The meet also served as a curtain-raiser for Mahakumbh 2025 to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
The inaugural India-Nepal Tourism Meet held in Kathmandu on December 10, 2024 marked a new chapter in people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring countries.  

Organised by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, the event was focused on promoting Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. At the same, the event aimed to strengthen cross-border tourism ties between India and Nepal through the creation of B2B connections and the development of circuit tourism. 

Nepal’s Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary was the Chief Guest. The session was inaugurated by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Prasanna Shrivastava, along with Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board. The meet witnessed participation from 13 Indian delegates and 60 tour operators from Nepal, all coming together to explore avenues for enhancing tourism and cultural cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Shrivastava highlighted the growing physical and digital connectivity between the two nations, which has significantly boosted cross-border tourism. He emphasised the need for joint efforts to fully leverage the tourism potential of both countries, especially via the promotion of religious and cultural tourism circuits. These circuits include destinations in Nepal, such as Janakpur and Lumbini, alongside sites in India, including those linked to the Ramayana Circuit and Buddhist Circuit.

Nepal Tourism Board CEO Joshi, acknowledged India as the largest source of foreign tourists visiting Nepal. He outlined the various initiatives being taken by the Nepal Tourism Board to enhance bilateral tourism and praised the efforts to promote circuit tourism between the two nations. 

Minister of State Chaudhary noted that cross-border tourism, especially through land routes, was a major contributor to Nepal’s tourism sector. He pointed out that while these contributions are not fully reflected in formal statistics, they play a vital role in boosting the local economy. He also stressed the importance of improving cross-border connectivity, particularly in remote areas like the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal, to further enhance tourism exchange.

Focus on Mahakumbh 2025
A key highlight of the event was a presentation on Mahakumbh 2025 which showcased the significance of this grand spiritual event, particularly for Nepalese devotees. The Mahakumbh Mela, often referred to as the largest spiritual gathering in the world, is held every 12 years across four sacred Indian cities: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. The 2025 edition of the festival will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, drawing millions of pilgrims from around the world.

The festival’s centerpiece is the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. This act is believed to purify the soul and guide devotees toward spiritual liberation.

Promoting Cross-Border Tourism 
The Tourism Meet included a B2B event, where tour operators from both countries engaged in discussions to promote cross-border travel. The deliberations focused on creating customized travel plans for tourists, particularly in the context of the Ramayana Circuit (which links sites associated with the Hindu epic) and the Buddhist Circuit (which includes sacred Buddhist sites in both India and Nepal). 

As part of the program, the Nepal Tourism Board organized a familiarisation trip for visiting Indian delegates and tour operators from Uttar Pradesh. The trip, conducted from December 8-9, included visits to Janakpur (a significant site in the Ramayana Circuit) and Kathmandu, allowing delegates to gain firsthand knowledge of Nepal’s cultural and spiritual offerings.

The Tourism Meet concluded with a captivating Kathak dance performance by an eight-member troupe from India. Supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the performance symbolised the deep cultural ties between the two nations.The event also underscored the importance of improving connectivity to foster tourism. Discussions revolved around enhancing land route infrastructure, streamlining travel arrangements, and leveraging digital platforms to facilitate easier movement of tourists across the border.

The India-Nepal Tourism Meet marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations through tourism. With shared religious and cultural heritage, the two nations have immense potential to collaborate on circuit tourism, bringing pilgrims and travelers closer to their spiritual roots. The promotion of Mahakumbh 2025 serves as a prime example of this collaboration, highlighting the importance of cross-border tourism for both economies. By focusing on connectivity, cultural exchange, and joint initiatives, India and Nepal are poised to unlock new opportunities for tourism growth. 

This inaugural meet sets the stage for future collaboration, enabling both nations to work together in fostering a seamless and enriching tourism experience for visitors. As preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 gather momentum, the partnership between India and Nepal stands as a testament to the enduring ties between the two neighbors.