About VetCon 2026

Veterinarians play a vital role in safeguarding animal, public, and environmental health, while also contributing to food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. In Nepal, rapid transformations in livestock production systems, increasing interactions among humans, animals, and wildlife, climate change, the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance present both significant challenges and new opportunities for the veterinary profession.

In this context, Nepal requires a strong, well-connected, and forward-looking veterinary community grounded in science, ethics, and One Health principles. The Nepal Veterinary Association (NVA) is organizing VetCon2026, a two-day veterinary conference to be held on 10th and 11th April, 2026.

Vetcon2026 will serve as a collaborative platform bringing together veterinarians, researchers, academicians, policymakers, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, and veterinary students from Nepal and beyond. The conference aims to advance scientific knowledge and technological innovation, facilitate the exchange of research and practical experience, strengthen professional capacity, and promote collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

VetCon2026 shall include areas of focus that are: one health/one health zoonotics, antimicrobial resistance, transboundary and emerging disease issues, livestock and poultry health issues, companion animal veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, animal reproduction and biotechnology, and veterinary policy/ethics/vet development. It will highlight new scientific findings, new practices, or important issues relevant to veterinary and livestock development in Nepal.

Learn Few Things About Nepal

Nepal is a country of remarkable geographical, ecological, and cultural diversity, extending from the fertile Terai plains in the south to the world’s highest Himalayan peaks in the north, including Mount Everest. This extraordinary variation in altitude and climate supports a wide range of ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods, making Nepal one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the region.

The country is globally recognized for its rich biodiversity and protected areas, which provide habitat for iconic wildlife species such as the one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and numerous bird species. These natural assets play a vital role in conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development, while also highlighting the importance of veterinary and animal health services in safeguarding wildlife, livestock, and public health.

Nepal also holds profound historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and home to sacred heritage sites such as Pashupatinath, reflecting centuries of religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions. The country’s diverse ethnic communities, languages, festivals, and traditional livelihoods demonstrate a close relationship between people and nature. Above all, the warmth, resilience, and hospitality of the Nepali people remain central to Nepal’s identity and its appeal as a destination for international collaboration and exchange.

Learn Few Things About the Host City

Rupandehi district, located in Nepal’s western Terai in Lumbini Province, offers a distinctive blend of cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and natural beauty. The district is home to a diverse mix of ethnicities, languages, and traditions, creating a vibrant and inclusive social landscape. Rupandehi holds deep historical and religious importance as it is home to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and visitors from around the world. As such, the district stands as a global symbol of peace, harmony, and coexistence.
Rupandehi experiences a subtropical climate with clear seasonal variation. The second week of April falls in late spring, just before the monsoon, when days are generally warm and dry. Daytime temperatures typically range between 32°C and 36°C, while evenings remain comparatively pleasant. Visitors are advised to prepare for warm conditions and follow updated weather forecasts from reliable sources.
Siddharthanagar (Bhairahawa) is a major urban, commercial, and transportation hub within Rupandehi district and serves as the principal gateway to Lumbini. The city plays a key role in regional trade, tourism, education, and development and reflects the district’s cultural diversity. Recent infrastructural growth, along with the establishment of Gautam Buddha International Airport, has significantly strengthened national and international connectivity.
Manigram, the host location of VetCon 2026, is a rapidly developing urban center strategically located between Butwal and Siddharthanagar (Bhairahawa). With easy access via major transport corridors and proximity to the international airport, Manigram offers a calm, well-organized environment suitable for professional and academic gatherings. Together with nearby Butwal, Siddharthanagar, and the greater Lumbini area, it provides a wide range of accommodation, conference facilities, and essential services, making Manigram an ideal and meaningful host city for VetCon 2026.

Additional Information

Travel and Accommodation
Gautam Buddha International Airport, located in Bhairahawa, serves as the main air gateway to Rupandehi district and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The airport operates both international and domestic flights, connecting the region with major destinations through national and international airlines, including Nepal Airlines. From the airport, prepaid taxis and local transport services are readily available, providing convenient access to hotels and conference venues.
Rupandehi is also well connected by an extensive road network, with regular bus services operating from major cities across Nepal. Daily bus services, including tourist, deluxe, and air-conditioned options, are available from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj, and other urban centers. Both day and overnight buses operate on these routes, offering flexible and affordable travel options for conference participants.
Accommodation facilities in Bhairahawa, Butwal, Manigram, and the nearby Lumbini area range from comfortable budget hotels to well-equipped standard and premium hotels. These options are well suited to meet the needs of national and international delegates attending VetCon 2026.

Visa Information
Visas for Nepal can be obtained from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate abroad. In addition, nationals of most countries are eligible for an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Participants are advised to review current visa requirements and eligibility in advance by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal:
www.nepalimmigration.gov.np

Banking and Currency
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). As an approximate reference, USD 1 is equivalent to around NPR 144, though exchange rates may vary daily. Participants are encouraged to check the latest foreign exchange rates through the Nepal Rastra Bank website:
www.nrb.org.np. ATM machines from multiple banks are widely available in urban areas, including Bhairahawa, Butwal, and Manigram, and accept Visa, Mastercard, and other internationally recognized debit or credit cards. Major hotels and leading retail establishments also accept international credit and debit cards for payments.