From Chitlang to Success: The Journey of a Tourism Entrepreneur

Chitlang, a picturesque village in Makwanpur, is home to Devendra Nepal, a man whose journey from job-seeker to a 150-million-rupee tourism entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. He now operates two thriving resorts, employing over 50 people. His success story is a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering determination.

Dreams, Struggles, and a Foreign Job

Born and raised in Chitlang, Devendra Nepal completed his SLC (School Leaving Certificate) in 2052 BS (1995 AD) from a local school. Like most young people, he dreamt of securing a good education and landing a stable job. He pursued a Master’s degree in Tourism Studies, believing it would open doors to a bright future.

During his studies, he got an opportunity to teach at a college and also worked at a travel agency. However, despite working long hours—sometimes from 6 AM to 6 PM—he felt unfulfilled.

“I wanted something bigger, something that aligned with my dreams,” he recalls.

In search of better prospects, he decided to move to Dubai in 2008. He secured a job as a travel consultant, earning a monthly salary of around NPR 100,000. But once in Dubai, he had an eye-opening realization—people in resource-scarce countries were making great things happen, whereas Nepal, despite its natural abundance, was underutilizing its potential.

This thought constantly lingered in his mind. Despite the financial security, he felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction. Eventually, he decided to return to Nepal, rejecting the comfortable salary for a future he had yet to define.

His company provided him with a one-month salary and a return ticket. Back home, he celebrated his return with friends and family, spending most of his savings within three months. With no income and rising financial stress, he found himself sinking into depression.

Reinvention and the Road to Entrepreneurship

Returning to Nepal without a clear plan was tough. For a month, he remained in bed, lost in self-doubt. Then, a friend asked him if he could take a group of 30 students on a tour. Seeing this as an opportunity, Devendra immediately agreed.

He planned a trip to Chitlang, arranged for camping tents from Thamel, and set up a meal plan. The trip was a success, and the students loved the experience. Encouraged by the positive feedback, he decided to pursue tourism as his career.

His first trip cost him NPR 43,000, but he managed to make NPR 47,000. Although the profit was minimal, it was a step in the right direction. More groups started coming, and within weeks, he was running weekly tours. His profits grew from NPR 8,000-10,000 to NPR 15,000-16,000 per trip.

Over the next three years, he expanded his tour operations, continuously improving the experiences for visitors. Then in 2015, he took a bold step—he established Chitlang Organic Village Resort, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

However, the 2015 earthquake struck Nepal, impacting tourism heavily. Visitors stopped coming, and he had to pivot his business. Instead of giving up, he and his team started producing cement blocks for reconstruction. This not only provided employment but also kept his business afloat during the crisis.

When tourists started returning, his resort was ready to offer a better experience than ever before. His determination paid off as his business picked up momentum again.

Growth and Expansion

With his first resort running successfully, Devendra aimed higher. He sought a bank loan to establish another resort—Chitlang Resort Pvt. Ltd. This ambitious project took two years to complete.

Today, his two resorts have over 50 rooms and employ more than 50 people. “I started with no significant investment, just using the local resources available to me,” he says. His unique approach to hospitality—incorporating nature, culture, and history—made his resorts popular among both domestic and international tourists.

One of his standout innovations was using recycled glass bottles to decorate the resort, which attracted eco-conscious travelers. His ability to blend sustainability with luxury became a key selling point.

Despite his success, Devendra remains deeply involved in his business. “I work 24/7, but I love what I do. My work energizes me,” he shares.

Looking back, his decision to return from Dubai proved to be a turning point in his life. He transformed his hometown into a thriving tourist destination, creating opportunities for many.

His story is a powerful reminder that with vision, resilience, and hard work, success is possible—even in one’s own backyard.