Karnali Tourism Meet-2026Friday, May 22nd, 2026

With the slogan “In the Lap of Nature and Culture,” the Karnali Tourism Meet-2026 has officially begun in Birendranagar, Surkhet, aiming to position Karnali as a competitive international tourism destination.

Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Birendranagar Municipality in coordination with tourism stakeholders, the three-day event has gathered policymakers, tourism entrepreneurs, local governments, and Indian tourism representatives to discuss Karnali’s tourism potential, cultural richness, and sustainable tourism development.

The inauguration was led by Karnali Province Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment Suresh Adhikari, alongside senior officials including Tourism Ministry Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Nepal Tourism Board Officiating CEO Hikmat Singh Ayer, local government representatives, and tourism stakeholders from Nepal and India.

Speakers highlighted Karnali as a region rich in authentic Himalayan culture, nature, spirituality, and adventure. Minister Adhikari stressed the need to internationally brand destinations such as Rara, Shey-Phoksundo, Dolpa, Humla, Kakrebihar, and the Gurans region. Secretary Niraula described Karnali as a “living museum” where visitors can experience local lifestyles, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

NTB Officiating CEO Hikmat Singh Ayer identified India as a key tourism market, noting Karnali’s accessibility, cool climate, and unique Himalayan experiences as attractive for Indian travelers. Local leaders emphasized Surkhet’s growing role as the gateway to Karnali and even as an important route toward Kailash Mansarovar tourism.

The event also featured academic presentations, cultural performances including Deuda and Hudke dances, and discussions on tourism investment, infrastructure, and service quality. Indian tourism entrepreneurs expressed interest in promoting Karnali packages in the Indian market.

As part of the program, familiarization trips to Dailekh, Gurans Hill Station, Gothikanda, and other tourism sites have been arranged for Indian tour operators and journalists, strengthening efforts to integrate Karnali into wider regional and international tourism networks.