About Samrat Group Nepal

It is my immense pleasure to introduce our self as a tour, trekking & expedition operator in Nepal, Tibet, Kailash, Bhutan, & India. We are very proud that we have excellent reputation in the market for quality services in very competitive prices. The company has won numerous awards from various organizations for its contributions and achievements. We are members of the following travel associations: IATA (International Air Transport Association) NATTA (Nepal Association of Tours & Travel Agents), UFTAA (Universal Federation of Travel Agent's Association) TAAN (Trekking Agents Associations of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), SKAL (Skal international Association of Travel and Tourism Prefessionals), PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).

Nepal celebrates 34th World Tourism Day

Nepal celebrates 34th World Tourism Day
  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

Nepal celebrates 34th World Tourism Day with the aim to promote water tourism in Nepal. This year’s theme celebration “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future” is focused on raising awareness on usability of water resources. Given the water and electricity scarcity in Nepal, the theme is pertinent with the need of the hour on improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy technologies.

Picture-collage-1
Throughout this month, various tourism and environmental organizations have explored ways to enhance tourism through available water resources in Nepal. Bagmati River Cleaning Campaign among one of such efforts has been well received and appreciated by locals. A large number of volunteers also joined this initiative.
Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) organized rafting on Trishuli River on September 25 as part of its efforts to promote water tourism. They are also organizing clean-up program and rafting in Trishuli and Bhotekoshi rivers today.
As every year, Nepal Tourism Boards will be welcoming tourists entering the country through Tribhuwan International Airport and other entry points. Member hotels of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) will provide 25 percent discount on food to all tourists.
The Hotel Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Thamel Tourism Development Committee, Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal, Tour Guide Association of Nepal, Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association, Trekking and Tour Operators Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, and Journalists’ Association for Tourism Nepal are some of the associations which will organise various programmes to mark the 34th World Tourism Day.
Awareness rallies, clean up campaigns, street festival, cultural programs are being organized in the districts and in the capital. Kathmandu Metropolitan City will allow free entry to foreign tourists visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan and Bhaktapur will also be holding several programs.

Source: http://thegreathimalayatrail.org

Khumbu lures more tourists yet in offseason

Khumbu lures more tourists yet in offseason
  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

Though the month of July is normally regarded as a season when foreign tourists generally seem reluctance to trek the Khumbu region, some 351 foreign tourists have paid visit the Sagarmatha National Park area in this season.

10656312_780749998654337_2009004723_n

The Park is a protected area in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal that is dominated by Mount Everest. It encompasses an area of 1,148 in the mountainous Solukhumbu district.

According to data published in Gorkhapatra daily, among total numbers, Germany recorded the highest followed by other European countries during the month. Spain contributed 25 while Asia’s giant China sent only 27 tourists.

The discouraging number was from South Asian countries with meager 5 tourists from neighboring India.

The office garnered Rs. 325, 778 in revenue in the month including from entry fees, permission for timber, sand and stones and lodge rent.

Sagarmatha is an exceptional area with snow-capped peaks,  crystal like glaciers and deep valleys, dominated by Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at the elevation of 8,848 m.

10653900_780750855320918_1120893317_n

The park also houses various rare species like snow leopard and red panda. The typical culture of of the Sherpas, with their unique lifestyle, adds further interest to this region.

Flights resume in Lukla

In a separate report, flights have resumed in the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, on the lap of Mt Everest, in the district since Thursday with the improvement in weather pattern. The flights were disrupted due to adverse weather since a week.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, Lukla, aircraft of Tara Air and Sita Air made flights to and from the Lukla airport as the weather improved Tuesday evening.

Likewise, Choppers that could not provide their service for two days have also resumed their service.

Hundreds of trekkers and mountaineers visiting the Everest region were left stranded in Lukla as the regular flights were put off citing bad weather.

Tourist road section blocked

Yet in another report from the district, the Jubhing-Lukla tourist road section has been blocked following a massive landslide at Buksa of the district. A house belonging to local Bandi Sherpa was swept away by the flood. Foreign tourists are facing hard times and some are short cut their trip to Khumbu after the blockade.

According to Nagrik online, the landslide has adversely affected the under-construction Kharikhola Third Hydro Project. Security personnel are reportedly removing the landslide which has disturbed the movements of the tourists. However, police are trying to remove the landslide dumped on the road sections, it is learnt.

NEPAL MOUNTAIN NEWS

Lhasa’s Drepung Monastery comes alive for Shoton festival

Lhasa’s Drepung Monastery comes alive for Shoton festival

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

LHASA, China:    The usually quiet city came to life with hundreds of people, if not thousands, thronging the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). They came as early as five in the morning for the Shoton festival that started this year, according to the Tibetan calendar, on August 25.

“This is a regional Tibetan festival and it´s celebrated in different parts of Tibet,” says Zou Yuheng, a staffer at the TAR Information Office, explaining that Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, which is the largest monastery in the world, is the main venue for the festival.

Built in 1416, Drepung Monastery is situated at the foot of Gambo Utse mountain. The monastery looks from afar like a heap of rice, and hence its name. Dre in Tibetan means rice and pung signifies collecting. To reach the monastery on the first day of the five-day festival, people have to walk for two to three hours as all motorable roads leading to it are closed off. What makes the journey even more strenous is the fact that almost half the going is up a steep hill. Some people opt to head for the monastery surroundings on the eve of the festival and pitch tents for the night.

Lhasa_scene

In terms of crowd size, Shoton is Tibet´s equivalent of Maha Shivaratri in Nepal. The multitude gathered at the monastery includes people not only from different parts of Tibet but also from various other cities in the People´s Republic of China, just as Maha Shivaratri sees devotees from all over Nepal and even neighboring India.

“The highlights of the event are the unrolling of a huge thangka painting, drinking of yogurt, and family picnics throughout the five days,” explains Yuheng, adding that all schools and offices remain shut during the entire festival.

The thangka, as Yuheng elaborated, is an 80×60-meter scroll painting of Lord Buddha that is carried up the mountain of Drepung Monastery by monks on the first day of the festival and slowly unrolled to finally reveal the eyes. Partaking of yogurt signifies the end of a month-long fast by the monks during which they are confined within the walls of their homes and take only simple meals.

“As the thangka is rolled up again, devotees throw white silk scarves on it as offerings. It is believed that the higher your scarf reaches, the greater the blessings you will be bestowed,” Yuheng adds.

Though the festival is observed across Tibet, there are two places which are the major focus. At Norbulingka in Lhasa also the festival is celebrated with much aplomb. After Drepung Monastery, this is the second major venue for Shoton. Built in 1751 over 36 acres, it is also the Dalai Lama´s former summer palace. Norbulingka is a popular place for family picnics. On the premises, one gets to see many Tibetans in bright colored tents just lazing around and enjoying the ideal weather. The weather is just right in August, which is why this month is considered the best for travel to Tibet.

Puci, a local who works as a guide at Norbulingka, says many locals come during the Shoton festival as there is a Tibetan opera on from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. People with infants and toddlers in tow spend almost the entire day, or days, at Norbulingka during the festival period.  “Usually, this place isn´t so crowded, and you see a few tourists at most. But during the festival, it´s brimming with locals,” she says. The children play among themselves while adults indulge in some gossip and comment, laughing as tourists point their fancy tablets and DSLR cameras.

“It´s a mini vacation for families and also a time for different communities to come together,” says Yuheng, adding that locals and tourists alike enjoy the festival that showcases Tibet´s culture and traditions in their full glory.

The festival concludes on Friday.

Source: myrepublica.com

Tourism entrepreneurs seek change in provision

Tourism entrepreneurs seek change in provision

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.


POKHARA: Tourism entrepreneurs of Pokhara have demanded that the government ease the process of granting permission required to trek in the popular Manaslu area.

manaslu

Citing unnecessary hassles of having to make a long haul to the Capital to acquire permit for tourists, the concerned entrepreneurs have sought change in the provision so that permission can be granted from Pokhara itself.

“Though the permission per person costs Rs 2,000, more than double or triple the actual amount is spent to reach Kathmandu just to obtain it, how can such a provision encourage tourists to trek?” asked a local tourism entrepreneur.

“Most trekking agencies based in Pokhara offer trekking service to Manaslu area and it is the Manaslu Conservation Area Project under National Trust for Nature Conservation which is responsible for issuing the trekking permits, but it is intriguing that though the project’s office is based in Pokhara itself, we have to travel to the Tourism Board in Kathmandu to get permission,” lamented Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal Western Regional Association Chairperson Ramchandra Sharma, adding they have voiced their concerns to the concerned authorities many times but to no avail.

Manaslu trekking circuit which includes major destinations like Chum Valley and Larke Pass spreads over 1,663 square km in Gorkha district. It generally takes three weeks to complete the circuit. It’s also famous for a number of rare species of plants, birds and animals and also for the close-up view of mountains. Besides the amount the tourists have to post to the MCAP, there are additional charges they have to post to the immigration department on the basis of the time they want to spend on the trekking circuit.

Source: The Himalayan Times

Nepal moves to establish shorter air routes to India

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Wednesday formed a technical working group to discuss a range of airspace issues and create a favourable condition to open new cross-border air routes between Nepal and India.

The group is led by the deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and includes senior officials of the Tourism Ministry. It will finalize Nepal’s agenda for opening more direct and shorter flight routes between the two countries.

The group will submit its report to the ministry which will forward it to the Cabinet. Subsequently, a meeting will be held with an Indian technical team, said Suresh Acharya, joint secretary at the Aviation Industry Management Division at the ministry. Nepal has proposed holding the first round of meetings with India in September and the second round in October.

The airspace agenda, which had been gathering dust for a long time, was endorsed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nepal. The government has requested India to allow three more air entry points at Janakpur, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.

The prime ministers of the two countries have directed the concerned authorities to meet within six months to resolve the issue.

A joint communiqué issued by the two sides at the end of the visit said that the cross-border direct routes would facilitate flights from regional airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa to India.

This will save time and money for air travellers besides improving air connectivity between the two countries, it added.

Presently, the Simara route is the only route for aircraft flying into Nepal. It is used by almost all the airlines and has been suffering from air traffic congestion.

Two other entry points, Kakkarbhitta and Nonim, have been specially designated for planes coming from Bhutan and China respectively. Nepal offers more than six exit points for aircraft. They are Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Kakkarbhitta, Nepalgunj, Janakpur and Dhangadhi.

Meanwhile, the group will also incorporate the issue of opening the Trans-Himalaya 2 airspace ( Kathmandu -Bagdogra-Guwahati-Silchar-Imphal-Kunming ), which is a potentially lucrative route for Nepal, in the agenda to be discussed with the Indian authorities.

Although, the Trans-Himalaya 2 airspace has not been clearly indicated in the joint communiqué, it has mandated the authorities in the two countries to study and formalize the agenda related to airspace, Acharya said.

China has given the go-ahead to develop the trans-Himalayan airspace which is shorter, safer, more economical and more efficient for flights between Europe-Middle East and Oriental Asia.

The planned routes will reduce congestion of westbound traffic flows across the Bay of Bengal. The implementation of these routes will be possible only with the cooperation of countries such as India, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The International Air Transport Association has kept Himalaya 2 as a future requirement. The proposed Himalaya 2 airspace reduces air travel distance by more than 100 nautical miles (around 20 minutes of flight time) and will significantly reduce CO2 emissions caused by international airlines. Nepal has been lobbying to have the airspace implemented for more than a decade.

Source : Ekantipur

Chinese envoy says poor air links hindering Tourism

Chinese envoy says poor air links hindering Tourism

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

KATHMANDU, AUG 28 – Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai on Wednesday said that the limited capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and lack of other international airports in Nepal had stood as a major hindrance to increased air connectivity between Nepal and China.

chinese-ambassador_20140828084441  Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chunta

Currently, the government has been upgrading Gautam Buddha airport in Bhairahawa to a regional international airport with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) while there has been little progress in developing another planned regional international airport in Pokhara with Chinese assistance.

chinese_tourist_20130112095627

“Once two international airports are built in Pokhara and Lumbini, there will be more space for air connectivity and more Chinese tourists will come to Nepal,” he said. He added that there were other Chinese airlines that wanted to conduct direct flights to Nepal from Beijing and Shenzhen if TIA was upgraded.

The flow of Chinese tourists has been increasing in recent years. According to the Tourism Ministry, arrivals from the northern neighbour reached an all-time high of 113,173 last year largely due to improved air connectivity.

TOURISTS-RETURNS-TO-LUKLA_20120102094753

With the growing number of Chinese arrivals to Nepal, the two countries agreed a few months ago to let Chinese carriers operate 56 flights weekly from 14 flights earlier.

At present, three Chinese airlines—Air China, China Eastern and China Southern—operate daily scheduled flights to Nepal from Guangzhou, Kunming and Lhasa. Similarly, China’s Sichuan Airlines has been showing interest in linking Nepal. The Chinese envoy also stressed the need to promote Nepal as a tourist destination in China. According to him, Nepal can tap some portion of the large number of Chinese tourists through promotional activities. Every year, around 97 million Chinese travel abroad.

“Nepal can also benefit by attracting the tourists visiting Tibet with which Nepal shares close land connectivity,” he said. According to him, Tibet receives 15 million visitors annually. “If Nepal could lure even a small percentage of Tibet-bound visitors, it would greatly enhance the country’s tourism sector.”

Earlier, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, had urged the Chinese envoy to help increase air connectivity to increase the flow of Chinese tourists. He also urged simplifying visas for Chinese visitors to Nepal.

Apart from the issue of boosting arrivals from China, Shrestha urged greater Chinese investment in agriculture, hydropower and mining-related industries. He also called for facilitating the establishment of branches of Chinese bank in Nepal which would simplify business transactions between the two countries. China has been providing duty-free facility to 7,831 products from Nepal. “However, problems like complex quarantine procedures and certificate of origin process and lack of provision for providing multiple entry visas for businessmen have been preventing traders from benefiting from the duty-free facility,” said Shrestha.

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador said Nepali traders should focus on increasing value addition in their products and developing B2B relationship with their Chinese counterparts to enhance the country’s trade with China. According to him, there is growing demand for Nepali products like handicrafts, cheese and tea in China.

China willing to help landslide victims

Chinese Ambassador Wu Chuntai on Wednesday said that China was willing to provide logistic support worth 2 million yuan to the victims of the landslide and flooding of the Sunkoshi River at Jure of Sindhupalchok district on August 2. “We are holding talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the purpose,” said the envoy, adding that they were also willing to provide technical support to reconstruct the areas devastated by the landslide. Nepal-China trade through the Tatopani customs point has been at a standstill for the last three weeks as the Araniko Highway to Tibet was destroyed by the landslide and flood. The Chinese envoy said they had facilitated transportation of trade goods through the Kyirong-Rasuwagadhi route. “Some cargo carrying containers from China have already arrived in Kathmandu through the alternative route,” he said.

Source : Ekantipur