Pokhara, Gandaki Province, and tourism entrepreneurs from Northeast India are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost tourist exchange and promote direct flight connectivity between the regions. The initiative follows a collective discussion held in Pokhara on Friday, aimed at strengthening tourism ties and showcasing Pokhara as a safe destination despite recent floods in other parts of Nepal.
The meeting, spearheaded by Hari Sharma Gaire, president of the Gandaki Province Hotel Association, brought together 24 representatives from the North East Indian Tourist Confederation (NEITC). During the discussion, Pokhara-based businesses proposed expanding air networks and fostering collaboration with Indian tour operators.
Strengthening tourism ties
Laxman Subedi, president of the Hotel Association Pokhara, affirmed that Pokhara remains safe for tourists, despite flood and landslide issues in limited areas like Rasuwa. He emphasized the need to strengthen the historic “Roti-Beti” (kinship) relationship between Nepal and India through tourism. Hari Bhujel, president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, highlighted similarities in geography, culture, and religious sites between the two regions and formally proposed moving forward with an MoU. Bhujel also urged the Indian delegation to advocate for direct flight connections between Pokhara and cities in Northeast India, noting that Fly Dubai has already commenced international flights from Pokhara.
Tsering Wangyal, president of the NEITC, lauded Pokhara’s natural beauty and hospitality, expressing his confederation’s eagerness to collaborate. He committed that Indian entrepreneurs are ready to increase tourist traffic from both sides. Indian mountaineer Dr. Anshu Jamsenpa, who holds a Guinness World Record for five Everest ascents, also praised Pokhara’s hospitality, calling it an “excellent destination.” Sangeeta Paudel, president of the Nepal Association of Tours and Travels Agents (NATTA) Gandaki Province, invited Indian representatives to work together, stating that both parties could achieve commercial benefits through cooperation in Pokhara, which was declared the ‘tourism capital’ by then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on March 17, 2024.
The meeting saw the felicitation of Dr. Anshu Jamsenpa by Pokhara’s tourism entrepreneurs, with other participating tour operators receiving tokens of appreciation, according to Ramesh Paudel, treasurer of the Hotel Association Pokara.
Pokhara’s international connectivity
Pokhara International Airport (PIA), which began operations on January 1, 2023, recently welcomed its first regular international commercial flight from Fly Dubai on September 23, 2026. This development is crucial for Pokhara, which was declared the ‘tourism capital’ by then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on March 17, 2024. The government has also offered incentives, including waivers on landing, parking, and navigation fees, and a 50 percent discount on ground handling services until September 2028, to promote international flights from PIA.
Addressing flood concerns
Recent floods have affected parts of Nepal, with 20,000 people injured and 1,000 displaced as of October 1, 2026, according to BBC Nepali. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported 12 deaths and seven missing persons nationwide due to floods and landslides as of September 27, 2026. Devastating floods on September 26, 2026, caused significant damage in districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, with the Betrawati road section connecting Rasuwa and Nuwakot still experiencing restricted access. Despite these challenges, Pokhara’s tourism sector is actively working to reassure visitors of its safety.
Future initiatives and pending details
Pokhara Metropolitan City is engaging with the Indian Embassy to facilitate the issuance of ‘No Objection Letters’ for Indian citizens directly from the Pokhara Pension Camp. Dedicated information and facilitation desks for passengers have been established by Fly Dubai and NATTA Gandaki. Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, has publicly urged residents and tourism entrepreneurs to utilize the Pokhara-Dubai flights over the next three to four months to ensure the sustainability of the route.
The exact date for the signing of the formal MoU between Pokhara and Northeast Indian tourism entrepreneurs has not yet been finalized, and the specific details and terms of the proposed agreement remain undisclosed.
