After Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, another prominent city in the country, Pokhra, is about to get connected to India by air. Nepal’s third international airport has begun with its operations in Nepal, and some airlines including the Buddha are all set to begin with their flights to India, and it is expected that 10 lakh fliers will move through the airport annually.
The highest number of foreign tourists reaching Nepal are from India, and with the beginning of the direct flights, the people involved in the hotel and tourism business in Pokhra are enthusiastic. Pokhra, the city with seven lakes, is especially attractive because 60% of the tourists who reach Kathmandu, visit Pokhra as well, and the tourist-flow will increase further with the direct flights.
Nepal’s Buddha Air has already made the announcement of its flight till Varanasi, along with which, the airline will also commence its flights from Pokhra to New Delhi and to Dehradun as well. Airlines officer Deependra Karna said that the flights are being commenced keeping in mind the Indians. Sandhya Sigdel, Secretary General, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATA), said that they are waiting for the direct flights to begin. For the development of the hotels, an investment of 4687 crore rupees has been made.
In a few months, 30 new big and small hotels will be opening up. Bharat Parajuli, former President, Pokhra Hotel Association, said that there are facilities for 50-60 thousand tourists to stay in Pokhra in its hotels, and soon, casinos will be opened up as well.
Pokhra is the gateway to the renowned Annapurna Track, on which the tourists enjoy the views of mountains, lakes, and the beautiful surroundings. Tourists with interest in activities like paragliding, ultra-light flight, boating, and rafting, especially visit Pokhra.
