Tourists visiting Lumbini up by 40.57 percent

  • 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.

Number of tourists visiting Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, increased by 40.57 percent to 1.19 million in 2014.

According to the data of Lumbini Development Fund (LDF), a total of 849,273 tourists had visited Lumbini last year. In 2012, Lumbini had welcomed 758,269 visitors.

Hari Dhwoj Rai, information officer of LDF, said tourists from 83 different countries visited Lumbini in 2014. Domestic tourists topped the list of tourist visiting Lumbini in 2014, followed by visitors from India. A total of 902,621 Nepalis visited Lumbini in 2014, up from 573,529 in 2013.

Likewise, a total of 154,217 Indian tourists visited Lumbini in 2104 compared to 150,000 in 2013. Similarly, Lumbini welcomed 136,999 third country tourists in 2014 compared to 125,492 in 2013.

Among third countries, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Myanmar, South Korea, Vietnam and Japan were the major tourist generating markets for Lumbini. Lumbini welcomed 37,600 tourists from Sri Lanka, 24,733 from Thailand, 20,718 from China, 18,777 from Myanmar, 8,790 from South Korea, 3,649 from Vietnam, and 2,527 from Japan in 2013. Similarly, arrivals from US, Australia, UK, Germany, Switzerland and France also increased in 2014.

lumbini (1)
“Number of tourists to Lumbini increased due to stable political situation in the country following the successful Constituent Assembly (CA) election promotion of Nepali tourism products and services in the international market,” Rai said, adding, “Visit of foreign diplomats during the recently held SAARC Summit also helped to promote Lumbini.”

Number of international conferences like International Buddhist Conference and International conference of SAARC Psychiatric Federation also helped to increase the number of tourists in Lumbini, according to Rai.

Source: Myrepublica

5 Reasons Why Nepal Could Be Your Next Holiday Destination

5 Reasons Why Nepal Could Be Your Next Holiday Destination

1. Mountains

Trekking-in-Nepal

Nepal is the home to 8 of the world’s highest peaks. Known to the world as “Mount Everest” (8848 M above sea level) is the tallest and the mightiest of all the mountains in the world. You can see the mountains as close as your room’s Window while you walk along a very busy city. Every year people from around the world drag themselves here to witness the majestic views that exist nowhere but here.  You can trek to the base of those mountains and in cases (if you have got enough guts) even climbs one.

2. Culture and Art

Culture_Nepal

Nepal is not a highly populated country, however, highly diverse in its cultural representation. Nepalese culture is full of music, art and architecture, religious values and literature. You will stumble across a temple, monastery or other buildings on the every corner of Nepal to realize they are building with ancient knowledge of architecture that mastered perfection. From the southern plains of the Terai to the world’s highest peaks in the North, Nepal is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, all speaking their own language and different ways of life. You need to come down here and enjoy different cultures first hand.

3. Adventure

Adventure-Nepal

Land of Gorkhali, the most fierce and feared of all the armies are a home to most exciting and thrilling adventures. From jungle safaris to conquering Everest, this land offers you an opportunity to challenge your inner guts. Try Bungee jumping or rafting in the currents, experience flying with paraglide or ride on the world’s most extreme zip lines, discover your inner voice on the long trails to mountain base or cycle your way up to the most deserted lands: place beyond the mountains.

4. Birth place of Lord Buddha

Lumbini-nepal

He lit up light in the age of darkness; Buddha is the light of Asia. Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam turned Gautam Buddha who taught us ways to end our suffering. Lord Buddha , he was born in 623 BC in the Lumbini , now the home to millions of pilgrims who come from all around the world. The history has been testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC. There are hundreds of monasteries built by many countries that represent their art and architecture and a pleasant view to witness. You will definitely feel the serenity once you step your feet on the ground where Buddha placed his first.

5. Food

momo-food

Nepali people are foodies; they are an artist when it comes to food. Every tribe and culture has their own special delicacy. “MO: MO” (Not to be mistaken with regular dumpling, Chinese baozi and jiaozi, Mongolian buuz, Japanese gyoza, Afghan mantu, and Korean mandu) is undoubtedly the unofficial national food of Nepal. It is often said that there are more mo:mo corners in Kathmandu than all the McDonald’s and Subways combined in the city of New York. Though the main course of food in almost every household is Rice, soup of lintels, curry and chutney (these are prepared in thousand different varieties) you wouldn’t want to miss the ‘Nepali Khana Set’ and traditional ‘Dhido’ .You would love to devour on ‘sekuwa’, ‘Choyla ‘, ‘Yomari’, ‘Sel roti’ and whatever you see around being cooked that your taste buds will get addicted to the flavor. You can easily satisfy your desire for foreign cuisines since many restaurants guarantee the authentic taste.

nepali-food

Source: rajnikantvscidjokes.in

Nepal, Sri Lanka set to revive direct air link

Nepal, Sri Lanka set to revive direct air link

The relationship between Sri Lanka and Nepal may strengthen once the two nations resume direct air travel service between Colombo and Kathmandu early next year.

buddhist-monks-lumbini

Buddhists monks pray outside the Maya Devi temple in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.Nepal and Sri Lanka are set to re-establish direct air service, making it easier for Sri Lankan Buddhists to visit the holy site. [Prakash Mathema/AFP]

The two countries signed an Air Service Agreement (ASA) to establish direct service between their two capital cities in 2009, and it is projected to become reality in March 2015. “Mihin Lanka airline is set to start direct flight from Colombo to Kathmandu starting March. All necessary preparations have already been made to this effect,” Sri Lankan Ambassador W. M. Senevirathna told Khabar South Asia.

Sri Lanka’s other state-owned airline, Sri Lankan Airlines, will likely begin its own direct service to Kathmandu once it completes renewal of its long-haul fleet, the ambassador said. Mohan Krishna Sapkota, a spokesman at Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, confirmed the arrangement. “We expect this to help boost Nepal’s tourism and bolster friendship between the two countries,” he told Khabar.

Nepal’s national flag carrier — then known as Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation — had weekly direct service from Kathmandu to Colombo until the early 1980s. Escalating domestic terrorism in Sri Lanka and air safety issues in Nepal caused suspension of the service.

Special cultural relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka

As home to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha , Nepal has special cultural and religious relations with Sri Lanka, where over 70 percent of the population is Buddhist.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, in 2011, nearly 60,000 Sri Lankan nationals traveled to Nepal – mainly visiting Lumbini. In 2012, nearly 70,000 visited.

“As direct flights between the two countries make travel a lot easier, we expect more Sri Lankan nationals to visit Nepal in coming years,” Ajit Man Tamang of the Lumbini Development Trust told Khabar.

Tamang added that Sri Lankan tourists constitute the largest number of tourists visiting Lumbini, followed by Burmese and Thai.

Source: Khabar South Asia

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

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

Korea plans to develop Lumbini as a World Peace City

Korea plans to develop Lumbini as a World Peace City

  • 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.

Korea plans to develop Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha, as a World Peace City in the shape of lotus. According to Master Plan for Lumbini World Peace City (LWPC) made public by Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) , the Lumbini World Peace City will cover 25 square miles without affecting the 3 square miles Master Plan developed by Prof. Kenzo Tange some 35 years ago.

lumbini (1)
The master plan was prepared by a team of planners led by Prof. Young Hoon Kwaak , which plans to develop Lumbini in five circles- Buddha Zone (sacred place) at the center, encircled by Dharma Zone and then Sangha Zone, new rural villages and upasika and upasaka zone at the outer most circles. Prof. Kwaak said that Lumbini World Peace City would be a completely natural and pollution free city.

lumbini_garden_nepal

On the occasion of unveiling the master plan, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) of Nepal Bhim Acharya urged the world communities to invest in Lumbini for its conservation and development, whereas secretary at MoCTCA Sushil Ghimire said that the Nepal government is working to make integrated development of Buddhist sites located in Rupandehi, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi districts. Korean ambassador to Nepal Choe Yong-jin said that the master plan would develop Lumbini as a World Peace City, the pilgrimage destination of the Buddhists all over the world.

The project will be completed in 15 years starting from 2016 in three phases and the estimated cost of the project is expected to be US $ 762 million.