POKHARA: The Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) has begun installing QR-based storytelling boards at 24 major tourist destinations across Pokhara, marking a significant step towards digitalisation of tourism interpretation in the city.

The initiative, which started from Sarangkot, allows visitors to scan QR codes to access brief, meaningful stories of each site in multiple languages, including Nepali, English, Hindi, Chinese, French and German. At some locations, the content is also available in text formats covering up to 11 languages, with audio options at select sites.

According to PTC, the digital boards are designed to enhance visitor engagement, improve accessibility for international travellers and promote sustainable and responsible tourism by reducing the need for printed materials.

The QR storytelling boards have already been installed at several prominent cultural, religious and natural heritage sites, including Rupa Lake, Bhimsen Temple (Bhimsen Tole), Dharmashila Buddha Bihar, Laxmi Narayan Narayansthan, Kahun Dharahara, Shree Harihar Gufa Sanyas Ashram (Bhalam), Akala Devi Temple, Jangchub Choeling Monastery, Kabi Shiromani Leknath Museum (Archale), and Sita Cave in Pokhara-32.

PTC Founder President Ashok Palikhe, along with local representatives including Ward Member Bishnu Prasad Ghimire (Pokhara-11) and Acting Ward President Subash Bhandari (Pokhara-25), participated in the installation of the boards at various locations.

The council acknowledged the support of UNDP, Nepal Tourism Board, the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), Sarang, and other local stakeholders in implementing the initiative.

Established in 2002, the Pokhara Tourism Council is an umbrella organisation representing tourism-related institutions in Pokhara. It has been actively involved in the conservation and promotion of lakes, historical sites and cultural heritage, while also advocating tourism-related issues at the national level.

PTC said the QR storytelling project reflects its vision of building a smarter, more inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem in Pokhara and Nepal at large.