Nepal, which has seen 41 per cent increase in tourist traffic in June this year from India as compared to last year, is targeting a tourist traffic of 1.5 lakh this year. Traffic in the Bangalore-Kathmandu sector has increased since the flight was introduced two and a half years ago. India accounts for one-third of the tourist inflow into Nepal according to Nepal Tourism Board. While 25 per cent of foreign tourists go to Nepal looking for adventure holidays, the country wants to tap the spiritual potential with the idea that the ’char dham’ pilgrimage is incomplete for Indians without a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple. The Nepal Tourism Board along with Royal Nepal Airlines and Pashupatinath Area Development Trust has packaged a Pashupatinath Darshan from August 1 to September 30, with Bangalore-Kathmandu-Bangalore sector airfare priced at Rs 8,888 inclusive of an escorted tour of the temple. This package is valid for a group of a minimum of five people.

All packages are for 3-night stay with breakfast, two half-day sightseeing trips and airport transfers. Accommodation at a 5-star will cost Rs 3,999 per night, while in a 4-star, the cost is between Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,999. A 3-star hotel will cost Rs 1,800. The Bangalore-Kathmandu-Bangalore airline fare upto September 15 is Rs 10,500 and from September 16, it will be Rs 12,000. Other pilgrimage sites include Manakamana, Lumbini, Gosai, Kunda, Muktinath, Sworgadwari and Janakpuri.