Sindhupalchok: A study and promotional visit program was successfully organized at Ukhubari Community Homestay, located in Ward No. 3 of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok. The program was jointly organized by the Bagmati Province Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Hetauda, and co-organized by the Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF Nepal) with the objective of promoting community-based tourism and highlighting the tourism potential of the destination.
The event was chaired by Hari Sharan Thapaliya, President of VITOF Nepal, while Ishwor Timilsina, spokesperson of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, attended as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included tourism expert Prof. Dr. Prem Sharma, former VITOF Nepal President Shiv Lamichhane, VITOF Nepal advisor Dr. B.P. Badal, Thaneswor Devkota, President of TURGAN, Ambir Gurung, Executive Member of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), and Ishwor Tamang, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 3, Sunkoshi Rural Municipality.
The program brought together 25 participants, who were warmly welcomed with a traditional Panche Baja performance, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the local community. Participants toured the homestay facilities, interacted with local residents, and observed the unique cultural and natural attractions that make Ukhubari an emerging rural tourism destination.
Speaking at the event, Ambir Gurung, Executive Member of TAAN, emphasized the importance of linking trekking and rural tourism products. “Community homestays such as Ukhubari offer authentic experiences that modern travelers increasingly seek. Strengthening such destinations will contribute significantly to Nepal’s tourism diversification,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. B.P. Badal, Advisor to VITOF Nepal, highlighted the role of community participation in sustainable tourism development.
Former VITOF Nepal President Shiv Lamichhane noted that village tourism can create meaningful economic opportunities in rural areas while preserving local culture and traditions.
Ward Chairperson Ishwor Tamang expressed commitment to improving tourism infrastructure and supporting local tourism initiatives in the area.
Tourism expert Prof. Dr. Prem Sharma stressed the need for strategic planning and destination branding to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Chief Guest Ishwor Timilsina stated that Sunkoshi Rural Municipality is prioritizing tourism as a key driver of local economic growth and pledged continued support for community-based tourism projects.
Welcoming the guests, Purushottam Pyakurel, Chairperson of Ukhubari Community Homestay, shared the homestay’s journey and ongoing efforts to provide quality hospitality while preserving local culture. He expressed confidence that such promotional visits would help raise awareness of Ukhubari as a promising tourism destination.
Concluding the event, chairperson Hari Sharan Thapaliya underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies, tourism organizations, and local communities. He stated that destinations like Ukhubari demonstrate the true spirit of village tourism and have the potential to become model community tourism destinations in Nepal.
The study and promotional visit is expected to contribute to greater visibility for Ukhubari Community Homestay and encourage sustainable tourism development in Sindhupalchok and the wider Bagmati Province.
