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Basant Raj Mishra, a pioneering figure in Nepal’s tourism industry and the founder and executive chairperson of Temple Tiger Group of Companies, passed away on Sunday morning while receiving treatment for dengue at Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu. He was 71.

Born on 20 Feb 1953, in Kathmandu, Mishra attended Padmodaya School before graduating from Patan Campus in Lalitpur. With a passion for entrepreneurship, he traveled to Europe after his studies to take courses in business management and marketing. 

Reflecting on his journey in The Annapurna Express’s ‘ApEx Pioneer’ column, he once said, “I was born into a family with a bureaucratic background, but a government job never appealed to me. My interest was rather in business, to start something of my own.”

Mishra’s insights into life and work were profound. “Europe taught me that work is vital, not just for income but also to establish your identity. Ultimately, what matters is not how much you earn but who you are.” This perspective guided his career, as he began working in tourism in 1977, eventually founding the Temple Tiger Group of Companies 11 years later, one of the first businesses to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in Nepal.

This visionary’s contributions went beyond entrepreneurship. He was a former chairperson of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and a PATA Life Member, and played a pivotal role in linking Nepal with international tourism circles. His goal was always to establish Nepal as a stand-alone tourism destination. “When I was starting, many tourists visited Nepal through Indian travel agencies, which considered Nepal an extension of their own country. My goal was to make Nepal a stand-alone destination,” Mishra said in the interview.

Mishra’s nephew, Pius Raj Mishra, described his uncle in the ‘ApEx Pioneer’ column as a man who lived by the mantra ‘work is worship’. He noted, “Hard work has given him global recognition as a successful tourism entrepreneur and conservationist. Even in our own family, everyone rushes to him for help and advice.”

A colleague, Sanjay Nepal also reflected on Mishra’s character in the same interview, saying, “In tourism, many people are double-tongued, but he is what he is. If he is angry, he will show it to you. He is also open-minded, a quality that many lack. Most importantly, he is a determined learner. To this day, he calls me for suggestions.”

Mishra’s impact on conservation tourism in Nepal was groundbreaking. As he said, “Shifting to conservation tourism was my best career decision. In light of the prevalent climate change, Nepal has always been at the forefront of travel practices that minimize environmental waste, encourage conservation and educate travelers on the environment.” He often remarked that ‘Nepal is the Africa of South Asia’ when it came to wildlife tourism, emphasizing the country’s role in promoting sustainable travel.

Mishra was also the founding director of the Nepal Tourism Board, an entity established  in 1998 to foster private-public partnerships in tourism promotion. His leadership helped transform Nepal into a global example of successful conservation, adventure and wildlife tourism.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including the closure of hotels inside national parks, Mishra’s adaptability and resilience were key to his enduring success. “I have overcome many odds to succeed in this sector,” he said. “There are new setbacks and challenges every other day, but I can deal with them as I am a very adaptable creature.”

Mishra’s legacy as a global ambassador for Nepali tourism will continue to inspire future generations.

He is survived by his wife, Jyanu Mishra, his son, Brajesh Raj Mishra—and his contributions to the tourism and hospitality industries. 

His last rites were performed on Sunday noon at Pashupati Aryaghat. His visionary leadership, commitment to sustainable tourism and passion for promoting Nepal’s identity on the world stage will be remembered for years to come.

A delegation led by Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee member and Secretary of Qinghai Province Chen Gang called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday.

During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, they discussed strengthening mutual relations between the two countries and two parties, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat informed.

Saying that the overall development along with the end of poverty in China under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and General Secretary Xi Jinping was extraordinary, Oli, who is also the Chairman of CPN-UML, said that Nepal wants to benefit from that development.

Stating that a new government was formed in collaboration between the two major parties UML and Nepali Congress for political stability, Prime Minister Oli hoped for China's continued support in Nepal’s economic development.

Since there are government-to-government, people-to-people and cultural relations between the two countries,  Prime Minister Oli said that the exchange of high-level visits should be continued.

The Prime Minister reminded that Nepal has always been clear in not allowing Nepal’s land to be used for any kind of activities against China while remaining committed to the One China Policy.

Chinese leader Chen said that he came to Nepal at the direction of General Secretary Xi Jinping and clarified that China will always support Nepal in its effort to head towards the path of prosperity.

Saying that he will respect the decision made by the political parties of Nepal, he said that he will inform the General Secretary about the matters that came up during the visit.

Prime Minister Oli’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, UML Secretary and Head of Foreign Affairs Department Raghuvir Mahaseth, Department’s members Anjan Shakya and Gopal Khanal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song and others were present in the meeting.

Gold price has set a new record in the domestic market today.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 165, o00 per tola. It was traded at Rs 164, 400 per tola on Friday.

Likewise, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 075 per tola.

Nepal defeated the USA in the Super Over in the second match of the T20I Series held in Dallas on Sunday.

With this, Nepal have won the series against the USA with one match left.  

After winning the toss, Nepal chose to bat first and scored 170 runs by losing six wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Kusham Bhurtel scored highest 92 runs hitting seven fours and six sixes for Nepal.

Similarly, Anil Shah made 25 runs and Gulsan Jha and Rohit Paudel contributed 11 and 18 runs respectively.

The match was tied after the USA scored 170 runs by losing eight wickets in the allotted overs.

Andries Gous scored the highest 62 runs for the USA.

Likewise, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Milinda Kumar and Shayan Jahangir made 47, 15 and 14 runs respectively.

In the first match, Nepal thrashed the USA by 17 runs.

Meanwhile, in the Super Over, Sompal Kami managed to take two wickets in four balls.

The USA had challenged three runs in four balls in the Super Over.

Chasing the target of three runs in the Super Over, Nepal won by playing four balls.

Along with this, Nepal won the series.

Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel and Kushal Bhurtel batted in the Super Over.