Nepal’s Casinos Add Some Glitz to Adventure Travel

One of the attractions of Nepal for South Asian tourists has been its casinos that have been in operation in Kathmandu for the past thirty years. Today people from all over the world who like to combine adventure travel to the Himalayan Mountains with a little relaxation throng the six casinos in the city of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.

The glitz and glitter of Atlantic City or Las Vegas may seem a little remote when you trek in the pristine mountains or go river rafting in the lively Himalayan Rivers. The excitement of a little flutter in the casinos is however very much in evidence at Kathmandu. The casinos are at major hotels in the city and they offer free transport to the casinos from other hotels and important locations of Kathmandu. For the seasoned player there are packages organized by adventure travel agents all over the world featuring the casinos.

All the casinos operate round the clock and they offer free drinks, snacks and cigarettes on the house too. Since they are located within hotels there is usually a disco, nightclub and several restaurants on the premises. Regular patrons of the casino are even offered complimentary stay. The entertainment is of course not what you would see at Las Vegas but this is a chance to catch the local dance and music live. Dress code is casual and English is spoken by attendants at all the casinos.

The popular games at the tables are baccarat, roulette, poker and black jack. If you are a novice at the games the attendants will teach you the rules and how to play. There are plenty of slot machines too. The casinos provide handicap access and are open to anyone over the age of twenty one.

The first casino in Pokhara opened at Phulbari Resort and Spa in a bid to attract more tourists. Nepal tourism has been hit over the past few years because of political unrest in the country. Now that a new democratic government has been sworn in, the tourists are back in large numbers to experience the thrills of adventure travel in this Himalayan paradise. The casinos in Nepal too are looking forward to an increase in patronage.