KATHMANDU: The recent visit of Indian Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to the sacred Muktinath temple in Mustang has been hailed as a positive step toward promoting religious tourism in Nepal.
Khattar, who was on a two-day official visit to Nepal from April 22 at the invitation of Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, visited the Muktinath temple in Baragung, Mustang, on Wednesday.
Minister Khadka remarked that Khattar’s pilgrimage not only reinforced the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Nepal and India but also highlighted Nepal’s potential as a key destination for religious tourism.
“Such visits deepen the spirit of friendship and cooperation between our nations and contribute to promoting shared cultural values,” he said.
Khattar also visited the Pashupatinath temple during his stay, expressing his admiration for Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage.
“Nepal is a land of profound religious and historical significance,” he said. “Religious tourism has immense potential to support Nepal’s journey toward economic prosperity.”
Muktinath, a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists, continues to draw pilgrims from India and beyond. Officials believe that high-profile visits like this one can play a significant role in enhancing Nepal’s image as a spiritual destination and strengthening bilateral ties.
Minister Khattar returned to India on Wednesday evening following the conclusion of his visit.
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