Karnali region, one of the most scenically beautiful areas, lies in the north-western mountainous region of Nepal. The region is geographically wild, remote and economically backward and is not yet accessible by roads. The development of Karnali region is still in the most difficult situation due to the lack of road connectivity, extremely high airfare and irregular services of Nepal Airlines despite immense possibilities of promoting tourism. No concrete plan has been made by Nepal Government for the tourism development of the region. There has also been a lack of involvement of local travel trade entrepreneurs from the private sector for development.

However, in the region, there are two popular national parks one can explore – Shey Phoksundo and Rara along with two high altitude freshwater lakes which are named after the above national parks. The outstanding natural resources, typical topographic features with the country’s largest and deepest lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, indigenous Buddhist and Hindu cultures, rich flora and fauna make the region worth exploring & visiting the geographers, naturalist and trekkers alike.

Apart from the natural scenery and ‘wilderness’, there is much more potential to promote diverse tourism products in the region. Travelers can visit hot springs, ancient monasteries, typical villages and experience diverse cultures when the infrastructure for trekking trails are well constructed and maintained.