After spending two memorable days at Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm, our journey continued back to Kathmandu for the main PATA Nepal programme.

While the first part of our trip focused on sustainable tourism and eco-travel, the second half was centred around business networking, destination experiences, and discovering why Nepal is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international travellers.

Returning to Kathmandu

After leaving the peaceful highlands of Haibung, our bus headed directly to Thamel, Kathmandu's most famous tourist district.

Our accommodation for the next few days was Kantipur Temple House, a unique heritage-style hotel inspired by traditional Nepali architecture. Built with distinctive orange bricks and wooden carvings, the property feels like stepping into an ancient palace while still offering modern comfort.

Its location in the heart of Thamel also made it convenient for exploring the city's vibrant streets filled with souvenir shops, cafés, and local restaurants.

A Warm Welcome from Kirtipur Municipality

On the evening of 31 May 2026, international delegates were invited to a Welcome Dinner Reception hosted by Kirtipur Municipality.

Upon arrival, we received a warm traditional welcome from local officials, including the application of a bindi as part of the greeting ceremony.

Before dinner, we walked through the historic streets of Kirtipur, visiting several stupas and heritage sites that showcase Nepal's rich cultural and religious history.

 

The evening concluded at SASA Twa, where the official welcome ceremony took place. Representatives from PATA and local authorities delivered speeches before guests enjoyed a series of traditional cultural performances.

Dinner itself was a memorable experience.

Rather than dining at conventional tables, guests sat on the floor in traditional style while enjoying local dishes, wheat-based specialities, assorted Nepali sweets, and locally produced beverages. It was a wonderful introduction to Nepal's hospitality and traditions.

The Opening of PATA Nepal 2026

The following day marked the official opening of the PATA Nepal programme.

The event featured insightful presentations, panel discussions, and tourism forums covering the future of travel in Asia.

One of the keynote sessions, titled "The Future of Adventure Travel in Asia: Trends, Opportunities, and Nepal's Competitive Edge," highlighted Nepal's growing position as a leading adventure destination and discussed evolving travel trends across the Asia-Pacific region.

Another inspiring presentation, "Nepal through the Eyes of an Explorer," shared authentic stories and perspectives from a travel content creator who has spent years showcasing the country beyond its famous mountain peaks.

Beyond the business discussions, delegates were treated to beautiful traditional Nepali dance performances and a unique Healing Sound Performance that reflected Nepal's spiritual heritage.

It was also nice to reconnect with friends we had met earlier at Prakriti Resort during the event sessions.

Learning About Regenerative Tourism

One of the presentations that resonated with us most was delivered by Aakash from Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm.

His session focused on regenerative tourism, explaining how tourism businesses can actively restore ecosystems and support local communities rather than simply reducing negative impacts.

The presentation also introduced delegates to authentic Nepali food culture, including local chai, momo, and paneer, showing how traditional cuisine plays an important role in preserving cultural identity and supporting local agriculture.

It reinforced many of the sustainable practices we had witnessed during our stay at the resort.

Exploring Kathmandu Valley

On 2 June, international delegates joined a sightseeing programme around Kathmandu Valley.

We gathered in the morning before travelling towards Dhulikhel and the famous Namo Buddha Monastery.

The monastery offered a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted with the busy streets of Kathmandu. One of the highlights was participating in a spiritual chanting session led by resident monks, allowing visitors to experience a small part of Nepal's Buddhist traditions.

The calm environment and mountain scenery made this one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Lunch and Wellness at Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort

After visiting Namo Buddha, we continued to Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort for lunch.

The buffet was outstanding, featuring both Nepali and Thai cuisine. Among our favourites were the freshly made roti and the delicious paneer tikka.

Following lunch, we toured the hotel's facilities and guest rooms before participating in a relaxing sound healing session.

One of the resort's biggest attractions is its spectacular Himalayan view. On clear days, guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the mountain range directly from the property, making it an ideal retreat for wellness and leisure travellers.

Dinner at Best Western Plus Godawari Resort

In the evening, our group travelled south of Kathmandu to Best Western Plus Godawari Resort for a hosted dinner reception.

As one of the newer hospitality developments in the area, the resort showcases Nepal's growing investment in quality tourism infrastructure while maintaining its natural surroundings.

After dinner, we returned to our hotel in Thamel to prepare for the business sessions beginning the next morning.

Building Partnerships Through B2B Meetings

The following two days were dedicated to the PATA Seller-Meet-Buyer business sessions.

As a Malaysian travel agency, this was one of the most valuable parts of the programme.

We met destination management companies (DMCs), hotels, tourism operators, and suppliers from Nepal and Bhutan to explore potential partnerships and future collaborations.

These meetings allowed us to better understand the tourism products available while discussing opportunities to bring more Malaysian travellers to Nepal.

Beyond business, we also built new friendships.

One memorable connection was Mr. Ram from Moonline Tours. After the day's meetings, we joined several Indonesian tourism professionals for dinner at Electric Pagoda Bar & Café, where conversations naturally shifted from tourism products to entrepreneurship and regional collaboration.

These informal discussions often create relationships that continue long after the event ends.

Closing the PATA Nepal Experience

The final day consisted of another series of productive business meetings before the official Closing Celebration.

After completing our appointments, we enjoyed our final dinner together at Hotel Marshyangdi before heading to Tribhuvan International Airport for our evening Nepal Airlines flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

As our journey came to an end, we reflected on everything we had experienced over the past week.

From sustainable farming and regenerative tourism to cultural heritage, spiritual experiences, and business networking, Nepal proved to be much more than a trekking destination.

Looking Ahead

This PATA Nepal experience has strengthened our confidence in promoting Nepal as an exciting destination for Malaysian travellers.

Beyond the Himalayas, visitors can discover ancient cities, spiritual sites, organic farms, wellness retreats, authentic local cuisine, and meaningful cultural experiences that create unforgettable memories.

At ZFB Travel, we look forward to developing more Nepal travel packages that showcase these unique experiences while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Our Appreciation

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to PATA Nepal, Medan Business Talk, Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm, our local partners, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making this programme a success.

Thank you for the warm hospitality and unforgettable memories.

We hope to return soon, this time with more Malaysian travellers ready to discover the many sides of Nepal beyond the mountains.