When we talk about tourism, many people think it’s all about glamorous Industry. In Nepal, we often imagine the beauty of the Himalayas, helicopter tours, luxury hotels, fine dining, wildlife safaris, treks, motorbiking, and cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara. Social media like ‘Instagram and TikTok’ adds to this image with eye-catching reels and polished content. Yes, this is tourism but today, we need to focus more on meaningful or experiential tourism.

This kind of tourism isn’t about luxury or show. It’s about real, grounded experiences connecting with people, culture, emotions, and stories. Take the month of Asar, for example. Instead of just selling scenic tours, we should promote rice planting experiences. This takes visitors to rural villages, where they learn about local lifestyles and listen to real family stories. This kind of journey shows the true face of Nepal. When travelers return home, they take back memories filled with joy, challenges, people who touched their hearts, local food, and cultural stories. That is the essence of real Nepal and that is the kind of journey we should be offering. But sadly, many rural communities lack people who understand or promote this approach. Even when one or two village leaders speak about sustainable tourism or eco-friendly practices, the local farmers and real people rarely benefit.When I hear terms like sustainable development, tourism development, sustainable tourism it feels like these are all political buzzwords. In many villages, feudal mindsets still dominate. Why is this happening?

We often present our villages in big meetings or on stage, but what are we really doing on the ground? Just talking? Meanwhile, mobile phones and internet access have reached even the most remote corners of Nepal. Villagers now watch the world and dream of city lifestyles. Everyone wants to be modern, but we risk losing the very culture and simplicity that makes our villages special. To protect this, we must promote tourism that respects people, values local knowledge, and offers travelers something deeper than a photo or a reel a genuine experience. Now that Asar is here, why not give our university students a meaningful assignment? Send them to the villages to take part in rice planting let them get their hands dirty, sow real seeds, and help promote local products online. After spending a month in the field, they can return and present their experience not with just PowerPoints, but with real stories, outcomes, and impact. These days, everyone talks about what should be done. But instead of just talking, why not start by doing