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The price of gold has increased by Rs 200 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 252, 100 per tola today. 

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 3, 600 per tola.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 7. 39 points to close at 2, 614. 07 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 0. 30 points to close at 447. 05 points.

A total of 8,742,084-unit shares of 331 companies were traded for Rs 3. 75 billion.

Meanwhile, Swastik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SWASTIK) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. 

Likewise, Him Star Urja Company Limited (HIMSTAR) was the top loser as its price fell by 3. 88 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 1. 48 trillion.

Investors finally breathed a sigh of relief, as the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index ended a six-day losing streak on Tuesday. The benchmark index climbed 7.39 points to close at 2,614.07 points.

The recovery comes as a welcome respite for the secondary market, which had been in a downward spiral after its five-day winning run came to a halt on November 30. Over the subsequent six trading sessions, the index shed a total of 69.35 points.

The index opened in green territory on Tuesday and quickly hit an intra-day high of 2,620.47 points. The gain, however, was short-lived as selling pressure dragged the market down, sparking fears that the bearish momentum would persist. Just as the market seemed poised for another session in the red, a sudden spike toward the closing minutes of the session pushed the index back into positive territory.

Despite the recovery in the index, total turnover shrank to Rs 3.75 billion, a significant drop from Monday’s Rs 4.61 billion. This figure represents the lowest daily turnover since November 19, when securities worth Rs 3.73 billion were traded on the bourse. The low turnover indicates a lack of strong conviction in the secondary market, as many investors likely remained on the sidelines, waiting for clearer trends before committing fresh capital.

By the close of the session, unit prices of 148 scrips had advanced, while 101 declined and nine remained unchanged. Sector-wise, the performance was mixed but generally positive. Of the 13 sub-indices, nine ended the day in the green, while four posted nominal losses. The Hotels and Tourism sector led the recovery, advancing by 0.88%, signaling renewed interest in hospitality stocks. On the other hand, the Non-Life Insurance sector recorded the biggest slide of 0.17%.

Ngadi Group Power Ltd topped the turnover charts with Rs 319.2 million worth of shares traded. Laxmi Sunrise Bank and Radhi Bidyut Company Ltd were next with turnovers of Rs 111.48 million and Rs 99.12 million. A total of 8.74 million units were traded through 62,665 transactions. 

Although the benchmark index has snapped its losing streak, the shrinking volume suggests that the market has yet to find a solid footing for a sustained rally.

The Sayapatri Homestay has been opened in Beni municipality-9 targeting domestic and foreign tourists. With the financial and technical support of an organization called Eco Himal, the homestay has been opened in five houses in the first phase, with a capacity to accommodate 21 people. Sita Khatri, the chairperson of the Sayapatri Community Homestay Group, said that it will expand further in the village with the influx of tourists. Chairperson Khatri said that guests coming to the homestay will be welcomed and original art and culture will be displayed, as well as local products will be promoted as gifts and for sale.

Before the homestay was opened, the villagers were trained to prepare food for the guests by visiting places where Eco Himalaya Kathmandu has excellent homestay programs. Financial assistance of Rs 200,000 was provided to the homestay group and Rs 70,000 to five houses. Narayan Dhakal, the director of Eco Himalaya, said that the structure has been prepared as per the standards of the homestay program.

Beni Municipality Mayor Surat KC said that the operation of homestays in tourist spots within Beni Municipality will help in tourism development. He said that to attract tourists to tourist spots, the first thing to do is to prepare their accommodation and food infrastructure. He believed that the operation of homestays would contribute to the tourism development of Toripani village. He also said that the municipality would provide necessary support for the operation of homestays.

Prof Kurt Luger, Chairperson of Eco Himal Austria, said that tourism development is important for the sustainable development of Nepal. He said that since agricultural production is the main occupation for the development of Nepal and tourism is the second most important occupation, tourism should be developed along with nature conservation.

At the program, TAN Gandaki Chairperson Krishna Prasal Acharya said that the homestay program would be effective for rural tourism development. Acharya said that natural beauty, cultural diversity, as well as being able to offer local products to guests are important for sustainable tourism development. TAN Gandaki also expressed a commitment to support the promotion of tourism in homestays. At the program, Myagdi Chief District Officer Badri Prasad Tiwari, Ward Chairperson Chakra KC and others said that operating homestays would be important for rural tourism development.

Toripani village, located 9 kilometers north of Beni Bazaar, can be reached in 30 minutes by vehicle. From Toripani village, located at an altitude of 1,750 meters above sea level, one can observe the beauty of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and other mountains. The cultural diversity here, the structure of the Baise Chaubise Kalin state at the head of Toripani village are attractions for tourists. Dholthan, the then capital of the historical Parbat Ravya, can be used to learn about history. The base camp of the world’s seventh highest mountain, Dhaulagiri, and the Dhaulagiri Century Trek are attractive trekking routes for tourists.

Vegetable farming, poultry farming and animal husbandry are being carried out to provide local organic products to domestic and foreign tourists. Toripani village is a famous village for sichuan pepper production that is sold worth millions of rupees every year. The pepper was previously sold for Rs 300 per kilo, and is now being sold for Rs 3,000.

Rashmi Chokhal, a local homestay operator, said that when domestic tourists return from their homestays, they can bring the paper along with hemp seed, soybeans, ghee and vegetables as gifts, which is being produced organically  in the village. Beni Municipality-9 Toripani village is famous for sichuan pepper production.