The Society of Travel and Tour Operators (SOTTO) Nepal organized a one-day hike from Sundarijal to Dhap Dam in Sindhupalchok to promote domestic tourism. The event, held in collaboration with Gokarneshwar Municipality and Melamchi Municipality, highlighted hidden destinations near Kathmandu and aimed to boost both local and international tourism.

The hike passed through Sundarijal – Mulkharak – Dhap Dam and concluded at Nature Resort Habung, offering participants the chance to explore the biodiversity and natural beauty of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which is still under-promoted as a tourist destination.

SOTTO Nepal Chairman Bhuvan Bahadur Pandey emphasized that promoting destinations near Kathmandu can increase domestic tourist visits and benefit local communities. The organization, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Nepal Tourism Board, annually conducts programs to encourage sustainable tourism, environmental protection, local employment, and cultural preservation.

At the closing ceremony, Mayor Aitman Tamang of Melamchi highlighted the municipality’s rich natural, cultural, and religious diversity and encouraged both government and businesses to invest more in tourism. Deputy Mayor Uma Pradhan praised SOTTO Nepal for uncovering hidden tourist sites and stressed the importance of collective efforts to promote these destinations to attract domestic tourists.

The event saw participation from over 100 tourism entrepreneurs and government representatives, including former members of the Nepal Tourism Board and officials from tourism offices.

SOTTO Nepal has been organizing such hikes every year on World Tourism Day to raise awareness, promote hidden cultural and natural heritage, and provide economic benefits to local communities. Notable past successes include promotion of Rara Lake in Mugu.