Domestic Tourists Drive New Year Tourism Revival in Prime Destinations

Hotels in prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley were filled with visitors on New Year’s Day, signalling a strong rebound in domestic tourism and lifting the morale of local hotel and tourism entrepreneurs.

From Nagarkot to emerging destinations such as Ranikot, Ghyampedanda, Gundu and Sipadol in Bhaktapur district, hotels reported full occupancy as large numbers of domestic tourists arrived to welcome 2026. Tourism entrepreneurs said the turnout brought renewed optimism to a sector still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Suryabinayak Municipality, areas including Gundu and Sipadol have recently grown into popular tourist spots. Hotels around the historic Ranikot–Ghyampedanda area were fully booked during the New Year holiday.

Ramsundar Bake, proprietor of Village Highland Resort at Ranikot, said domestic tourists celebrated the New Year with music, dance and overnight stays. “Hotels here were fully occupied during the English New Year, which has encouraged tourism entrepreneurs,” he said.

Located at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, Ranikot offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur city and several Himalayan peaks. Entrepreneurs say the area has become increasingly popular for sunrise views and short getaways.

Bake said improved access through trekking routes such as Suryabinayak–Ranikot–Aashapuri and Suryabinayak–Ranikot–Phulchoki, along with a shorter road connection between Suryabinayak and Panauti via Ranikot, has made the destination more attractive to visitors.

Highlighting the site’s historical significance, he said Ranikot was once a fort built before Prithvi Narayan Shah’s attack on Bhaktapur, and later a palace was constructed there for a Malla queen. “Its history, mountain views and sunrise attract visitors year-round, but crowds increase significantly during the New Year,” he added.

Rajendra Pyatha, operator of Ghyampedanda Resort, said the influx of domestic tourists during the New Year has boosted confidence in the local hotel business. Similarly, Narayan Shrestha, operator of Ranikot Resort, said room availability has become increasingly limited not only during the New Year but also on weekends and public holidays, with families and groups visiting for short stays, picnics and organisational events.

In Nagarkot, Bhaktapur’s best-known tourist destination, hotels were filled with both domestic and foreign tourists eager to welcome the first sunrise of the New Year. Badri Maka, operator of Hotel Chautari, said the number of visitors increased significantly during the holiday period. “During the English New Year, hotel occupancy was split evenly between domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.

Hoteliers in Nagarkot said the rising flow of domestic tourists has further energised the local tourism industry. With hotels ranging from budget properties to five-star establishments, entrepreneurs reported growing business activity and continued interest in opening new hotels.

Ramshankar Dhwaju, owner of Hotel Peaceful, Nagarkot, said tourist arrivals this New Year exceeded last year’s figures. Meanwhile, Gokul Lamichhane, owner of Hotel Marigold, said advance bookings for both the Nepali and English New Year have restored confidence in the sector.

“After the pandemic, we feared the hotel business might never fully recover,” Lamichhane said. “But bookings made a month in advance and the rise in domestic tourists have given us new hope.”

Other major tourist destinations including Pokhara, Chitwan and Thamel also saw encouraging numbers of visitors during the New Year. -- RSS