Nepal to boost post-conflict tourism this year

Kathmandu: Aiming to boost tourism sector in the country hit by years of unrest, tourism authorities in Nepal have decided to mark 2007 as the 'Visit Pokhara Year' by organising various events in the famous tourist spot in the western part of the insurgency-hit region.

The 'Visit Pokhara Year' aims to increase the inflow of tourists in the post conflict scenario in the country, media advisor at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Sharad Pradhan said.

Pokhara will provide the ideal Weekend Break package especially for Indian tourists including honeymooners, he said.

The year-long festival will begin from December 31 with events like hand-gliding competition, food festival, boating, cultural programmes, short trekking and a number of other interesting activities, NTB said in a press release.

Pokhara which atracts one fourth of tourists visiting the Himalayan Kingdom is the third popular destination in the country after Kathmandu and Chitawan National Park and is the major gateway to the famous Annapurna circuit trekking route.

Lake Resort City Pokhara is famous for the majestic views of the Fist Tail Mountain, Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhawalagiri and is endowed with a number of natural attractions.

Mahendra Cave, David Falls, Fewa Lake, Seti Gorge are some of the attractions in the valley that lure thousands of tourists, the release said. (PTI)