Operators are reporting rising Kiwi demand for treks in Nepal, citing political stability returning to the region and a rise in demand for meaningful, sustainable travel.
Intrepid Travel’s gm for New Zealand Simon Mckearney says it is seeing strong momentum for Nepal out of New Zealand, with bookings up 23% year-on-year, and passenger numbers tracking even higher.
“Nepal is now sitting as our sixth most booked and travelled destination for Kiwi customers this month, which is a significant shift,” he adds.
At the same time G Adventures ANZ md Sean Martin says the number of Kiwi travellers heading to Nepal with G Adventures in the past year has more than doubled compared to the same period the year before.
He says Nepal is rapidly evolving into a standalone destination driven by adventure and community tourism.
This sentiment is echoed by World Expeditions gm New Zealand Natalie Tambolash who says Kiwis are drawn to Nepal’s world-class mountain landscapes and the sense of scale and remoteness that’s hard to match.
Also driving demand, adds Tambolash, is the combination of physical challenge and rich cultural connection. “Trekking in Nepal goes far beyond the scenery,” she says.
. . . Connections
Mckearney says Nepal has always had a natural pull for Kiwis, with a strong cultural connection through a shared love of the outdoors, mountains and trekking, adding what’s really resonating now is the depth of experience beyond the hikes.
“Travellers are looking for trips that feel meaningful, where they can connect with local communities, understand culture and travel more responsibly and Nepal delivers that in a really authentic way.”
The rising Kiwi numbers also include repeat Kiwi travellers. World Expeditions marketing manager Eloise Weston, who recently did the Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp trek, says every traveller in her group of 10 had previously visited Nepal with World Expeditions.
. . . Pre-training
Martin says New Zealand’s natural assets are the perfect training ground for journeys such as the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, which makes Nepal all the more appealing for active Kiwis.
Interestingly, he notes that the average age for these trips grows increasingly older, currently sitting at 42 years of age, but he says they have had travellers well into their 80’s. See more on Intrepid’s Nepal trips HERE, G Adventures HERE, and World Expeditions HERE.
