lifestyle of the Nepali people. The present cultures and customs of the Nepali communities and the various festivals celebrated around the year have their origins in the Lichchhavi and the Malla periods.

Nepal and its Himalayas; natural wonders and cultural heritages were unknown to the outside world until the 15th century. It is documented that Christian Jesuit, Father John Grewar & D. Arbel visited Nepal during the regime of Pratap Malla in 1641-1644. Jao Kabral from Portugal- the first European in the year 1628 visited Nepal. During those ancient times of Nepal, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian tourists used to visit Nepal with religious and commercial purposes. Indian tourists were Hindus and were likely to visit similar destinations. They used to visit religious destinations like Pashupatinath, Baraha Kshetra, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, etc. Likewise, Chinese tourists visited Lumbini.

History of Tourism in Nepal after Unification

The history of tourism in Nepal after unification can be divided into four main periods:

• The early years (1768-1950): This period was marked by limited tourism, as Nepal was largely closed off to foreigners. However, there were a few notable visitors during this time, including the British diplomat Brian Houghton Hodgson, who is credited with introducing Western scholars to the rich culture and history of Nepal.
• The golden age (1950-1990): This period saw a rapid growth in tourism, as Nepal became a popular destination for mountaineers, trekkers, and cultural tourists. The ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 was a major turning point, as it brought Nepal to the attention of the world.
• The decline (1990-2006): This period was marked by a decline in tourism, due to a number of factors, including the Maoist insurgency, the 1995 earthquake, and the 2001 royal massacre.
• The revival (2006-present): Tourism has rebounded in recent years, as Nepal has made progress in peace and stability. The country is now once again a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Here are some of the key events that have helped to shape the history of tourism in Nepal after unification:

• 1951: Nepal opens its borders to foreigners for the first time.
• 1953: Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary become the first people to summit Mount Everest.
• 1962: The Tourism Department of Nepal is established.
• 1973: Chitwan National Park is established.
• 1979: The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) is established.
• 1998: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is established.
• 2006: The Maoist insurgency ends.
• 2015: Nepal is struck by a devastating earthquake.
• 2016: Tourism begins to recover.

Modern Tourism in Nepal

Sure. Here are some of the most popular modern tourist activities in Nepal:

Mountaineering: 

Nepal is home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Mountaineering is a popular activity for experienced climbers, but there are also many trekking routes available for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without climbing to the summit.

Trekking: 

Trekking is another popular activity in Nepal, and there are many different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular trekking routes include the Annapurna Circuit, the Everest Base Camp Trek, and the Langtang Valley Trek.

Adventure sports: 

Nepal is also a great place to go for adventure sports, such as whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and paragliding. These activities offer a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of Nepal.

Cultural tourism: 

Nepal is home to a rich and diverse culture, and there are many opportunities to learn about the country's history, religion, and art. Some popular cultural destinations include the Kathmandu Valley, the Patan Durbar Square, and the Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

Wildlife tourism:

 Nepal is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, rhinos, and monkeys. There are several national parks and wildlife reserves where you can go on safaris to see these animals in their natural habitat.

These are just a few of the many modern tourist activities that are available in Nepal. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, Nepal is a country that has something to offer everyone.

Today, tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Nepali economy, providing jobs and income for millions of people. The country is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including Mount Everest, the Annapurna Circuit, the Chitwan National Park, and the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal is also a popular destination for spiritual tourists, as it is home to many important Buddhist and Hindu sites.

The future of tourism in Nepal is bright, as the country is well-positioned to capitalize on its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rich history. With continued peace and stability, Nepal is poised to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.