An independent research centre for culture and tourism
Preserving the soul of Nepalese heritage.
Organization
Who we are
Tourism and Culture Promotion Centre Nepal (TCPC Nepal) is a non-governmental, non-profit research organization established in 2001 and based in Kathmandu. The Centre works at the intersection of cultural heritage, community development and sustainable tourism.
Our work combines field documentation, applied research and community partnership. We record intangible heritage, map cultural assets, publish peer-reviewed studies and advise public bodies on heritage-sensitive tourism policy.
Over two decades the Centre has built an archive spanning all seven provinces, working alongside local governments, universities, and international cultural institutions.
Vision
A Nepal where cultural heritage is fully documented, actively safeguarded, and shared as a source of dignity and sustainable livelihood for the communities that hold it.
Mission
To research, document and promote Nepal's tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and to translate that evidence into responsible tourism practice through partnership with communities, government and academia.
History
Two and a half decades of fieldwork
2001
Establishment
Founded in Kathmandu by a group of cultural researchers and tourism professionals, and registered with the District Administration Office.
2006
First national survey
Completed the Centre's first multi-district inventory of minor heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
2012
Community archives
Opened the first community archive centre, transferring documentation skills to local custodians.
2016
Post-earthquake documentation
Supported the recovery effort with damage assessment and salvage records for damaged monuments.
2021
Digital archive
Digitised two decades of field photography and oral history recordings into a searchable archive.
2024
Provincial heritage atlas
Began GIS mapping of cultural assets in partnership with provincial governments.
Research areas
Where we concentrate our work
Heritage Documentation
Architectural survey, photogrammetry and condition assessment of monuments, courtyards and vernacular settlements.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Oral histories, festivals, ritual practice, music and craft knowledge recorded with community consent.
Sustainable Tourism
Carrying-capacity studies, visitor economics and community-based tourism models for fragile destinations.
Cultural Mapping & GIS
Spatial inventories of cultural assets, produced with provincial and municipal governments.
Looking ahead
Future plans
- →Complete a national digital heritage atlas covering 1,000 documented sites by 2030.
- →Establish an open-access research repository for Nepalese cultural studies.
- →Launch a fellowship programme for early-career Nepali researchers.
- →Expand community archive centres to four additional provinces.