KATHMANDU: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has stepped in to facilitate the movement and management of foreign tourists in Nepal, ensuring their travel amid ongoing disruptions.
Due to challenging circumstances, some tourists were finding it difficult to reach their destinations, prompting the board to arrange shuttle buses to ease their commute.
According to NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepka Raj Joshi, the board has coordinated with the Nepali Army and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to ensure smooth travel from airports to hotels and vice versa. Shuttle bus services have been provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara since Tuesday to help tourists navigate affected areas.
“Tourists on trekking routes are not facing issues; they are moving uninterrupted. The main challenges are for tourists arriving in Kathmandu or planning to return home from the city. We have facilitated transport from the airport to hotels and back,” said Joshi.
He added that despite road blockages on Tuesday afternoon, tourists at the airport were provided with water and biscuits, and were escorted to their hotels in coordination with security authorities.
The board reported that around 35,000 tourists have entered Nepal by air in the past ten days, most of whom are on trekking expeditions in areas including Khumbu, Annapurna, Pokhara, and parts of Kathmandu. With the monsoon season ending, Nepal is approaching the peak tourism season, which typically sees a large influx of foreign visitors.
To provide timely assistance, NTB has dedicated seven staff members to offer 24-hour information services. Tourists can reach the board via phone, toll-free number, or email for guidance and support in case of emergencies.
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