Kathmandu, 24 September 2023. As part of promoting domestic tourism, the Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal (SOTTO Nepal), renowned nationwide, organized a one-day hike from Sundarijal to Dhap Dam in Sindhupalchok. The initiative aimed to highlight hidden destinations and promote both domestic and international tourism, in collaboration with various government agencies.

The hike was conducted in coordination with Gokarneshwar Municipality and Melamchi Municipality on the occasion of the 44th World Tourism Day, 27 September 2023. Under the theme of environmentally friendly (green) investment in tourism, the hike included exploration and observation of the heritage sites within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, following the route Sundarijal – Mulkhar – Dhap Dam, and concluded at Nature Resort Habung.

Participants experienced the scenic diversity of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, located close to Kathmandu. Due to limited publicity, the area remains relatively underexplored from a tourism perspective. Bhuvan Bahadur Pandey, President of SOTTO Nepal, noted that the hike offers a chance for people to escape the hustle of daily life in Kathmandu and enjoy these natural spots. By promoting destinations near the capital, SOTTO aims to increase domestic tourism and maximize benefits for local communities, continuing its annual hiking tradition.

President Pandey also stated that, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Nepal Tourism Board, the organization conducts various programs each year to promote domestic tourism and benefit local communities. SOTTO Nepal focuses on sustainable tourism, reducing environmental pollution, raising local awareness, preserving nature and culture, providing employment opportunities, and developing tourism packages with warm hospitality for visitors.

At the closing ceremony, Mayor Aitman Tamang of Melamchi Municipality emphasized that the municipality is rich in natural, cultural, and religious diversity. He urged the federal and provincial governments to increase budget allocations for tourism and encouraged businesses to invest in the region. He also noted that five of the municipality’s 13 wards have been selected as model wards for tourism promotion and assured protection for incoming investments.

Deputy Mayor Uma Pradhan praised SOTTO Nepal for highlighting hidden tourist destinations and stressed that coordinated efforts are needed to promote historical, cultural, and natural heritage, attracting more domestic tourists. The hike was attended by over 100 participants, including former members of the Nepal Tourism Board, representatives of the Department of Tourism, business professionals, and government officials.

Nepal is rich in natural and cultural heritage. However, inadequate promotion and publicity have left many sites overlooked. SOTTO Nepal has used World Tourism Day as an opportunity to organize hiking programs each year, promoting domestic tourism and bringing hidden sites into the spotlight. Lack of awareness and promotion not only deprives locals of employment opportunities but also limits revenue generation. SOTTO’s promotion of Rara Lake in Mugu remains one of its most successful initiatives in this regard.