The government of Nepal officially declared Pokhara, a picturesque city in the Gandaki province, as the tourism capital of the Himalayan nation. The formal announcement was made during a special ceremony held at Barahi Ghat located on the banks of the stunning Phewa Lake.
Special functions and celebrations
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' participated in the ceremony of declaring Pokhara as the tourism capital. The event featured musical performances by famous singers, creating a festive atmosphere. The selection of Barahi Ghat as the venue reflects the natural beauty of Pokhara and its connection with Phewa Lake, one of the city's most iconic attractions.
About pokhara
Pokhara is a metropolitan city in central Nepal, serving as the capital of Gandaki Province and the tourism capital of Nepal. It is the second most populous city of Nepal after Kathmandu, with 599,504 inhabitants in 120,594 households in 2021. The city is famous for its natural beauty and serene environment, as it is situated on the banks of Phewa Lake with the majestic Annapurna mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Boating on the lake with its reflection of snow-capped peaks is a favorite pastime for tourists looking for peace and adventure. Pokhara is located 200 kilometers (120 mi) west of the capital, Kathmandu. The town is on the banks of Phewa Lake and is situated at an altitude of about 822 metres. The Annapurna Range, with three of the world's ten highest peaks—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu, is within 15–35 miles (24–56 km) of the valley.
In 2024, Pokhara has been declared the tourism capital of Nepal, being a base for trekkers visiting the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation Area of the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas. The city is also home to a number of elite Gurkha soldiers, British Army, Nepali Army, Indian Army, Gurkha Contingent Singapore, Gorkha Reserve Unit Brunei, United Nations Peace Keeping Force and South Asian origin soldiers of Nepalese nationality recruited in the surrounding war zones .
Pokhara as an international brand
Declaring Pokhara as tourism capital will help in establishing the city as a recognizable 'brand' on the international platform. The move is expected to attract more foreign tourists and boost the local economy. The tourism industry is a major contributor to Nepal's economy and the government's decision to give priority to Pokhara is seen as a strategic step towards further developing the sector.