Rough Guides photographer Tim Draper reveals his top ten most photogenic countries in the world.
1. Nepal
2. Japan
10. China (specifically Hong Kong)
Sanpshot Taken from: Roughguides
KATHMANDU, Nepal–The number of foreign tourists visiting Upper Mustang area in Mustang district has increased. As per the data of the office of Immigration, as many as 3,729 foreign tourists visited Upper Mustang in fiscal year 2013/14. The number was 3,266 in previous year.
Officials believe that with the enlist of ‘Top 10 Best Regions to Travel in 2013’ by Lonely Planet — the largest selling travel guidebook — the flow of foreign tourists visiting Mustang, also known as the district beyond Himalaya, increased continuously. Snow caped peak, natural attraction, breathless views, and unique culture of local people are the major attractions of Upper Mustang.
According to the Department of Immigration (DoI) in Kathmandu, most of the tourists visiting Upper Mustang are from France (730), Germany (394) and USA (387).
Foreign trekkers opting to travel Upper Mustang have to pay a US$ 500 to get the permit, which is issued by the Department of Immigration (DoI). The permit is valid for 10 days.
With the rise in the number of trekkers, revenue collection via permit fee also increased in the review year. The government mobilized total revenue of Rs 185 million in permit fee from Upper Mustang. In the previous fiscal year, the government had collected Rs 156.7 million from permit fee.
Around 25,000 foreign tourists have visited the area since it was opened to foreigners in 1992.
Source: NepalMountainNews
KATHMANDU, Nepal–The government is formulating Tourism Development Strategy for the overall development of the tourism sector. The strategy is being drafted and will be implemented in foreign countries through economic diplomacy, according Tourism Ministry.
The strategy to be unveiled soon will be implemented in two phases. First phase to be launched from 2014 to 2018 will be focused on diversification and improvement while the second phase will be launched from 2019 to 2023
Nepal has been officially open for international tourism since 1951 and the05 sector today is an important employer.
Thousands of foreign tourists visit country which is endowed with rich resources, including the Himalayas as a leading attraction and a wide range of cultural heritage sites.
Source: NepalMountainNews
A 16-member team of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) recently explored a new trekking route in Badi Malika area in the far-western region.
The team, which was led by Tilak Thapa Magar — joint treasurer of TAAN, started exploration on August 4 and returned to Kathmandu on August 13.
Advance Monitor – a tourism monthly — was the local partner for the exploration.
The exploration trip began with a drive to Jadanga in Bajura and passed through Korda, Bodha Korda, Bhito Charne and Tribeni before reaching Badi Malika temple.
Team leader Magar said TAAN explored Badi Malika area to promote tourism in far-western region which is lagging behind despite having immense tourism potentials. “We chose Badi Malika because the area holds great tourism significance. We can connect this trip with Khaptad and develop a standard package of around two weeks,” he added. He also said TAAN will help to construct necessary infrastructures along the trail. “There is a need to widen the trail in some places. We also need to install signposts and develop camping sites,” Magar said, adding: “Likewise, locals need to be trained to start tea houses and community lodges.
Talking about attractions in the new route, Magar said Tribeni can be developed as a skiing site as the place is covered with snow in the winter. “From here, we can also build cable cat to the temple premises,” he added.
According to Kishor Khadka, editor of Advance Monitor, Badi Malika is a famous religious shrine in the far-western region. “The temple wears festive look during Janai Poornima and Ganga Dasahara festivals, drawing pilgrims from different parts of the country as well as from neighboring India,” he said, adding that even government agencies perform special pooja at the temple during the Janai Poornima festivals.
Khadka also said one can see grasslands, nomadic shepherds and terrace fields on the way. “Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of different mountain peaks like Api and Saipal from the Badi Malika temple premises,” he added
While returning, the trek passes through Dhabalpur Daha and Maurya. Vehicles to Kathmandu are available at Maurya.
TAAN is preparing promotional documentary, map and guidebook to promote the new route.
Source : http://taan.org.np