POKHARA: A influx of Indian tourists seeking escape from the summer heat, combined with a four-day public holiday weekend in Nepal, has triggered a massive surge of visitors in the tourism capital, Pokhara.

Hotels in Lakeside and surrounding areas have been packed since Thursday.

Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, noted that hotel occupancy has soared to 90% during this period.

“The number of people visiting Pokhara has spiked because the holidays fell consecutively from Thursday to Sunday, and we are seeing a significant rise in the arrival of Indian tourists at this time,” Subedi said.

“Both domestic and international tourist activity has gained momentum in Pokhara and its neighboring destinations,” he added.

The period from March to May is considered ideal for trekking and marks the country’s second major tourist season.

Subedi added that domestic tourism activities have fundamentally increased since the government implemented the two-day weekly holiday system.

According to him, this government decision helps keep the tourism sector vibrant.

During this pre-monsoon season, Indian tourist numbers typically climb in Pokhara.

Known for its frequent rain showers, Pokhara remains a preferred destination for Indians looking to escape the scorching heat.

Nearly 40% of the Indian tourists arriving in Pokhara also travel to Muktinath for pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, third-country tourists heading to various trekking destinations also spend some time in Pokhara.

Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), shared that around 40% of the foreign tourists visiting Pokhara head out for treks in the Annapurna region.

He stated that among the South Asian tourists exploring the Annapurna region, roughly 90% are from India.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek features popular destinations such as the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, the Muktinath area, and Ghorepani in Myagdi.

Spanning five districts including Kaski, the Annapurna Conservation Area remains a top choice for travelers.