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Eco Tourism

2012-02-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

Ecotourism or low impact travel has become buzzword in national and international tourism, conservation and development circles. The word has been glamourised and has become focus for marketing strategy for many tourism destinations. The roots of increasing interest in ecotourism lie in the emergence of alternative tourism in response to mass negative consequences of mass tourism, depleting natural resources in particular.

In the 1990s, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation predicted an annual growth rate of 10-15 percent in the demand for ecotourism and in another study it has shown that wildlife tourism represents 40 percent of the international travelers. Today, ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism.

Nepal’s ambitious National Ecotourism Strategy and Marketing Programme of 2004 emphasises cross-sectoral cooperation at National Planning level, more private participation, poverty alleviation through promotion of village tourism and a full-fledged marketing programme.

The Ecotourism Strategy and Marketing Programme clearly outlined seven strategic direction: Convert Nepal’s ecotourism strength into comparative advantage; develop partnerships and alliances at all level; routine co-operation between tourism and conservation agencies; inviting the private sector to participate in the marketing of ecotourism development projects; developing new ecotourism areas; review trekking and mountaineering regulations; and developing an ecotourism marketing programme.

Inauguration of Visit Lumbini Year 2012

2012-01-11T22:35:00.000-08:00

The government is kick-starting the Visit Lumbini Year (VLY) 2012 campaign and Tourism Vision 2020 amidst a special ceremony at Central Canal in Lumbini on Saturday.

President Dr Ram Baran Yadav will inaugurate the event that will also include formal closure of Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 campaign. Gyanin Rai, chief of Lumbini Development Trust, Kathmandu Office, said the target of VLY 2012 was to introduce Lumbini as birthplace of Lord Buddha and to mobilize funds from international sector for overall development of Lumbini area. Around 628,000 people, including 128,000 third-country tourists, visited Lumbini in 2011. Government has allocated Rs 130 million for VLY campaign.

A press statement from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said the Visit Lumbini Year campaign was a major linkage between NTY 2011 and Tourism Vision 2020, as it serves to sustain the achievement of NTY 2011 and improve livelihoods of the people through tourism as envisioned in Vision 2020.

“Successful completion of NTY 2011 has clearly given two messages to the world. The first one is that Nepal has come to peaceful and stable situation after a decade long political uncertainty; and another, tourism has been unanimously regarded as a vehicle of economic transformation,” the statement added.

Tourist arrivals to the country during NTY increased by 22.1 percent as compared to arrivals figures of 2010.

"Beneath Everest, Nepal Reborn" – A Documentary

2012-01-03T20:55:00.001-08:00

Born and raised in Parbat of the Dhaulagiri Zone, Tulsi Bhandari, 35, is a graduate in Social Work from the Michigan Grand Valley College in the US.

A professional social worker, Bhandari is the maker of “Beneath Everest, Nepal Reborn,” a documentary which captures Nepal while in its turbulent transition from a monarchy-ruled Nepal to a new Federal Democratic Republic.

Filmed over four years, “Beneath Everest” documents some of the most critical defining moments in Nepal’s modern history and describes them. In his first documentary, Bhandari has managed to capture the lives of the everyday Nepalis, and questions some of the prominent political leaders.

The film, which had its New York premiere at the Asia Society headquarters in New York on December 1, 2009, has been screened at around 25 venues in the capital since mid 2010. Still on its road show, the film has traveled across the country and will reach Sauraha next week

Street festival in the lake city - Pokhara

2011-12-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

The 13th Pokhara Street Festival has kicked off in the Lake Side of the western city of Pokhara.

The five-day festival, organized by Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN) to commemorate New Year 2012, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Wednesday.

The festival venue, which sprawls over an area of 3km from Fishtail Gate to Dihiko Patan, has been fully decorated and is now abuzz with both domestic and foreign tourists. It also hosts around 150 stalls, where handicraft goods to pashmina and other garment products have been put on display.

The festival, organized with a slogan of ´Eat on the Street, Dance on the Street and Enjoy on the Street´, plays a key role in promoting the arts and culture of Pokhara, Balram Pahari, president of REBAN, said. At the same time, the festival also promotes tourism and stimulates economic activities, REBAN has said.

PATA Launches China Responsible Tourism Forum

2011-12-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with China International Heritage Towns Exposition, have organised the China Responsible Tourims Forum (CRTF). The forum will take place in Beijing on December 16, 2011. The event will coincide with the China Heritage Towns Exposition that will be held at the same venue December 16-18. The forum aims to help, protect and preserve the heritage and culture of ancient villages in China, while responsibly developing these villages to boost tourism.

The forum will discuss the threat that mass tourism poses to these communities and their residents. More importantly, the forum will highlight the value tourism may bring if executed thoughtfully. Consumer travel trends indicate that tourists want to travel responsibly and connect with people and culture in an authentic way. Esteemed international and local Chinese experts will talk about ways of implementing responsible tourism development. They will exchange ideas in developing and managing tourist sites and attractions. Among the topics that will be discussed are sustainable and scientific development strategies for deriving economic benefits from cultural assets. The objective is for the forum to become a meaningful platform for exploring the optimal development model for individual destinations.

PATA CEO, Martin Craigs, said: “PATA launching the Responsible Tourism Forum is significant given the rate of growth of tourism in China and China’s innovation in green and sustainable energy. Weighing the risks and opportunities that tourism development brings is critical, that’s why the forum is important.” Deputy Director – Organising Committee of China International Heritage Towns Exposition, Lan Jun, said: “China has around 5,000 ancient towns and villages with a history spanning over 1,000 years. This forum comes at an opportune time. We hope to ensure responsible tourism development in these communities, enabling them to showcase their rich cultural heritage with local and international travellers.”

The forum will be moderated by CCTV Business News anchor Deidre Morris Wang. The forum’s key speakers include Geoffrey Lipman, Director of GreenEarth.travel; Anna Pollock, CEO of DestiCorp; Zhang Guangrui, Director of Tourism Research Centre of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Mei Zhang, Founder of Wild China; Mason Florence, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office; Peter Semone, Director of Lanith Laos; and Li Jiangping, National Programme Officer for Culture of UNESCO Beijing Office. The forum will also feature case studies from hotel and tourism developments in China.

The forum will also feature case studies from hotel and tourism developments in China. The one-day forum is organised by PATA China, which will launch the PATA China Chapter during the forum. The new PATA China Chapter will be chaired by Jens Thraenhart, Co-founder and President of Dragon Trail

Buddha time's treasures found in Parsa, Nepal.

2011-12-07T20:49:00.001-08:00

Ancient Buddha time historical materials have been found in a well nearby Panwar stream at Ramnagar Village Development Committee (VDC) of Nawalparasi district.

Treasures of Buddha era including things used for gambling and ring have been detected in the well, said locals. The valuables found in the well resemble to that of the materials kept at the museum in Tilaurakot of Kapilvastu.

According to locals, the archeological well including various historical materials of Buddha era were found of late in the area. Locals have barred extracting sands and pebbles from the stream after the archeologically important well was spotted in course of collecting pebbles.

Retreat Tourism in Pokhara valley

2011-12-06T22:39:00.001-08:00

Lure of Pokhara is irresistible. So is said about its countryside. Of late, Lake City has emerged as the showpiece destination, pulling in maximum tourists.

The latest trend, however, indicates that tourism is spilling over Pokhara and well into the picturesque countryside. And with that, retreat tourism is finally arriving on the scene. Targeting tourists who prefer some peace and solitude, tourism entrepreneurs are operating a number of hotels and retreats in nearby villages. Two hotels in Pumdivumdi VDC of Kaski district are already in operation whereas preparations for others are underway.

The two newly-constructed hotels are Raniban Retreat and Siddhartha Garden Ayurved Resort. Raniban Retreat is shortly going to come into operation whereas Siddhartha Garden started operations two weeks ago. The other hotels under construction in the area are likely to come into operation within a few months.

Raniban Retreat has already invested around Rs 40 million. After the completion of the first-phase, the hotel will operate 12 tent-room and four deluxe rooms. Tariff for these rooms starts from Rs 3,000 for Nepali and $90 for foreign guests.

Himlal Baral, construction coordinator of the hotel, said 32 guests can be put up at the hotel. Baral said the hotel though in a village will offer all standard facilities that a quality hotel in Pokhara offers. The hotel plans to operate 42 rooms in near future at an addition investment of Rs 40 million.

The VDC is adjacent to World Peace Pagoda, 8 km away from Pokhara. Located at a height of 1,500 meter, visitors can enjoy the magnificent view of different Himalayan ranges including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu and others.

Similarly, Siddhartha Garden Ayurved Resort is trying to position itself as a resting place for trekkers who are tired from the journey. The hotel spread over four ropanies has already received an investment of Rs 10 million. In the first-phase, four rooms have been opened each costing USD 50 a night.

The resort offers a host of services like steambath, yoga and ayurvedic treatment. For the moment the resort has also two qualified therapists and a medical officer for healing and treatment

Sky Diving in Pokhara

2011-12-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

Skydiving is an adventurous sport where divers jumps from flying aircraft with the help of parachute. Alexender Havard, 40, from England on Sunday became the first person to enjoy skydiving in Pokhara. He jumped from the altitude of 8,000 ft and landed at Khapaudi near Lake Side.

“I was thrilled although I couldn´t see the clear view of Himalayas because of mist,” he said, sharing his experience.

Avia Club is offering the service at Euro 110 per jump. Prabin Gauchan, general manager of Avia Club, said the company was planning to offer special discount for a limited period to attract more adventure lovers to the country. He further added that his company working on to develop a special package to promote skydiving.

“We are hopeful that this new product will help a lot in tourism promotion,” he added.

Avia club, which also operates ultra light flights in Pokhara, is deploying two-seater ultra-light aircraft for the jump.

Only the licensed divers can enjoy skydiving in Pokhara. Interested persons must get permit from Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) for the jump. CAAN issues two-week permit for $50 per person.

Perils of cell phone while driving

2011-11-21T22:52:00.001-08:00

Responding to a recent complaint in its newly opened Facebook page, the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) commented, “The Vehicle and Transportation Management Act 2049 and Regulation 2054 does not have proper direction regarding the use of cell phones,” and added, “But if we have to analyze the road fatalities, the use of cell phone is a prime reason.”

Contradictorily, MTPD has not maintained any statistics or carried out any investigations regarding accidents or deaths related to cell phone use and driving. Of the 678 registered cases, most of the driving licenses were seized but there is no further information on casualties or damages, if any.

The use of cell phone while driving is one of the eight major traffic violations. Since 2003, the MTPD has been taking actions against violators and conducting various awareness campaigns, but cell phone etiquettes have been freewheeling.

“Roughly, three per cent of the total number of accidents are caused due to the violation of this rule but the actual rates are higher,” informs Superintendent of Police Jagatman Shrestha of MTPD.

Amongst the 800,000 vehicles that swerve notoriously in the capital, the above statistics might be just a handful of cases that have come to notice of some 1,000 traffic personnel mobilized in the Kathmandu District. Clearly, the law enforcement of this serious traffic violation that can cost lives is flawed.

2011-11-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

Countless miles of high altitude trails and tracks, until now the exclusive realm of the Nepalese and visiting trekkers and mountain climbers, will experience for the first time in 2012 visits by mountain biking enthusiasts. The mountain bike trails in Nepal are some of the best in the world but also some of the most undiscovered. Often you will be the only biker on the trail for days, affording a highly personal experience with the villages you pass through.

Four 12-to-21-day mountain biking itineraries will be offered starting in March 2012 under the new banner of Ace the Himalaya Mountain Biking Trips. Professional, vehicle supported mountain biking on customized tours will begin over some of the best biking trails in Nepal.

2012 programs to be offered include:

Annapurna Circuit - a strenuous 19-day program suggested for March-May and September-November; cyclists on a daily average cover 25 kms at an altitude range of 5,416 meters, passing through lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and cultivated fields to wooded alpine and high deserts, with frequent views of the Annapurnas and Manaslu.

Lhasa (Tibet) to Kathmandu - a strenuous 21-day program suggested for June-September; cyclists on a daily average cover 70 kms at an altitude range of 5,220 meters through one of the most remote regions in the world from Lhasa in Tibet to Kathmadu in Nepal. The trip follows the Friendship Highway to the Roof of the World, the Everest Base Camp, and descends by the former home of the Dalai Lama.

Muktinath to Pokhara - a moderately-strenuous 11-day program suggested for February-April and September-November; cyclists on a daily average range 25 to 30 kms at an altitude range of 3,710 meters to Muktinath, a pilgrimage center for Buddhists and Hindus.

Kathmandu Valley Rim - a moderate 13-day program suggested for September-June; cyclists cover 30 kms on a daily average at an altitude range of 2,175 meters off the beaten path through rice terraces with superb views of an array of snow peaks from Annapurna to Everest. Included is a stay at Nagarkot, famous for sunrises and sunsets with the magnificent Himalayan back drop.

MLTR in NEPAL.

2011-11-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

Danish pop rock band Michael Learns To Rock arrived in the country on Wednesday, ahead of their scheduled concert on Saturday. The three member band proceeded from Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital to Radisson Hotel in Lazimpat where they will be staying for the duration of their visit.

The highly popular band comprising singer-keyboardist Jascha Richter, drummer Kåre Wanscher, and guitarist Mikkel Lentz were greeted with flower garlands and colourful khadas on their arrival. MLTR as the band is known for short, is the second internationally acclaimed act after Candaian rocker Bryan Adams to perform in the country this year.

Adams was the first big international name to perform in Nepal in February and his concert was a massive success in a country hitherto starved of global music stars. MLTR has credited Adams for having paved the way for their upcoming concert. They also revealed that they had always been interested in performing in Nepal but were only invited this year.

MLTR fever in the capital is rising to a crescendo with banners plastered all over the city and the trio being splashed in the media. The trio plan to take a mountain flight during their stay in the country to view the world famous Mt. Everest.

They will perform their evergreen hits like The Actor, Sleeping Child, Someday and That’s Why (You Go Away) in Tundikhel on Saturday.

Tourist season kicks off in Nepal

2011-11-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

Healthy arrivals from major source markets propelled tourists’ inflow via air by 16.8 percent in October. The country welcomed 73,264 tourists in October, the highest ever figure in a single month.

The latest statistics of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) show that a total of 443,108 visitors entered Nepal in the first 10 months of 2011, up by 21.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Nepal’s major source markets—India and China—have the largest share in the first 10 months’ arrival figure. The countries now account for about 36 percent of the total arrivals. The NTB statistics show arrivals from India grew by 42.4 percent, while that of China surged by 66.7 percent. Largely propelled by strong Indian arrivals, number of tourists from the SAARC region grew by 33.7 percent.

In October, arrivals from Asia (excluding South Asia) saw an overall increase of 40 percent. Except for Malaysia, almost all the markets recorded positive growth, with China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand posting growth of 105.9 percent, 7.3 percent, 5.7 percent, 29.4 percent and 23.6 percent, respectively.

As far as the long-haul markets are concerned, Europe registered an overall growth of 15.1 percent compared to the same month last year with a total arrival of 34,166 tourists. Among the European countries, arrivals from Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and UK went up by 19.3 percent, 25.5 percent, 20.7 percent, 15.8 percent, and 7.3 percent, respectively. However France and the Netherlands registered negative growth of 3.9 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same month in 2010.

The official figures show an overall decrease of 5.4 percent in arrivals from the Oceania region, with Australia and New Zealand recording -0.2 percent and -30.4 percent growths. Canada also recorded a negative growth of 0.2 percent, whereas arrivals from the United States went up by 5.4 percent. A total of 69,115 foreign tourists departed from TIA in October 2011

Bhaktapur heritage sans preservation

2011-10-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

Negligence by the concerned authorities to clean up the different monuments at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a world heritage site, has led to the important monuments there turning into virtual jungle. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the major sites in the district visited by foreign tourists.

The famous Golden Gate, the statues of different deities, temples and shrines located at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are found to be covered with lichen and weeds due to lack of cleaning even as the country is marking 2011 as the Nepal Tourism Year.

For instance, the main temples, ancient resting places, arenas and the various statues of the rulers dating back to the Malla period are covered with dirt and lichen. One can even see different kinds of weeds growing on the roof and nooks and crevices of the famous five-storied Temple there.

Weeds and lichen have virtually colonised the monuments in the Durbar Square making the place look ugly and untidy. But the Department of Archaeology and the Durbar Upkeep Office, the bodies responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the heritage site have turned a blind eye to all of this.

Even the Bhaktapur Municipality that collects revenue of Rs. 120 million annually from tourists by showing them around these places seems to be least cared about cleaning the monuments.

Toilets on Everest

2011-10-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

An environmental group is asking the Nepal government to consider installing portable toilets on Mount Everest for climbers caught short at the roof of the world. Eco Himal says the thousands of trekkers who set off from the South Base Camp in Nepal each year would do a better job of keeping the place clean if they and their porters had somewhere civilized to go when nature called. "Human waste is a problem, of course," said the group's director, Phinjo Sherpa. "I am merely suggesting that if we have public toilets they can be used."

Many groups bring expedition toilet cans, but Phinjo Sherpa said porters were often left with little choice but the nearest snowdrift. Environmental activists say Everest is littered with the detritus of past expeditions, including human waste and mountaineers' corpses, which can take decades to decompose because of the extreme cold. Phinjo Sherpa said installing the toilets would be discussed as part of a wider waste management plan being prepared by the government that would encompass popular peaks throughout the Everest region. "If there could be two or three toilets that would be good but this is just at the planning phase. We will have to decide what is a good idea and what isn't," he said.

Climbers spend tens of thousands of dollars trying to reach the 8,848-metre (29,028-foot) summit of Everest, but campaigners say few pay much attention to the rubbish they leave behind. There is no definitive figure on how much trash has been left on the mountain, but the debris of 50 years of climbing has given Everest the name of the world's highest dumpster. The privately-funded Eco Everest Expedition, a Nepal-based coalition of environmentalists campaigning to keep the mountain clean, has collected more than 13 tones of garbage, 400 kilograms of human waste and four bodies since 2008.

Annapurna trekking sees an increase in number of visitors

2011-10-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

The Annapurna trekking route is seeing a greater inflow of sightseers with the start of the tourist season. The route, regarded as one of world’s leading walking trails, is now seeing over 300 tourists daily, up from 200 in September.

According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpoint at Bhulbhule, 200 tourists used to visit the route daily in September. “Along with the Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the beginning of the tourist season will see more tourists,” said ACAP official Brij Gurung. Local hotels along the trekking route including Khudi, Bhulbhule, Nadi, Bahundada, Jagat and Syage have been packed with the tourists from the beginning of October.

As per ACAP statistics, tourist inflow in the Annapurna route has increased 12.54 percent in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period last year. A total of 10,159 tourists walked the trail in the period January-September 2011 against 9,019 in the same period in 2010.

According to Gurung, the number has increased also due to the ongoing NTY 2011. Tourists from France, Germany and the US are among the main visitors in the region.

Despite a rise in tourist inflow, the target for NTY 2011 for Lamjung does not look achievable The district has aimed to attract 100,000 tourists in 2011. Hotel entrepreneurs blame the government for its failure to promote tourism in the region besides developing infrastructure required for tourism.

Hotelier Ram Kumar Shrestha said that the slow rise in tourist numbers was a result of the government’s apathy towards publicity and infrastructure development. “No efforts have been made towards NTY promotion or infrastructure development,” said Shrestha. “Hence, how can we attract tourists?”

ACAP statistics show that a total of 17,404 tourists trekked the Annapurna route in 2010. The region used to attract a large number of tourists till 2001. However, tourist arrivals declined during the Maoist insurgency. Tourism entrepreneurs said that even though tourist arrivals had improved in the last few years, they are far from satisfactory. According to ACAP, about 200,000 visitors have gone trekking on the Annapurna route since 1994.

Making a difference through Voluntourism

2011-09-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

An increasing number of travel companies around the world are adding volunteer opportunities to their tour itineraries. The growing trend, which is now commonly known as voluntourism, is an area of great interest for many organizations including tour operators, lodges, NGOs and destinations.

Voluntourism, is a relatively new concept in Nepal offers activities ranging from a couple of days to more than a month depending on time and availability. If you relish the idea of extracting purpose and meaning from your travel experience, Voluntoursim is the right activity apart from multi adventure holidays that Nepal has to offer.

Some of the program that we propose include tree plantation, addressing social causes, environmental education, building model toilets or being involved on a long term basis as a teacher, or volunteering to build roads. We also offer other learning experiences like gathering knowledge about wood craft (Nepal is famous for intricate woodcrafts) and learning to weave etc. These activities make a profound impact in uplifting the lives of the local communities and hence guarantee self satisfaction. It will be a learning experience for the volunteers as they get to know about a different culture and tradition and also visit the rural yet beautiful places of Nepal.

Adventure and Learning in Nepal

2011-08-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Adventure is a bold undertaking; a stirring experience. We challenge ourselves to explore beyond the horizon to discover some of our unique inner potential. We believe that adventure is an expression of our inner self, an attitude we bring to whatever we do.

Adventurehimal Nepal is dedicated to creating success through adventure, personal development and social change. Nature and outdoor learning programs in addition to eco friendly camping style accommodation inspires a sense of connection to the natural world. Our staffs are upbeat and passionate professionals who are specialist in outdoor education and people development.

RacingThePlanet: Nepal 2011- A Seven-Day Footrace Across Annapurna

2011-07-19T22:21:00.000-07:00

Racing the Planet, an international organization specializing in high endurance races is organizing a footrace in the Annapurna region from 20th to 26th November, 2011.

Nepal 2011 footrace will begin just outside Pokhara. Competitors will have to cover a distance of 250 kilometers within seven days, carrying their own equipment and food. They will sleep in both tents and tea houses supported along the way by highly regarded Sherpas and a professional medical and operations team. During the race, the course will venture close to Mustang Region and the altitude is not expected to go much above 11,000 feet. According to RacingThePlanet, one of their missions in organizing the race is to document and contribute to improving the lives of ethnic minorities and tribes in the areas they explore, and to encourage and support competitors to raise funds for their charities. In the Nepal race, competitors will be supporting over forty charities through their efforts.
Around 250 participants, plus 50 media reporters, staff and volunteers covering more than 40 countries will be involved in the event. As all events organized by RacingThePlanet have received wide publicity, the race in Nepal is also expected to garner attention from international as well as national media.

RacingThePlanet has its headquarters in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom and 11 offices worldwide. First founded by American Mary K. Gadams, the organization commenced operations from its base in Hong Kong in 2002 when it organized the Gobi March, an arduous seven day race set in the Gobi desert. TIME Magazine named the Gobi March the #1 footrace in the world. It was also named one of the world’s top ten endurance events. Since then RacingThePlanet has organized 29 events in 8 Countries, from China to Antarctica. The race in Nepal is going to be its 31st event. Official partners of the event are Nepal Tourism year 2011 and technology giant Intel.

Sustainable Trekking Initiative launched in Nepal Himalaya

2011-06-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Leading adventure travel company world expedition is delighted to announce a major sustainable trekking initiative in the Himalaya that will ensure travelers continue to enjoy taking the paths less traveled while enjoying a comfortable and ecologically sustainable accommodation. The establishment of a series of permanent camp sites, wilderness camps and eco lodges in the Everest area of the Himalaya will allow travelers to trek away from the more crowded routes while importantly not contributing to the deforestation crisis that is currently overtaking this beautiful part of the world.
“We have always believed that camping trekking is the most sustainable way to travel in this region,” says World Expeditions CEO Sue Badyari. “Tea houses and lodges commonly burn wood to provide hot water for showers and to cook, which is contributing the major issue of de-forestation. Our cooks use gas and we will be using non wood burning pot bellied stoves for heating the main dining halls,” said Sue.
Feedback from World Expeditions clients consistently rates the experience they have with Sherpa’s and crew that accompanies the trek is one of the trip highlights. As they make camp each night a community feeling is developed and the trekkers can form friendships which allow a great cultural insight. Camping trekking also provides employment for local people – a workforce of up to 25% more than a lodge trek provides.
The permanent campsites are located in beautiful locations, outside the villages on secluded plots that create an atmosphere of privacy and exclusivity with stunning views of the mountains. At each campsite there will be a dining room for meals and downtime that will we be kept warm in the winter. In addition there will be an ablution block with flushing western toilets. The tents are large and allow standing inside with a basic bed and thick foam mattress.
Where national park regulations have prevented permanent campsites World Expeditions has contracted the services of a few select eco lodges that comply with responsible tourism practices – some with a private dining hall for the exclusive use of World Expeditions trekkers. While at the lodges World Expeditions cooks will still prepare all meals so that the extremely high level of hygiene and variety of choices is maintained.

Keeping up with some news from Nepal

2011-06-08T02:11:00.000-07:00

With the early onset of the monsoon showers this year, the farming community in Nepal is hopeful for a rich harvest this season. The tourism industry is slowly coming to a slow phase with the start of the so called ‘off season’ until mid September. It is now time to reevaluate and reflect back on the past months and plan ahead for October – November season.

This month also marked the birth of Lord Buddha with ‘Buddha Jayanti’ celebrations celebrated throughout the country. Adventurehimal observed this day at Borderlands Eco Adventure Resort located on the banks of the mighty Bhote Koshi River. This festival was celebrated with the theme of spreading peace and harmony through music and peaceful chanting and peace prayers by monks. A famous folk musical group ‘Kutumba’ performed a peace concert at Borderlands and also participated in white water descent.

Recently, we also witnessed various political protests, frequent strikes called by various organizations in the name of pressurizing the government for drafting the constitution which has long been overdue. Under such circumstances, many itineraries had to be revised and alterations had to be made to ensure that our customers get the best at these adverse times.

Buddha Jayanti

2011-05-05T01:06:00.000-07:00

Where are the Tourists gone??

2011-03-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Despite all the media hype and expectation from the general public, the spring tourist season in Nepal seems to have nosedived in comparison to the last few years. End of March and the streets are still deserted, the shops empty, makes you wonder what went wrong?

Meanwhile, the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has scheduled different international programs targeting Nepal Tourism Year. In a bid to sensitize the world about Nepal’s tourism, a painting from the famous US cartoonist Ranan Lurie is being taken to Mt. Everest. Lurie’s painting has been exhibited at Lobby, New York, South Korea and Israel to disseminate the message of peace and harmony.
In addition to this HAN will also be holding the World Congress of International Hotel and Restaurant Association from Nov 30to Dec 02 targeting Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The association has over 300,000 hotels and million restaurants from all over the world as its members.

Tourism Year 2011

2011-02-15T02:22:00.000-08:00

Nepal Tourism Year 2011 is finally here and so is the new government, increased power failure and countless many more challenges. Despite all this the hopes and aspirations are still high. With most financial indicators around the world unveiling much stable and better figures than in the last few years, tourism entrepreneurs are now hoping for recovery to be back on track.

With additional new trekking routes like the Great Himalayan Trail that combines a lot of existing network trails into a grueling journey across the Himalayas, the Indigenous Peoples Trail, the new year looks like a year filled with hope and optimism. The International airport in Kathmandu has also undergone some work to make it more comfortable and spacious for travelers. The departure lounge has been extended and the processing of visa and other formalities made quicker at arrivals.

While all infrastructure development to attract a million tourists, the official government target is in place the outcome needs to be seen yet.

NTY to be launched at border points

2010-11-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

The ministry of tourism and NTY 2011 implementation committee plans to take the campaign to all the major border towns. NTY 2011 will be inaugurated in border towns like Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairawaha, Nelapgunj, Mahendranagar, Janakpur and Dhangadi simultaneously on Nov 16.

The program will start with a cleanup campaign which will include participation from the government officials, business persons and local residents. The objective of the campaign is to inform the people to keep the cities and border points clean besides providing hospitality to the visitors who come overland. It is also an effort to decentralize and gather support at the regional level to make the campaign a huge success. Additionally, the campaign is also aimed at revamping the existing facilities, improving immigration procedures, simplifying frontier formalities and building rest areas for tourists have also been planned to enhance convenience to the visitors.

On Feb 26, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal launched NTY 2011 in Kathmandu. The event then moved to Pokhara and April 12 and to Bhairawaha, Nepalgunj, and Biratnagar on April 13, 21 and 23 respectively.

Nepal ranks 4th at climate change risk

2010-10-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

South Asia is the world's most climate vulnerable region, its fast growing population badly exposed to flood, drought, storm and sea-level rise, according to a recent survey.

Of the 16 countries listed as being at 'extreme' risk from climate change over the next 30 years, five are from South Asia, with Bangladesh and India in the first and second places, Nepal in the fourth, Afghanistan in eighth and Pakistan at 16th.

Manaslu Fest in 2011

2010-10-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

Youth Development Committee of Manaslu, Gorkha district is organizing Manaslu fest to mark the 55th Mt. Manaslu day on May 09, 2011.

The Committee will arrange archery and horse riding competitions during the three day event and has also included participation by foreign guests in a bid to attract a large number of tourists. The event
Is going to take place at Mt. Manaslu base camp. Tashi Glayzen Manaslu horse race honors the first climbers on this peak, Toshio Imanishi of Japan and Glayzen Norbu Sherpa of Nepal scaled the peak in 1956.

The festival is aimed to attract more tourists to this region. Manaslu has not being able to attract a large number of sightseers despite its tourism potential. According to the president of the committee, the govt collects hefty charges from the tourists every year but the benefits are not shared with the local residents. High entrance fee and controlled entry for foreign visitors have also affected the tourist arrivals.

HAN to hold NTY 2011 promo in Malaysia

2010-10-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

Hotel Association of Nepal is holding a Tourism promotion in Kuala Lumpur. A 42 member delegation of HAN left for Kuala Lumpur to publicize Nepal Tourism Year 2011 in Malaysia. The promotion is being held in collaboration with the Nepal Embassy, Malaysia, Nepal Malaysia Chamber of commerce, NRN Malaysia and Nepal Tourism Board.

HAN will be organizing Buyer to Buyer meetings, press conferences and a Nepal night to promote Nepal in Kuala Lumpur on 8th October. The program will focus supporting the Nepal Tourism Campaign and its target to bring one million tourists. The event will also highlight the planned air service between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu by Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia which is expected to enhance tourism development in both the countries.

HAN and the Malaysian Association of Hotels are also scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Oct 7th.

Spice Jet flying to Nepal from 7th October

2010-09-28T03:28:00.000-07:00

India’s most preferred low fare airline, Spice Jet is going to start its scheduled flights between New Delhi and Kathmandu from October 7, 2010. Initially, the airlines will operate six flights a week to Nepal making it the airline’s first international service.

The days of operation will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The flight to Kathmandu will depart at 07:30 hrs and landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport at 09:00 hrs. The flight will depart at 09:50 hours to land at Delhi airport at 11:20 hrs.
Similarly, the airline will also begin its daily service between Chennai to Colombo from October 9.

Adventure sports permit system simplified

2010-09-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Tourism Ministry following complaints from travel traders has changed the regulations to create a one window system for acquiring adventure sports permits. The Tourism Ministry will henceforth issue permits to conduct adventure sports activities in protected areas. Formerly, the Forest Ministry gave out permits. The Ministry used to collect separate fee for 10 tourism activities in the Himalaya and high hills which contain biological diversity needing conservation.

According to the old regulations, anyone wanting to go skydiving, skiing, paragliding, bungee jumping, rafting, canyoning, abseiling, mountain biking and kayaking had to get separate permits from the Department of National Park and Wildlife. The new regulation is expected to ease the lengthy hassle and boost the tourism industry.

As per the new fee structure, the royalty for skydiving for tourist from SAARC nations has been reduced to Rs. 2000 from Rs. 6000. Similarly the fee for foreign tourist has been cut to US $ 100 from US $ 500. Similarly, charges for paragliding and Para mountaineering have also been decreased to Rs. 1000 from Rs. 6000 and US $ 50 from US $ 300.

ACAP Proposes new trekking route in the Annapurna region

2010-09-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Annapurna Conservation Area Project has developed new routes in the Annapurna range to provide an alternative to the world famous Around Annapurna route. ACAP came up with the idea of marketing new trekking routes as old trekking routes in the area are getting shorter with increased access to transport services. The process of constructing necessary infrastructure as well as erecting sign board along the new routes has begun recently.

The new routes cover major tourist destinations including Ghalegaun, Ghanpokhari, Tharchu, Dudhpokhari, Namunapass, Timang, Bhujung, Pasaung, Besisahar and Tanting. Tourist guide information center has also been set up.

A total of 10 days is required to complete each new trekking route.

Peace festival in Nepal from September 30

2010-09-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Nepal is all set to host the Global Peace Festival South Asia 2010, scheduled from 30th September to October 02. The 3 day event is likely to see the participation of faith leaders, social entrepreneurs, government and community leaders, business and NGO representatives. The conference promises to provide inspirations, vision, practical tools and partnerships to address the fundamental global challenges being faced in South Asian countries.

The Global Peace Festival (GPF) is a global movement of committed peace builders working in partnerships based on common principles, values and aspirations. The GPF promotes and celebrates persons and programmes that contribute to reconciliation, mutual respect, harmony and cooperation and sees all people as ‘one family under God’.

NTY Promo held in South Africa

2010-09-07T00:22:00.000-07:00

With the view to promote Nepal tourism year 2011 in South Africa, the Nepali Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa and the Non- resident Nepali Association together organized a program to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The program was jointly inaugurated by ambassador of Nepal to South Africa and the president of the resident Nepali association, South Africa.

Ambassador for Nepal highlighted the importance of Nepal Tourism Year and different aspects of Nepal – South Africa relations. He said that its main objective was to establish Nepal as a major tourist destination and pledged full cooperation and support from Nepal embassy in disseminating information about Nepal, facilitating visa issuance and other such matters.

Officials from the department of International Relations, representatives from media and travel trade and a large number of Nepalis residing in South Africa were present on the occasion.

The event was the first official program organized by Nepal Embassy

A Plane Crash in Nepal

2010-08-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

In yet another tragic accident, Agni Air crashed while flying back from Lukla airport which was closed due to bad weather. The crash site is believed to be approx 2 hours hike from Kathmandu. All passengers and crew on board are feared dead as the wreckage of the airplane, according to the eye witnesses is scattered over the hill side.

Every year mostly during the monsoon season we hear news of landslides, flooding and occasionally, plane crash. It is a know fact that due to the nature of the Nepali terrain any rescue mission becomes a daunting task for the search team. Our search and rescue team only comprises of a handful personnel from Nepal army and some from the Police force. On top of that, we are not equipped to deal with such cases of emergencies due to lack of proper preparation and planning by the concerned authorities.

Despite all the above, there seems no legislation from the government to take corrective measures to ensure accidents like this don't repeat itself. Why then do the airlines still fly under such adverse conditions?? Where is the safety criteria by the Civil Aviation? Isn't preventing incidents like this a wiser course of action than trying to fight against it. Like the old saying " prevention is better than cure" which aptly applies to a country like ours, it is time to follow these simple rules.

Knowing your own turf and the capability of your team has been a winning mantra, why then do we not take preventative methods to ensure that no more lives are lost in vain.

Responsible Adventure Trail in Nepal

2010-08-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

For the trekking enthusiasts and adventure seekers, The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is set to unveil trekking routes which promise rare walks into the remote regions of the Himalayas. The launch of GHT is being planned for January – February 2011, targeting Nepal Tourism Year. The Great Himalayan Trail is an extreme trekking trail for over 162 days with more than 1, 50,000 meters of climbing and descending, a proportion sure to tempt adventurous trekkers. Australian trekker Robin Boustead completed this trek after years of research. Starting in September 2008 in Kanchenjunga and ending in July in 2009, Boustead crossed the entire length of the Nepal Himalaya.

The Great Himalayan Trail is being developed with two different routes, the High GHT and the mid GHT. Higher GHT will be above 5000 meters with more than 21 different trails for tourists willing to experience this extreme adventure while the mid hill GHT will be for all types of trekkers.

According to travel trade entrepreneurs, Nepal has tremendous potential in adventure tourism which has been identified as one of the fastest growing segments in global tourism. There has been a significant rise in young adventure tourists coming to Nepal. The rise in young tourist supplements the fact that more people are coming to Nepal for adventure tourism.

The GHT trekking route developed from the eastern border to western border of Nepal will not only provide adventure thrills for the tourist but also aims to help the local communities in this remote region. Trekking groups can make a real difference to the lives of the people that are barely above subsistence. Trekking in these regions would also mean being responsible tourist and contributing to pro-poor sustainable Tourism initiatives in the Himalayas.

Bagmati festival - Media and School Challenge

2010-08-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

As a part of its continuous attempt to save Bagmati river and to revive its lost glory, Nepal River Conservation Trust had organized the Media/School Challenge last weekend on the Bagmati river. I was very fortunate to be a part of this mega event unlike the previous years, this time I got to witness the festival and participate in it as well.

Despite some resistance from the local people, mainly the local clubs due to certain misunderstandings from the past, the festival was a huge success and saw a grand participation of many media houses and local schools from the area.

This was also an opportune moment for many rafting companies, who otherwise are competing against one another to collaboratively work together for a greater cause. The team spirit and an extremely cohesive professional approach by the river companies is well worth applauding. This was one time when professionals from various organizations were untied towards achieving a common goal, a time for all to join hands to raise their voice and express solidarity to protecting the rivers of Nepal and conserving its habitat.

Nepal Tourism Year 2011 promoted in UK

2010-08-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Tourism promotion program specially focusing Nepal tourism Year 2011 was held in Wales. The program was organized by the Nepal Embassy, London in coordination with the Wales Nepali Community, Cardiff and Wales Gurkha Community. During the program, a power point presentation exhibiting Nepal’s major tourist destinations, UNESCO heritage sites, flora and fauna and cultural sites of historical importance was shown. Dignitaries attending the program included Dr Suresh C. Chalise, the Ambassador of Nepal to UK, Rt. Hon. Alan Michael JP MP, members of parliament, mayors, councilors, travel and tour promoters as well as prominent members of Nepali community based in Wales.

The Embassy of Nepal, London promoted Nepali tourism and culture at the London Mela. Hosted at Gunnersbury Park in Ealing , London Mela is regarded as the city’s biggest celebration of Asian culture and creativity. Special Nepalese highlights included Nepali cultural dances, Naumati Baja recital and display and promotion of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 at the Nepal Tent House. The embassy also gave away free air tickets to Kathmandu as prizes for the raffle draw.

A Pilgrimage Trek to Gosainkunda

2010-08-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Every year during the festival of Janai Purnima all Hindus visit the river banks or temples for a ritual bath. After the bath the sacred thread called the Janai is changed. Janai is worn by higher Hindu caste males across the left shoulder and tied beneath the right armpit. After passing boyhood, this thread is worn continuously as a symbol of awareness of body, speech and mind; when the knot is tied the wearer is supposed to have gained complete control over each.

During this festival, most Hindu devotees who have the time and can afford it, make a pilgrimage to Gasoinkunda, a high mountain lake north of Kathmandu regarded as sacred to Lord Shiva. A dip in this holy lake is believed to add considerable merit to the devotees.

The lake is situated at 4360 mts just south of the Langtang range of mountain. This secluded valley is also filled with nature's bounty. Here the rare red pandas lurk in dense lichen-draped rhododendron thickets, heard of blue sheep graze the alpine meadows and lammergeyers glide over glaciated valleys amidst scenery of lofty Himalayan peaks.

Although easily approached from Kathmandu, this region is far less trekked than the Annapurna or Everest areas making it all the more attractive for Nature lovers, pilgrims and trekkers alike.

Tourism Crisis Cell Formed

2010-08-08T01:54:00.001-07:00

Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)have signed an agreement on establishing a Tourism Crisis Cell (TCC) to facilitate rescue operation of tourist in case emergency situations and to address other tourist related problems.

HRA has been actively involved in coordinating rescue operation in the mountainous areas in Nepal. HRA will now have establish and operate TCC Secretariat at its office in Kathmandu. The cell can be contacted round the clock through 4442555 and 9751044088 hunting lines.

Trekking Agencies Association, Hotel association of Nepal, Association of Travel and Tour Operators and PATA Nepal chapter are the other members of the cell.

Bagmati River Festival 2010

2010-08-02T02:17:00.000-07:00

Adventurehimal Nepal, not lagging behind in its Corporate Social Responsibility is actively supporting Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) in organizing the Annual Bagmati River Festival.

NRCT is a non profit organization with an aim to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the rivers of Nepal through various conservation, awareness and community development activities. Enthusiastically involved in conserving Nepal's Himalayan River system, preserving Nepal's rich cultural heritage and developing an environmentally responsible river tourism industry.

The 10th Mega Annual Bagmati River Festival, also known as the festival of the 21st century aims to provide a platform for all to work cohesively towards a common goal of maintaining the integrity of Rivers of Nepal. Clean up campaign, Awareness, Bagmati Eco challenge and Water Sports is targeted to making a difference by preventing further damage and loss of natural habitat along the Himalayan Rivers.

Monsoon Madness - Trishuli High Water

2010-07-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Its monsoon time and a calling for all river junkies once again. Not much can be said about the Trishuli river at other times but during the monsoon season, its a story untold. Huge runoffs from the tributary rivers make this river swell and shear with voluminous water making it a sheer delight to whitewater enthusiasts.

A two-day trip starting at Baireni and finishing at Gaighat this is a classic river experience. You run all the good rapids, watch the river grow as its tributaries join, marvel as it cuts its way through impressive gorges before it spills over the lowlands. During the trip, we camp on the sandy beaches surrounded by streaming tropical forest.

Everest Base Camp Selected in 20 Journeys of Lifetime

2010-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

The UK's leading magazine The Observer, sister publication of UK's Guardian in its Sunday edition published on January 11, 2004 has selected Everest Base Camp of Nepal in 20 Journeys of a Lifetime. Selected by journalist Jill Hartley as great adventures that one never forgets, Everest Base Camp has been placed in the seventh position beating the destination like Galapagos Islands which was placed first by UK's internet based travel company iexplore.com in 2003. Galapagos Islands has been placed in sixteenth position in this list of The Observer. The famous traditional trade route known as Silk Route from Kashgar (China) then Tashkent - Samarkand - Khiva (Uzbekistan) is in eight position.

The Everest Base Camp is the only South Asian destination that has been included in the list. Most of the journeys included in the list are shared by two countries. The journey from Ruta Maya Antigua - Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) to Lake Atitlan - Antigua (Guatemala) via San Cristobal - Palenque - Merida (Mexico), Belize City - Caye Caulker (Belize), Tikal has been selected as number one among 20 journeys.

Free Visas to Nepal for Everest Climbers

2010-06-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

Foreign mountaineers who have climbed Mt. Everest and Mt. Dhaulagiri will get a free Nepali visa for two years. The visa fee will be free for year 2010 and 2011 as a part of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 celebration.To mark the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the visa fee for Dhaulagiri summiteers has also been waived off.

Each foreign climber has to pay USD 5000 to the government of Nepal as royalty for climbing Dhaulagiri, however after the announcement of the rebate on the fee they now have to pay just USD 2500.

Paragliding Flights in Kathmandu

2010-05-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Kathmandu paragliding and Hang gliding companies and X sports Nepal are offering both tandem and solo flights in Kathmandu. X sports offers two types of flights, Black Kite Flight and Eagle Flight. The Black kite flight runs between 20 – 30 minutes while the Eagle flight lasts for about 45 – 60 minutes. The flights are operated by licensed Paragliding instructors and pilots. During June- August the paragliding flights are not scheduled due to bad weather.

3rd international Sagarmatha (Everest) Day on May 29

2010-04-05T01:15:00.000-07:00

The 3rd International Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) Day celebration is being observed in Nepal on May 29, 2010 with various programs. More than 250 Mt. Everest summiteers, including renowned climbers like Chris Bonington, Peter Habelar, Ken Noguchi, Apa Sherpa, Min Bahadur Sherchan, Dawa Steven Sherpa, Bill Burke, David Liano, and Meagan McGrath are expected to attend the program. To honor the Summiteers a request letter has been sent to the Government of Nepal asking to provide them free visa every time they visit Nepal. The summiteers will be regarded as the Goodwill Ambassadors of Nepal to promote Nepalese mountain tourism.

ITB - World’s top fair opens

2010-03-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

The world’s top tourism fair kicked off in Berlin on 10 March with the hope of better times for the global travel industry following a crisis hit 2009. According to the United Nations figures, international tourist arrivals fell by 4 percent in 2009 and the earnings from tourism dropped by 6 percent as the world economy went into a tailspin.

However, speaking to reporters as the ITB opened, the secretary general of the UN’s World Tourism Organization (WTO), Taleb Rifai, said that the worst was over. At the ITB fair, as described by Rifai as “the mother of all tourism fair”, 11.127 companies from 187 countries have confirmed their participation, a slight rise from the last year.

According to Singapore based Abacus International, 2010 will be a challenging year but also a year of consolidation and stability as corporate travel is likely to grow by 10-15 percent in Asia this year as business activities improve from last year’s sharp fall. Emerging markets in Central Asia as well as Nepal, Bangladesh and South Korea are seen as key growth areas.

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NTY 2011

2010-03-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

After a mega launch of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 officially from the capital on February 26, the campaign is being launched outside the Kathmandu valley in April. The NTY 2011 will be launched from five different cities – Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairawaha and Janakpur – from east to west of the country. Various promotional programs have been organized within April in these cities aspiring to creating awareness about the ambitious national campaign that aims to attract one million tourists.

Nepal tourism board along with private sector will develop a one window policy at the border area to facilitate the services required by tourist entering Nepal by land. Facilities of Immigration, custom, transportation office, food court, handicraft exhibition centre and other related services required by the tourists will be developed at different border points. With the slogan – together for tourism, all the political parties have committed not to call for any strike and other disturbance during the year 2011.

Tourism being the largest industry in Nepal is the largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Possessing eight out of the 10 highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, climbers and people seeking adventure.

PATA Adventure Conference 2010

2010-02-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) successfully organised Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference from February 1 to 5, 2010 at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza in Kathmandu. The event had been already endorsed by Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and the international Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Conference and Mart created important platforms for discussion and promotion of environmental protection and social sustainability. Conference session included 'Adventure Travel: Pulse of the Adventure Traveler' Responsible Tourism: The Driving force' and an interactive plenary session 'Adventure Sports Tourism - Risks and Responsibilities'

The Conference saw an active participation of reputed national and international travel related companies in the adventure travel arena.

Nepal - Turkey Air Service Soon

2010-01-27T21:59:00.000-08:00

In another attempt to promote Nepal Tourism year 2011, the cabinet meeting on Wednesday granted permission to the ministry of Tourism and Civil Avian (MoTCA) to seal a deal with Turkey to operate air services. The ministry had forwarded a proposal to this effect to the cabinet two weeks ago. After the agreement, Turkey will be the 36th country to sign air service contract with Nepal. Prior to this, Flydubai, a UAE based airline started its Kathmandu – Dubai flight with an introductory round fare of Rs 12,000 (USD 167) marking Nepal as its 11 destination. Flydubai operates four days a week to Nepal, the travelers can avail themselves to onwards destinations from Dubai to Amman, Alexandria, Aleppo, Beirut, Baku, Bahrain, Damascus, Doha, Djibouti and Khartoum on the same carrier. Moreover, flydubai will connect passengers to all parts of the world, as Dubai is a major International airline hub.

London - Kathmandu to be linked via road

2010-01-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

Oz- Bus, the adventure bus company that runs tours from London to Sydney & London to New York is now selling a new shorter option from London to Kathmandu beginning from Feb 14, 2010.The trip that also can be reversed will run 9 times a year with the first departure from London on Feb 14th and the last on Sep 26th. After traveling through some European cities for 11 days the bus reaches Istanbul. From there, the legendary route followed by the Hippies in the 60s and 70s takes passengers through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India and then to Kathmandu - Nepal.

2010-01-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

Look out for the featured trip of the month "The Annapurna Adventure" A sensational trek into the scenic grandeur of the highly diversified Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. This trek is a superb combination of gentle walk in the Himalayan foothills meandering through a colorful mosaic of ethnic culture and wonderful natural environment.

Extend your trip further with our unique home stay offers, bird watching excursions or raft down the wild Himalayan rivers. Whatever you choose, we are here to help you make your stay in Nepal the most memorable holiday, ever!!

2009-12-31T21:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! 2010. Wow! another decade has gone past - time seems to fly. What a start of the year though, had to walk for almost 2 hours to get to work. Indigenous people's group and some other group in Nepal called for a strike, it happens so frequently that its difficult to keep track. Anyway, there wasn't anything stopping me from getting to work, especially on the 1st day of the year, so I walked to work.

Look out for some new adventures and exciting holiday packages for the Spring season. Amadablam expedition in April of 2010 and a pilgrimage to the holy Mt. Kailash, west Tibet in the summer are some features of the year.

Peace and love!

Sanjiv