Nischal Manandhar
Founder & Director, Zen Zone Nepal
Tourism, for Nischal Manandhar, has never been about luxury – it has always been about connection: to the land, to the people, and to something deeper within himself. His defining journey began in 2015, when he mounted his bicycle and set off solo on an audacious ride from Nepal’s far eastern plains to its western frontier. His mission was simple yet profound: to promote sustainable tourism in his homeland. That ride became more than a physical challenge; it was a pilgrimage into the soul of Nepal. Alone on the road, he discovered hidden valleys, ancient trails, cultures untouched by time, and the warmth of strangers who welcomed him as family. He realized that the beauty he saw should not be kept to himself, every traveler deserved the chance to witness the magic of Nepal’s adventure, culture, and people.
Kindness, he believes, is the only way to make this world better and Nischal is firmly rooted in that belief. Over the years, he became a curator of unforgettable journeys, managing tours and crafting experiences that let travelers truly live the Nepalese way of life. He also stood alongside volunteers during some of Nepal’s toughest times, lending his hands, his voice, and his heart to those in need. Together with his partner, he worked on social projects in remote regions, often unknowingly finding himself among children whose eyes held the same hunger for knowledge he once carried.
In one remote village, he found a school without roofs, without walls, without shoes on the children’s feet, but with eyes full of curiosity. That moment etched a truth into his heart: every child carries the same potential, but not every child is given the same opportunity.In those mountains, he learned to love not just nature, but the responsibility of preserving culture and respecting every person, every creature, and every living thing that exists. That powerful message that “everything deserves respect ”came from the most unexpected source: a 7-year-old child whose words still guide him today.
Life’s path eventually led Nischal to Canada, where he continues to work as a STEM educator in Calgary, surrounded by curious young minds who remind him of the barefoot students in Nepal. In 2025, he added another layer to his mission by earning his life insurance licensing in Alberta. Living in a country where nearly everything from homes to travel plans is thoughtfully protected, he saw how safeguarding life’s experiences could elevate the travel experience itself. For him, it wasn’t about paperwork or policies, it was about ensuring that every journey, big or small, is as secure as it is unforgettable.
From these experiences, Zen Zone Nepal was born — a purpose-driven travel company where every journey not only nourishes the soul of the traveler but also plants seeds of opportunity for Nepal’s most marginalized children. Each trip channels 3% of profits directly into the SHAAN Foundation to fund STEM education in the remote Karnali region. His itineraries are crafted to be immersive, soulful, and unforgettable, allowing visitors to live in harmony with nature, the seasons, and each other.
For Nischal, travel is not just about sightseeing — it’s about slowing down, feeling the heartbeat of a place, and leaving it better than you found it.
