Buddha relics found in Tilaurakot

Buddha relics found in Tilaurakot
  • 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.

The remains of more than 1.5 lakh items of archaeological importance related to Gautam Buddha were excavated this year’ in Tilaurakot Durbar Square of Kapilvastu.

Tilaurakot-lumbini

More than 700 items and 1.5 lakh remains belonging to Buddha’s time were found at the world heritage site, said Dr Jennifer Trimley, an archaeologist of Durham University, UK.

Researchers at Tilaurakot Durbar found remains of an ancient human settlement. They found clay pots, coal, and structures of houses.

The excavation was jointly held with technical assistance from archaeologists of Durham University and financial support from Japanese trust funds, Nepal Archaeology Department and Lumbini Development Trust.

Source: The Himalayan Times

1st Indo-Nepal motor rally to kick off next week

1st Indo-Nepal motor rally to kick off next week

The first-ever Indo-Nepal Motor Rally from Odisha to the Nepalese capital will kickstart next week, linking key Buddhist cities in the two countries to boost “spiritual” and “adventure” tourism.

nature-adventure-culture

The rally will begin on February 27 and will conclude in Delhi on March 8, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae told mediapersons here. The rally – aimed at promoting nature, culture and adventure tourism – would be instrumental in strengthening people-to-people contact between the two countries, said Rae. The rally will link Jagannath, Puri and Pashupatinath as well as sister cities Bodhgaya and Lumbini, highlighting age-old cultural and civilisational links between Nepal and India, he pointed out.

The rally will see participation of around 110 people in 30 cars which will cover a total distance of 2,500 km in 10 days. 25 vehicles from India and five vehicles from Nepal will take part in the rally. “The event also aims to give tremendous impetus to tourism, both spiritual and adventure tourism in both the countries. “This venture also attaches great importance to the Buddhist trail, linking Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment with Lumbini in Nepal, where Lord Buddha was born,” remarked Rae.

The rally will open up new avenues of tourism in both the countries by encouraging young travellers of the two countries to each other’s territories through the land route, he pointed out. The Nepal-India Motor Vehicle Agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nepal during the 18th SAARC Summit has helped promote tourism between the two countries through land route, Rae said.

Three Nepalese motor drivers today embarked towards Puri to take part in the rally.The motor rally will enter Nepal at Jogbani customs point at Biratnagar on March 2 and will halt at the picturesque town of Dharan before embarking to Dhulikhel, another scenic town situated in the east of Kathmandu famous for its mountain views.

The rally will reach here on March 4, marking the end of its first leg. On March 5, the second leg of the motor rally will be flagged off by Rae and Nepal’s Minister for Youth and Sports Purushottam Paudel. It will then pass through the beautiful cities of Pokhara, Lumbini and Dhangadhi before reaching Delhi on March 8.

The rally is being jointly organised by Kalinga Motor Sports Club, Bhubaneswar and Nepal Automobile Sports Association with support from the Indian Embassy here and the Nepal government.

Source: News Nation

Nepali tourism delegation off to New Delhi

  • 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.

The first meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on tourism between Nepal and India is starting in New Delhi, India from Thursday.

A 12-member delegation led by Joint Secretary Umakanta Parajuli left for the Indian capital of Wednesday to attend the meeting. Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation had formed the 12-member team last week to represent Nepal in the JWG meeting. Along with Parajuli, Tulsi Prasad Gautam, director general of Department of Tourism; Nandini Lahe Thapa, officiating CEO of Nepal Tourism Board; Shreejana Rana, tourism convener of Nepal India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI); Ramesh Dhamala, president of Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN); DB Limbu, president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), a representative from Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and five government officials are in the team.

According to Parajuli, JWG will oversee implementation of agreements related to tourism sector that are included in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Nepal and India signed on the sidelines of the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November. “In the meeting, we will discuss how Nepal and India can benefit from each others. Similarly, we will also explore the possibility of launching joint tourism promotional campaigns,” he added.

According to officials, Nepal will focus on joint promotion of the Buddhist Circuit (Lumbini-Boddgaya-Sarnath-Kushinagar), facilitate banking system for travelers, human resource development, and promoting cities in Nepal and India with historical and religious similarities as sister cities, among others.

The MoU, among others, aims to expand bilateral cooperation in tourism sector, facilitate exchange of information and data related to tourism, encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders, and establish exchange program for cooperation in human resources development. Similarly, it aims to increase investment in tourism and hospitality sector, exchange of experience in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management, and promote sustainable tourism, among others. The meeting of JWG will take place every two years. According to NICCI, JWG will also work to simplify procedures and policies for third-party payment collections as well as transfers between India and Nepal and create a Nepal-India Tourism Forum for discussing bilateral tourism issues. JWG will also work toward holding B2B mart for international travel operators to jointly promote tourism attractions in both the countries and explore the possibility of launching joint promotional campaigns in the international market. TAAN President Dhamala said it is a necessity to jointly promote Nepal and India as both countries have many similarities. “Tourism industry in Nepal can take huge benefit from the joint promotion campaigns as this will help in bring not only Indians but also others tourists visiting India to Nepal,” said Dhamala.

Source: Republica

Malindo Air to fly to Nepal from Feb 6

  • 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.

Malaysia-based Malin-do Air is beginning scheduled-flights on Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu sector from February 6. The airline has appointed Yeti Incentive Travels, a member of Yeti Group, as its general sales agent (GSA) in Nepal. According to Yeti Incentive Travels, Malindo Air will operate daily flights on Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu-Kuala Lumpur with a Boeing 737-900ER. It will offer 160 seats in economy class and 12 in business class.

Chandran Ramamurthy, CEO of Malindo Air, said though Malindo Air is a hybrid airline, it provides full service in business class and best service in economy class. “We will try to bring foreign tourists to Kathmandu,” said Ramamurthy. Saying that Malaysia has a huge number of middle-income earners who travel frequently, Ramamurthy said the airline hopes to bring more Malaysian tourists to Kathmandu.

Officials of Yeti Incentive Travels said introductory price for Kathmandu-Kuala Lumpur flight will be fixed at around Rs 20,000. It, however, has not been finalized, they said. Norbu Tshiring Sherpa, managing director of Yeti Incentive Travels, said Malindo Air will provide the best service at affordable price. “We are confident that we will be able to stand out among our competitors within a few years,” he added.

Malindo Air is adding 100 aircraft in its fleet in the next 10 years. Initially, it will serve routes with flying distance of up to five hours from Kuala Lumpur. Ramamurthy said the airline plans to start services to Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and China within few years.

Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, director general of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), said international passengers have increased significantly in the last five years. “The launch of new airline will contribute further in the growth of international passengers,” he added. Malindo Air has received temporary operating permit (TOP) as two Malaysian carriers — Malaysia Air and Air Asia — are already operating 21 flights a week on Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu sector. The existing Air Service Agreement (ASA) allows carriers of Nepal and Malaysia to operate a maximum of 21 flights each per week.

Suresh Acharya, joint secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said Malaysia has proposed to Nepal to revise ASA. “We are studying their proposal. Nepal and Malaysia are likely to revise ASA in February,” added Acharya.

Source: Rrepublica

Nepal, India to jointly promote tourism

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

9 Amazing Experiences in Nepal

  • 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