Nepal Participates at WTM 2007

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with private tourism entrepreneurs of Nepal participated at World Travel Market (WTM ) 2007 held at ExCel London from November 12-15. The WTM – one of largest travel marts in the world - has always been in the calendar of Nepalese tourism entrepreneurs as a 'Must Do' travel show. This year high level Nepalese delegation to WTM 2007 was led by Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung. With a delegation of 22 travel trade companies, this year marked one of the largest contingents from Nepal to WTM.

Honorable Minister Gurung, Joint Secretary at MoCTCA Mr. Bodha Raj Nirola, Charge de’ Affairs at Nepal Embassy, UK Mr. Jhabendra Aryal and Section Officer at MoCTCA, Mr. Ganesh Adhikari along with Sr. Director of NTB Mr. Subash Nirola attended the inaugural ceremony of WTM on 12 November. They visited Nepal Pavilion and met with the Nepalese participants. The Nepalese delegation also met the Dy. Minister of Maldives, government officials of SAARC nations, airlines and various trade representatives attending the Show. Minister Gurung was one of the special invitees at the UNWTO Seminar on Climate Change held on 13th Nov.

NTB sponsored lucky door prizes for two winners of the WTM special Passport Promotion program. Sr. Director of NTB Mr. Subash Nirola handed over the prizes amidst a gathering of tour operators and media persons.

In the first ten months of 2007, Nepal has witnessed over 30% growth in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2006. Arrivals from the UK has reached 21,335 in the first ten months, which is up by 37.8%. This clearly shows that Nepal has regained the confidence of tourists which was lost due to the political instability in the country.

Tourism award for best ambassador

Tourism entrepreneurs Monday announced that they would evaluate performance of newly-appointed ambassadors towards promoting Nepali tourism in countries they are deputed to and award the best performing Embassy and Ambassador, The Kathmandu Post reported.Speaking at a program organized by the seven associations related to the tourism industry and the Nepal Tourism Board on November 5, 2007, the ambassadors, who were soon assuming their posts, also responded that they accepted the challenge entrepreneurs have entrusted upon them.

But, they also asked entrepreneurs to work for expansion of the airport, development of necessary tourism infrastructures and creation of tourism friendly environment. Prachanda Man Shrestha, chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said that entrepreneurs have come up with the new program to evaluate and reward the embassy in a bid to acquire better support from Nepali embassies in promoting the reviving tourism industry."Tourism industry will now hold you [ambassadors] accountable for your activities henceforth and conduct an unofficial evaluation of your initiatives and outcomes," said he.Shrestha elaborated that the evaluation would be done on the basis of various parameters such as number of tourist arrivals, their duration of stay in Nepal, average spending and objectives of their visits.

In order to fulfill new duties entrusted upon them, Shrestha said entrepreneurs expect the ambassadors to establish a separate tourism desk, build data bank of local media persons and travel trade entrepreneurs, track information of travel trend and key tourism players. Entrepreneurs during the program expressed grievances over not receiving any support from overseas Nepali embassies in promoting the tourism industry. Ambassadors, on the other hand, stressed for better collaboration between the government and private sector in building the image of the country. They stressed on the need to beef up promotional efforts and asked the entrepreneurs to build working relations and strengthen ties with international travel agencies and promotion agencies.

Steady growth in tourist arrival continues

The visitors' arrival data released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airports for the month of October 2007 shows the healthy growth of 18 percent, up by 6617 compared to the corresponding month of last year. China and Sweden have registered a robust growth of 133 percent and 91.7 percent respectively, followed by a significant growth in major tourist generating markets.

Overall, the positive growth in visitors' arrival from Denmark (88.6%), Austria (56.9%), Norway (55.4%), Belgium (50.3%), S Korea (37%) and Germany (33.3%) clearly shows the revival of Nepalese tourism from these high yield markets. Other upcoming markets like Bangladesh (51.1%) and Sri Lanka (56.6%) have shown positive growth. In the meantime American markets like Canada (43.2%) and USA (40.3%) have continued to show the positive result despite their travel advisory.

The total arrivals in the last ten months have gone up by 30 % having 295,855 visitors by air in comparison to the same period last year. Each country has recorded very optimistic figures. Indian market has made negative growth. Cheap tour package floated by South East Asian and European countries have reportedly lured upward mobile Indians which is one of the reasons for decline in tourist arrivals from India. Since Cosmic Air has already resumed its service to New Delhi and other airlines are expected to increase flight frequency in this sector soon, tourists arrival will definitely increase from India in next few months. Launching of service of SilkAir from Singapore and Etihad Airways from the United Arab Emirates in the month of October has given a positive massage to the world that Nepal is a happening destination. With the operation of these two airlines, it is expected to increase the number of passengers from Singapore, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Europe.

Visitors Arrival in October 2007 (by air only)

The visitors' arrival data released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airports for the month of October 2007 shows the healthy growth of 18 percent, up by 6617 compared to the corresponding month of last year. China and Sweden have registered a robust growth of 133 percent and 91.7 percent respectively, followed by a significant growth in major tourist generating markets.

Overall, the positive growth in visitors' arrival from Denmark (88.6%), Austria (56.9%), Norway (55.4%), Belgium (50.3%), S Korea (37%) and Germany (33.3%) clearly shows the revival of Nepalese tourism from these high yield markets. Other upcoming markets like Bangladesh (51.1%) and Sri Lanka (56.6%) have shown positive growth. In the meantime American markets like Canada (43.2%) and USA (40.3%) have continued to show the positive result despite their travel advisory.

The total arrivals in the last nine months have gone up by 30 % having 295,855 visitors by air in comparison to the same period last year. Each country has recorded very optimistic figures. Indian market has made negative growth. Cheap tour package floated by South East Asian and European countries have reportedly lured upward mobile Indians which is one of the reasons for decline in tourist arrivals from India. Since Cosmic Air has already resumed its service to New Delhi and other airlines are expected to increase flight frequency in this sector soon, tourists arrival will definitely increase from India in next few months. Launching of service of SilkAir from Singapore and Etihad Airways from the United Arab Emirates in the month of October has given a positive massage to the world that Nepal is a happening destination. With the operation of these two airlines, it is expected to increase the number of passengers from Singapore, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Europe.

Visitors Arrival in October 2007 (by air only)

Steady growth in tourist arrival continues

The visitors' arrival data released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airports for the month of October 2007 shows the healthy growth of 18 percent, up by 6617 compared to the corresponding month of last year. China and Sweden have registered a robust growth of 133 percent and 91.7 percent respectively, followed by a significant growth in major tourist generating markets.

Overall, the positive growth in visitors' arrival from Denmark (88.6%), Austria (56.9%), Norway (55.4%), Belgium (50.3%), S Korea (37%) and Germany (33.3%) clearly shows the revival of Nepalese tourism from these high yield markets. Other upcoming markets like Bangladesh (51.1%) and Sri Lanka (56.6%) have shown positive growth. In the meantime American markets like Canada (43.2%) and USA (40.3%) have continued to show the positive result despite their travel advisory.

The total arrivals in the last nine months have gone up by 30 % having 295,855 visitors by air in comparison to the same period last year. Each country has recorded very optimistic figures. Indian market has made negative growth. Cheap tour package floated by South East Asian and European countries have reportedly lured upward mobile Indians which is one of the reasons for decline in tourist arrivals from India. Since Cosmic Air has already resumed its service to New Delhi and other airlines are expected to increase flight frequency in this sector soon, tourists arrival will definitely increase from India in next few months. Launching of service of SilkAir from Singapore and Etihad Airways from the United Arab Emirates in the month of October has given a positive massage to the world that Nepal is a happening destination. With the operation of these two airlines, it is expected to increase the number of passengers from Singapore, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Europe.

Visitors Arrival in September 2007 (by air only): Market Watches Healthy Growth

The visitors' arrival data released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airports for the month of September 2007 shows the healthy growth of 27 percent, up by 6847 compared to the corresponding month of last year. The American and European markets have registered a robust growth of 33.1 percent and 38.5 percent respectively, followed by a significant growth in major tourist generating markets.

Overall, the positive growth in visitors' arrival from UK (32.1%), Germany (25.2%), France (18.6%), Italy (33.6%), Spain (49.1%), Japan (29 %) and USA (38.9%) connotes a rebound in tourism industry. If this growth trend sustains for few more months, we are quite optimistic of imparting the renewed confidence amongst the industry for overarching our targets to regain the lost image. Moreover, Chinese and Korean markets, up by 158.8 % and 98.4 % respectively have been strengthened considerably after the operation of direct flights from these destinations.

The total arrivals in the last nine months have gone up by 32.3 % having 252407 visitors by air in comparison to the same period last year. Each country has recorded very optimistic figures. As Indian market is very sensitive to negative news, the arrival figure from India has shown negative growth. However, we believe that festival season which has just started will definitely entice more Indian tourists to Nepal in coming months.

Visitors Arrival in August 2007 (by air only)
August Records 18 % Growth in tourist arrivals.

The total visitor arrivals in August 2007 reached 26865, up by 4052 compared to the same month last year, according to the data released by Immigration Office Tribhuvan International Airport. European market registered a healthy growth of 36 %. in July and August. It is generally considered as low season for international tourist arrivals. However, the visitors from some countries like Italy, Korea and Spain soared up in these months. Major European markets like UK (32.5%), Germany (38.9%), France (32.9%), Italy (34.2%), Spain (46.4%) registered healthy growths in this month. The Spanish (12.8%) and Italian (7.6%) markets this month presented themselves with a large pie in the total arrivals, creating a fair support to the lean season of the tourism industry of the country. The arrivals from Sweden and the Netherlands plummeted by 53.2 % and 1.2 % respectively.

The arrivals from SAARC region as a whole recorded a decline of 9.6 % due to the fall in arrivals from a major market- India by 13.7 % though other markets like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka showed commendable growths by 54.4 %, 30.2 % and 93 % respectively. Other Asian markets like People's Republic of China, Japan, S. Korea, and Chinese Taiwan have shown robust growths by 88.2 %, 14.5 %, 91.7 % and 94.2 % respectively. Malaysian and Thai markets fell by 26.6 % and 32.2 % respectively.

US, Canadian and Australian markets also recorded strong growths of 50.1 %, 44.6 % and 43.2 % respectively.

The total arrivals in the first eight months of this year grew on the average by 33.1 %. India, USA, UK and Japan are in the top list of tourist generating markets in this period with share of 32.1 %, 6.7 %, 6.6 % and 5.8 % in the total arrivals respectively. It is highly notable that Chinese and Korean markets are getting stronger and their arrivals during the first eight months have grown up by more than double compared to the same period last year.

NTB believes that the arrivals in the coming months will become stronger because of festival seasons in India and Nepal. One of reasons for decline is lack of air seats from India as most of seats are now being filled by European visitors coming to Nepal via India. Another reason is infrequent service provided by Nepal Airlines, the National Carrier in Indian sector due to technical hitch.

Nepal participates in Travel & Tourism Fair ( TTF) 2007 in Kolkata

Nepal Tourism Board in co-ordination with Consulate General of Nepal and Hon. PRR of Nepal Tourism Board-Kolkata participated in the three day Travel & Tourism Fair ( TTF) & Outbound Travel Mart ( OTM) held from 18-20 August 2007 in Kolkata along with Nepalese travel trade. Nepal bagged the Group Participation Award at end of the event.

The tourism fair was inaugurated by Mrs. Ambika Soni, Minister for Culture and Tourism, India. Nepal's stand received good response from the West Bengal's people. Most of the visitors were keenly interested in pilgrimage in Nepal like: Muktinath, Manakamana and Pashupatinath.

The visitors to Nepal's stall inquired about surface travel to Nepal from Kolkata.

Nepal got a good response and query for incentive tours ( MICE tourism ) for the corporate houses here in Kolkata.

Nepal to hold 1st int'l adventure sports tourism meeting

An international adventure sports tourism meeting is to be held in Nepal in 2010. In a bid to highlight Nepal as an important adventure sports tourism destination at international level, the newly formed Adventure Sports Tourism Society is planning to organize the first ever adventure sports tourism conference and market fair in 2010, in the tourist hub city of Pokhara. It was disclosed in a function organised to launch Adventure Sports Tourism Society on August 10, 2007.

"The Society will not only promote Nepal as a destination but also create a win-win situation in the entire Himalayan region through promoting adventure sports tourism," said Mr. Megh Ale, Council Vice President, Adventure Sports Tourism Society.

Adventure Sports Tourism Society is a forum of adventure tourism entrepreneurs and sports enthusiasts dedicated to promoting and developing adventure and sports tourism in the Himalayan region. Headed by Mr. Bikrum Pandey, President of Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon organisin committee, Adventure Sports Tourism Society has representation from Nepal, India, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan and various adventure tourism associations and companies

Nepali government relaxes provisions for int'l airlines

In anticipation of greater tourist arrivals during the autumn season, the government has formulated flexible provisions for the international airlines flying to Nepal. According to a decision made by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on August 14, 2007, international airlines currently flying to Nepal could operate four more flights a week from September 1 till December 31. The airlines are free to choose the type of aircraft for these additional flights.

However, the new provision will not be applicable unless airlines have utilized the seat capacity and frequency provided by the bilateral air service agreements between Nepal and the concerned countries from where the airlines operate. The government has designated the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the aviation regulator, to coordinate with concerned aeronautical authorities in respective countries for the increased schedule flights.

The government has also relaxed the provision for seasonal charter flights. CAAN has now been designated to issue permission for interested operators for seasonal charter flights when needed from September 1 to end of December. Earlier, the airlines had to apply in advance at the ministry for approval of such flights.The government's new decision comes in the wake of increasing tourist arrivals via air routes but lack of adequate air seats on major routes.

A couple of major international airlines including Thai Airways, Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have already sought the government's nod to increase frequency and seat capacity.The airlines' interests for increasing frequency and seat capacity match with the rising tourist arrivals to Nepal, as the country witnessed a significant rise of 35.6 percent in visitor arrivals during the first seven months of this year. A total of 193,211 tourists came to Nepal as of July 2007 via air only.

NTB participated in TTF

TTF, India's leading exhibition for the travel and tourism industry concluded at Hyderabad after 3 day travel mart on August 12, 2007. The valedictory function was attended by Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Anam Ramnarayana Reddy.

The fair inaugurated on August 10, 2007 had over 100 participants and ten thousand people including 600 trade visitors. Nepal Tourism Board along with Samrat Travel & Tours and Satyam Travel & Tours participated in the mart from Nepal. Mr. Dhruba Rai, Manager of Nepal Tourism Board represented NTB in TTF.

Yoga Guru Ramdev to visit Nepal

The noted Indian Yoga Guru Ramdev is visiting Nepal next month. The Indian Yoga Guru and promoter of Ayurveda treatment, along with a team of 150 followers, will visit Nepal from September 22 to 27, 2007.

He will hold Yoga camp in the capital, according to the organisers of the Swami Ramdev Yoga Bigyan Shibir main organising committee. The camp will be held in Tundikhel where over 15,000 are expected to participate.

Nominate Sagarmatha National Park for Seven Wonders of Nature

After the successful completion of the New Seven Wonders of the World on 7/7/2007, the NewOpenWorld Foundation, Switzerland has recently launched New Seven Wonders of Nature campaign. Since Nepal has Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park which houses Mt. Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, all Nepalese and friends of Everest obviously wish it to be as one of New Seven Wonders of Nature. If you don't want to see Sagarmatha National Park missing from the list of Seven Wonders of Nature, login to www.natural7wonders.com and nominate Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. The nominations will continue through 08.08.08. A panel of experts will create a list of 21candidates from which voters worldwide will elect the 7 wonders of nature.

Nomination procedure is as follows:
For Nomination Please type Sagarmatha Park, Nepal
For Categories Please choose Nature Conservation Park
For Country Please choose Nepal

Please note that you will receive an email with hyperlink to confirm your nomination. You just need to click on the hyperlink to confirm your voting. Nepal Tourism Board would like to request all to vote for Sagarmatha(Everest) National Park.

Sa-Paru / Gai Jatra on 29th August 2007

Bhaktapur, a mystic city full of medieval arts and culture and the cultural capital of Nepal, is dominated by the colorful feasts and festivals that run with spontaneous spirit throughout the year.

Gai Jatra, literally means Cow's Festival, is one of the most colorful and hilarious festivals, but the most enchanting of all can be observed in Bhaktapur. On the very day of Gai Jatra (Sa-paru) all the bereaved families in the city go around the city throughout the heritage route with a cow, or a girl or a boy dressed like the sacred animal. The cow is believed to help the departed souls wade in the cosmic sea (Baitarini) on their way to the heaven.

And it is also said that it is only this day when the gates of the after-world are thrown open for the dead. The festival lasts for eight days, and all through these days, revelers in outlandish dresses parade around the prescribed route, caricaturing and ridiculing at corrupt practices of public figures. Magazines and newspapers bring out "mad editions' lashing out at the immoral and illegal acts of the people and politicians alike.

Bamboo structures covered with colorful cloth and painted pictures of cows symbolizing the dead, crowd the streets in Bhaktapur on the Sa-paru day. The bamboo constructions are such that one can easily determine whether the dead was a male or a female or a minor. Apparently adding humor to the somber aspect of the festival, different groups of people go around, clashing sticks and caricaturing at different events and personalities. All through the week visitors can see and enjoy masked dances and 'humor and satire programs' at different public spaces and squares of the ancient city.

Visitors Arrival in July 2007 (by air only)

The total visitor arrival figures in July 2007 grew by 25 percent culminating the figure to 26078, according to the data released by TIA, Office. The European market as a whole has shown a healthy growth of 45 percent with encouraging figures from major tourist generating individual countries. The UK market with the largest share of the total European arrivals has increased by 30.8 percent. Germany (33.4%), France (65.7%), Spain (65.8%), Netherlands (21.6%) and Belgium (75.1%) also registered very healthy growth this month compared to the corresponding month of last year. The arrivals from the Australian and American markets are also very encouraging with 53.9 % and 82.9 % growth respectively. Arrivals from Austria and Norway are down by 34.2% and 21.2 percent respectively. Some regional and emerging markets like Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand are pro-actively depicting a upward growth trend instilling a sense of hope amongst the travel trade. Korean and Chinese markets grew by staggering 180.4% and 90% establishing their prominence with 4% and 3.8% respectively in total arrivals. It is very worth noting that Korea and China are in the same range of contributing more than 3 percent in the total arrivals till July. Only UK, USA, France, Germany, Japan, Korea and China are such countries, excluding India in the count. The arrival figures from some neighboring countries have not gained the momentum and hence not encouraging as yet. Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan arrivals are down by 4.4%, 7.6% and 8.8% respectively. The Bangladesh market nevertheless grew by 94.8%. The total arrivals till July increased by 35.6 % with total 193211 numbers of tourists till the month of July. The situation manifests that not a single country records negative growth in its total arrivals till July. Which means, the prospect and the trend of tourist arriving is on the rise for the days to come. NTB presumes we all should collectively engross more for fetching more number of tourists capitalizing the peace and stability in line with the promotional efforts of all.

CA polls to be held on Nov. 22
As per the mandate of the eight major political parties, the Government of Nepal has decided to hold elections for the Constituent Assembly (CA) on November 22, 2007.The date for the elections was fixed by a meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 24. Making public the cabinet decision regarding the fixation of the polls date, Minister for Information and Communications, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that the elections to the Constituent Assembly would be held as scheduled. This clearly indicates the commitment of the major political parties to giving a way-out to the political imbroglio in Nepal.

With the success of the April Movement in 2006, Nepal has come a long way in the area of political development. During the period, an interim parliament has been formulated and the interim constitution was introduced. Similarly, an eight-party interim government with the inclusion of the Maoist has also been formed.

Nepal's peace process is gradually gaining ground. This has helped in reviving the country's slacked economy, especially tourism. The number of visitors visiting the country has increased significantly in the last five months of 2007.

The upcoming CA polls will be the first elections in Nepal after the conflict. The elected body will write a new constitution.

Labour expedition to Everest
Nima Dorchi Sherpa, who is a resident of Makalu Village Development Committee (VDC Ward No. 4 of Sankhuwasabha district, made it to Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, from the normal route on June 23, 2007.

The one-member "First Nepali Labour Expedition 2007' also hoisted the flag of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) atop the 8,848-metre peak, states a press release issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley 'out of danger'
Commending the progress made by Nepal in the area of heritage preservation, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has decided to remove the Kathmandu Valley from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The committee took the decision in this connection at its 31st session held in Christchurch, New Zealand, on June 25, 2007.

Having listed on World Heritage Site in 1979, the cultural heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley include seven groups of monuments and buildings depicting historic and artistic achievements. It is the monuments and architects that have made the Valley famous worldwide.

The heritage sites are the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.

According to UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee has praised Nepal's efforts to protect the “outstanding universal” value of the sites in the face of urban development.

The World Heritage Committee aims to encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage sites. It also encourages the governments to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List.

Apart from the seven cultural heritage sites, the UNESCO has also inscribed Sagarmatha National Park and the Royal Chitwan National Park on its list of Cultural Heritage Sites in 1979 and 1984 respectively. Similarly, Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha was listed on cultural heritage site in 1997.

French language training to be held in Pokhara
The Alliance Francaise is organising the first intensive French language training for tourism development in the tourist hub city of Pokhara from July 16-27 this year.

The organisation is planning to organise the training programme at the request of professionals from tourism sector.

Being an independent and no-profit organisation, the Alliance Francaise has been promoting the French language and the French speaking culture in Nepal. Annually, the institute has imparted French language training to more than 2,300 students.

In winter and monsoon, the organisation conducts special French language training for guides and other professionals associated with the travel trade sector.

Buddha Air has agreed to offer free two-way air tickets to French teachers on Kathmandu-Pokhara sector.

Assistance to high altitude mountain workers

A cheque of Rs. 100,001 was handed over to an association dedicated to the welfare of the high altitude mountain workers amidst a programme organised by the Nature & Soul in Kathmandu on June 26, 2007.

The amount was collected from the sales of the newly released CD entitled "Hiun" (the snow from the Himalayas).

The CD includes six songs based the lives of high altitude workers such as porters and trekking guides. The new album has been possible at the initiative of musician Ram Krishna Tripathi, who is often known as Sambeda. The album includes his memoirs during his treks to the Himalayan region besides depicting ups and downs, sacrifices and feelings and experiences of the high mountain workers.

Four of the total six songs were composed by Mr. Tripathi, while the remaining two were by Ms. Prasuna Kandel Tripathi. Sambeda has provided music to all the songs. Similarly, Swarup Raj Acharya, Jagdish Samal, Rajesh Payal Rai, Chandra Dong, Ram Chandra Kafle, Basanta Shrestha, Adrian Pradhan and Anju Panta have given their vocals in the album.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, Shankar Prasad Koirala, Acting Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications, lauded the young artistes, especially Mr. Sambeda, for doing such an exemplary work.

Mr. Koirala also expressed the hope that the album would not only help promote the theme-based writing but also contribute to the promotion of Nepal's mountain tourism.

Handing over the cheque, Ms. Serena Brocklenbank, Vice Consular of the Kathmandu-based British Embassy, appreciated the work and showed her respect for the high altitude workers.

Mr. Dinesh Adhikari, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, also made his comments on the album.

Making his remarks at the function, Mr. Narendra B.C., President of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), praised Mr. Sambed and his team for bringing out such a useful album.

Mr. B.C. urged all the trekking agencies to help contribute to the welfare of the high altitude mountain workers by buying the CD.

Speaking from the chair, Mr. Subash Nirola, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), said that his organisation would continue to work together with such artistes for tourism promotion.

On the occasion, Mr. D.B. Gurung, Principal of RIBS (Rhododendron International Boarding School), who is former teacher of Mr. Sambeda, announced that his school would provide scholarships to children of mountaineers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Namgel Sherpa, Mr. Mingma Gyalze Sherpa, Mr. Mingma Tambe Sherpa and Mr. Tarke Sherpa were felicitated for their help in releasing the album atop Mt. Everest.

NTB, TAAN, Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA), Nepal Mountaineering Federation (NMF) and the association of high altitude workers had extended support to Nature and Soul for organising the programme.

Teams climb peaks
Five members of the Kazakhstan-Russia 2007 Expedition team have successfully climbed Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) from the north-east ridge.

Mr. Sergey Samoilov, Mrs. Svetlna Sharipova, Mr. Yevgeney Shutov of Kazakhstan and Mr. Sinev Dmitry of Russia climbed the mountain on May 1. Team leader Mr. Denis Urubko of Kazakhstan scaled the peak on May 2 according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

Mr. Urubko is one of the strongest high mountaineers in Kazakhstan. He has climbed 10 peaks above 8,000 metres.

Member of the Kazakh national team, Mr. Urubko took a step up three years ago, in switching from large expeditions to 8,000 climbs in alpine-style together with Serguey Samoilov.

On May 8, 2006, Denis and Serguey completed a new, Alpine-style route on the northeast side of the 8,163-metre Mt. Manaslu.

The expedition team comprising of nine members was permitted to climb Mt. Dhaulagiri from north-east ridge.

In the meantime, an Italian climber fell to his death on Mt. Dhaulagiri just two hundred metres short of the summit. The ministry has confirmed that the Italian climber Sergio Dalla Longa lost his life.

Similarly, two members of "HAFE Research Group" team successfully climbed the 6,812-metre Mt. Ama Dablam from the north face and came down from the Southwest face on 22 April, 2007 at 4.00 P.M, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

The successful climbers include 39-year-old Mr. James Frederick Cromie and 40-year-old Mr. Aric Avery Baldwin. They are from the USA.

The two-member team was permitted to attempt the peak from North Ridge/ South Ridge (any) for the period of 45 days from 22 March, 2007 under the leadership of Mr. James Frederick Cromie.

The team was handled by Global Adventure Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu.

Similarly, six members and two high altitude workers of "Esfahan Himlung Expedition 2007" scaled Mt. Himlung (7,126 meters) on 10 April, 2007.

According to the ministry, the successful Iranian climbers were Mr. Alibakssh Bahnan Zirari, 46, Mr. Rahman S. P. Reza, 23, Mr. Asghar Raji, 34, Mr. Hamid H. Kohnouri, 53, Mr. Iman A. Mobarakeh, 23 and Mr. Majid Jamalifar, 41.

The high altitude workers were Mr. Namgya Sherpa,37, from Olangjungola-9, Taplejung, and Mr. Dawa Sangmu Bhote, 29, from Hatiya-3 of Sankhuwasabha.

The expedition team comprising of 12 members was permitted to climb the peak from Normal Route for the period of 60 days from 24 March, 2007 under the leadership of Mr. Ebrahim Naderi of Iran.

The handling agency of the expedition team was Thamserku Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu.

Visitor arrivals go up in April

The Nepalese tourism industry continued to show upward trend even in the month of April this year. A total of 33,024 foreign tourists visited Nepal by air last month, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

As per data made available by the ministry, the Indian market rebounded considerably with 110% rise, while the non-Indian market shot up by 70%.

This is a record high number of tourists that the country has witnessed after 2002.

The number of tourists coming from the South Asian Association Regional Cooperation (SAARC) grew tremendously with the huge growth from Indian market, followed by Bangladesh (203%), Pakistan (171.9%) and Sri Lanka (346.2%).

The number of tourists visiting the country from other Asian countries also registered an immense growth of 137.4% with Japanese arrivals escalating by 90.3% along with Chinese (267%). The other markets to rise were Malaysia (90%), Singapore (81.6%), Thailand (167.1%) as well as South Korea (177.5%) and ROC Taiwan (135.6%).

Arrivals from the European countries were encouraging. The ministry revealed that the number of tourists coming from the United Kingdom increased by 44.5%, France (58.4%), Germany (83.6%), Italy (73.4%), The Netherlands (62.3%) and Spain (9.9%). However, arrivals from Austria decreased by 7.5%. The Australian market, too, increased by 32.7%, while USA registered a sharp incline of 92.6%.

Himalayan Int'l Travel Mart from May 11

More than 100 tour operators from India, Bangladesh, China, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Honk Kong, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others, will be taking part in the three-day 2nd Himalayan International Travel Mart-2007, which is scheduled to begin on May 11.

The mart aims to showcase and promote Nepal's unique tourism products and attractions among the domestic as well as foreign tourists. "Establishing Nepal as the most enchanting next generation holiday destination is the goal of the event," a statement issued by the NATTA states.

Apart from this, the mart is expected to help diversify the country's tourism industry. The tourism event is being jointly by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC).

The success of the First Himalayan Travel Mart held in 2005 was encouraging.

Meanwhile, NTB is going to organise "National Tourism Fair" on the sidelines of the mart to highlight the country's rich tourism resources. The mart will be held at the Birendra International Convention Centre BICC), New Baneshwor. All the tourism-related stakeholders like tourism development committees, tourism colleges, handicraft producers and cultural event promoters will be encouraged and mibilised to showcase their services to the general public as well as the foreigners, according to Acting Executive Chief Officer of NTB Mr. Subash Nirola.

Call to protect Upper Mustang caves

Archaeologists and other concerned experts have pointed out the need to step up immediate measures for the protection of the archaeologically important objects found in many caves of the Upper Mustang.

In course of its research study, a nine-member team of Nepali and foreign experts had recently observed the numerous human-excavated caves and overhanging complexes of the Upper Mustang.

Located in the upper watershed of the Kali Gandaki River and north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, the nearly uncountable, lost troglodytic civilizations revealed exquisite wall paintings never before photographed, nor viewed in modern times.

The team also showed three or more periods of human use, as identified by occupation layers that are separated, in some cases, by long periods of abandonment. While exploring such treasurers, the team used advanced mountaineering and repelling techniques.

"Some of the objects traced in the caves are more than 3,000 years old," said archaeologist Shukra Sagar Shrestha, who was one of the members of the team.

The research trip was recently organised by the Sherpa Shangrila Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd, in collaboration with The North Face and Skydoor Productions.

At a press conference organised in Kathmandu, the team showed astonishing video clips and slides of the lost cave civilizations, the remarkable discoveries found inside, and the hair-raising process of getting there. They briefly discussed the urgency of, and issues surrounding, these cave sites, and announced plans for further research and documentation of the art and archaeological features of these national treasurers.

Other findings of the research were decorative wall motifs seen nowhere else in Asia, different types of Tibetan scripts executed in ink, silver and gold, pre-Christian era pottery shreds and likely burial caves and promising archaeological mounds.

Talking to journalists, Kosh Prasad Acharya, Director General at the Department of Archaeology, sought necessary support and cooperation from the concerned sectors for the protection of such objects.

Jiban Ghimire, managing director of the Sherpa Shangrila Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd., said that his company would take the initiative to carry out research on the archaeologically important objects in the Upper Mustang caves in future as well.

The group of scholars, adventurers and filmmakers participating in the research team included archaeologists Prakash Darnal and Shukra Sagar Shrestha, veteran author Broughton Coburn, award winning filmmaker Liesl, seven-time Everest summiteer and North Face athlete Peter Athans, premier big wall climber and North Face athlete Renan Ozturk, high definition filmmaker Karl Swingle, Mustang art conservator Luigi Fieni, assistant art scholar Ian Alsop and Mustang royal family member Tsewang Bista.

19th Grand Annual Rafting Festival will be held on 26th May 2007

Some more new world records on Everest expected

Jeanne Stawiecki is all set to climb the world's tallest peak—Mt. Everest— during spring 2007. She is leaving for the 8,848-metre peak on March 29, news reports said.

Jeanne has set a new world record for females by completing the Antarctica Marathon on February 26, 2007.

If she becomes successful in her attempt, she will become the first woman in the world to summit the highest peak and complete a marathon on each of the seven continents in just five months. The 56-year-old adventure lover may also be the oldest woman to reach the seven summits.

"I am on a journey to become the first women in the world to summit the highest peak and complete a marathon each of the seven continents. I am on a target to complete this task by May 2007," news reports quoted her as saying.

This is an endeavor she is financing herself through hard work and determination. She grew up in a Massachusetts factory town where her mother used to work to support her children.

She completed the course in 4:54:50. The course on King George Island off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula is quite challenging. It loops through the scientific research bases of Uruguay, Chile, China and Russia, brings runners across streams and huge mud flats and up a large glacier twice.

She worked to put herself through nursing school, where she was told to take up smoking to relieve stress.

A self-described former 2 pack a day smoker and a poor performer in sports for as long as she can remember, Jeanne did not begin exercising seriously till her mid 40's. As she decided to give up smoking for financial reasons, she began exercising to prevent weight gain. In the beginning, she could only walk -- and not very fast without getting winded. Gradually, she started to run part of the route and, later, the entire route. Distance running became a way for her to relieve stress, but after a number of years, she became bored with running. Taking up climbing in her 50's at a colleague’s suggestion, she had never been out of the country until she did her first climb in 2002. Having made the decision in middle age to turn her life around, now she is the vision of health and athleticism.

Meanwhile, in his bid to set a new record on the world's tallest peak, Mt. Everest, A Dutch daredevil is planning to attempt on the 8,848-metre peak during the spring 2007. Climber Wim Hof will wear just boots, shorts, gloves and a cap while climbing the peak, reports AFP quoting the expedition leader Werner de Jong from the Netherlands.

Known as the “Iceman”, he will climb the 8,848-metre peak in shorts, only in sections. However, the expedition leader de Jong said the team is planning to set many new records on Mt. Everest.

Having special abilities to withstand freezing temperatures, he has nine endurance records and recently ran 21 kilometres barefoot above the Arctic circle in Finland. The adventure lover's website www.innerfire.nl shows him cross-legged and semi-naked, meditating on ice.

According to de Jong, Hof will strip off for climbing, but don clothes while resting. “Overnight and during tea breaks, he will wear clothes,” he said

The climber will have four extra Sherpas with him to assist him.

In May 2006, a media furor was spread, as he claimed to have briefly stripped off on the summit of Everest, considered a holy mountain by Tibetans.

The expedition, which includes four clothed climbers, will leave the Netherlands on April 1, 2007 and hopes to make a summit attempt on May 16th.

Similarly, another multi-faceted personality from Newfoundland is also planning to climb Mt. Everest during this spring.

TA Loeffler, a Full Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, will attempt on the peak Mt. Everest from Nepal side using IMG for logistics support, reports everestnews.com.

She is an outdoor adventurer, hockey player, filmmaker, photographer, educator, workshop leader, motivational speaker, and life coach. Her work and adventures have taken her to 20 different countries and five different continents.

With compassion, care, presence, and playfulness, TA creates a safe space for all to learn, grow, and heal within. She uses her vast collection of outdoor adventures to create metaphors that provide new ways to see and transform the inevitable obstacles of life. TA inspires hope, possibility, and vision in those whose lives she touches, the news report says.

TA has produced nine films. Her films have shown in film festivals in Vancouver, Toronto, Regina, Lexington, and St. John’s. TA seeks to create films that document, inform, educate, move, and transform…her and others. She is also a professional photographer shooting both film and digital images. As an image-maker and artist, TA understands the power of the creative process to initiate and sustain life change. Art is a transformational process in her own life, and TA brings this creative synergy into all aspects of her work.

TA is a talented athlete. While training for her successful climb of Denali, she ran a half marathon a week for weeks on end. Besides running, TA uses strength training, yoga, cycling and step aerobics to prepare for her expeditions. She has a passion for hockey and has played every position on the ice including goaltender.

TA has coached several championship winning hockey teams and has officiated at the national championship level. Through her experience in both sports and outdoor adventure, TA intimately appreciates teamwork and knows how to bring teams together to accomplish their goals and fulfill their greatest potential.

Her Ph.D. in Outdoor Education and Master’s in Adventure Based Counseling provide the foundation for both her work and personal adventures. She is dedicated to experience-based learning within academic, wilderness, and corporate environments.

Nepal participates MITT, enchants Russian visitors

The 14th Moscow International Travel and Tourist Exhibition ( MITT) successfully ended on March 24, 2007 in Expocentr at Krasnaya Presnya, Moscow Russia with more than 40 thousand visitors inquiring about packages and discounts offered by different tour operators offering various destinations. Started from March 21, it was organized by the renowned Russian exhibition business company , The ITE.

Nepal's participation was made under the aegis of Nepal Tourism Board in close coordination with Nepalese Embassy in Moscow. Two Nepalese Private companies Avia Club Nepal Pvt. Ltd and South Asian Holidays Pvt. Ltd also took part in this fair as participants.

Nepal's participation in MITT exhibition provided Nepalese Travel Trade with an opportunity to obtain complete information on the market, get acquainted with the interest of the consumers, take professional opinions and personally interact with the leaders of the tourist industry.

The fair was participated in by more than 2700 companies from 110 different countries round the globe. Forum Pavilion featured international companies, hotels, airline companies and tourism departments from the South-Eastern Asia, Middle East and Africa.

The New Nepal's Tourism Brand identity "NATURALLY NEPAL Once is not enough" made special impression to the Russian tourists. The participation further polished the image of Nepal repositioning it as a premiere holiday destination in the Russian market.

Tourist arrivals up by 63% in February

The number of foreign tourists, who visited Nepal in the month of February 2007, increased by 62.6% as compared to the arrival figures of the corresponding month of last year.

A total of 25,656 tourists came to the Himalayan country in February this year, while the number of visitors of the same month of 2006 stood at 15,776, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA). The growth, with not a single market declining, was outstanding not only from the Asian countries but also substantially from Europe and USA, the press release states.

The potential Indian market showed an overwhelming increase of 54.8% followed by remarkable upsurge from all the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, including Bangladesh by 60.5%.

Among the other Asian markets, arrivals from China shot up by 281.6%, South Korea by 88.8% and Japan by 69.5%. The East Asian markets also showed an upward trend. Data show that arrivals from Thailand increased by 110%, Malaysia by 8.4%, Singapore by 59.2% and Taiwan by 29.2%. With such an encouraging arrivals trend, the East Asian countries have become the major generating markets having about 28% share.

The notable growth in European market was contributed by increases in arrivals from France (68.6%), Germany (23.4%), United Kingdom (88.3%) as well as improvement in arrivals from Belgium (46.8%), Italy (26.1%), the Netherlands (40.4%), among others. Similarly in addition to the rise in Australian visitors (35.2%), the American visitors number swelled by 53.1%.

The significant growth in the number of tourists from South Korea, China and Bangladesh took place due to increased direct air connections. "With the vastly improved situation in the country, the rising confidence of international travel trade and consumers has paved the way for more travelers to visit Nepal," NTB says.

Peak named after late Dr. Gurung

The Government of Nepal has renamed the 7,871-metre mountain— "Peak-29"— as "Dr. Harka Gurung Peak" in recognising of his outstanding contributions to the nation.

Dr. Gurung, a senior geographer and development expert, had passed away in a helicopter crash in Taplejung last year. He had also been known as an expert in the fields of mountaineering and tourism.

He was an Honourary Patron of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), which is an umbrella organisation of the trekking companies in Nepal.

Palung Ri peak removed from list

The Government of Nepal has decided to remove the 7,012-metre 'Palung Ri' peak from the list of mountains for expedition.

The Government has taken such a decision on the basis of a report submitted by an expedition team in the spring season of 2006. As per the report, the peak was not found in the Mahalangur Range. The Department of Cartography also failed to find out the peak in the range.

NAC's revenue increases

The revenue of the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has improved during the first six months of the current fiscal year exceeding the target.

As per its half-yearly report, NAC’s earnings from passenger ticket sales and cargo was Rs 2.19 billion during the period, up by Rs 44 million against its target of Rs 1.95 billion. NAC’s overdraft to be paid to banks has come down to Rs 850 million as of mid-January from the Rs 1.45 billion in mid-July of 2006.

The corporation also paid Rs 45 million as TDS to the government, according to a press release issued by the corporation.

A total of 164,769 passengers have flown through NAC to various international destinations during the period. The number is also in increase against the set target of 147,548 passengers. Similarly, the international flight cargo shipment has also exceeded the target of 986 metric tonnes (MT) to 1,263 MT during the period.

The corporation has claimed that the positive result has been achieved through a strategic planning, suspending operations to sectors with low profitability and increased frequency in profitable sectors. NAC has focused its operations on various destinations such as Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur.

Qatar Airways to fly to more destinations

Qatar Airways has come up with new plans to start operating flights to more news destinations and increase flights on the existing routes.

The airline has announced a raft of new destinations being launched over the next few months, including the airline’s first move into the US market and increased frequency on existing routes.

In March 2007 alone, the airline plans to have four destinations added to its routes operated out of its operational hub of Doha. The airline will launch scheduled flights to Chennai, Bali and Ho Chi Minh City by the end of March.

Similarly, the airline will operate flights to New York, Washington and Geneva, with Stockholm following later this year.

According to the airline, unveiling the summer flying programme at ITB Berlin — the world’s biggest travel fair in the German capital — Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways chief executive officer said the airline is gearing up for an exciting few months of route launches and increased frequencies on existing services.

“2007 is an exciting year for Qatar Airways, celebrating 10 years since our re-launch and we look forward to welcoming passengers on our brand new routes and increased services to provide them with greater choice,” he said.

“Our first move into the US market this summer represents an important step in the history of Qatar Airways as we launch not one, but two destinations in North America. The addition of New York and Washington will provide the airlines with access to two key cities and a gateway to the rest of the United States,” said Al Baker.

The airline is increasing frequencies on 15 different routes from March 25. They include Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Algiers, Tunis, Casablanca, Osaka, Tehran, Tripoli, Vienna, Athens, Mumbai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Dares Salam.

Al Baker said that Qatar Airways is continuing its year-on-year aggressive expansion plans averaging 35 per cent annually. The airline expects to have carried eight million passengers over the current 12-month financial year, which ends on March 31.

Paragliding Championship concludes

The Nepal 8th Open Paragliding Championship- 2007 concluded in the tourist hub city of Pokhara on January 27, 2007.

In the three-day championship, British pilot Jamie Massenger was declared the champion and bagged the first prize (Rs. 15,000 and trophy). Austrian paraglider Justin Tauman came out second and British pilot Adam Hill became third in the championship. Tauvman received Rs. 9,000 and a certificate and Hill bagged Rs. 7,000 and a certificate.

Under separate categories, Indian pilot Ajay Kumar Sharma was declared the Best Acrobat, while, Canadian pilot Kevin Kutzner won the Best Sports Landing and Nepali pilot Ghanashyam Gautam received the honour of Best Costume.

Regional Administrator Mr. Medini Prasad Sharma presented prizes and trophies to the winners amidst a concluding ceremony.

A total of 70 participants, including seven women, from 22 various countries of the world had taken part in the adventure sports event. Of the total participants, 16 were from Nepal.

Addressing the function, Mr. Narendra B.C., the President of the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) Central Executive Committee, called upon all to make concerted efforts for the development and promotion of the tourism industry, the mainstay of the national economy.

Mr. B.C. also expressed the view that the strikes and bandhs have adversely affected the tourism industry.

The event was organised by TAAN Western Regional Chapter Pokhara, in association with Nepal Airsports Association Nepal, the sports event aims to promote tourist attractions of Pokhara and the surrounding areas. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) promoted the event.

Coordinator of the event, Mr. Tikaram Sapkota informed that the TAAN Western Regional Chapter Pokhara was planning to organise the Paragliding World Cup in 2010.

Pokhara and the surrounding areas are regarded as the world's one of the most suitable places for organising paragliding championship. In Nepal, the number of paragliders is very few. The number of paragliders in Japan is believed to be about 100,000, while France has 40,000. The total number of paragliders in the world is about 1 million.

The event was aimed to promote the country as an adventure tourist destination.

TAAN Western Regional Chapter Pokhara has been organising such an adventure tourism event annually since 1999.

Nepal started to be known as an adventure tourist destination in the international tourism market after the successful ascent of Mt. Annapurna I in 1950. The pilots off from Sarangkot and landed at Lakeside.

The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for Women, Children and Social Welfare Urmila Aryal amidst a special ceremony in Pokhara on January 25, 2007.

2nd Himalayan Int'l Travel Mart in May

With a view to promoting Nepal as an unparalleled tourist destination abroad, the 2nd NATTA Himalayan Travel Mart is going to be organised at the Birendra International Convention centre (BICC) in Kathmandu from May 11-13, 2007.

The mega tourism event targets to bring in about 100 foreign buyers and a number of tourism professionals from various tourist generating countries. The mart is being organised by the Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC).

The First NATTA Himalayan Int'l Mart was held in Kathmandu on from May 12-13, 2005. The organisers hope that the event would help introduce the country's unparalleled tourism heritage to foreign tour operators, tourism professionals and media.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital city on January 26, 2007, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Pradip Kumar Gyawali expressed the view that the tourism mart would play an important role in promoting Nepal's unlimited tourism resources.

Minister Mr. Gyawali, who is patron of the mart organising committee, also said that the government has encouraged foreign airlines to operate flights to Nepal. "The process of strengthening the national flag carrier has been initiated. NAC will be converted into a public limited company," he said.

He said the government has also encouraged Nepal's domestic airlines to operate international flights.

He also showed his commitment towards reforming tourism policies.

Dhruba Narayan Shrestha, President of NATTA, said that buyers and participants from about 20 countries across the world would take part in the mart.

Everest Base Camp ranked first among Asia's 11 tourist spots
Everest Base Camp in Nepal has been ranked as the first in the list of Asia's 11 major tourist destinations. The ranking has been made by Venture Magazine, which is published by a UK Based Kumuka Worldwide. This is a leading company that has been specialised in worldwide adventure tours for about two and a half decades.

It may be great pride for Nepal that the top destination (Everest Base Camp) precedes other destinations like Lhasa (Tibet), the Taj Mahal (India), Kettuvalom Cruising (India), Benotta Beach (Sri Lanka) and the Great Wall of China. These destinations have been ranked as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th positions respectively.

The magazine writes: Asia has a wealth of riches, among them the world's highest mountains, the oldest civilizations and an unsurpassed biodiversity. From such abundance we have picked a team of attractions that should make it on every traveller's wishlist. We can take you to all of them. But how many have you seen?

Listed on UNESCO's Natural Heritage Sites, Everest Base Camp, which is situated at an altitude of about 5,350m. above sea level, boasts of having unparalleled high mountain scenery on earth.

Documentary on mountain rescue
A documentary "Everest+ER" was presented at the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA) Hall.Prepared by BBC, the documentary depicts medical and rescue operations carried out by he volunteer doctors at the temporary clinic at Everest Base Camp (5,350m.) during spring 2006. With the help of foreign volunteer doctors, HRA has been operating a temporary medical clinic regularly at Everest Base Camp during spring season since 2003. The clinic has been conducted under the leadership of an American volunteer medical doctor, Luanne Freer.

The informative plus awareness raising documentary offers necessary information about high altitude sickness and the efforts made by the volunteer doctors to save lives of porters, trekking guides and trekkers.

Speaking at the documentary presentation ceremony, Bikram Neupane, the Chairman of HRA, said that documentary reflects the crucial roles played by the organisation and volunteer doctors in protecting the lives of the people in the area.

He also praised Dr. Luanne, who is also working at the clinic in the upcoming spring, for her outstanding contributions.

The operation of the medical clinic at the world's highest point has built up confidence among the visitors, and helped promote the country's mountain tourism potential abroad.

On the occasion, Dr. Luanne proudly said that no one lost his/her life in the clinic.

She said that she has been effortful for raising funds in her country to extend support to the clinic.

According to her, 15 lives were saved in last year's spring alone.

She had shown her keen interest to work voluntarily in Nepal's mountain region when she came to the Himalayan country some years ago.

Nuwakot Festival from Feb. 9

In a bid to highlight the natural and cultural attractions and agricultural and industrial products of the Nuwakot district, the Nuwakot Festival, which is first of its kind in the district, is being organised from February 9-13.

Lying close to the capital city of Kathmandu, Nuwakot is the ancient capital of Nepal. The process of unification of Nepal had been initiated from Nuwakot.

The major objective of the festival is to promote the district as a tourist destination. Some of the main tourist spots in the district include Trishuli, Kakani, Nuwakot Palace, Betrawati and Devighat.

In a press conference recently organised in Kathmandu, the convenor of the festival organising committee Mr. Sharan Utsuk Sapkota said that the festival would be helpful in the development of tourism infrastructure and promotion of domestic tourism.
The event is being organised by the Nuwakot Chamber of Commerce and promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Meanwhile, the ‘First Ozark Mountain Biking Championship’ will be organised on February 8, 2007 as part of the Nuwakot Festival.

Disclosing the mountain biking championship, Mr. Suman Pandey, managing director of Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, said the championship is being organised to mainstream Nuwakot as a most sought-after tourist destination in Nepal.

The championship will begin from the Kathmandu Durbar Square to Budhanilkantha covering a distance of 15 kilometres. Then, the mountain bike race will start from Budhanilkantha to Nuwakot along a 46-kilometre trail.

According to Pandey, the winner will be facilitated with a Rs 25,000 cash and a trophy. The first runner-up and the second runner-up will get Rs. 15,000 and Rs.10,000 respectively.

GMG Airlines start operating flights on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur sector

Nepal has now increased air access to Malaysia with GMG Airlines, as the only privately owned airline in Bangladesh, started its flights on Dhaka-Kula Lumpur-Dhaka sector from January 23, 2007.

According to a press release issued by GMG Airlines on January 22, 2007, the flights are operated three times in a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) at 20:30 hours, local time at Dhaka, and will reach Kuala Lumpur next day by early morning, 02:30 hours. From Kuala Lumpur, the flight will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays Fridays at 03:30 hours, and reach Dhaka by 05:30 hours.

Mr. Virendra Nautiyal, Director – Commercial, International Operations, GMG Airlines, said that GMG’s expansion plan to Malaysia would provide a good opportunity for Nepalese travelers since the Kathmandu /Dhaka flight will connect Dhaka/Kuala Lumpur flight within one hour’s short transit time.

Mr. Nautiyal further informed that with in a very short span of just three months time GMG Airlines has expanded its international network in to four cities viz Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur, which is a remarkable achievement.

Welcoming the GMG Airlines' expansion plan, Mr. Joy Dewan, Managing Director, Zenith Travels, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of GMG Airlines in Nepal, said that it would support the Nepalese travel industry, especially to the large number of workforce traveling towards Malaysia.

GMG Airlines is using MD-82 type of aircraft, having 153 seating capacity, for Kathmandu / Dhaka and Dhaka / Kuala Lumpur sectors. The airline has also launched special air fares in the market for Kathmandu – Kuala Lumpur sector, the press release states.

Interim statute promulgated in Nepal

In what could be another milestone for Nepal's peace process, the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) have returned to the parliament following a decade-long "People's War".

The inaugural session of the 330-member interim legislature approved the newly promulgated Interim Statute on January 15 evening. Both the Houses—the National Assembly and the reinstated House of Representatives—were dissolved with the opening of the interim legislature. The interim parliament has representatives from the major eight political parties, including the CPN (Maoist). The CPN (Maoist) alone has 83 lawmakers.
The formation of the inclusive interim parliament has paved way for the formation of the interim coalition government that will hold elections for the much-awaited Constituent Assembly (CA) before June this year. With the promulgation of the interim constitution, Nepal's tourism sector is likely to see more favourable times.
Nepali Congress leader Mr. Bal Bahadur Rai, the senior most leader by age, took oath of office and administered oath to all other members.
The interim legislature is expected to elect its Speaker on its meeting on January 17, 2007.
The Maoists' entrance into the House was an event of attraction for all. They were in a single-file procession like a battalion of army. Most of them were in their grey-colour jackets.
Top Maoist leaders like Chairman Prachanda, second man Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and army wing chief Mr. Ram Bahadur Thapa alias Badal were present on the parapet.
The nominated members from other parties were seen busy exchanging greetings and congratulations in an exhilarating manner.
The interim statute that replaces the 1990 constitution is Nepal's sixth constitution. The government had declared a public holiday for January 16 to mark the promulgation of the interim statute.

Various neighbouring and friendly countries such as the United States and India, and organisations and associations, including the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), have welcomed the new development in the ongoing peace process in Nepal.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has dissolved all its local level 'governments' and 'courts'.

Messner calls for visiting Nepal

World famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner has urged the German people to travel to Nepal, according to a press statement issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
Mr. Messner, who is the first climber to scale the world's 14 peaks above 8,000 metres and many other high mountains, made such a request at a press conference organised in Stuttgart of Germany on January 15, 2007.
"Nepal is as safe as it used to be for the visiting tourists," he told the press conference that was attended by more than 40 journalists.
Highlighting the fact that no visiting tourist faced any problem even during the time of political conflict, he said that the ever smiling and hospitable Nepalese people were welcoming tourists in the changed political situation.
Meanwhile, he also gave a lecture at a gathering of about 400 business people. Following the press conference, he visited the Nepal Stand and signed his books to the public.
Nepalese Ambassador to Germany Mr. Madan Kumar Bhattarai also attended the programme, which was focussed on the changed context of Nepal following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. Ann- Katrin Bauknecht, Honorary Nepalese Consul General and ambassador Bhattarai shed light on Nepal's peace process.
Meanwhile, a documentary 'Nepal - Journey's on the Roof of the World' was screened at Nepal Embassy Hall in London on January 16, 2007.
According to NTB, the documentary film, produced by 73Films with the support of NTB, depicts various tourism activities such as river rafting, trekking, village tour, jungle safari, Dashain festival, Nepali life style.
Stephan Sherman, who was producer and director of the film, shared his 14-month experience in Nepal during the making of the film. The film producer said that he that the worth of friendship was incredible in Nepal.

China Southern's services from Feb. 5

China Southern Airlines (CSA) has decided to start operating scheduled flights to Kathmandu from Guangzhou from February 5, 2007.

Mr. Pankaj Rai, ticketing officer of the Gorkha Travels that represents the CSA in Nepal, confirmed that the air company would begin its flights from February 5.

With its Boeing 757, the airlines will operate flights on Mondays and Fridays.

The airlines has also changed the arrival and departure times. The flights will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 22:45 and take off at 23:45.

Earlier, China's major flagship had announced that it would begin flying to Kathmandu from January 22, 2007.

It will take about 4 hours and 15 minutes for the flight to cover the distance between China's major trading hub, Guangzhou and the capital city of Kathmandu. Two-way fare amounts at Rs. 43,000 (exclusive of taxes). However, the CSA has offered two way tickets at Rs. 37,000 as promotional fare.

The CSA has been ranked as the largest carrier in China for the last 27 years. It carried about 44.12 million passengers in 2005 alone. With good networks, CSA flies to 142 destinations worldwide.

The airline has about 38 international offices at major metropolitan markets around the world, including Amsterdam, Ho Chi Minth City, Los Angeles, Paris, Singapore, Seoul, Sharjah, Sidney and Tokyo.

The operation of the CSA flights will not only help increase Nepal's access to the Chinese tourism market but will also contribute to increasing the number of foreign tourists coming to Nepal via China.

Maoist insurgency ends in Nepal

As the landmark event, the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) signed the much-awaited comprehensive peace accord, making an end to the decade long armed conflict in Nepal. The signing cerremony was held at the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) on November 21, 2006.

The accord was signed by Prime Minister Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala and Chairman of the CPN (Maoist) Mr. Prachanda on behlaf of the SPA and the CPN (Maoist) respectively.

Highlights of the newly signed peace accord include:

- Formal end of the Maoists' People's War that began in 1996
- No political rights to King; his property to be nationalised underv public trusts
- Implementation of all previous agreements reached betweenv the government and Maoists.
- Maoists' People's Liberation Army and Nepalv Army and their arms to be managed as per the earlier agreement reached between the government and the CPN (Maoist).
- No attacks or any kind of violent andv offensive activities from either side; no new recruitments in armed forces of both sides.
- OHCHR-Nepal to monitor human rights situation, and UN Team tov monitor and supervise PLA cantonments and Nepal Army barracks
- Fullv commitment to upholding human rights, all international human rights laws, civil liberties.
- Maoists' parallel administration (People's governments, People's Courts) across the country to be scrapped.
- National Peace andv Rehabilitation Commission, Truth Commission, and a high-level Commission for State Restructuring to be formed.
- Feudal land-ownership system to end,v Scientific land distribution system to be adopted.
- Strong punitive policy against corruption.
- Property earned illegally by anybody throughv corruption to be confiscated.
- Possession, display and use of arms andv weapons by anybody a punishable crime.
- Both government and Maoists tov assist each other to maintain law peace, law and order.
- Respectful rehabilitation and social integration of the people displaced during the insurgency.

Meanwhile, the UN, US, India and others have welcomed the announcement of the comprehensive peace accord.

The slacked economic sector, especially tourism, is expected to revive with the formal ending of the internal conflict.

TAAN welcomes peace accord

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has welcomed the historic Comprehensive Peace Accord signed by the government of the Seven Party Alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
The landmark political development has marked the end of the decade-long internal conflict, a press release signed by the President of TAAN, Mr. Narendra B.C. states.
It is important that all the major political parties, including the CPN (Maoist), have shown their strong commitment to work towards restoring peace and stability and accelerating the almost stalled economic development process in Nepal.
TAAN, an umbrella organisation of the country's registered trekking agencies, has hoped that the signing of the peace agreement would reinstate Nepal's image as a safe and peaceful tourist destination in the international arena. The end of the conflict would also be helpful in promoting the country's vast and unique tourism resources.
At this important hour, we would like to call upon all the tourism-related organisations, including Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), to come up with more effective promotional programmes to give a desired boost to the Nepalese tourism industry. TAAN is always ready to move ahead hand in hand with all the concerned organisations for tourism promotion, the press release says.

Project launched to market rural tourism products

In a bid to market Nepal's unlimited rural tourism products in the international arena, the Marketing Assistance for Sustainable Tourism (MAST)-Nepal was launched in the capital on November 23, 2006.

Addressing a launching ceremony, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Madhav Prasad Ghimire pointed out the need for Nepal to do something important to promote the country's vast rural tourism products in the international market in a sustainable manner.

Being a pioneering project in the field of tourism marketing, MAST has been introduced with the financial and technical support of the European Union's Asia Invest Programme, SNV Nepal and Leeds Metropolitan University of the United Kingdom and coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The project aims to enhance the capability of the tour operators in marketing our rural tourism products.

Mr. Ghimire expressed the hope that the establishment of peace in Nepal would help revive the country's tourism business.

Highlighting the importance of the development of aviation sector in tourism promotion, he said that the government was working out plans for increasing air access to Nepal.

He assured that the government would introduce more comprehensive tourism policy and strengthen the national carrier—Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi expressed the belief that the Nepalese tourism industry would witness an unprecedented growth in the days to come because of the newly signed peace accord.

Speaking at the function, programme officer of UNEP, Ms. Garrete E. Clark said that the best sustainable tourism practices in Nepal would be showcased in other countries of the world.

On the occasion, Country Director of SNV-Nepal Mr. Mathias Moyersoen, representative of European Union delegation to Nepal Mr. Giap Dang, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Mr. Vijay Singh, representative of Leed Metropolitan University, UK, Mr. Richard Taper and Tourism Marketing Director of NTB and NTB focal person for MAST-Nepal Mrs. Nandini Lahe Thapa spoke various aspects of the new tourism project.

Mithila festival marked in Janakpurdham

The Bibahapanchami (Sita-Ram marriage) festival was celebrated with much fanfare in Janakpurdham, the ancient capital of the Mithila state, on November 25, 2006.

Devotees worshipped Lord Ram and Goddess Sita at the local temples after taking holy dips in the religiously famous ponds of Gangasagar, Dhanushasagar and Argaja.

On the day of Bibahapanchami, the wedding ceremony of Ram and Sita is commemorated. This is the largest festival in the area. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India, and Hindu devotees from different parts of the world, take part in the festival.

Meanwhile, addressing the concluding ceremony of the festival, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli stressed on the need to preserve the art, culture and language of the Mithila region.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR TREKKERS

With a view to checking illegal operations in the trekking industry and ensuring safety and security of trekkers, the Nepal Government has introduced a new rule that requires all trekkers to go on trekking in various parts of the country only through registered trekking agencies after obtaining a Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). As an umbrella organization of more than 550 registered trekking companies of Nepal, TAAN has been authorized by the Nepal Government to issue TRC and the new rule is scheduled to come into force from October 1, 2006. TAAN will charge a minimum amount of money as administrative and service fee for issuing TRC. As a record of trekkers, TRC incorporates their personal details, trekking route, duration, etc. The provision is introduced in order to upgrade the service standard and for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal. Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other penalties in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government. However, foreign guests visiting Nepal at the invitation of the Nepal Government, foreign officials, who deserve facilities as diplomats, and other foreign nationals working for development projects in Nepal, do not need to obtain TRC if they are not visiting the trekking areas as trekkers. But they must possess supportive documents and show them to the concerned officials at the check posts.

IMPORTANCE AND NECESSITY OF TRC

It is very important to have a kind of monitoring and facilitating system in place for any sort of outdoor activity that involves physical risk. Trekking is a major outdoor activity in Nepal's mountain tourism. Given the rugged physical condition and remoteness of almost all trekking areas of Nepal's Himalayan mountain region, a record system is very essential that would be helpful in monitoring the safety and security of trekkers. The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The Nepal Government is very serious about implementing TRC as a mechanism to control all sorts of anomaly, including illegal operations, and to ensure safety and security of trekkers. Therefore, TAAN, as a national tourism organization working in the field of sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal, has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing TRC. As per TAAN’s proposed hassle-free procedure, TRC is being issued to each and every trekker traveling only through the registered trekking agencies.

The decision regarding the introduction of TRC is a welcome step taken in its policies and programmes by the Nepal Government. So, TAAN is in the process of developing a well-managed and efficient system with nominal service charge of Nepali rupees 250 (equivalent US$ 3.5 only) to implement TRC in the open trekking areas of Nepal. TRC is going to be issued from convenient locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

TRC ISSUING SYSTEM

The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TRC:

1. All important details of trekkers and trekking routes will be maintained on a computerized record system that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers and field-staff.

2. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders -- tourism organizations, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institutes, etc.

3. Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned - trekkers, agencies, field - staff, government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.

4. TAAN will be able to work more in its effort of preservation of natural and cultural environment in cooperation with local communities. This, in turn, will enable to promote sustainable tourism.

5. The issue of TRC will be so simplified that it would be prompt and inexpensive. The convenient TRC counter in Kathmandu will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year. Pokhara counter will be opened for 9 hours a day. The TRC counters will be located close to the counters of the National Parks and Conservation Areas.

6. TAAN’s Media Centre will have updated information about the conditions of trails and other relevant insights into the trekking areas. The same information also will be updated frequently in the TAAN's web page. Some of the check posts along the trekking routes will be equipped with telephone services by TAAN.

TRC REGULATORY PROVISIONS

1. Trekkers must keep Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) along with them while trekking.

2. TRC must be shown to TAAN authorities, National Park check posts, Conservation Area Project’s check posts and police check posts on demand.

3. Deviation from the prescribed trekking areas shall be taken as a violation of law of the Government of Nepal

4. Trekkers must keep their copies of passports along with them during trekking for verification.

5. TRC shall be non-transferable, non-refundable and non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

APPEAL

TAAN also requests all concerned stakeholders to help disseminate the above information to potential trekkers to Nepal and other related offices and agencies. Any inconvenience that may arise due to implementation of this new rule is regretted. Urgent measures for tourism revival stressed

Japanese climbers scale Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Panbari

Eight members of the Japanese Mt. Manaslu Expedition 2006 climbed Mt. Manaslu (8,163m.) on October 1, 2006, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

Those who made it to the top were Yoshitomi Okura, 55, Takeshi Ogawa, 65, and Masami Yamanashi, 64, of Japan, and Sherab Jangbu Sherpa, 37, Nima Tenji Sherpa, 36, Pemba Gyalzen Sherpa, 38, Ongje Sherpa, 23, and Nima Gyalzen Sherpa, 30.

The team, which was led by Yoshitomi Okura, had made the attempt on the peak to mark the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Manaslu in 1956.

Similarly, five members of the Japan Alpine Club Panbari Himal Expedition 2006 scaled the 6,887-metre Mt. Panbari on September 24, 2006. The climbers included Yoshimi Kato, 22, Sakaya Koyama, 22, Yosuke Urabe, 25, Kenro Nakajima, 22, and Gakuto Komiya 21, of Japan. The team was led by Yoshimi Kato.

BBC Holiday Programme to promote Nepal

A five-member team of BBC Holiday Programme returned home recently after completing its weeklong filming programme in various touristically important places of Nepal.

During the stay in Nepal, the team visited cultural and historical places of the Kathmandu Valley and the Chitwan National Park. Moreover, they experienced mountain flight, and whitewater rafting in the Seti River.

With around six million viewers worldwide, BBC Holiday Programme is expected to play a vital role in promoting Nepal worldwide as a prime tourist destination in the international arena.

At a farewell reception hosted in honour of the popular channel's team in the capital, Mr. Bikrum Pandey, managing director of the Himalayan Expeditions (P) Ltd. that handled the team in Nepal, expressed the hope that Nepal would get a massive positive publicity with the airing the programme.

"As the political situation of Nepal is returning to normalcy, the BBC's film could send positive message to their millions of viewers about Nepal as the most exciting cultural and adventure holiday destination," said Mr. Pandey.

He also thanked team leader Mr. Owen Gay and other members for their effort to promote Nepal's tourism resources.

On behalf of the BBC team, leader Gay said that the trip was quite exiting. He was happy that he sighted a Royal Bengal Tiger as well in Chitwan.

Other members of the team were Mr. Anthony Cranck, Mr. Dean Johnson, Mr. Wade Muller and Ms. Jessica Morris.

Suketar airport reopens

The Suketar airport in the Taplejung district has reopened since October 6, 2006 after three-month closure. With the reopening of the airport, the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has resumed its flights from Biratnagar to Taplejung.

According to the airport management, NAC operates three flights a week and the Yeti Airlines flies once a week.

Located at a height of 2,480 metres above sea level, the airport is in operation from October to July. During other months, the airport remains close due to bad weather.

Nepal takes part in JATA mart

Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines and private sector of Nepal jointly participated in the JATA Congress and World Travel Fair 2006 held between September 21 and 24, 2006 in Tokyo, Japan.

This year, a large number of exhibitors from all over the world took part in the mart. The According to the Japan Association of the Travel Agents (JATA), about 38048 trade visitors and media persons and more than 68,000 consumers visited the fair this year. NTB participated at the said fair with the new tourism branding theme "Naturally Nepal, Once is not Enough."

A large number of consumers visited the Nepal stand and collected latest information on Nepal at the mart, according to NTB.
Japan is one of the top tourism source markets in terms of outbound numbers as well as tourism spending. According to the Japan Tourism Marketing Corp. the Japanese outbound market has grown significantly due to the recuperated travelers' confidence and the total number of overseas Japanese visitors reached 17,403,565 in 2005. The departure figure of Japanese nationals till June, 2006 is 8.3 million and is expected to reach the level of 2000 when 17,81,8590 Japanese traveled abroad.

Japanese tourist arrival to Nepal till August 2006 is 9027 (by air only).

More foreign airlines flying to Nepal

With the cease-fire turning into permanent peace, the entire tourism industry is in the process of revival. Both the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) leaderships have expressed their commitment that they would give the much-required positive message to the country soon by holding summit peace talks before the Dashain festival.

Against this backdrop, some six international airlines are in the process of operating their flights to Nepal soon. According to the latest news reports, GMG Bangladesh, Orient Thai, Air Arabia, Korean Air, Etihad, and Sri Lankan Airlines are flying to Kathmandu as a new destination.

GMG Bangladesh Airlines said it would conduct flights on the Dhaka-Kathmandu route from October. According to Mr. Joy Dewan, managing director of Zenith Travels (P) Ltd. that represents GMG Bangladesh Airlines in Nepal, the airlines has plans to operate three flights a week from October 25, 2006.

Orient Thai Airlines, a budget airline from Thailand, and Air Arabia, a national budget airline of United Arab Emirates (UAE) have already forwarded the process to take permission from the Nepal Government in order to operate their flights.

Orient Thai wants to operate three flights a week on Bangkok-Kathmandu-Bangkok route. Similarly, Air Arabia has requested the government to allow it to operate seven flights a week on Sharjah-Kathmandu-Sarjah sector.

Likewise, Korean Air is planning to operate direct-chartered flights to Kathmandu from Incheon, South Korea from the second week of November this year. And Eithad Airways, the national airline of UAE, has received permission from the Nepal Government to operate four weekly flights on Abu Dhabi-Kathmandu-Abu Dhabi route.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Airlines is willing to fly to Kathmandu via New Delhi. The airline is likely to start its flights on this sector only after the renewal of air services agreement between Nepal and India.

Sweden lifts travel advisory against Nepal

The Government of Sweden has lifted the travel advisory against Nepal effective from September 7, 2006. It was stated in a letter sent to Nepalese Embassy- UK by Dr. Roland Dahlam, Consul General of Nepalese Consulate General in Sweden, according to a news report of the NTB Media Centre.

The lifting of travel advisory will allow the Swedish travellers to get travel insurance to visit Nepal. Travel insurance is very common among the Swedish population and will again be effective in connection with travel to Nepal, he said. Dr. Dahlman said that it would help to increase the number of visitors from Sweden to Nepal

‘Garden of Dreams' to open from Oct. 4

The Keshar Mahal Palace and Gardens, which is also known as the 'Garden of the Six Seasons' or the 'Garden of Dreams' will open to all fro October 4, 2006.

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, the palace represents one of the most prominent architectural examples of Nepal's Rana period.

The garden has been transformed by an Austrian architect into a garden of dreams with a restaurant and an amphitheatre.

Promoted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the beautiful garden has been developed by Eco-Himal, an Austrian NGO.

Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC)

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has been entrusted with the responsibility of issuing Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) to foreign tourists interested to visit open trekking areas in the country. The new provision is going to be launched on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2006) and come into effect from October 1 this year.

The Nepal Government has decided to introduce TRC in order to control illegal operations in the Nepalese trekking industry and to ensure safety and security of the visiting trekkers.

tour operators were asked to sell Nepal more effectively in a more affective manner at a time when peace process has been taking a momentum in the country. The media people were also requested to disseminate information about the political changes that have taken place in Nepal in a positive light, according to Nepal Tourism Board.

Presenting his welcome speech, Charge‘d Affaires a.i., Mr. Dipendra P. Bista shed light on the recent positive political developments in Nepal. He also highlighted the agreement signed between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) for the resolution of the decade-long internal conflict.

The programme was important in the sense that Mr. Alan Hinkes, the first Briton and 13th person to climb the world's all 14 highest mountains above 8000 metres, made his presentation. The world-famous climber said that the magnificent mountains and traditional culture and hospitality are attractions in Nepal. “Because of such attractions, I have been visiting the Himalayan country almost every year since my first visit in 1987,” he said.

Regarding the issue of safety and security, Mr. Alan said that Nepal is one of the few places where he can relax and enjoy the splendid beauty of the unique land.

On the occasion, the organisers and President FBNNTO, UK Raja, Mr. Ram Giri requested all participants to help promote Nepal more effectively.

Dhruba K.C., who is the founder President FBNNTO, highlighted the efforts of the association for Nepal’s tourism promotion in Britain.
Mr. Madan Thapa’s presentation of live music had made the gathering more interesting. About 150 travel and tour operators, representatives of airlines, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), UK, Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Britain Nepal Society, and renowned travel trade journals, national dailies, including Editor Daily Express, The Independent and Nepali Television UK.

TAAN welcomes Govt-Maoist pact

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has welcomed the five-point understanding between the Nepal Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) for the establishment of permanent peace in the country.

“The request made by the government and the CPN (Maoist) to the United Nations for carrying out the responsibility of monitoring of peace process reveals their strong commitment to peace and stability,” a press statement issued by TAAN states.

The umbrella organization of the trekking agencies is assured that the entire economic sector, especially the tourism industry, will get a boost with the peace process moving ahead in the right direction. 

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Sagarmatha Award for late Col. Roberts

The Government of Nepal has awarded the Sagarmatha Award to the late Lieutenant Colonel James O.M. Roberts in recognition of his pioneering role in the Nepalese trekking industry and outstanding promotion of mountain tourism in Nepal.
The reputed mountaineer and Gurkha officer had founded Nepal’s first trekking agency--the Mountain Travel Nepal, part of the Tiger Mountain Group.
The Sagarmatha Award is presented annually by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Government of Nepal, to foreigners who have made significant contributions to Nepal’s development. The award carries a cash purse of Rs. 100,000.
According to a press statement issued by the Tiger Mountain Group, the amount will be divided equally between the World Pheasant Association “Jimmy Roberts Memorial Fund” and the Himalayan Trust.
The WPA supports the Pipar Pheasant Sanctuary in Macchapuchhre Village Development Committee (VDC) of Kaski district with innovative linkage of school development in return of conservation of the healthy pheasant populations in the community forest and upland grazing areas of the village.
The Himalaya Trust, founded by world-famous mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, provides education and health development in the Khumbu (Everest) Region of Nepal.
The Mountain Travel offered new economic opportunities to the Sherpa community through trekking tourism. By the end of his active climbing life, he had led more than 10 expeditions, served on countless others and pioneered the majority of present day trekking routes in Nepal.

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Security beefed up at TIA

The Nepal Government has beefed up security at the country’s only international airport-- Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)-- and tightened scrutiny of air passengers following the foiled terrorist attack plot in London.

TIA's Security Coordination Committee has restricted air passengers from carrying aerosols, gels, toiletries, liquid soap, mouthwash, shaving cream, toothpaste, perfume, among others, in their hand baggage.

TIA security has been asked to strictly monitor hand carried liquid items, according to a government official. Security has been issued with a directive to closely inspect the branded seals even of liquid items bought at duty-free shops, says a press statement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

TRC issuance procedure to be simple, practical

In a bid to collect suggestions and ideas from the member agencies about the implementation of Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized an interaction programme in Kathmandu on July 24, 2006. TAAN officials and member agents were unanimous regarding the procedure of the implementation of TRC. They emphasized the need to adopt a simplified procedure for the issuance of TRC.
As demanded by TAAN, the Nepal Government has introduced the provision of TRC to help control various anomalies, including illegal operation. TRC is likely to come into effect from the last week of September this year. With the implementation of TRC, the visiting trekkers must go on trekking through the registered Nepalese trekking agencies and pay a small amount of money.
Addressing the meeting, President of TAAN Mr. Narendra B.C. said that TRC would help check illegal operation in the trekking business. “This will also ensure security of the trekkers, as TAAN will maintain a record system,” B.C. said.
He believed that the implementation of TRC would help maintain quality of the trekking business.
Mr. Deepak Mahat, Immediate Past President of TAAN, said that the suggestions of member agencies would be incorporated in the TRC action plan.
Mr. Mahat, who had been lobbying hard for the introduction of TRC, asked the member agencies to extend their necessary support and cooperation to TAAN for its effective implementation.
Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Phurba Gyalzen Sherpa, First Vice-President of TAAN, lauded the member agencies for their invaluable suggestions.
Extending his welcome address, Mr. Sitaram Sapkota, TAAN’s General Secretary, asked the member agencies to put up their ideas and suggestions regarding TRC to TAAN. Mr. Sapkota also stressed on the need for the member agencies to be serious and sincere while implementing TRC.
Similarly, Mr. Bashu Dev Parajuli, President of TAAN Western Regional Chapter Pokhara, pointed out the need for TRC and asked the member agencies to come up with strong commitment to check illegal operation. On the occasion, member agents Mr. Abir Malla, Mr. D. B. Koirala, Mr. Tilak Bahadur Lama, Mr. Santosh Gautam, Mr. Sagar Pandey, Mr. Govind Poudel, Mr. Tej Bahadur Bhatta, Mr. Nawaraj Marasini, among others, shared their ideas and views about challenges and opportunities of TRC implementation.
Meanwhile, a nine-member TRC implementation taskforce has been formed under the coordination of Mr. Deepak Mahat. Other members of the taskforce include Mr. Phurba Gyalzen Sherpa, Mr. Ganesh Neupane, Mr. Tilak Bahadur Lama, Mr. Mohan Lamsal, Mr. Nawaraj Pandey, Mr. Nawaraj Dahal, Mr. Bashu Dev Parajuli and Ms. Pampha Dhamala. The taskforce has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing an action plan and carry out other necessary preparations for the implementation of TRC.

TEAP workshop for SASEC tourism trainers A 5-day Tourism and Environment Awareness Program (TEAP) Workshop for South Asia Sub-Regional tourism trainers was successfully held recently. The training imparted in-depth knowledge on the role of environment awareness, community empowerment and gender mainstreaming in tourism with reference to the efforts made by Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in the field of sustainable tourism development. The participants, who were from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, visited Dhunche, Syabru and Gatlang in Rasuwa district, and observed the tourism and environment related initiatives. The programme was jointly organized by NTB and Asian Development Bank - Japan Special Fund in association with UNDP/TRPAP.

Govt. announces indefinite ceasefire
In its response to the ceasefire announced recently by the Community Party of Nepal (Maoist), the newly formed government of Nepal has declared an indefinite ceasefire and called on the rebels to hold a peace dialogue at the earliest. The government has also lifted the Red Corner notice as well as the terrorist tag labelled on some top Maoist leaders. In a meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs K. P. Sharma Oli read out the decision regarding the peace process. The government’s move is expected to be helpful in making an end to the decade-long internal conflict in which more than 13,000 people have lost their lives. As per a 12-point understanding reached between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists in November last year, the reinstated House of Representatives is in the process of holding constituent assembly elections.

Appa scales Everest for record 16th time
Well-known mountaineer Appa Sherpa has broken his own previous record by scaling Mt. Everest for the 16th time on May 19, 2006.

Together with two Sherpas and one American climber, Appa, as a head guide, made it to the top at around 10.50 a.m. on last Friday. The expedition was handled by the Asian Trekking (P) Ltd.

Appa's first successful ascent of Everest was on May 10, 1990 and he set foot atop the summit twice in 1992. He has been climbing the world's highest peak regularly since 1990.

Appa announced retirement from climbing after he ascended the 8,848-metre peak for the 13th time in 2003. He continued to climb the peak, breaking his earlier records.

According to news reports, more mountaineers are climbing Mt. Everest this season because of favourable weather conditions. Around 45 climbers from various countries climbed the world's highest peak on May 18 (Thursday) alone.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said that climbers from the US, the UK, Poland, Canada, Australia, Spain, Philippines, Korea, Germany, Switzerland and Austria along with Sherpa guides of Nepal successfully climbed the peak on that day.

Setting a world record, a 70-year-old Japanese climber scaled Mount Everest on Wednesday, making him the oldest person in the world to achieve the feat.

The second Nepali women to climb the Mount Everest, Lakpa Sherpa, made another world record by ascending the peak for the sixth time.

New Zealand’s mountaineer Mark Inglis, who lost his legs in a climbing accident