Pilgrimage Tourism Opens New Area of Cooperation Between Russia and Nepal

Kathmandu. The exchange of experience in developing pilgrimage tourism could become a new area of cooperation between Russia and Nepal.

Pilgrimage tourism has recently become an important part of Russia’s domestic tourism market. It is contributing to the preservation of spiritual, historical and cultural heritage, regional development, and the creation of new destinations for travelers.

The prospects for its development were discussed during a session titled “Opportunities for the Development of Pilgrimage and Cultural-Educational Tourism in Russia,” held as part of the International Travel Forum “Let’s Travel!”

Participants in the session said pilgrimage tourism requires a special approach. Unlike ordinary sightseeing packages, pilgrimage is closely connected with spiritual practices and religious traditions. Therefore, careful attention is needed in designing routes, training guides and pilgrimage service providers, and developing tourism infrastructure around religious heritage sites.

Meanwhile, Russian pilgrimage-related sites are also being developed abroad. In Lumbini, Nepal, a Russian Buddhist monastery is currently under construction. The monastery is based on a design by the St. Petersburg Datsan Gunzechoyney.

The temple is being built by the Foundation for the Construction of the Monastery in Lumbini, established by Russian entrepreneur Dmitri Morozov, in cooperation with the Government of Nepal.

The monastery, being built at the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is expected to be completed in 2027. Once completed, it is expected to increase the flow of Russian pilgrims to Nepal and give new momentum to Russia–Nepal cooperation in pilgrimage tourism.