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NAC finally gets new aircraft for int’l air service

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NAC finally gets new aircraft for int’l air service

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the national flag carrier, finally received a new aircraft for international air service, on Sunday. This has happened after 27 years and many hurdles along the way to add new planes to the NAC fleet.


Airbus A320-Nepal-Airlines

The plane — Airbus A320 — touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)at 4:34 pm, on Sunday, with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Deepak Chandra Amatya led team of government officials and representatives of Airbus. The aircraft which is manufactured by the Airbus Company was welcomed amid a special function. With the arrival of the new aircraft that is named ‘Sagarmatha’, NAC now has a total of three aircraft including two Boeings — Gandaki and Karnali — for international air service. “After several ups and downs we finally have got the new aircraft,” said Madan Kharel while addressing a welcome ceremony of NAC’s first A320 on Sunday evening. He said that they have had to face trying times, always bearing a fear on whether NAC would be able to revive their glory days due to lack of aircraft.

The aircraft is part of an agreement reached in June 2013 to purchase two Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Kharel said that the other aircraft is expected to be delivered within April and NAC will start operations to Dubai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai and will also add a new destination, Guangzhau in China. As narrow-body aircraft alone are not sufficient to compete in the international market, NAC is also working on plans to purchase a wide-body plane in the near future.

Kharel said that they have a target of buying a wide-body aircraft by 2021. Prior to this, NAC also had a target to obtain two more narrow-body planes. The addition of the new aircraft to the NAC fleet is also expected to give a boost to the tourism industry at a time when air traffic is expected to almost double within a decade.

NAC officials said that they are planning to start services with the Airbus A320 from February 25. Both the aircraft are powered by engines made by US-based International Aero Engines and will have 158 seats, including eight seats for business class and the rest for economy class.

Minister Amatya said that the rapid expansion of global tourism market has made it necessary to enhance the quality of the country’s aviation service by making them more punctual and credible. “We have emphasised the importance of ‘air safety’ and prioritised it in our policy,” he added.

The Airbus aircraft purchased by NAC is a widely used aircraft in the world. “The A320 is a new partnership in aviation sector of Nepal,” said David Dufrenois, vice-president, Customer Affairs, Airbus. Sheel Shukla, marketing manager of Airbus said that the aircraft was the ‘most fuel efficient’ single aircraft presently available in the market.

The last time that NAC had bought aircraft was a Boeing 757 in 1988. After the arrival of another aircraft in April, NAC is planning to fly to various destinations in Asia including Hong Kong and Bangkok. As it had only two aircraft for international flights, the national carrier had been finding it difficult to provide effective and competitive service as most of the times one of the two aircraft remained grounded for ‘technical reasons’.

Source: The Himalayan Times

Trekkers change course to Langtang

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A deadly disaster on the famed Annapurna Circuit trekking trail last month has led trekkers to change course to Langtang, one of the most adventurous destinations in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal.

More than 300 thrill seekers are now visiting the region daily. In the past year, Langtang used to receive 45-60 tourists daily during the peak tourist season which lasts from September-November.

langtang Base Camp Trek

Tenzen Tamang of the Hotel Mountain View said that the Langtang and Gosaikunda routes were crowded with trekkers these days. With the increasing number of tourists in the region, hotels are unable to cater to the demand.

More than 13,000 tourists visit the region annually and local entrepreneurs said that arrivals were likely to increase significantly this year. Last month, a blizzard and avalanche killed 39 trekkers and injured many others in the Annapurna region.

The Tourism Ministry said that the government and the private sector jointly carried out the largest ever helicopter rescue operation in the Annapurna region to rescue people trapped in the snow. The ministry said that more than 520 people were evacuated on 70 helicopter flights.

Langtang is Nepal’s first national park and lies amid the Himalayan range to the north of Kathmandu. The park is dominated by Langtang Lirung (7,245 metres), the highest peak in the area, and smaller peaks to the south—Chimse Danda, Ganjala Pass (5,122 metres), Jugal Himal and Dorje Lakpa (6,989 metres).

Langtang is also known for its glaciers which number more than 70 of varying sizes. The high altitude lakes of Gosaikunda, Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda and Dudhkunda draw pilgrims and trekkers.

Apart from the Langtang route, treks to Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380 metres and the Tamang Heritage Trail are other attractions in the region. “Nowadays, tourists also come here to see yak farms and they have become one of the attractions in the area,” said a local Tenzing Pasang.

Source: Nepalmountainnews

5 Cheap Vacation Spots you’ve probably never thought about

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5 Cheap Vacation Spots you’ve probably never thought about

We know that students are looking to travel to places where they can get the most bangs for their buck. We’ve gathered a list of our favorite budget-friendly destinations throughout the world. After you check out these places, we know you’ll be counting your piggy bank while figuring out which one to visit first!

1. Bolivia

bolivia_jingyi-zhang

Bolivia is one of our top picks because of its beautiful natural landscapes including the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, where sky and ground seem to merge on the horizon, and Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest altitude lake. If nature isn’t your thing, Bolivia is also home to historical cities such as La Paz, which features cheap accommodations and tasty inexpensive food. The city has many affordable attractions to keep you entertained. For example, a ticket to enter La Paz’s four municipal museums only costs a total of 58 cents USD. For those looking to travel to South America, Bolivia is your best bet for a combination of adventure and culture.

2. Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Photo by: Dennis Jarvis

When most people envision a European vacation they think of Paris, Rome, or London, but you can get that same old world charm in Eastern Europe without the high prices or hordes of tourists. Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, has a very pleasant city center and is quite welcoming of international tourists. Be sure to see their most famous site, the Rila Monastery, which is free and offers simple rooms for pilgrims. The city of Varna is also an excellent option for those looking to stay by the Black Sea and experience sun, sand, and party on a budget during the summer months.

3. Nepal

Tibet_Mountains_Jessica-Gordao

Pokhara, Nepal was ranked using Price of Travel’s “Backpacker Index” as the cheapest global destination for budget travelers in 2014. For only $14.32 USD per day, backpackers can buy a cheap hostel, three budget meals, two public transportation rides, one paid cultural attraction, and three beers. For those looking for a more active trip, a quick drive outside the city will bring you to one of Nepal’s national parks, renowned as one of the best places in the world for safe and affordable mountain trekking. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks and many routes through the Himalayas have tea houses and lodges along the way where you can eat, sleep, and recover on a budget.

4. Latvia

jurmala-latvia_victoria-volosnik

Riga, Latvia was named by the European Union as the official European Capital of Culture in 2014. Wander the streets of Old Riga and be amazed by the city’s Art Nouveau architecture. See the spires of numerous churches reach into the sky. Also be sure to attend a ballet, choral performance, or an opera at the Latvian National Opera building–you won’t be disappointed! After immersing in Latvian culture, soak up the sun on the white quartz sand beaches of Riga, located on the coast of the Baltic Sea.

5. Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Last, but certainly not least, Nicaragua is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to explore Central America. Roam ancient ruins, trek through the jungle, surf, and eat delicious food with few tourists around, all for around $20 USD per day. Among Nicaragua’s top natural attractions are Volcán Concepción and Río San Juan. You can also stay in the beach town of San Juan Del Sur to relax and unwind in paradise. Added bonus: Flights from the U.S. to Nicaragua are cheap!

Source: Pink Pangea

Nepal, India to jointly promote tourism

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Nepal, India to jointly promote tourism

Nepal and India will soon begin joint tourism promotion campaign.

Speaking at the 51st anniversary of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae said that there is a need of mutual cooperation as Nepal and India are jointly promoting tourism.

“As Nepal is a famous religious tourism destination for it has Pashupatinath, Lumbini, Muktinath and Janakpurdham. It should promote these destinations to attract tourists,” said Rae, adding, “Nepal should focus on religious and adventure tourism and it is through this it can bring in quality tourists”.

NATTA-AGM

Prachanda Man Shrestha, former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said there is a need of the campaign to promote regional markets. “Nepal needs to move forward giving priority to neighboring countries India and China first to promote tourism and increase tourist arrivals,” said Shrestha.

At the program, NATTA demanded a certain percent from the tourism service fee (TSF) for strengthening the association. “As it the tour operators who bring in tourists, we should get certain percent from the TSF collected by NTB,” said DB Limbu, president of NATTA.

NATTA currently has around 500 members associated with it. It cancels the membership of companies that does not renew its membership for more than a year. Earlier, it used to cancel membership of companies that did not renew membership every six months.

Source: Republica

Maghe Sankranti Festival in Nepal

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Maghe Sankranti Festival in Nepal

Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually the mid of January. It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-december) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune. Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually the mid of January.

devghat

It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-december) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune. This day is said to be the most significant day for holy bathing despite the weather. This ritual usually takes place at the union of sacred rivers and streams. Sankhamole, on the banks of the holy Bagmati river, below Patan, is thought to be amongst the most sacred sites for this purpose, though there has been a decline in the fulfillment of this ritual in the recent years due to water pollution in the river. But people still go in the wee hours of dawn just to sprinkle themselves with the water. They pay homage to various deities specially the temple of Red Machindranath and Agima Ta.

9 Amazing Experiences in Nepal

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  • 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.

You’ve dreamed of climbing Mount Everest. Many of us have, and when you think about Nepal, you usually lump the world’s tallest peak in with your thoughts. The thing is, unless you have a nice chunk of change (I’m talking about a hundred grand here) and a ton of patience (the lines to the summit are a travesty these days), you probably aren’t going to climb Sagarmatha, as the Nepalese call her, but that’s okay. There are plenty of things to do that are amazing (and safer) in this tiny Southeast Asia country just north of India, and we’re going to experience nine of them right now!

  1. Check Out Everest Anyway: One of the most amazing experiences you can have while visiting Nepal is, of course, to see the mountain in all of its splendor and glory. A less stressful, albeit still high-endurance, workout is an Everest first-base-camp trek, which, naturally, takes you to the mountain’s first base camp. Sound too strenuous? Go up to the peak via plane and be blown away by the fact that she is still taller than you are, even in the air!
  2. Tigers, and Tigers, and Tigers, Oh My!: If you’ve ever wanted to see Bengal tigers roaming naturally in their habitat, then you must visit Chitwan National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage National Park is truly one of the most amazing places in Southeast Asia. Resting at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, you’ll have breathtaking views of nature and the world’s grandest big cats as they romp and roam.
  3. Absorb Local Culture in Kathmandu: The Nepalese capital and largest city is Kathmandu (that’s “cat-man-doo”), and it’s really something to see. I love the energy of this city, not to mention the color and culture! There are tons of markets and bazaars in the center of the city, as well as the Royal Palace, which was built in the 14th century for, of course, the king of the country. Of particular note, however, is…
  4. Kathmandu’s Durbar Square: This ancient square is at the heart of Kathmandu and is where you’ll find the Royal Palace alongside many other notable structures. This area is so notable, in fact, that UNESCO has given it World Heritage status. There are several temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses and the Durbar Square Museum that explains it all in fascinating fashion. Trust me; you’ve never seen a square like this one!
  5. Take a Load Off in the Garden of Dreams: After you’ve hoofed it to Everest’s base camp and wandered through the glorious craziness that is Kathmandu, head over the city’s Garden of Dreams for a relaxing oasis. Inspired by the Europeans, this garden is filled with cafes and restaurants for a quick bite among the many fountains and ponds designed to calm and relax you.
  6. Party Like it’s the Festival of Holi: You’ve refreshed yourself in the Garden of Dreams, so now it’s time to do one of my favorite things in this country, and that is celebrate the Holi Festival. This Hindu celebration takes place toward the end of February or beginning of March, and the entire country goes crazy for a week dousing each other in one gigantic paint and water balloon fight… I’m not kidding! It’s AWESOME!
  7. Visit an Important Birthplace: It’s time to show reverence to another faith, and that is Buddhism. You’re in Nepal, near India, and in the Southeast Asia region where Buddhism is an extremely important part of the culture. Why not visit the birthplace of Buddha to see how it all got started? Head over to Lumbini Gardens, where Buddha was born in 623 B.C., and take in the amazing pillars and temples.
  8. Don’t Stop There: But wait! There’s more! Bhaktapur is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the country and has the architecture to prove it. Whether in person or via pictures, you’ve seen plenty of European medieval castles and churches, and now, it’s time to see how the Asians did medieval in the many amazing temples you’ll find in the city’s three squares. The shrines alone will blow you away; I know they impressed me!
  9. Get Back to Nature: You’ll discover that nature is a primary theme in this Southeast Asia country, and one of the best places to get back to it after visiting all of the temples in Bhaktapur is going to Pokhara. This little village is only 15 minutes from Kathmandu and is the home of Phewa Lake, some snow-capped peaks, and… well… monkey forests. Yep! These little critters run wild in Pokhara and are quite entertaining in and of them.

Aside from seeing the tallest peak in the world (planes fly LOWER than she is), there are some incredible sights, sounds, and experiences in this little gem north of India. What you’re going to find in Nepal is a part of the world unlike any other, filled with wonderfully friendly people living within a unique culture. Keep in mind that this is a less-developed nation, so you’ll want to take some health and safety precautions. This should not stop you, however, from visiting this amazing, amazing country! Trust me, once you’ve crossed these nine amazing things off of your list, you won’t regret not attempting an Everest summit!

Source: Venera Travel Blog