Pokhara, May 26

Province 4 Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Bikash Lamsal today said that the influx of Indian tourists to Muktinath had increased after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered puja at Muktinath temple.

Inaugurating a month-long trekking guide training organised by Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal in Pokhara, Minister Lamsal said that Indians regarded Muktinath temple as one of the holiest shrines. “Most of the Indians wish to visit Muktinath, but we have not been able to  make publicity of the holy site,” he added.

Lamsal argued that the tourism sector in Province 4 would take a huge leap if more tourists from India visited Muktinath. He said the Cabinet had accorded top priority to tourism sector. “We are working to develop Pokhara as tourist hub and the province’s budget will focus on the tourism sector,” Lamsal stated.