China–Nepal Exploration Tour project targets 6,000 Chinese tourists monthly

Kathmandu – The “China–Nepal Exploration Tour,” a premium cultural-tourism initiative aimed at enhancing tourism cooperation between China and Nepal, was officially launched at a press conference in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Jointly organized by Xi Zang Tourism Culture Industry Group, Iris Tourism Culture Industry Group and Nepal Panda International Travel, with South Asia Network TV as co-organizer, the event brought together more than 120 representatives from government agencies, tourism organizations, airlines, industry associations and media from both countries.

Among those attending were Bagmati Province Minister for Culture and Tourism Suresh Shrestha, Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Deputy Director of the China Tourism Office in Kathmandu Liu Zhanping and Nepal Olympic Committee President and former Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jivan Ram Shrestha.

The project aims to strengthen cross-border tourism by improving air connectivity and promoting premium tourism experiences. Organizers announced the operation of regular Shenzhen–Kathmandu charter flights in partnership with Himalaya Airlines and outlined plans to expand charter services from additional Chinese cities.

According to organizers, the inaugural charter flight was successfully operated on June 5, 2026. The service is scheduled to operate twice a week throughout the year, with 104 flights annually and a capacity of 177 passengers per flight, bringing more than 18,000 Chinese visitors to Nepal each year. Future expansion, combined with seat allocations on scheduled flights operated by major Chinese airlines, is expected to significantly increase two-way tourist exchanges over the next three to five years.

Speaking at the event, organizer representative Huang Lei said the initiative was designed to address long-standing challenges facing China–Nepal tourism, including limited flight capacity, seasonal fluctuations and inconsistent service standards. He said the project aims to establish a stable, year-round tourism corridor between the two countries through improved aviation connectivity and high-quality tourism products.

The initiative offers four themed tourism packages focusing on Himalayan trekking, cultural heritage exploration, mountain and lake wellness retreats, and China–Nepal combined tours. He also announced a premium seven-day, six-night itinerary featuring bilingual tour package for Chinese visitors covering Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Pokhara and Chitwan. The itinerary will include Himalayan experiences, cultural heritage exploration, nature-based activities and wellness tourism.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Suresh Shrestha said tourism is a key pillar of Nepal’s economy and welcomed initiatives that strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the tourism business environment and supporting sustainable investment in the sector.

Speaking at the event, Shailendra Dhungel of Nepal Panda International Travel and Zhou Enyong, President of Himalaya Airlines, noted that tourist arrivals in Nepal continue to be affected by seasonal fluctuations. They stressed the need to attract visitors throughout the year through regular air connectivity, high-quality tourism services and stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector.

Organizers said the project is expected to create 500 to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs while benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tourist destinations and cultural industries. They expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute to year-round tourist arrivals and further deepen cultural and people-to-people ties between China and Nepal.