<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and its largest source of foreign exchange and revenue . Possessing eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventure . The Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions . </P> <P> Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located in Nepal . Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors . The world heritage site Lumbini, birthplace of Gautama Buddha, is located in the south of the West region of Nepal (which despite the name is located in the centre of the country) and there are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country . The tourist industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in the country . Tourism brings $471 ma year to Nepal . </P> <P> According to statistics of 2012, there was a slow growth rate of 9.8% . According to statistics from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 598,204 foreign tourists entered the country via aerial route in 2012 . The government of Nepal declared 2011 to be Nepal Tourism Year, and hoped to attract one million foreign tourists to the country during that year . The government of Nepal has also declared Lumbini Tourism Year 2012 to promote Lumbini . </P>

How much money does tourism bring to nepal