Bhaktapur sees tourist numbers rise 12.6pc

Bhaktapur sees tourist numbers rise 12.6pc

The tourist hub of Bhaktapur received 290,891 visitors last fiscal year, up 12.6 percent year-on-year. Officials said neighboring India and China accounted for the majority of the visitors. Tourist Information Center Bhaktapur statistics show 32,647 more tourists visited the city last year compared to the previous year.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. It is also one of the most clean and beautiful cities in the country and is a popular destination among foreigners. Indian visitors toped the arrival charts. The stats show Indian visitors accounted for 23 percent (64,375) of the total tourists, followed by Chinese 21.51 percent (58,859).

Damodar Suwal, tourist information officer at the centre, said Bhaktapur is devising a plan to allure more tourists by offering world class hospitality, rich heritage and clean environment. “Unlike Kathmandu and Lalitpur, tourists do not have to face sound and noise pollution here and we are committed to keep this city the cleanest,” he said.bhaktapur-temple

Cultural experts and historians say the flow of tourists is increasing as the city has been able to keep the century old chain of culture preserved. They say most of the tourists go to Bhaktapur to see the open museum, deep-rooted Newari culture and to observe and study Bhaktapur as Nepal’s Kingdom during the second half of the 15th century, ruled by the Malla Kings, said Om Dhaubhadhel, a cultural expert.

“There are events throughout the year, most of them Newari cultural events,” he said. “Besides, youths are also involved in preserving the local culture.”

Although Indians top the arrivals, officials say Germans spend the longer time. “Our record shows Germans are interested in the Newari language. Most of them were also working in the health, education and other sectors as volunteers,” said Suwal. The centre, a subordinate body of the Bhaktapur Municipality, charges Rs 500 to Chinese and those from Saarc states as entry fee, while for non-Saarc visitors the fee is $15 per person.

The municipality collected Rs 206. 06 million in revenue last fiscal year, up from Rs 163.78 million in the previous fiscal.

Source: ekantipur

New Trekking Route “Loluphera” Identified

  • 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.

A new trekking route has been established by integrating religious, historical and natural beauty embedded in the west Nepal.

The trekking route namely ‘Loluphera’ has been identified including over a dozen tourism sites of Dhaulagiri, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali zones.

The task of geographical mapping is underway after undertaking a primary feasibility study as part of the implementation of an idea of establishing trekking route connecting Lomanthang of Mustang to Lumbini and Fewa Lake of Pokhara to Rara Lake of Mugu, said Loluphera Trekking Route Campaign Coordinator Krishna KC said.

He further said discussions are being held from local residents of trekking route zone to Ministry of Tourism and political leadership for the operation of trekking route.

The campaigners´ team has already carried out feasibility study of proposed sites connecting trekking routes in Kaski, Parbat, Baglung, Dolpa, Mugu, Mustang, Manang and Myagdi districts.

The team comprising tourism experts and technicians which has arrived in Beni of Myagdi via Mustang is studying probability of trekking route linking Gulmi, Palpa and Lumbini, KC informed.

There is huge potential of attracting religious tourists with the prevalence of natural beauty, historical sites, mountain series, art, culture, hilly life and mind-blowing landscape along with the availability of religious sites including Lumbini, Muktinath and Damodar Kunda, KC added. -RSS

Private sector to support Tourism Vision 2020

A meeting of private sector organisations involved in tourism business formed a task force today to support the government’s Tourism Vision 2020.

They will organize a national-level symposium after a month to brainstorm on how to achieve targets set by Tourism Vision 2020, said the statement issued by Hotel Association Nepal (HAN). ntbThe Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has envisioned bringing two million tourists by 2020. The statement further says, “Private sector organizations of the tourism sector will work together to achieve the target.”

Representatives from Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA), Pacific Asia Travel Agents (PATA), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) were in the meeting, according to the statement.

“Private sector organizations have also called on government to settle the dispute at Nepal Tourism Board at earliest for successful implementation of Tourism Vision 2020.”

Source: The Himalayantimes

Beautiful places in Nepal for your vacation

Nepal and Himalayas have been the synonym words for Nepal enjoys the pride of having 8 out of 10 highest peaks of the world! We don’t have only mountains but our unique geography has given us green hills and valleys, rivers, subtropical forests and flat lands all adding beauty to our country. Apart from geographical diversity, we have incredible cultural diversity within the boundary of our small Himalayan Kingdom. We have a number of ethnic groups, each with their own languages, cultures, and costumes, all living in perfect harmony.

The best way to experience unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches of Nepal is to walk through terrain. One can walk along the beaten trails or virgin tracks. Either way you are in for an experience of a lifetime. Along with rhododendron forests, isolated hamlets, small mountain villages, birds, animals, temples, monasteries (Gomba) breathtaking landscape of unsurpassable mountain ranges, you will also encounter friendly people of different cultures and traditional rural life.

The great Mountains with unsurpassable splendor, crystal clear streams and brooks, the high current of rivers, colorful species of flowers, birds and animals, abundance of greenery and forests with much more hidden beauty and mystery with unavoidable adventure and fun will be waiting for you.

Here are the best tourist attractions in Nepal you can visit:

Kathmandu:

Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is Nepal’s largest city and capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is situated in a valley in the heart of Nepal. Kathmandu is famous for many Buddhist temples and in it, mostly from the 17th century. One example is the Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Buildings that are open admiration in Nepal as a tourist attraction was built in the 16th century, contains a marvelous royal palace and many temples built in traditional pagoda style.

Durbar Square. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanumandhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17h -century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Even to date, all the major state and social ceremonies, including the solemnization of coronations are performed in one of the courtyards in this complex. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums.

Chitwan:

Chitwan National Park

Nepal’s first & most famous national park, The Chitwan National Park covering 932 sq. Km is situated in the southern terai lowlands of Nepal. Widely known for one of the richest varieties of wild life adventures.Only 160 km from Kathmandu, 155 km from Pokhara & 160 km from the Indian border (Sunauli), Chitwan National Park is the best known safari park in Nepal .It is home to many species of animals such as the world famous royal Bengal Tiger, the great one horned Rhinoceros, 4 different kinds of deer, sloth Bear, Leopards, crocodiles, monkeys as well as many different species of butterflies, insects & over 450 sorts of colorful & endangered birds.

Even if you don’t get the chance to see all of these animals, the rich vegetation with dense forest, grassland & riverside areas will be worth walking through.
From Kathmandu & Pokhara comfortable tourist buses have daily departures to Chitwan. If you have only limited time, you can also fly to Bharatpur Airport which is only 17 km away from Jugle Wildlife Camp.

Pokhara:

pokhara1

The Pokhara Valley, a land of spectacular beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas, conjures visions of calm but vibrant green hills. Loaded with luxuriant vegetation and dotted with shimmering lakes, the valley offers awesome vistas. Magnificent image of Mount Machhapuchhare reflected in the clear waters of the Lake Phewa leaves everyone spellbound. One of the Nepal’s adventure hubs, it has reputation of being the second home for the tourists worldwide.

The geographical studies reveal that centuries ago a glacier was formed in the valley. As the time passed, the temperatures steadily increased and the solid ice melted and formed a river that began flowing, cutting into the soil of Pokhara. The regular flow of glacial waters created several underground tunnels. Currently, most of these tunnels are dry and are found in the form of caves.

Lumbini:

lumbini (1)

Lumbini is the birth of place of Lord Buddha and has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It is small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. At the age of 84, he left this world with thousands of followers to keep Buddhism alive. Lumbini has since been a holy ground for Buddhists all over the world. The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. An important part of Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi. It has stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch.

An important archeological site near Lumbini, Kapilvastu evokes the ancient palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. Scattered foundations of the palace are abundant and archeologists have by now discovered 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to the eighth century BC.

International Buddhist Conference in Lumbini

An international Buddhist conference will be held on November 15-18, 2014 in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Rupandehi district, with the objective of preserving Buddhist culture and heritage.

lumbini (1)

Lumbini is the birth of place of Lord Buddha and has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

The four-day conference is being hosted by Nepal Therawada Buddhist Academy and Sitagu International Buddhist Academy of Myanmar.

More than 400 Buddhist monks and scholars from 30 countries around the globe will take part in the conference, according to Secretary of the main organizing committee Bhikshu Nigrodh.

The conference further aims to motivate individuals who are interested in extensive study of Buddhist heritage and religion, Bhikshu Nigrodh added.

Source: Nepalnews

Khumbu listed among Lonely Planet’s 10 best regions

Lonely Planet has placed Nepal’s Khumbu region among the 10 best regions to explore in 2015. Khumbu is also known as the Everest region.

The Australian-based world’s largest travel guide publisher has also cautioned would-be visitors about recent mishaps in Nepal. The guide book has placed Nepal in the sixth spot after Gallipoli in Turkey, Rocky Mountain National Park in the US, Toledo in Belize, Tasmania in Australia and Norway Arctic in Norway.

Rights Managed

It said that Everest was a classic journey following in the footsteps of Tenzing and Hillary into the planet’s most jaw-dropping mountain arena, home to the world’s highest peak. “With Nepal’s Maoist uprising firmly behind it, trekkers are rediscovering the region’s remoter trails. We don’t really need to sell you on the mountain glories of the Khumbu region; just a whisper of the word ‘Everest’ and everyone in the room snaps to attention,” it said.

“Try the high-altitude Three Passes trek or adventurous Mera Peak expedition. And since 2015 marks a half-century since Major Jimmy Roberts organized the first commercial trek in Nepal, it might be time to dust off those trekking boots,” the guide book said.

“If you want something more authentic, tread the old-school approach routes to Everest from Jiri and Tumlingtar, along parts of the 1,700-km-long Great Himalaya Trail. Already popular, the trails to Everest are only going to get busier in future seasons. Why trek to Everest? Well, as Mallory famously quipped, ‘Because it’s there’.”

It said that this month’s tragic events in Annapurna which killed dozens of trekkers have pushed mountain safety to the top of the agenda. Extreme weather can occur in the Himalaya at any time, and it is essential to monitor local weather conditions and seek shelter if conditions deteriorate.

“On any trek, make sure you are properly equipped, inform people of where you are going and when you will be back, and seek local advice as you trek.”

With 60 flights arriving daily at Lukla airport in the peak season and 200 people queuing up to attempt Everest on a good day, overcrowding on the trails is an ever-pressing issue.

Finding a sustainable way to deal with the waste produced by so many trekkers and porters in such a remote region is a complex problem, though solar-powered technology is making a difference in many trekking lodges.

The book added, “Fans of the bizarre will want to hike up to Khumjung Monastery to get a peek at its yeti scalp. Nearby Pangboche Monastery had its famous yeti hand stolen in 1991, but a replica is now on display.

From this year, each Everest climber is required to carry 8 kg of waste off the mountain. It said that air safety in Nepal is another concern, after air crashes in 2010, 2011 and 2012 killed dozens of trekkers and Nepali staff en route to or from the region.

The Everest region receives around 36,000 trekkers and mountaineers annually. The local Sherpa people are what make trekking in the Everest region such a joy.

“Many of the lodges you stay in will be run by retired summiteers, and most families have at least one member employed as a climbing porter or trekking guide.”

Source: ekantipur