India’s pilgrimage rush tests Nepal’s tourism readiness

Social media in Nepal is buzzing with images of Indian tourists, sparking discussions on their economic impact and whether the country's infrastructure can accommodate them. The Ministry of Tourism has responded by issuing guidelines for Indian pilgrims entering Nepal via road.

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Even if only one percent of India’s population visits Nepal, the country could receive at least 10 million religious tourists annually. That would represent a major opportunity for Nepal’s tourism market.

Tourism Minister Khadkaraj Paudel views the current trend not as a mere influx but as a "changing pattern of Nepal–India religious tourism." He highlighted the immense potential, stating that "even if only one percent of India’s population visits Nepal, the country could receive at least 10 million religious tourists annually," representing a "major opportunity for Nepal’s tourism market."

Popular destinations like Muktinath and Swargadwari have recently seen tens of thousands of Indian pilgrims daily. However, the minister conceded that Nepal's infrastructure is not yet equipped for such numbers. "There is a shortage of accommodation and vegetarian food facilities for this number of visitors," Paudel admitted, outlining plans to prioritize building "dharmashalas" (pilgrim shelters) and expanding vegetarian food options starting next fiscal year.

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There is a shortage of accommodation and vegetarian food facilities for this number of visitors. We are prioritising the construction of dharmashalas and expanding vegetarian food options. From the next fiscal year, we plan to begin building dharmashalas in major religious destinations.

The debate has centered on the food habits of pilgrims, many of whom are vegetarian. With limited dedicated vegetarian restaurants, many resort to cooking their own meals roadside, a practice widely shared online. Paudel defended this, saying, "Just as our parents look for ‘pure food’ when they visit pilgrimage sites in India, Indian pilgrims expect the same here." He believes that adequate facilities would prevent roadside cooking. The ministry is also creating a directory of vegetarian eateries along key pilgrimage routes.

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Just as our parents look for ‘pure food’ when they visit pilgrimage sites in India, Indian pilgrims expect the same here. If there were enough vegetarian restaurants and dharmashalas, they would not need to cook on the roadside.