Making more religious tourists visit Nepal

Religious tourism from India could see a new boom, to the benefit of both pilgrims and Nepal.

Nepal has long regarded tourists from around the world as esteemed guests, following the principle of Atithi devo bhava (the guest is God) and wholeheartedly welcomed them. Of the tourists who enter Nepal, millions of Indians flock to this side of the border to visit sacred sites such as Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Swargadwari, Supadeurali, Manakamana, as well as Kailash-Mansarovar through Nepal, thanks to the open border between the two countries. Last month alone, over 40,000 Indians entered Nepal by air, marking the highest monthly total on record. Additionally, many more arrive by land each year, and their numbers are increasing significantly.