Tourists suffer without support as budgets for Rara, Shey Phoksundo sit idle

Inadequate planning and unutilised funds have stalled tourism development at the lakes despite their potential to become major attractions, while the locals’ sources of income remain limited.

The government established Rara National Park 49 years ago to protect Nepal’s largest lake, Rara. In 1976, the area was designated a protected zone, and nearly 450 families were relocated to Banke and Bardiya.