25,000 tourists to Kailash affected

25,000 tourists to Kailash affected

Around 25,000 foreign tourists planning to visit Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal have been stopped after the Chinese government blocked all the border points with Tibet citing the earthquake. Around 25,000 foreigners had booked for tour of Kailash Mansarovar through 38 tour and travel companies.

kailash-darshan-yatra

No tourist, however, has cancelled booking until now, according to President of Kailash Tour Association Prakash Shrestha. Tourism entrepreneurs demand that the tour should be opened even by opening the Hilsa point of Humla. Shrestha says taking 25,000 foreigners to Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal will be a huge relief at a time when tourism sector has been ravaged by the earthquake. The entrepreneurs have informed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) but there has not been any breakthrough. “25,000 tourists are still ready to come once we give them time,” he adds.

China has closed border points in Tatopani, Rasuwa and other places stating there can be landslides. Shrestha says the entrepreneurs have urged the government to take initiative to allow tourists to visit Kailash Mansarovar by helicopters or on foot from Nepalgunj-Surkhet. Indian, Russian, Malaysian and other European tourists have booked to tour Kailash Mansarovar. Around 80 percent of tourists going to this area are Indians. Around 40,000 visit Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal every year.

The time from May-July is considered the main season to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Nepali tourism entrepreneurs make all arrangements for tourists to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Around 80 percent of these tourists remain in Nepal for 7-10 days while the rest 20 percent remain for 4-7 days. Tourists visiting Kailash Mansarovar spend the most after those coming for mountaineering.

Entrepreneurs claim that over 100,000 will get employment if these 25,000 tourists were to come to Nepal immediately. “The government must, therefore, facilitate it. Many hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs will benefit if these 25,000 stranded tourists were to be brought to Nepal.

Tourism Ministry seeks help of Foreign Ministry

The Tourism Ministry has written to the Foreign Ministry urging it to take diplomatic initiative with the Chinese government to open the border with Tibet. Director General of the Department of Tourism said the initiative is being taken at the level of minister. “The road toTatopani has already been opened. We are trying to bring these 25,000 tourists to Nepal by any means,” he added.

Source: karobardaily

Lumbini safe for tourists: LDT

lumbini (1)

Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has invited tourists to visit Lumbini saying that monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage site have not suffered any damage due to the earthquake of April 25.
Issuing a press statement, LDT — the agency that oversees development and promotion of Lumbini — said Lumbini is safe to visit. “Domestic and foreign tourists can visit Lumbini without any fear,” LDT said in a statement.
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Ajit Man Tamang, member secretary of LDT, said in the statement said that all temples and historical monuments in Lumbini are safe. “Sites connected to Lord Buddha’s life like his home town , Sacred Garden Kapilvastu, historical Kapilvastu Durbar Area in Tilaurakot, Buddha’s maternal uncle’s house in Devdaha, birthplace of Krukachanda Buddha in Gotihawa, and birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha in Niglihawa have not suffered any damage,” the statement added.

Source: MyRepublica

Snowfall affects climbing in Everest region

Snowfall affects climbing in Everest region

KATHMANDU, Nepal – Incessant snowfall has hit climbing activities in Khumbu region, forcing most climbers to change their acclimatisation plans.

The region has witnessed heavy snowfall for the last twelve hours, said Tshering Sherpa, base camp manager of Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. According to him, Everest Base Camp and other adjoining areas received two feet of fresh snow.

Kuntal Joisher, team leader of the six-member Snowy Everest Expedition, said most of the tents were snow-covered. “We are more than 900 people at the base camp as above 60 per cent Everest climbers with their support staff have arrived for acclimatisation,” he said, adding that most expeditions decided to change acclimatisation plans due to freak weather.

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Snowfall affects climbing in Everest region

The health centre at Feriche has treated 205 patients in the last three weeks. Snow storms and fluctuating weather increases the risks and severity of high altitude sickness. Govind Bashyal, an official at the health centre run by Himalaya Rescue Association, said, “Seventeen persons have been evacuated to Kathmandu for further treatment.”

Senior meteorologist Krishna Bhakta Manandhar has requested climbers to be cautious about the adverse impact of freak climate as the existing weather pattern will last till Tuesday. “Westerly and vapour-laden wind from the Arabian sea has a direct influence on the mountain region,” he said. Snowfall will last in the Khumbu region for three more days as strong westerly winds from the northern belt of India has been causing snowfall in the region, he added.

Small avalanches have also been occurring on a daily basis from the West Shoulder near Camp 1, according to Lakpa Sherpa, senior staff at a health camp set up by HRA. Ang Sarki Sherpa, an Icefall doctor who was injured in the icefall section while clearing the treacherous route yesterday, however said the new route up the mountain was safe.

Srihari Bhatta, Manager at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, informed that freak weather had also affected several flights this morning. “Lukla airstrip which usually handles more than 80 fixed-wing and helicopter flights during this season, witnessed only 28 landings and take-offs this morning,” he said.

According to Gyanendra Shrestha, an official at the Department of Tourism, this year, 43 teams applied for permit to climb Mt Everest.

THE HIMALAYAN TIMES

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath and Chitwan – Client’s Review

pokhara1Dear Mr. R R Tiwari ji,

We thank you very much for the service and hospitality provided to us by you and your team during our tour of NEPAL from 16~27th of March, 2015.  We really enjoyed the entire trip everywhere in KTM, POKHARA, MUKTINATH and CHITWAN.

Especially the driver Mr. Shyam and Hotel Manager at Pokhara Mr.Krishna Pandey has taken extra care.  However, I would like to draw your kind attention towards some points to be take care in future to improve your Planning and service.

(1) At Muktinath temple we can spend enough time if one more night hold can be arranged at Muktinath.

(2) At JANAKPUR temples are remains closed during 12 to 4 pm, hence timing should be set accordingly. As we can’t get DARSHAN of any temple inside.

 (3) At chitwan we were not informed about Jungle Safari by Zeep as we had enough time on the day of arrival and payment was also to be made by us separately.

 (4) At JOMSOM hotel Majesty is a good property but service needs improvement. May be at extra cost. In such a cold area no hot water or fire vessel provided.

 But in general our trip was extra fine. Luckily we enjoyed heavy snow at Muktinath and at Annapurna base camp which was arranged by us separately by helicopter.

 Thank you very much once again,

Regards,

Ganeshbhai Thumar
+91 98242 14881

Nepal -India commit tourism promotion

Nepal -India commit tourism promotion

Nepal and India agreed to jointly promote the Buddhist Circuit (Sarnath-Bodhgaya-Kushinagar-LumbiniSwayambhunath-Kankrebihar) and two other religious circuits namely, PashupatinathMuktinathGosaikunda-Varanasi-Kamakhya-Bhubaneshwar and Janakpur-Ayodhya during the first meeting of the joint working group (on tourism) held in New Delhi today.

Nepal-India
Both the parties agreed to sell joint packages for the Buddhist circuit in the international market by setting up joint travel marts in the international market.

The 12-member team, including the private sector, led by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Joint Secretary Umakanta Parajuli held a meeting with the team led by his Indian counterpart today.Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding joint promotion and exchange of tourism related information, according to Shreejana Rana, senior vice president of Hotel Association Nepal.

Talking to The Himalayan Times from New Delhi, Rana said that both the countries will enhance cooperation for better promotion of tourism in each other’s country. Both the parties discussed about developing common infrastructure for tourism too.

Along with Parajuli and Rana, Director General of Department of Tourism Tulasi Prasad Gautam; Member Secretary of Lumbini Development Trust Ajit Man Tamang; Ramesh Dhamala, president of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal; DB Limbu, president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Ashok Pokhrel, chairman of Nepal Association of Tour Operators, Nandini Lahe Thapa and Ghanendra Bahadur Shrestha of Nepal Tourism Board participated in the meeting.

The meeting of the joint working group will take place every two years. Both the countries had signed a MoU to enhance cooperation on tourism on the sidelines of the 18th SAARC summit held in Kathmandu and a joint working group was formed to implement the MoU. It will be automatically extended for further periods of five years at a time, unless either of the parties wants to terminate it.

Nepal for Tourists

  • 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, a tiny country located north of India, has long been popular with tourists looking to trek in the Himalayan peaks. Popular locations in Nepal, including the city of Kathmandu, the Khumbu Valley, and Pokhara, have a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and tourists will find it easy to locate transportation, accommodations, tours and food. Whether you are traveling on or off the beaten path, you will find the Nepali people to be warm and more than willing to welcome you into their culture and country.

Trekking

One of the most common reasons tourists’ visit Nepal is to trek among the most famous mountains in the world. The Himalaya Mountains run the length of the country, offering unparalleled hiking and climbing opportunities. The two most popular treks in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna trek. The Everest trek, which takes you to the base camp on the Khumbu Glacier, usually starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Annapurna treks begin in Pokhara. You can trek with a tour group or on your own; guides and porters can be arranged in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Budget travelers will save an enormous amount of money by trekking on their own. Lonely Planet’s “Trekking the Nepal Himalaya” is an excellent guide, and trails are well marked.

Transportation

Travelers in Nepal generally get around the country by bus or flight. Buses serve almost every location in the country, and generally come in a variety of classes. The tourist class buses are the most comfortable, and often include an on-board restroom. Second-class buses are less modern, but are perfectly adequate for medium-distance journeys, such as the one from Pokhara to Kathmandu. To book a bus, simply visit one of the tour offices that populate most cities or inquire at your hotel; most will be able to arrange tickets for you. For travelers with less time, Nepal has several domestic airlines: Buddha Air, Cosmic Air and Yeti Airlines.

Visas

Citizens of most western countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival. You will be required to pay $30 (as of May 2010) and to provide a passport photo for the visa. If you are flying into Kathmandu, a photographer will take the photo for a small fee. Be sure to have cash on hand for the visa and photo; there is a currency exchange before visa processing, but no ATM. Visas are generally given for a 60-day stay and can be extended by visiting the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a $50 30-day extension.

Airport Taxes

Nepal has exit taxes for all flights, whether you are flying domestically or internationally. For travelers leaving Kathmandu on an international flight, the tax is “Rs. 900 (about $13 in May 2010) if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1,100 (about $16) to all other international destinations,” according to the Visit Nepal website. Taxes on domestic flights are Rs.165 ($2.36).

Culture

The Nepali population and culture have been influenced largely by India to the south and Tibet to the north. According to Nepal.com, there are 35 different ethnic groups who are mostly Hindu or Buddhist. The website advises that visitors handle items and eat with their right hand, as the Nepalese “use their left hand to wash themselves after being to the toilet.” When traveling in Nepal, dress modestly to show respect, and refrain from public displays of affection. Regardless of the region in which you travel, says Lonely Planet, “many visitors, drawn to Nepal by the promise of adventure, leave equally enchanted by the friendliness and openness of the Nepali people.”

Source: USA Today