"Arun Shrestha: Leading Sustainable Tourism with Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm"

Arun Shrestha
Founder & Managing Director, Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm

“Prakriti Resort’s mission is to promote eco-friendly tourism, empower local communities and preserve biodiversity through sustainable practices, including organic farming and eco-conscious hospitality”

Arun Shrestha is the Founder and Managing Director of Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm located in the serene village of Haibung. The resort offers organic farming, zero-waste management, eco-architecture, and community-based tourism, and was recently awarded the Travelife Certification for Accommodation Sustainability by Travelife UK.

Shrestha is fostering a network of partners committed to building Haibung as a model sustainable destination. He saw the risks of short-sighted growth: poorly managed waste, architectural homogenisation, cultural erosion and environmental degradation. His leadership challenges this trajectory by emphasising that true sustainability lies in shared values and collective action. His work focuses on transforming perceptions, helping local stakeholders, especially domestic visitors and new entrepreneurs, understand that sustainability is not a luxury or foreign concept but a practical and essential approach to long-term prosperity and cultural pride.

Under Shrestha’s leadership, Prakriti is a place where ecological balance, cultural integrity and visitor wellbeing converge. From the outset, his goal was to show how tourism can help protect, rather than exploit, Nepal’s fragile ecosystems and vibrant traditions. He believes that an authentic travel experience rooted in local life, environmental stewardship and ethical hospitality could offer an alternative to the extractive models of tourism currently reshaping the Himalayan landscape. 

In this edition of Business 360, Shrestha reveals his top pick of self transformation tools and brand experiences. 

Top 3 summer activities

Hiking and nature walks in the hills and mountains, staying at a cultural farm or organic farming, taking yoga and meditation classes with gurus.

Top three apps for your phone

My top three go-to apps are LinkedIn, Facebook and WhatsApp
LinkedIn helps me stay professionally connected, follow industry trends and continuously learn from thought leaders. Facebook is where I keep in touch with friends, communities and events – it is my digital noticeboard. And WhatsApp is for coordinating work to keep everything moving in real-time. And of course, Hamro Keyboard makes writing in Nepali so much easier. It helps me communicate clearly and confidently in my own language whether I am messaging team members or sharing something heartfelt.

Preferred gadget and vehicle brand

When it comes to gadgets, my phone is everything. It is my planner, camera, office and connection to the world – all in one. Whether I am replying to emails, coordinating with my team or capturing moments on the go, it keeps my day running effortlessly. Thanks to my iPhone 15 Pro Max (yes, who needs a DSLR anymore?), I get stunning photo quality without the need for digital photography gear. It is perfect for showcasing raw, real moments – unedited, just like they happen.

And when it comes to vehicles, I absolutely love driving my Tata Storme. It is powerful yet smooth and what I appreciate most is how confidently it handles both highways and off-road trails. Even the bumpy road to Prakriti Resort feels like a breeze; easy access, no matter the terrain.

Nepali business that deserves recognition

Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm, established in 2015 in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, is a community-focused eco-tourism enterprise located within the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Its mission is to promote eco-friendly tourism, empower local communities and preserve biodiversity through sustainable practices, including organic farming and eco-conscious hospitality.
Established in collaboration with Nepal Environment and Tourism Initiative Foundation (NETIF) and local stakeholders, the resort was recently audited by Travelife – Stay Better, a UK-based sustainability certification aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) values. Its development reflects a broader trend in sustainable tourism, where environmental conservation and community development are integrated into the business model.

One thing you would never buy online

Shoes, especially the ones I wear for work. In my field of work and particularly at a nature-based resort like ours, comfort and durability matter far more than trends. My day often involves walking long distances, moving between the farm, the kitchen, guest areas and outdoor spaces. I need shoes that I can trust to support me through it all. That is why I prefer buying them in-store, where I can try them on, feel the fit, and be sure they will actually last. No online description can match that kind of certainty, especially when your workplace includes fields, trails and lots of moving parts.

Favourite dish

When it comes to food choices, I mostly rely on plant-based proteins like soybeans, nuts and lentils. I have been leaning toward veganism for a while now, though I will admit, cheese cravings still manage to win sometimes. Let us just say it is a work in progress.

Being vegetarian has personally brought me mindfulness and clarity. It is not just a lifestyle; it is a mindset.
Getaway for two: a room in a commercial hotel or a villa at a remote location?
I would like to spend time in a villa at a remote location.

Room service or try local cuisine outdoors

I love to explore, and for me, that always includes trying local cuisine outdoors rather than sticking to room service. It is where the real flavours and culture come alive. I enjoy discovering unique dishes, local ingredients and food stories – often picking up ideas and bringing back inspiration that we can thoughtfully adapt and bring to life at Prakriti Resort.

Go to clothing brand

I am not particularly a brand person when it comes to clothing. What matters most to me is comfort: soft, breathable, fabrics that feel good on the skin and allow me to move freely throughout the day. I prefer locally made Nepali fabrics, especially handwoven cottons and natural blend linens. There is something special about supporting local artisans while wearing materials that truly suit our climate and lifestyle.

Strategies to promote a brand

Promote your product with honesty and clarity. Build trust, not illusions. Your audience can sense authenticity and they value it. Remember, success is a slow bloom. Nurture your people, your product and your process. When all of these align, not only does a business grow, a legacy is created.

Favourite Nepali brands

I like JuJu Wears; youth-centric fashion with cultural and fun themes.
Mount Karma is an outdoor and ethical clothing inspired by Himalayan adventures.

Favourite past-time

One of my favourite pastimes is practicing yoga and meditation. It helps me stay grounded, both physically and mentally while promoting overall health and wellness. In the midst of a busy life, these quiet moments offer clarity, balance and a deeper connection to myself and the world around me.