Flash News
Rise in Tourist Arrivals
July 3rd: According to TIA ( Tribhuvan International Airport), the month of June saw a rise in tourist air arrivals by six per cent .The most encouraging results came from European markets, with an overall positive growth of 25 per cent. Arrivals from UK grew by 15 per cent, while arrivals from Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Norway all posted significant growth of 27, 30, 34 and 17 per cent. Arrivals from China increased by 17 per cent , Thailand 37 per cent and South Korean 55 per cent. Other Asian segments registered a positive growth of 18 per cent.
NAC celebrates 51st Anniversary
July 3rd: National flag carrier, Nepali Airlines Corporation (NAC) celebrated its 51st anniversary on July 1st. At a function organized in Kathmandu to mark the event, KB Limbu, managing director of NAC, said the NAC would increase flights to more countries in the Gulf and southeast and south Asia after adding new planes to its fleet. NAC was established on July 1st, 1958.
Air China to launch direct Beijing -Lhasa flights from July 10th
July 2nd: According to Xinhuanews.net, Air China will launch the first direct flight between Beijing and Lhasa from 10th July. The daily flight is expected to cut travel time to Tibet by about two hours, as the existing flight arrangement have passengers changing flights at Chengdu to reach Lhasa.
Nepalese Envoy to South Korea promotes Nepali Culture
July 2nd: An exhibition on Nepal & Buddhist culture has been organized by Nepali Ambassador to South Korea, Kamal Prasad Koirala to promote Nepali culture among Koreans.The exhibition opened at the Korean Foundation Cultural Center on June 22nd and will run till July 4th..Among the articles on display at the exhibition are miniaturespaintings, portraits, traditional musical instruments, and metal and wooden crafts.
Nepal Visa from Tibet
July 2nd: A promotional campaign was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the China Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. According to reports, an official from the Consulate General of Nepal promised 22 travel wholesalers that in the near future travel agencies in Tibet would be able to offer visa services to Chinese tourists who want to visit Nepal. Nepal hopes the promotion will attract more people to visit the country by way of Tibet.
TAAN members meet the newly appointed Tourism Minister
June 30th: A delegation of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) met with the newly appointed Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari on June 28th . During the meeting, the delegation raised issues on defining trekking as a permanent industry by annulling the provision of renewing the license of trekking agents every year, annul the provision of bank guarantee for trekking agents which have completed the trial period of three years. The delegation also requested relaxation in customs duty for trekking agents to import goods. TAAN members also requested an authority to charge a nominal fee of US$ 2 for short treks and US$ 5 for long treks and to issue free visa to visitors who want to visit Nepal during off-season. .
Asadh 15
June 29th: According to the Nepali calender today is the 15th day of the month of Asadh, a day that farmers across the nation celebrate as Ropai Jatra or rice planting festival. (More)
Rato Machendranath Jatra comes to a close
June 28th: The chariot procession of Rato (red) Machendrannath, the local rain god, finally drew to a close with the Bhoto Jatra ( the public viewing of the God's bejewlled vest ).President, Dr.Ram Baran Yadav, attended the Bhoto Jatra celebration in Jwalakhel yesterday(27th June).
US aid for restoration of cultural assets
June 28th: Tusha Hiti and Bhandarkhal Tank, believed to be built during the 17th century, at Patan Durbar Square will receive financial support from the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation . The two sites are masterpieces carved in stone and are a part of the World Heritage Site of Patan Durbar Square.
Asia's Leading Independent Inbound Travel Operators Join Forces to Create a Powerful Marketing Alliance
Bangkok, Thailand (June 25, 2009): Asian Connections, a powerful new marketing alliance of
Asia's best independent inbound travel operators, was launched today in Bangkok, Thailand.
The marketing alliance sees the collaboration of eight travel partners covering 14 key
destinations throughout Southeast Asia and South Asia. Asian Connections offers a streamlined
Asia-wide service for professional group travel arrangements, with one point of contact for
most destinations throughout the region. Travel planners can expect unbeatable value and top
level of reliability and professionalism. The alliance's sales and marketing network covers all
major markets across five continents and will be co-ordinated by a dedicated marketing staff
based in Asia. more......
NRB directs airlines to deal in Nepali currency
June 26th: International airlines flying to and from Nepal will have to issue air tickets in Nepali currency as per the new provision introduced by Nepal Rastra Bank. The new provision will come into effect from July 1st. Except for Nepal Airlines, the other ailrlines have been issuing air tickets only in dollars. Nepali travel agents and public were bearing huge loss because of the strengthening dollars and weakening Nepali currency.The central bank recently issued a circular regarding the new change to Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA). After the change comes into effect, the airlines will have to display fares in Nepali currency.
NTB's consumer promotion campaign in India
June 26th: With the objective of promoting Nepal among the Indian consumers , Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) in partnership with Nepal Embassy, New Delhi, Nepal Airlines and Nepalese Private Sector companies has launched consumer promotion campaign in New Delhi. The campaign dates are 19th -21st June and 26th - 28th June 2009.The first phase of the campaign (from 19th to 21st June) was held at V3S East Center Mall in New Delhi. The second phase of the promotion is to be held at MGF City Square Mall from 26-28 June 2009. This campaign has been initiated to boost "Nepal Tourism Year-2011" campaign.
Debate over 'Oldest Everest Summiteer' resolved
June 24th: Guinness Book of records is set to formally recognize 78 year old Min Bahadur Sherchan as the world's oldest Everest summitter. He had climbed Mount Everest on May 25th 2008, at the age of 77. Owing to some technical lapses, Guinness Book had earlier recognized Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura who had climbed the peak at the age of 75, as the oldest climber to climb the 8,848-meter peak, in February.
NMA organises climbers' meet
June 23rd: Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) on June 21st organised a special meeting for climbers to address their professional woes and difficulties. Among the key issues discussed at the meeting was the need of social security from the government's side to the climbers and their families on retirement and in the unfortunate event of a climbing accident leading to death or injury.
Holland - Nepal direct flights from October 2009
June 22nd: Arkefly ,a part of TUI airlines of Netherlands, is planning to launch direct air flights from Holland to Nepal from October 2009.According to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the announcement on re-establishment of direct air connection between the two countries was made in a reception held at Amsterdam on 18th June.
A unique tourist attraction - Jatayu Restaurant
June 21st: Pithauli , a village in Nawalparasi District in southern Nepal, is being frequented by a large number of tourists. The attraction is the Jatayu Restaurant - the first restaurant for vultures in Asia. The restaurant was established in Namuna Community Forest about three years ago to preserve endangered species of vulture, especially the white-rumped and slender-billed vultures. The vultures are fed uncontaminated cattle carcasses.
Imja Tsho Action Event 2009 Begins
June 18th: Imja Tsho Action Event 2009 - Beat the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Action Run began today.T his event is organized by Initiatives for Development and Eco Action Support (IDEAS) to draw attention to the devastating effects of Global Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) due to climate change in the Himalayas. Imja Tsho, located along the popular trekking route to Mt.Everest, is the fastest growing glacial lake in the Himalayas. This is posing a threat to mountaineers and local residents.
Entry fee to Pashupatinath Area Raised
June 18th: Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has raised the entry fee for foreigners to the Pashupatinath area from June 15. The entry fee has been increased from Rs 250 to Rs 500.Visitors from India, however, are not required to pay any fee. Pashupatinath Temple area receives more than 300 foreign visitors per day. The PADT has deployed additional tourist police personnel and security guards for the wellbeing of foreign visitors. According to PADT, after increasing the entry fee, they will also focus on the infrastructural development of the area.
China Eastern to launch Kunming - Kathmandu flight
June 17th: China Eastern Airlines, Yunnan branch is planning to launch Kunming-Kathmandu direct flight service from July 17, 2009.The flight is scheduled to take off every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft. This is the third international direct flight departing from Kunming launched by China Eastern's Yunnan branch in 2009, according to chinahospitalitynews.com.
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province in China. This ancient city was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India.
Yeti Airlines to fly to 4 new destinations
June 16th: Yeti Airlines is all set to begin chartered flights to Langtang, Jiri, Dhorpatan and Syangboche. Swiss made single engine aircraft ,Pilatus Porter, will be used to operate flights to these high altitude destinations.
Nepalese Tourism promotion campaign in Phuket
June 15th: An event was organized by Non-resident Nepalese Association & Nepalese Embassy in Phuket, Thailand. The event was attended by 70 Nepali entrepreneurs and shop owners in Phuket. This partnership program between the Nepalese Embassy and NRN Thailand is an attempt to mobilize Nepali entrepreneurs in Thailand & promote Nepal tourism, especially the "Send Home a Friend" campaign by Nepal Tourism Board.
Climb Manaslu & Tukuche Peaks - Book Now !
June 14th:If Mt Manaslu (8163m) or Tukuche peak (6920m) figures in your 'to- climb' list, then secure your place now. For more details go to: Manaslu Expedition 2009 & Tukuche peak.
Bagmati Heritage Walk
June 14th: To create awareness among citizens about the ancient temples, idols and ghats along the river, Nepal River Conservation Trust on June 13th held a Bagmati Heritage Walk and clean-up program .The programme was organized as part of the Bagmati River Festival- 2009.
Spring Ascents - Nepal Himalayas
June 12th: According to MoTCA, 780 ascents from 98 different mountaineering expeditions were recorded in the Nepal Himalayas this spring, during a three-month climbing period (March-May 2009) . Mt. Everest received the highest number of climbers - 284 from 29 different expeditions.
Climbers flock to Pakistani Peaks
June 11th: The climbing season has just ended in the Nepal Himalayas. But things are just hotting up in Pakistan, with international teams lining up to ascend K2, Broad Peak , Gasherbrum and Nanga Parbat. Serap Jangbu Sherpa , in his quest to become the first Nepalese to climb the 14 eight thousanders is in Pakistan and preparing to climb Broad Peak and Gasherbrum. Altitude Junkies' Phil Crampton with climbing sherpas Pasang Gombu Sherpa and Tarke Sherpa are also in Pakistan for their Gasherbrum expedition.
World's Best Airport
June 10th : According to an annual survey carried out by British-based aviation research specialist Skytrax, South Korea's Incheon International Airport has been named the world's best by travellers, Hong Kong International Airport was ranked second while Singapore's Changi Airport was third . The survey, published in London late Tuesday, covered 190 airports and questioned 8.6 million passengers about 39 aspects of their airport experience from check-in to departure. In the individual categories, Hong Kong was voted top in airport dining, Kuala Lumpur won the best immigration service title and Singapore won best leisure amenities. Incheon International Airport was named the best in security processing, terminal cleanliness and easiest transit categories
Plans for Four new Museums
June 7th:According to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal the government has decided to build four new museums : three in Kathmandu(at Bhrikuti Mandap, Gokarna and Narayanhiti Palace) and one in Nawalparasi.. The PM informed that the museum at Bhrikutimandap will exhibit ethnic communities, the one at Narayanhity history of monarchy, that in Gokarna the movement for democracy , while the Nawalparasi museum will showcase the culture and tradition of the Tharus. .
World Environment Day Celebrated
June 7th: Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) together with various travel trade associations jointly organized a clean-up and tree plantation program to celebrate the World Environment Day on June 5.Over 500 saplings were planted over the 1.5 km stretch on the banks of the Bishnumati River. There were also efforts to clean-up the river.
NTB's sales mission in South Korea
June 5th: On June 3rd , Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with embassy of Nepal in Seoul organized a Sales Mission in the South Korean city of Busan The sales mission was held one day before the commencement of KOTFA- the largest tourism exhibition in Korea. According to NTB, more than 72 tour operators and 5 travel media from Korea attended the presentation cum business interaction session.
"That we have returned safely is the most important thing!" - Oscar Cadiach
June 4th: Oscar Cadiach Puig, expedition leader of CAVAPLAND Kanchenjunga Expedition 2009 returned safely to Kathmandu, after being rescued from the Kanchenjunga base camp by Fishtail Air's helicopter. He was caught after a failed summit attempt in C3 by a storm last week. He needed two days to descend - a Sherpa team was sent from BC in order to break trail until they met Oscar. Before leaving for Spain, Oscar spoke briefly to EH about his Kanchenjunga experience.(Read the full article)
Annapurna Day observed
June 4th: The 59th Annapurna Mountaineering Day was observed on 3rd June.This day marks the first ascent of Mt Annapurna in 1950 by French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. In Pokhara a program was held to commemorate the two climbers and their first ascent.
International Mt Everest Day celebrated
May 30th : Ministry of Tourism and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in association with various organizations involved in mountaineering jointly observed the International Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) Day on Friday 29th May. International Mt Everest Day celebrates the first ascent of Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Furwa Tamang wins Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon
May 30th : The seventh Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, the world's highest altitude marathon was held on 29th May, 2009. 21 year old Furwa Tamang emerged as the winner by finishing the race within 3 hours 40 minutes 47 seconds. Among the women participants Mingma Chhongi Sherpa came first .The participants covered a distance of 42 km stretching from Everest Base Camp (5356m) to Namchebazar (3400m).
Fishtail Air's base in Simikot
May 28th : Fishtail Air has decided to base its AS 350 B2 helicopter in Simikot from June to September, considering the increase in the number of Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarover area. According to the company, AS350B2 was flown to Simikot (2910m) airstrip, earlier this morning and is waiting to start its first operation.
New Product - Tukuche Peak(6,920m) Expedition
May 25th : Mt. Tukuche is a spectacular peak situated in front of Dhaulagiri 1 and the Annapurna range.Due to its remote location and the seriousness of the terrain, the area is seldom visited by commercial trekking groups. From the final snow-covered slopes, a breathtaking view of the north face of Dhaulagiri 1 pans out , with the icefall of the Chonbardan Glacier and base camp still in deep shadow below. Tukuche Peak and Sita Chuchura tower over , and a new and completely different vista is revealed ahead.Our summit attempt for Tukuche Peak begins once we reach Yak Kharka. More details.
Ban of concrete buildings in Ghandruk
May 25th : Ghandruk village which falls under the Gurung heritage trail within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)has banned construction of concrete buildings. ACAP and Local Tourism Management Committee have issued the directive to conserve the originality of the traditional Gurung village that is known for stone houses with stone roofs, after a surge in construction of concrete buildings of late.
Face to Face with Kinga Baranowska: The first Polish woman to climb Kanchenjunga(8,586m)
Climbing with CAVAPLAND Kanchenjunga (8,586m) Expedition team ( logistics organized by Explore Himalaya), Kinga Baranowska became the first Polish woman climber to reach the summit of Kanchenjunjunga on 18th May.EH met up with Kinga on the eve of her departure for a short interview at Hotel Vaishali.
Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon
May 24th : The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, the world's highest altitude race, will be held on 29th May. The participants will have to cover the distance between Namchebazar (3400m) and Everest Base Camp (5356m).Till now 61 participants have registered their names. According to the organizers registration is open till May 25th.
More Everest summits
May 21st : Altitude Junkies Everest expedition member Pam Westgate (UK) and climbing sherpa Chewang Palden Sherpa topped Everest this morning at 6:30am(local time), according to latest reports from BC.
First Everest summit from SW Face
South Korean climber Park Young-Seok reportedly summited Everest on 21st May, via a new route from the difficult and technical SW Face.
Apa's 19th Everest summit
Apa Sherpa reached the summit of Everest on 21st May for the 19th time breaking his own record for the highest number of ascents.
Everest summit by Altitude Junkies
May 20th : We have just recieved information that four members and five sherpas have successfully reached the summit of Everest.Phil Crampton(UK/USA) summitted yesterday (19th May) while three members-1. Charles Scott Woolums (USA), 2. Brian Russell Strange (USA) and 3. John Robert Strange(USA)and five sherpas - Pemba Sherpa, Jangbu Sherpa,Da Ongchu Sherpa ,Namgyal Sherpa and Pasang Sherpa summitted today. Explore Himalaya( logistic organizer for the group) congratulates the successful team members!
KMC plans to turn Thamel into a 'vehicle-free' zone
May 20th : The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is planning to declare the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square and Thamel as vehicle restricted zones. According to KMC the roads in these areas will be paved with stones and linked with various temples, palaces and monuments in the areas to develop it as a heritage walk. Three special parking areas near the two tourist sites will be developed for this project.
Lhotse's first 2009 summit
May 20th : Lhotse(8,516m) the fourth highest peak in the world has been topped. The sherpa who was fixing rope for the IMG Lhotse Expedition was the first to reach the summit on 19th May.Chhewang Lendu Sherpa(Khumjung), Gregory Vernovage (USA) and Philippe Robin Arslanian (France) reached the summit today morning at 7:45 am.
Everest from North side Topped
May 19th : Mt Everest from the north(Tibet) side has been summitted by Japanese members of Kanagawa University Team, Yasunori Tanaka (57) and Kenta Miyamori (28) today at 10:45 AM, according to an Everest news report. This is the first Everest summit from north side this spring.
CAVAPLAND Kanchenjunga (8586m) Expedition
May 19th : We have received information from the base camp that three members of the CAVAPLAND Kanchenjunga Expedition led by Oscar Cadiach Puig have successfully reached the summit of Kanchenjunga. Juan Jose Garra Lorenzo (Spain) and Kinga Baranowska(Poland) summitted yesterday(18th May), while Alberto Cerain (Spain) summitted today, a few hours ago. Oscar Cadiach Puig (Spain) and Julen Gotzon Anton(Spain) will try to top it tomorrow. Explore Himalaya( logistic organizer for the group) congratulates the successful members and wishes all the best for the summit push to rest of the members!
Chocolate Tasting Project at Everest
May 18th : Belgians Louis-Philippe Loncke and his team trekked from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp for 20 days, from April till the first week of May, on a chocolate tasting project with international mountaineers and Sherpas at EBC. Their aim was to raise money for a mobile hospital in Nepal. En route they distributed 200kg of chocolates, and another 100kg when they reached EBC. According to the team members, during the next few months they will try to raise awareness on the necessity of a mobile hospital and raise funds for the project.
Cho Oyu's first 2009 summit
May 17th: Cho Oyu(8210m),the sixth highest mountain in the world , has been summitted by Kazakhs Denis Urubko and Boris Dedeshkoon May 11th. They climbed Cho Oyu's SE face in alpine style via a new route. With this ascent Urubko has joined the legendary ranks of mountaineers who have scaled all the 14 eight thousanders.
May 29 as 'International Mt Everest Day'
May 15th: Nepalese tourism related organizations have teamed up to create pressure on the United Nations and global travel and tour umbrella organizations to recognize May 29 as International Mt Everest Day. A joint meeting held on Thursday in Kathmandu had NATTA,HAN ,TAAN and other organizations resolved to coordinate with the NTB to achieve this goal by 2011 - the Visit Nepal Year.Mt Everest Day is only celebrated in Nepal. But this year Denmark, Doha, Malaysia, Dhaka and Sydney will observe the day as ´Nepal Day´.
Bad Weather foils Everest summit push
The deteriorating weather condition at Everest has compelled teams to postpone their summit bids. In fact, according to reports, dozens of climbers descended down to Lobuche (4,915m) on Wednesday, as snowfall continued unabated at the Base Camp(5350m). MountEverest.net has reported that heavy snow fall and high winds forced back virtually all teams in high camps on all Nepal's 8000ers through the weekend.
Buddha Air sets record
May 14th: By operating 16 flights in a single day , domestic airline Buddha Air has set a record for operating maximum number of flights in a day.The reason for the unusually large number of flights, according to Buddha Air were 124 Spanish tourists bound for Sauraha who chartered flights from the airline. Buddha Air's record has been verified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Bharatpur as the maximum number of flights in a day by any airline in Nepal to date.
Fishtail Air operates 99 Flights in April
In the month of April , Fishtail Air operated 99 flights, 22 by "BELL 206 BIII" helicopter, 54 by Equiriel "AS350B" helicopter,and 23 by Equiriel "AS350B2" helicopter.
The highest number of flights were to Lukla/ EBC area, with a total of 29 flights carried out. more.....
ATM - 2009, Dubai
According to a press release issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), NTB along with five private travel trade companies and the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation participated in the ATM- 2009 held in Dubai, UAE, from May 5-8, 2009. Considering the increased air accessibility to the Middle East region Nepalese tourism industry gave the continuity to the Arabian Travel Market participation for the third time to keep tapping the expatriates as well as the Emirate travelers' market for Nepal from the UAE countries. This year the special focus was to create awareness for Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011. Arabian Travel Market 2009 boasted more than 2,100 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries, including 70 new-to-market representatives, as well as nearly 60 national tourist bodies representing six continents.
Visit Nepal - Nepalese Tourism promoted in USA
May 11th: The Embassy of Nepal in Washington D.C. and the America Nepal Society (ANS) jointly organized two programs to promote tourism in Nepal. The events, entitled "Embassy Open House" and "Cultural Program", were held last week. The embassy and ANS set up information desks where various informative brochures, posters, postcards and CDs were distributed to the visitors.
International Symposium on Mountains
May 10th: Ev-K2-CNR , an Italian research organization, that has been conducting various research studies in Nepal , in collaboration with UNEP and with the technical cooperation of UN's Food and Agriculture Organization , is organizing an international conference "Mountains: energy, water and food for life," in Milan, Italy from May 27.The conference has received the patronage of the Italian President, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Regional Affairs, Education, University and Research as well as of Lombardy Region.
Everest News
May 8th: According to everestnews.com, an avalanche struck the lower area of the Khumbu icefall yesterday morning at around 10am.According to the news report, 22 climbers were present at the scene when the avalanche occured. Two climbers were buried under a crevasse, but was later rescued , while a climbing sherpa is still missing. Only his backpack and one boot were found. The rest of the climbers are all reported to be safe.
TAAN-Machhapuchhre Model Trek.
May 8th: TAAN (Pokhara chapter) , together with NCCR N-S PAMS Project, are working to develop the infrastructure for the TAAN-Machhapuchhre Model Trek. NCCR N-S' PAMS Project has started building five campsites and five shelter-houses for trekking supporters along the route. The construction is expected to be complete by September, 2009. TAAN Pokhara is developing this model trek to offer something new for trekkers after road construction in the Annapurna region shortened the length of trekking there. This trek offers the closest possible view of Mt Machhapuchhre.
Fishtail Air adds the new AS 350 B2 to its fleet
May 6th: Fishtail Air Pvt has added the new AS 350 B2 helicopter to its fleet .Fishtail Air started the operation of the new aircraft from April 16th 2009. The aircraft can land up to an altitude of 20,000 feet, has a fail safe design and has a seating capacity of 5 people, excluding the pilot. According to the company ,the operation of two brand new aircrafts, AS 350 B 3 are in the pipeline.(More details)
Guna Airlines to operate domestic flights
May 6th: Guna Airlines has launched its flight in Nepal with the introduction of two Beechcraft 1900s on 5th May. The airlines will be flying on these routes : Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu, Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Kathmandu, and Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu routes.
KT Ama Dablam & Cholatse Expedition
May 6th: Two clients of Explore Himalaya's exclusive partner, Kipling Travels, summitted Ama Dablam(6865m) on 18th April 2009. Kristoffer Szilas from Denmark and James Robert Broomhead from UK successfully climbed Ama Dablam alpine style.They were planning to summit Mt.Cholatse(6440m), but had to cut short their expedition owing to an icefall collapse.
New Product - Tsum Valley Trek
May 5th: The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha district of Nepal. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word "Tsombo" which means vivid. The trail heads up the valley of the Budi Gandaki River through wild and unexplored country inhabited mainly by members of the Gurung ethnic groups. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo, where the hospitable "Tsombos" (people of Tibetan ancestry ) live. The Tsum Valley is extremely rich in cultural assets. The valley is dotted with gompas (Buddhist monasteries), chortens and mani walls.The valley preserves steps of the great Buddhist Yogi Chyuchin Milarepa and story about Guru Padmasambhava circumbulation. The people here, never slaughter animals, even as sacrifice to the gods. The valley is surrounded by the Buddha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and Sringi Himal to the North.( More trip details)
Pashupati Area Development Trust increases entry fee
May 5th: Pashupati Area Development Trust has decided to increase entry fee for foreigners to enter the Pashupatinath area by 50 per cent. The new fee structure will come to effect from June 15th .The entry fee has been hiked from Rs.250 to Rs 500 per person , according to Ganesh Prasad Adhikari, treasurer, PADT. Visitors from India, however, are exempted from paying the entry fee.More than 300 foreigners visit the temple premises every day.
Tourist Arrivals up in April
May 4th: At a time of global recession, the surge in tourist arrivals has been reason enough for the Nepalese tourism industry to rejoice. The month of April saw a surge in tourists arrivals by 15.8 percent. According to the data compiled by NTB, a total of 8,303 Indians visited Nepal in April - up 27.3 percent. The number of British tourists coming to Nepal also went up by 38.9 percent , while the arrival of German visitors reached 1,858 in April - up 38.3 percent. Even tourist arrivals from the US- a country hard hit by the global financial crisis, showed a modest growth of 5.8 percent. Among Asian countries, arrivals from all countries, except Japan, posted a positive growth. The number of Chinese visitors went by up by 27.3 percent, while the number of South Korean tourists went up by 73 percent.
NATTA announces Tourism Journalism Awards
April 30th: Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has announced "NATTA Tourism Journalism Awards". The awards will be given in its upcoming anunual gerneral meeting based on the promotion of NATTA activities.
UAE Students trek to EBC for Charity
April 27th: According to Gulfnews , six boys from the Rashid School for Boys made a 16-days ardous trek to the Everest Base Camp raising Dh800,000 for two charities - the UAE Red Crescent and the Nepal-based Moving Mountains.The boys visited a number of projects in Nepal and learnt how the money raised would be used to improve education in remote mountainous regions.
Former Thailand tourism chief elected Chairman of PATA
April 26th: According to a press release issued by PATA Communications, Phornsiri Manoharn, former Thailand tourism chief has been elected as the new chairman of PATA.
Ice Collapse at Khumbu Icefall
April 23rd: According to reports by AP , a section of the Khumbu icefall collapsed on Wednesday, April 23rd. No one was injured but the route has been blocked for a few days. The Khumbu Icefall, located just above the base camp, is one of the riskiest part that leads to the summit of Mt.Everest.The ice collapse destroyed the path set by climbers and their Sherpa guides using aluminum ladders and ropes to move over the crevasses and shaky ice chunks.
World's highest Cricket Match played at Gorak Shep(5,160m)
April 23rd: The world's highest cricket match Twenty20 was played between two teams from UK at Gorak Shep(5160m). The teams, named after climbing legends Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, hopes to raise £250,000 for charity. On 21st April the match got underway and Team Hillary emerged victorious by beating Team Tenzing by 36 runs.Team Hillary was led by captain Glen Lowis, while skipper Haydn Main led Team Tenzing.Since the Gorak Shep plateau is sandy, a synthetic track was rolled out to ensure a competitive game.
Highest cybercafe opens at Everest Base Camp
April 22nd: The world's highest altitude cybercafe has opened near the Mount Everest base camp in north-eastern Nepal. The internet cafe is located at Gorakse (Gorak shep), 5140m, in Khumjung district, just an hour's walk from Everest Base Camp. View the Map of Everest Base Camp for location
Nepal Telecom to extend its services upto Mt.Everest
April 21st : Nepal Telecom is all set to launch mobile services at the world's tallest peak Mt.Everest.The service, introduced by Nepal Telecom will be available on GSM and CDMA handsets. NT is extending its cell phone network atop Mt.Everest with the help of a satellite antenna, which will soon be installed in Gorak Shep, located at an altitude of 5,160 meters.
NAC to operate Kathmandu- Mumbai flights from May 1st
April 19th :Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) will start operating its Mumbai flight from May 1st. According to the national flag carrier, there will be two flights a week(on Mondays and Fridays)on the Kathmandu-Mumbai-Kathmandu route. NAC is offering a discount on its ticket sale on the occasion of the relaunch of its Mumbai flight. Earlier the airline used to fly on this route but it was stopped in 2007.
Danish Trekkers visit PA Nepal, Sankhu
April 19th :A group of sixty Danish trekkers who had trekked to EBC under the banner of the UN Human Rights Banner visited Prisoners Assistance Nepal's children's home in Sankhu.The home is run by social activist Indira Rana Magar. A portion of the fund collected from their fund-raising trek will be donated to PA Nepal according to the trek leader,Christian Iversen from Kipling Travels .Apart from this sum, the trekkers also made personal doantions.
NASA Scientists to trek to EBC
April 19th :A team of 11 NASA officials arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday to trek to Everest Base Camp.Though they are on an unofficial visit, the leader Chris J Johnson , said that their visit would contribute to the research activities of the NASA.
Ministry forms task force for implementation of TIMS
April 17th: Ministry for Tourism and Civil Aviation has formed a six-member task force to study and suggest measures to implement Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) on a one-door basis through Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN).Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Ms Hisila Yami formed the task force after meeting with the delegation of TAAN on TIMS and other issues in the trekking sector. The task force has RB Pakhrin, Jyoti Adhikari, Ishwor Poudel, Dr Gyanendra Ratna Tuladhar, Ranjan Krishna Aryal and Purushottam Poudel as members. The task force has been mandated to recommend measures for the one-door implementation of TIMS through TAAN.
Serap Jangbu Sherpa eyes the 14 eight thousanders'
April 16th :Serap Jangbu Sherpa is on his way to become the first Nepali to ascend all 14 eight thousand meter peaks. He already holds the record for being the first Nepali to climb 10 peaks above 8,000m. At a programme held on 15th April , Serap was handed the Nepali national flag by the MoTCA Minister Hishila Yami. Serap will start the ascent of Mt Makalu (8,463m) on April 20. Last year he had ascended Everest as Sirdar with Explore Himalaya's clients from Denmark 7 Summits Aps.
Nepali cultural fest in Sydney
April 16th :The Embassy of Nepal in Canberra hosted a dinner and cultural programme at Stamford Plaza hotel in Sydney to celebrate the New Year 2066 BS on April 14.
Greeting Year 2066 with a Bungy Leap - Minister Yami promotes Adventure Tourism
April 15th : In a bid to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Hisila Yami took part in a Bungee jumping programme at The Last Resort , on 14th April.
Minister Yami and six women adventurers took part in the jump. The six sportswomen were: Maya Gurung (Everest Summiteer and Skydiver, Poojan Acharya (Everest Summiteer), Asha Kumari Singh ( Everest Summitteer), Ngawang Bhutik Sherpa ( Everest summitteer), Neerjala Tamrakar (Cyclist/ national champion) and Radha Tamang ( kayaker).
Everest Communication & Security
April 13th : According to reports from Everest, Eco Everest Expedition 2009 have made arrangements for better communication on Everest . The Eco Everest team will have telephone and internet connectivity at base station at Camp 2, one at Base Camp and one in Asian Trekking's office in Khumjung . Their frequency is: 00 870772223518 OR 00870772223596. Ang Tshering of Asian Trekking has called on all Everest climbers to make use of this facility in case of emergency.
Nepal festival held in the Netherlands
April 13th : A large number of Dutch and Nepalese attended the Nepal Millennium Plaza in Amsterdam, Netherlands jointly organized by Nepal Development Academy, Non-Resident Nepalese Association, Nepali Jana Samparka Samiti, Nepal Music Foundation and the Embassy of Nepal. The objective of the event was to strengthen the relation between Nepal and the Netherlands. Nepal Plaza focused on the millennium development goals of the United Nations with regard to Nepal, such as the reduction of extreme poverty and hunger, access to primary education for all children and elimination of gender disparity.
Nepal's Sales Mission to China
April 13th: Nepal Tourism Board with the cooperation of China Southern and six tour operators organized a Nepal Sales Mission in China. The first session was held in Guangzhou on April 7th. The second stop was Hangzhou on April 8th. Despite the Tea Festival celebrations held in the city during that particular week, the Nepal sales mission was very well received with over fifty Chinese outbound travel agents plus representatives from Hangzhou Tourism Administration and members of the media. The final stop of this sales mission was Beijing on April 10th where the sales mission was organized in close collaboration with the Nepalese Embassy. The sales mission was also an ideal platform to update Chinese travel trade and leading media on "Nepal Tourism Year 2011".
Travel : A top pursuit among high income Asia Pacific households
April 12th: :According to a survey carried by Visa , travel is the top pursuit for nearly three-quarters of high income Asia Pacific households, according to a . The 'Spending Patterns and Perspectives of High Income Households' survey revealed that some 73% of high income Asia Pacific households had travel as their main personal interest over the next two years, a Xinhua report said. The survey was carried in Singapore, South Korea, Australia, India, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Two routes in Khumbu Icefall
April 12th: According to reports from Everest, there is going to be two routes up the Khumbu icefall, to reduce traffic among Everest climbers. One route will by climbers for going up while the other will be used for descending.
Tibet Open for climbing
April 12th: The Tibetan peaks are now open for climbing.Climbing permits are finally being granted.
K2 Guies Kanchenjunga Expedition 2009
April 10th: Team members of K2 Guies Kanchenjunga Expedition 2009 left Kathmandu on 8th April. The expedition leader is Oscar Puig Cadiach from Spain. The team members will trek from Tambawa to Kanchenjunga Base Camp starting 10th April . Tentatively , 21st April to 21st May has been fixed as the team's climbing period. Explore Himalaya has organized the logistics for this expedition.
Official website of Everest Skydive Launched
April 9th: Explore Himalaya is organising Everest Skydive 2009. The official website of Everest Skydive was launched today. To visit the site, log onto www.everest-skydive.com
Qatar to host UNTWO April meets
April 9th: The Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority has announced that Qatar will host two major meetings of the United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in April. The 'Qatar Summit on Addressing the Human Resource Challenge for Tourism', will be held on 21-22 April, followed by the '32nd Commission for the Middle East of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation', on 23 April.
Piotr Morawski's last climb
April 9th: A 32-year-old Polish mountaineer has died scaling Mt. Dhaulagiri in Nepal, expedition organizers said Wednesday.
Piotr Morawski suffered fatal injuries Tuesday when he fell into a crevasse at an altitude of around 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), said Marcin Jozefowicz of Poland's TOPR mountain rescue service. Morawski and his Slovak colleague Peter Hamor aimed to find a new route up the western face of Manaslu.
Cathay Pacific bags "Best Airline" Award
April 8th: Cathay Pacific Airways has been named the best airline in the world by the London-based Skytrax research organization. The award was presented to Cathay Pacific at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, where Skytrax was celebrating the 10th anniversary of the awards, states a press release issued on Tuesday This is the third time the Hong Kong-based airline won the prestigious award. It was also named Best Airline Asia in 2009. The selection was done based on a poll involving16.2 million people from across the world.
Jomsom Flights Increased
April 8th: Domestic airlines have increased frequency of flights to Jomsom following sudden rise in the number of pilgrims visiting Muktinath. Yeti Airlines, Agni Airlines and Sita Airlines are currently operating six flights to Jomsom from Pokhara everyday. Earlier these airlines used to operate just one or two flights to Jomsom per day. Jomsom is the gateway to Muktinath, a popular pilgrimage site in Nepal.
Appa Sherpa - In a bid to break his own record
April 7th: Appa Sherpa, who holds the world-record for the highest number of ascents up Mount Everest, wants to break his own record.He left Kathmandu on Monday for making a record 19th bid to f the world's highest peak. The 48-year-old mountaineering guide set off for Lukla with his Eco Everest Expedition 2009 team which he is leading.
Rhododendron Festival at Myagdi
April 7th: For the first time in Nepal, a three day rhododendron festival has been organized in Todke area of Myagdi district. This area is located in the midst of a dense rhododendron forest, which is at present, abloom with red and pink rhododendron flowers. Almost 16 species of rhododendrons are available in this area.
Danish Everest Ascent to mark 60 years of UN Declaration of Human Rights
To commemorate the diamond jubilee year of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, a Danish climber Morgen Jensen is all set to conquer the highest peak Mt. Everest without oxygen. more.....
NTB signs MOU with WWF for Sustainable Tourism
April 2nd: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the WWF on Wednesday signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to make joint efforts to promote Nepal as a sustainable tourism destination by associating nature conservation and tourism. According to the MoU, they will work with each other to develop joint programs to promote 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011'
Tibet to reopen for foreign tourists from 5th April
April 2nd: According to Xinhua news agency, foreign tourists will be allowed to get into Tibet from April 5th. Entry to Tibet was restricted during March.
Tibet to reopen for foreign tourists from 5th April
April 2nd: According to Xinhua news agency, foreign tourists will be allowed to get into Tibet from April 5th. Entry to Tibet was restricted during March. For more information: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/30/content_11096662.htm
New sponsors for EOTO
April 1st: Han- Yo, Shiela & family from Netherlands have generously agreed to sponsor the education of four children, under the Each One Teach One community project. The four children are : Salona Chitrakar, Kopila Rijal, Bishnu Rana Magar and Binita Bogati.
NTB forms sub-committee for Nepal Tourism Year 2011
April 1st: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has constituted the Mid-Western Regional Sub-Committee of Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 under the convenorship of regional administrator Binod Gyawali. According to NTB, all regional offices of the government, municipalities, District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, community-based organisations, security agencies and media houses in the region have also been appointed members of the sub-committee.
Tilaurakot , soon to be listed as a World Heritage Site
March 31st: The World Heritage Committee which has the final say on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List has tentatively listed Tilaurakot in Kapilbastu under the cultural heritage category. Tilaurakot is the maternal home of Gautam Buddha, and is situated southwest of Nepal.
Lakpa Rita Sherpa Felicitated
March 30th: Lakpa Rita Sherpa, the first Nepalese mountaineer to scale the highest mountains in all the seven continents was felicitated at a program in Kathmandu. Sherpa, who is 43 years old , first climbed Mt. Everest in 1990 and has made it to the summit of the world's tallest peak a dozen times.
Himalaya Expedition Nepal 2009- For the Children of Nepal
March 29th: A 16 member international team that includes members from Scotland, England, Wales and Germany are on their way to Nepal for a three week charity expedition. The team will attempt to reach the summits of Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri. They will then make their way to the Everest base camp in the Himalayas. They have a Facebook group - ´Himalaya Expedition Nepal 2009´ - where they will post updates of their expedition. They members are hoping to raise funds for the UK based charity Global Action Nepal(GAN), in aid of Nepalese children.GAN is also inviting people to run the world-famous London Marathon on April 26 this year in support of the charity.
Tourism Policy 2065
March 27th : Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) has on Thursday unveiled the Tourism Policy 2065 after some amendments. While speaking at a press meet, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami said that the government has nullified electricity demand charge for hotels and it will also provide Rs 10 subsidy on diesel. Yami added that the tourism ministry is planning to include tourism industry under Special Economic Zone (SEZ).The government is also carrying out necessary preparation to construct a second international airport at Nijgadh in Bara district, according to Yami.
Wendy Smith : "I used to go flying with the agricultural pilots, when they were fertilizing the crops in their helicopters..."
March 26th : Wendy Smith captured the headlines last fall, when she became the first skydiver to make the highest free fall during Everest Skydive 2008. She was in Nepal recently, to plan for the upcoming Everest Skydive 2009. An accomplished skydiver and a very talented photographer, Wendy describes herself as a person who loves the outdoors and nature.Read the full interview on our blog.
First Inclusive Women's Team to Climb Everest
March 26th : As part of celebrating the Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011, the Climbers' Club is organising the First Inclusive International Women Sagarmatha Expedition 2011.The expedition will have women climbers from different countries, according to the club.
Nepal - Favorite place of Tony Wheeler
March 25th : A new book from National Geographic asks celebrities to name their favorite places in the world, and the answers range from Nepal to Brooklyn. Nepal was chosen by Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler and Brooklyn was named by fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi . Destinations mentioned in the book, called "My Favorite Place on Earth" ($22.95), include Jerusalem, mentioned by actress Natalie Portman, who was born there; Arud, in Bali, Indonesia, named by travel guru Arthur Frommer; Kauai, Hawaii, listed by Matt Groening, creator of "The Simpsons".
Regional Sub-Committees for NTY 2011
March 24th : An interaction program was organized by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on 23rd March to form regional sub-committees for NTY 2011.The program was attended by tourism officials and media persons.
Yoga Trek - New Product
March 22nd : With its lofty peaks and green and serene mountains and hills, Nepal is the perfect destination for yoga and meditation lovers. Introducing yoga into the trekking experience makes up for a richer experience as the physical and mental landscape of the body and mind are opened through daily meditation, yoga and trekking. Check out Explore Himalaya's Yoga Treks @ www.explore-himalaya.com/yoga_trek.php
Japanese Firm to send 3,500 Tourists to Nepal
March 22nd : For Days, a Japanese health drink company, has said that it will send up to 3,500 Japanese visitors to Nepal every year. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), the company is also planning to contribute a portion of its profits to improve people's livelihood in Sarangkot, a hill-top tourist destination near Pokhara.Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is signing a memorandum of understanding with the company in this regard. Under this voluntary agreement, the company will be responsible for promoting goods manufactured by people of Sarangkot in Japan.
New Product - Peekye Trek( Lower Everest)
March 20th : One of the most beautiful areas and one still largely off the tourist route is that of Peekye mountain (4070m). The peak is regarded as the protector of a Sherpa village, Golla.The village lies at an altitude of 3060m, and is dominated by a range of snow-capped mountains: Gaurishankar, Karylung, Numbur and Katanga. The village has a vibrant religious life, thanks to the four small monasteries belonging to the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The months of March and April are a wonderful time to visit the area. The forests then show off their rhododendrons, magnolias, wild orchids and edelweiss. At this time of year too, a great Sherpa festival takes place: the Dumje, when the monks perform sacred dances (cham) in the monastery courtyards. For more information visit our Peekye Trek page.
Three new airlines in the pipeline
March 19th : Three new airlines companies are gearing up to launch their flights in the Nepali sky. Guna Group, which has invested in various sectors like housing, finance and entertainment, is preparing to inaugurate "Guna Air" on the occasion of Nepali New Year 2066. The group is planning to start domestic flights by purchasing two aircrafts from Buddha Air. Similarly, Air Kasthamandap is also carrying out necessary homework to launch its maiden flight from the upcoming New Year. The third venture is being funded by Britain-based Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) .
Bahrain Air flies to Nepal
March 19th: Making it the fifth Gulf -based airline to fly to Kathmandu, Bahrain Air has made its maiden flight starting Tuesday. The airlines which is the first privately owned national airlines of the Kingdom of Bahrain, will fly to Kathmandu three times a week and will make four weekly flights to Kathmandu from March 30th . The Airlines aims to have daily flights to Kathmandu in October.
Nepal's Everest on National Geographic's Best New Adventure Travel Trips
March 18th : National Geographic Adventure has unvieled its 25 Best New Adventure Travel Trips for 2009.Topping the list for adventures in the Asian continent is Nepal's trip to Everest. The magazine mentioned Nepal in the Best of Adventure category in its list of destinations, equipment and people that will inspire Adventure Travel for 2009.
Sponsors for 5 children - EOTO Community Project
March 17th : Bart Liong Le and friends from Netherlands, whose trek to Kanchenjunga in 2007 was organized by Explore Himalaya have generously decided to sponsor the education of five kids under the Each One teach One Community Project. The names of the selected children are: Keshab Adhikari , Sobha Ghale, Srijana Magar,Damodar Poudel and Binita Bogati.
Russian Climbers to climb Annapurna West Face via a new route
March 15th : The Russian climbing duo, Valery Babanov and Victor Afanasiev, are aiming for a new route on Annapurna's West face this spring. The climbers plan to arrive in Kathmandu on March 17th, and then spend 2-3 weeks acclimatizing on Anna's south face. According to the climbers their goal is to climb a new route up the face, in alpine style.
NATTA Opens Information and Media Centre
March 13th : Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) has set up an information and media centre at its Secretariat located in Gairidhara, Kathmandu. This centre is working on preparing a comprehensive tourism database, publicize the tourism fairs and festivals, update the website and publish e-bulletin on a regular basis.
Naturally Nepal Evening Organized at ITB 2009 , Berlin
March 13th : The 47th International Tourism Exchange (ITB 2009) started in Berlin, Germany from March 11th with more than 11,000 exhibitors and over 180 nations from around the globe. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with seventeen private tourism entrepreneurs of Nepal are participating at the ITB 2009 which is being lead by Mrs. Hisila Yami, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation of Nepal. NTB organized a special program, 'Naturally Nepal Evening' to promote 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Federal Republic of Germany on the evening of 11th March. More than 200 international media, tour operators and distinguished non resident Nepalis from Germany participated in the event.
Talk on resuming direct flights to Germany
March 12th : Foreign minister Upendra Yadav met with German acting federal foreign minister Guenter Gloser in Berlin and discussed bilateral issues on 11th March.Apart from the bilateral issues , the two ministers also talked about the resumption of direct flights between the two countries to promote Nepal as a tourist destination among German travelers.
Race to raise awareness on GLOF( Global Lake Outburst Floods)
March 11th : Young Sherpa conservationists are organising a race on June 18 2009 to draw attention to the devastating effects of Global Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in the Himalayas. The Beat the GLOF Action Run will be the highlight of the Imja Tsho Action Event 2009, and has been initiated by Nepali mountaineer Dawa Steven Sherpa. The race will demonstrate that even the fastest runner cannot escape from a GLOF, a flood which is caused when lakes formed by melting ice burst their natural dams. Imja Tsho is the fastest growing glacial lake in the Himalayas, and is located along the most popular trekking routes to Mt. Everest, posing a threat to mountaineers and local residents.The event will include ' Khumbu Festival' promoting the Sherpa people and their culture.
Women in Tourism Sector Felicitated
March 9th : At a program held on 8th March 2009, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) jointly felicitated female personalities who have made special contribution in the Nepalese tourism sector. The felicitation program was organized to mark the 99th International Women's Day. Among the honored women personalities are Soni Rana (pilot), Krishna Tamrakar (travel journalist),Ambika Shrestha (tourism entrepreneur ), Chandrakala Kiran(first woman Secretary of Ministry of Tourism) , Nimi Sherpani (mountaineer), Menuka Shrestha (educationist specializing in tourism) among others.
Female Mountaineers from Nepal set to conquer the 7 Summits
March 8th : A group of 10 Nepali women mountaineers, who had last year successfully scaled Mt. Everest, is all set to conquer the seven summits, the highest mountains of the seven continents. The female mountaineers announced their plans at a press conference held in Kathmandu on 7th March. Their mission would begin in August this year and they would climb the highest mountains of all seven continents within two to three years.The group includes Shushmita Maskey, Shaili Basnet, Nimdoma Sherpa, Maya Gurung, Poojan Acharya, Usha Bista, Asha Kumari Singh, Nawang Futi Sherpa, Chunu Shrestha and Pema Diki Sherpa.Their ages range from 18 to 31 years.So far, only one Nepalse climber, Lhakparita Sherpa, has scaled the seven summits.
Ilam as Destination for Tea tourism
March 6th : Ilam's tea farmers are working to promote the district as a destination for tea tourism. Efforts to develop tea tourism began in eastern Ilam, and now farmers of northern Sankhejung have also joined the campaign. Tea tourism allows visitors interested in tea to learn everything about organic tea production while letting them experience the local rural lifestyle.According to reports, tourists from Canada and the Netherlands besides domestic visitors with an interest in tea have already started coming to Ilam.
NAC to operate direct flights from Kathmandu to Mumbai
March 2nd : Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the national flag carrier, is set to resume direct flights from Kathmandu to Mumbai this April. Citing lack of adequate flights, the NAC, two years ago, had stopped its direct flights between Kathmandu and Mumbai, the commercial hub of India. NAC will operate the185 -seater Boeing 757 aircraft on the Kathmandu-Mumbai route three days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Destination Thailand Expo
March 2nd :The Royal Thai Embassy in Kathmandu in collaboration with Thai Airways International Public Co Ltd and Tourism Authority of Thailand's New Delhi office is going to organize, 'Destination Thailand' on March 8.Thailand is fast becoming a preferred destination in Asia for medical and wellness tourism in term of its value for money and quality of service rendered to patients, according to a statement issued by the embassy. The main purpose of the exhibition is to showcase Thailand Medical Tourism as well as other attractions.
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