POKHARA: The ‘Jaun Hai Begnas Pokhara’ (Let’s Go to Begnas Pokhara) campaign has been launched in western Nepal from Sunday to promote domestic tourism and strengthen regional tourism partnerships.
The initiative is jointly supported by the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Lekhnath, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the Pokhara Visit Year 2025 campaign.
A 37-member delegation of tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders from the Lekhnath region has begun a promotional tour across western Nepal, covering areas such as Butwal, Bardiya, and Surkhet.
Association President Birbhadra Kandel said the campaign aims to highlight Pokhara’s attractions, particularly the Lekhnath area, known for its seven lakes including Begnas and Rupa Lakes—both listed as Ramsar sites.
At a program held in Butwal, advisor to the association and Pokhara Visit Year 2025 co-coordinator Damodar Bhakta Thapa emphasized the tourism potential of the lakes and called for stronger cooperation between tourism entrepreneurs from Butwal and Pokhara.
Kandel noted that exchanging tourists between the two destinations would create mutual benefits for both regions.
Similarly, Madhav Kumar Khanal, chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Rupandehi, expressed readiness for tourism collaboration, highlighting Rupandehi’s historical importance as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
Pokhara Metropolitan City Accounts Officer Chhabilal Sharma said such partnerships would promote mutual growth and cultural ties.
According to General Secretary Suresh Lamichhane, the promotional team will continue its three-day campaign, visiting Bardiya and Surkhet, holding interactions with local tourism businesses, and then returning to Pokhara. Tourism entrepreneurs and media representatives from the Butwal area also took part in the discussion program.
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