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.

British pilots dominate National Open Paragliding Championship
February 28th: In the recently concluded 10th National Open Paragliding Championship held in Pokhara , British paraglider Jami Messenger won the Open Class Championship in the male category while Isabella Reibling of Germany emerged as the female winner. In the competition among the DHV-1-2 graded pilots, Graham Saunders Griffith of the United Kingdom finished first. Another Britisher Phil Gefferies won the event of DHV-1 graded pilots. The title of best spot landing was bagged by Binod Bomjan of Nepal. The event was held from February 19th to 21st 2009 .

Mountaineers from Nepal and Bangladesh plan joint Himalayan Expedition
February 28th: Mountaineers from Nepal and Bangladesh are planning a joint expedition to a Himalayan peak that would eventually be named Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak.

Narayanhiti Palace inaugurated as Museum
February 26th: The Narayanhiti Palace has been opened as a museum from today, nine months after the abolition of monarchy. The museum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahl. Ministers, foreign delegates, lawmakers, government officers and other senior citizens attended the inauguration function.

Nepal at BIT, Italy
February 26th:A delegation of Nepali tourism entrepreneurs participated in the BIT Tourism Fair (February 19-22) in Italy. Jointly coordinated by Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal, the fair saw the participation of some six Nepali adventure outfitters. The fair was visited by more than 1.5 lakh people, including representatives of media and tour operators.

KMC increases entry fee for Kathmandu Durbar Square
February 25th: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has hiked the entry free for foreign visitors to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to the new fee structure, that comes into effect from February 26, visitors from the SAARC countries are required to pay Rs 100 per person. The entry fee for foreign visitors (except SAARC countries) has been hiked from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per person.

Bahrain Air set to launch flights in Nepal
February 24th: Bahrain Air, a private carrier of Bahrain, will launch flights to Nepal from 3rd March 2009. The airline will fly to Nepal three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The airline will operate Airbus A319, with 12 premium class and 150 economy class seats, for the Nepal sector.Bahrain Air is the fifth international airlines - after Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Ettihad - from the Middle East to launch its Nepal flights.Bahrain Air is the fifth international airlines - after Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Ettihad - from the Middle East to launch its Nepal flights.

Presentation on Rescue Operations using Helicopters
February 19th: Himalayan Rescue Association on February 16 organised a programme on the use of helicopter to conduct rescue operations in mountains. Renny Jackson, co-coordinator of rescue team of Grand Teton National Park of the USA, made a special presentation on the use of helicopter to conduct rescue operations in mountains.According to him lives of mountaineers can be rescued by the effective use of helicopters and added that they are very important for mountainous countries like Nepal to assure safety and security of mountaineers. HRA president Bikram Neupane and founding president Tek Chandra Pokharel also spoke on the occasion.

Nepal - Pakistan sign agreement to promote tourism
February 18th: Nepal and Pakistan has signed an agreement on bilateral tourism cooperation.Nepali ambassador to Pakistan, Bala Bahadur Kunwar and Pakistan's tourism secretary, Ali Arif on behalf of their respective countries signed the accord. The agreement is expected to open doors for mutual cooperation in the fields of tourism and archaeology, contacts and exchanges between tourism organizations, and travel and tour operators; and production of tourism-related visuals and joint investment.

NATTA delegation meet President Ram Baran Yadav
February 18th: Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) seven member delegation met President Dr Ram Baran Yadav at the latter's office in Shital Niwas on Monday. They informed him the president about the 43rd UFTAA world congress to be held in Kathmandu this November. The President was also requested to initiate dialogue with the Indian government to include Nepal as an extended travel destination for the Indian government employees.

Tourism in Tibet shows positive growth
February 17th: Figures released by the Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region show a marked rise in tourist arrivals to Tibet. Tibet saw a 2.2 percent growth in the number of tourists arrivals during this Chinese Lunar New Year holiday over last year .Tourism officials and entrepreneurs expect more tourists in Tibet to celebrate the week-long festivities to mark the Tibetan New Year on Feb 25.

3 Nepalese Brothers plan 24 hours atop Everest
February 17th: According to BBC South Asia, three Nepalese brothers are planning to break a world record by staying on top of Mount Everest for 24 hours. Pemba Dorje Sherpa , and his two younger brothers Nima Gyalzen and Phurba Tenzing, who are from Rolwaling, intend to use their stay on the summit to pray for peace in Nepal and the world. The current record for staying on top is 20 hours (achieved by the late Babu Chiri Sherpa). Pemba, Nima and Phurba have made 16 ascents between them and Pemba is already in the record books having made the summit from base camp in a still-unbeaten eight hours, 10 minutes in May 2004.

10th National Open Paragliding Championship Postponed
February 16th:New dates has been announced for holding the 10th National Open Paragliding Championship in Pokhara.The championship will be held from February 19 to 21 in Pokhara.

Nepal participates at TTF & OTM New Delhi
February 16th: Nepal Tourism Board along with National Flag carrier- Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and three travel trade companies participated in 70th edition of Travel and Tourism Fair & Outbound Travel Mart (TTF & OTM) from 12th-14th February 2009 at Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.The major queries during the Fair were regarding having Nepal Tourism Board's (NTB) own office in New Delhi.Visitors inquired about soft adventure and religious tours in Nepal.

Air Kasthamandap Pvt. Ltd to launch Air Taxis
February 15th: Air Kasthamandap Pvt. Ltd is preparing to launch a fleet of Pilatus Porter for air taxi and charter flights within two months .According to a press statement issued by the company, it planned to bring air taxies and Pilatus Porter as such single-engine aircraft are the most suitable for Nepalese terrain. Air Kasthamandap's target is o provide an affordable service. Since the operating cost of the aircraft is much lower than those of twin otters and Dornier,the airline stated that the fares will also be much lower .The airline will have Nepalgunj as its base.

Narayanhiti Museum to be opened for public from 26th Feb 2009
February 13th:. Narayanhiti Palace, the royal seat of the ousted Shah monarch,now renamed Narayanhiti Museum and will be opened for public observation from February 26, 2009.The residential area of the royal family, public meeting place and Tribhuvan Sadan is expeced to be the main areas of attraction .Hitler's gift to Tribhuvan, a car (Daimler Benz) will also be kept for observation..Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is expected to inaugurate the museum.

Nepal at TTF & OTM, Mumbai
February 12th: Nepal Tourism Board along with national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and four travel trade companies participated in the 69th Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) & Outbound Travel Mart (TTF & OTM) from 7th-9th February 2009 at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra- Kurla Complex in Mumbai. TTF & OTM Mumbai had over 500 participants from 26 countries and from all over India. During the fair Nepal particularly highlighted the upcoming soft adventure options such as paragliding and ultralite flights, rafting and alsopilgrimage packages like the Mt. Kailash Mansaorovar packages along with Muktinath and Damodar Kund yatra.

Chinese envoy asks Nepal to upgrade tourism infrastructure
February 11th: Speaking at an interaction programme on 10th February, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Qui Guohang remarked that Nepal needs to upgrade its tourism infrastructure in order to substantially increase the number of Chinese tourists to the country.The interaction programme was organized by Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the capital on Possibilities for Tourism promotion between Nepal and China. Minister(MoTCA) Hisila Yami, who was chief guest of the programme, said that the government is serious towards exploiting the tourism potential between Nepal and China.

Etihad's 'Inspired Service' campaign
February 10th: Starting February 9, 2009 Etihad Airways is offering special deals for its customers under its new Inspired Service campaign.Under Etihad's Inspired Service, the guest will enjoy the service of Diamond First Class for the price of Pearl Business Class and the service of Pearl Business Class for the price of the Coral Economy Class, a press release issued by the airlines stated. To avail the special services customers need to book their tickets within 9 to 28 February 2009 but the outbound travel period is extended till 31 March 2009 while the travel can be completed by 31 May 2009.

Riverside Splash - Royal beach Camp
If you are a river junkie and love the thrill and excitement that riverside adventures offers then your next stop should be the Royal Beach Camp.
Royal beach camp is an eco-adventure beach camp on the Trisuli River. The camp has the perfect location as it lies at the centre of three main tourist destinations: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. This makes it easy to fit a stop at RBC into any itinerary whenever you move between these three major tourist hubs.
The camp is located on a stretch of white sandy beach on the riverbank and has a charming outdoor atmosphere. Accommodation at the camp consists of bamboo huts built using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, rattan and thatch. There are simple conveniences like outdoor shower, and clean wc.
There is a cosy lounge and bar. The food at the camp is prepared by a professional chef using local produce and vegetables. On camp activities include kayaking, beach volleyball, river surfing, skysurfing (fixing a harness and going down on a zip line to land in the water with a splash). The camp also runs kayak courses and rafting , canyoning and multi sport adventure trips.

NTB's 'SEND HOME A FRIEND' campaign to continue
In order to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 a success NTB has decided to continue with the 'Send Home a Friend - Nepal for all seasons' campaign for two more years. 'Send Home a Friend' campaign was internationally launched in London, UK, on Nov. 17, 2007, by the Government of Nepal to forge partnership with the NRNs in different parts of the world and to get their support in promoting Nepal's tourism. The campaign was actively promoted in coordination with Nepal Tourism Board and the Non Resident Nepalis' Association

TAAN & NATHM Organize Trekking Guide Training
February 3rd: A month-long trekking guide training organized by Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) began today at NATHM. A total of 512 participants, including six women, are taking part in the training. The training is being conducted to produce skilled manpower in the trekking sector.

Visas for Tourist from Pokhara - Tourism Entrepreneurs' Demand
February 1st: Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have asked the government to issue visas for tourists from Pokhara . The tourism entrepreneurs put forth their demand to MoTCA minister Hisila Yami on Saturday, 31st January 2009.

South- African Tourist saved by NTB Officials
January 30th: Shaun Swilling, a South African tourist, was rescued by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) staff and Tourist Police after he collapsed due to sudden diabetic attack in Belhiya, near Bhairahawa, while on his way to India on January 15 . Swilling was rushed to Universal College of Medical Sciences Hospital for necessary medical treatment. During hospitalization, he was looked after by Tourist Police and NTB staff . NTB officials, in coordination with South African Embassy in Sri Lanka, traced his friend in Rishikesh, India and was called to take him back.

After Skydiving, it's a game of Cricket in Everest
January 28th: Everest is fast gaining ground as a favorite playground for sports, so it seems. Just a few months back Everest was in the news for the skydiving event. Now the region is again set to witness the world's highest-ever cricket match, when two teams (Team Tenzing & Team Hillary)will battle it out in the high altitude grounds of Gorak Shep.

England captain Andrew Strauss is the honourary skipper of Team Tenzing, while England vice-captain Alastair Cook is doing likewise for Team Hillary.The teams, which include a handful of Australians and New Zealanders, hope to raise £250,000 for The Lord's Taverners and The Himalayan Trust UK.The two teams are to make a nine-day expedition in April to Gorak Shep, a plateau 5,165 metres above sea level near the Everest base camp, for the record-breaking Twenty20 charity game. The Gorak Shep plateau is sandy, so the groundsmen will roll out a synthetic track to ensure a competitive game.

Explore Himalaya at FITUR 2009, Madrid(28th Jan - 1st Feb 2009)
January 27th: Explore Himalaya is participating in the 29th edition of FITUR, an international trade fair held in Madrid, Spain from 28th January to 1st February 2009. FITUR allows exhibitors and visitors to establish new strategies, promote their destinations and products and perform different marketing activities to reach the entire distribution channel. More than 13,000 companies from 170 countries/regions will be promoting their products and establishing business contacts at this fair.

Explore Himalaya will be exhibiting its products at Pabellón 6, stand number 6B01. For more info click.

Nepal Tourism Year 2011 Campaign Launched
January 26th: The first NTY 2011 promotional programme was held in Kathmandu on Sunday. Speaking at the occasion, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA), Hisila Yami said that the government is focusing on improving tourism infrastructure like hotels and airports. The government has decided to grant free visa to those tourists who visit Nepal for the second time in order to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011) a grand success. The campaign's target is to bring in at least one million international tourists to Nepal by the year 2011.

Nagarkot Hoteliers to Grant 15-25% Discount
January 25th: On the occasion of Nagarkot Naldum Lhoshar Festival to be celebrated from January 26- 28, hotels in Nagarkot have decided to give 15-25 percent discount to domestic and international tourists on food and lodging. The festival is being organised by the Nagarkot Naldum Tourism Development Committee and will feature Lhosar worship, cultural tableau, handicraft workshop, lok dohari, food stall and exhibition of antique pieces.

Etihad Airways Celebrates its 1st anniversary in Nepal
January 24th: Etihad Airways, the national airline of United Arab Emirates, celebrated the completion of the first year of the commencement of its Kathmandu -Abu Dubai service on 23rd January '09.According to a press release of Etihad airways the Kathmandu service has proven to be a valuable link for business and leisure travelers many of whom fly from across the world. The flights also serve the 90,000 Nepalese nationals living in the UAE and across the Middle East.Etihad's Kathmandu operations have been popular with travelers flying to key destinations such as London, New York, Frankfurt, Doha, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

EH's 10 new recruits receive training at HATT
Explore Himalaya has recruited 10 new interns who are undergoing training at Explore Himalaya's tourism academy HATT(Himalayan Academy of Travel & Tourism) located in Thamel. Amit Lamichhane , IT Officer, is coaching the interns on using various computer programs and applications, plus Tour Control office software, a software that is used for tour booking.

EH Welcomes Mr.Stephen McEvoy, MD of Asia world Enterprise
Explore Himalaya extends a warm welcome to Mr. Stephen McEvoy, Managing director of Asia world Enterprise, who is on a three-day visit to Nepal.

Preparation for 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' underway
The first meeting of main committee of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 was held in Kathmandu on January 18, 2009 to discuss various issues relating to this mega event. According to a press release issued by NTB the meeting has forwarded the proposal to form 12 sub committee. The meeting has also proposed Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Ms. Hisila Yami, Vice Chairperson of National Planning Commission and Chief Executive Office of Nepal Tourism Board as the Chairperson, Joint Chairperson and Member Secretary of the main committee respectively. Secretariat of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 will be at Nepal Tourism Board and promotional activities of this campaign will be announced through a press conference. Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign has set the target to bring in 1 million tourists in 2011.

A sponsor for EOTO Project
Laxman Acharya (10 yrs), a child under EH's "Each One Teach One" community project has received a sponsor from UK. Sophie Cooper is sponsoring Laxman's education in memory of her nephew Hector Cooper-Williams.

Pemba Gyalje Sherpa - National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year
Pemba Gyalje Sherpa has been named one of the top 14 Adventurers of the Year 2008 by National Geographic's Adventure Magazine.Pemba won this accolade for his heroic role in saving members of his team on K2, the second highest mountain in the world , last year. Among the top fourteen is also Rob Gauntlett, the youngest Briton to climb Everest, who passed away on January 10 2009 in a climbing accident while attempting to scale a section of Mont Blanc in the French Alps.

More about this story on http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/12/best-of/pemba-sherpa-text

Nepal pavilion awarded 'Best Stall Decoration Award at TTF Chennai
According to a press release of NTB dated 12-1-09, Nepal pavilion was awarded 'Best Stall Decoration Award' at TTF Chennai. Nepal Tourism Board along with 6 travel trade companies participated in Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) from 9th-11th January 2009 in Chennai a city in south India. During the fair, Nepal was highlighted as the land of Gods and gateway to Mt. Kailash, abode of lord Shiva. Likewise, Nepal showcased the various other tourism attractions and activities of Nepal. Nepal's initiative to attract more tourists to Nepal, 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' was also highlighted in the fair.

School for a village in Mansalu
A Japanese climber and environmental activist Ken Noguchi has announced plans to start building a school in a village at the base of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. Mt.Manaslu( 8,163m), a part of the Himalayan mountain range, was first climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956.
Noguchi, 35, who set up a foundation for the purpose in 2006,was quoted as saying that construction of the school will start in March and will be finished in two years.

Year 2008 Ends on a Promosing Note for the Nepalese Tourism Industry
The year 2008 saw a total of 8,13,561 tourists arrival in Nepal, an increase of 64.74 per cent, as compared to 2007 when Nepal received 5,26,705 tourists.
The highest tourist generating markets are India, UK and US. The recorded number of visitors to Nepal in 2008 are: 11,998 from Australia, 11,679 from Bangladesh, 14,076 from China, 19,616 from France, 16,228 from Germany, 19,694 from Japan, 2,328 from Norway, 1,461 from Sri Lanka, 12,115 from Spain, 12,556 from Spain, 26,762 from the USA, 29,694 from the UK, 91,177 from India and 39,201 from unspecified locations.
Recent data from TIA reveals that the highest number of tourists arrival, 90,923, was recorded in the month of October ’08.

Air Service Agreement (ASA) signed between Nepal and Bahrain
Nepal and Bahrain signed an Air Service Agreement (ASA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase air-frequency and develop manpower resources. Ramchandra Man Singh, secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Captain Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Gaoud signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments on Monday, 29th December 2008.
With the signing of the agreement, both countries will now operate 28 flights per week. The additional direct flights per week is expected to boost Nepal’s tourism.

10th Open Paragliding Championship
The 10th Open Paragliding Championship organized by Western Regional Chapter of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal will take place from 19th to 21st January ’09 in Pokhara.
Paragliding is very popular in Pokhara, especially the Sarangkot flight as it provides a spectacular view of the mountains, the surrounding hills, the Pokhara valley, Fewa tal and other rivers and streams.

5th International Elephant Race Trophy to Asia World Enterprise, once more!
Repeating last year’s victory Asia World Enterprise, Thailand, the partner of Explore Himalaya ,has been successful in winning this year’s International Elephant Race too. This year the elephant Lucky Kali who ran under the banner of Asia World Enterprise came first, while Bijuli Kali (representing Explorer Nepal) and Roop Kali (representing Manakamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd.) stood second and third, respectively.
Other highlights at the festival included Tonga Race and horse racing. The food festival is still going on and will continue till 1st January 2009.

7th Annual General Meeting of NATO on 6th January, 2009 Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) is scheduled to hold their 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Soaltee Crown Plaza on 6th January, 2009. The general meeting will be followed by an interaction programme on "Nepal Tourism Year 2011: Targeting a Million Tourists".
Hon'ble Hisila Yami, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, has consented to be the Chief Guest at the programme. Foreign diplomats, selected personalities of the travel industry and noted national and international journalists will also be participating in the gathering.

NATTA Secures Extended Space at FITUR-2009, Madrid
NATTA in collaboration with NTB has been able to buy extended space at the international tourism fair FITUR -2009 going to be held in Madrid (Spain) from 26th January to 01st February, 2009. According to Mr. Gautam Manandhar, NATTA Coordinator for FITUR - 2009 they are in a position to accommodate 3(three) additional stalls under Nepal Pavilion and have called on interested trekking agencies to book their stalls.

Pokhara Street Festival from Dec 28th '08 to Jan 1st '09
The Pokhara chapter of Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) is organizing the tenth Pokhara Street festival. The street festival is being launched in a circuit of 3km street on the lakeside, from Fishtail Gate Lake Side and Democracy Chowk up to Dihi Lakeside. Cultural programs, food fest, boat race, elephant ride, tug-of-war competitions, live band, folk music and dance, tourist race, horse riding, paragliding, acrobatic show etc, are some of the attractions. There will be fireworks display on New Year's Eve, according to the organizers.

Lumbini Festival from December 11
Lumbini Tourism and National Industrial Trade Fair-2065 is being organized in Rupandehi district from December 11. The event will focus on promoting Lumbini as a fascinating tourist destination and encourage entrepreneurs to enhance their productivity based on domestic raw materials. The event is organized by Siddharthanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and will last for 10 days.

New Board Members appointed for NTB
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) has appointed five members from the private sector in the Board of Directors' of Nepal Tourism Board. The MoTCA appointed the new members on the recommendations of Member Selection Committee constituted to recommend representation from the private sector.
Prasiddha Bahadur Pandey (president HAN), Ganesh Simkhada (trekking entrepreneur), Nimi Sherpa (women mountaineer/instructor), Rajan Sakya (hotelier) and Agni Prasad Kandel (Pokhara) have been appointed in the NTB's Board, according to the NTB.

Nepal to start air service to Indian metros
While speaking on the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hisila Yami on Sunday said that the government will soon commence regional air service to more than 18 Indian metros.
Yami also focused on the growing need of sports aviation in Nepal. According to her, "Sports aviation is a new element in civil aviation, which can be noticed by the increase in its demand in the tourism industry."
She also added that the government is in touch with the International Civil Aviation Organisation to propel foreign investment in Nepali aviation industry.

Tourists increases in Nepal
Despite the global economic crisis, the tourist arrival in Nepal by air in November increased by 6.6 percent compared to the same month last year, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said.

According to the figures released by the Immigration Office at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), 36,851 visitors arrived in Nepal in November and the total number of visitors till November 2008 has reached 344,599, an increase of 4.3 percent in comparison to the same period last year.

International Mountain Day 2008
International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands. The United Nations General Assembly has designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as the "International Mountain Day". It is observed every year with a different theme relevant to sustainable mountain development.

The theme for the International Mountain Day 2008 is "Food Security in Mountains".

"Himalaya - Changing Landscapes" outdoor Photo Exhibition
"Himalaya - Changing Landscapes" photo exhibition is taking place from 2 - 8 December 2008 (10.00 am - 5:00 pm) at Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the impact of global climate change in the Himalayas. On display will be a collection of repeat panoramas of mountains and glaciers in the Khumbu region taken in the 1950s, and retaken in the exact same locations in 2007.

The exhibition is endorsed by the Nepal Tourism Board, and organized by The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Six Nepali Climbing Sherpas recieve Spanish Bravery Award
Six Nepali Sherpa climbers Ongchu Sherpa, Pemba Ongchu Sherpa, Chirring Pinjhu Sherpa, Nima Nurua Sherpa, Mingma Dorji Sherpa and Ongchu Sherpa have been awarded the Gold Medal for Sports Merit of Navarra by the region of Narvarra in Spain. They were given this award for their brave effort in attempting to save well-known Spanish mountaineer the late e Inaki Ochoa de Olza Seguin on the 8091m Annapurna I last May. The award certificate reads, "It is the highest distinction created in order to acknowledge the career of such persons who have rendered outstanding service in the general promotion of physical activity and sport in Navarra."

November 5: Explore Himalaya's Participation at WTM, London (10th - 13th Nov '08)

We are pleased to inform you all that Explore Himalaya shall be taking part at World Travel Market in London from 10th to13th November 2008. We will be exhibiting our products at the stand AS6075 with the company "Asia World Thailand", quite close to the Thai pavilion.

As you know Explore Himalaya has teamed up with Asia World Enterprise for a broader marketing alliance. We believe that our representation at WTM as 'Asia World - Nepal', with "Asia World Enterprise" will be fruitful in exhibiting the products of Nepal and Tibet Himalayas through a wider marketing network. We look forward to seeing you at WTM from 10th to 13th November. Please do let us know if you would like to set up an appointment. e-mail:office@explore-himalya.com

November 3: Canadian Karma Trekkers TV Show captures the Nepalese sites
NOV. 3: A very popular Karma Trekkers TV Show, culture and tourism oriented program, aired on different channels in 45 countries completed filming the most fascinating and cultural heritage sites of Nepal Tuesday/November 3

November 2: Project Himalaya Mt.Kang Guru (6981m) Expedition
Project Himalaya's seven member Kang Guru expedition team left Kathmandu for their expedition on 19th October '08. The expedition leader is Philip James Crampton (UK).

The names of the team members are:
1. Robert M. Shaver (USA)
2. Karl Peter Adolfsson (Sweden)
3. Paula Veronica C. Cabrera (Venezuela)
4. Rusty Joe Schlessman (USA)
5. Damien J.G. Francois (Belgium)
6. Anne-Mari Hyrylainen (Finland)

Explore Himalaya is the base organizer of this expedition. The team is supported by climbing Sherpas: Tarkey Sherpa, Namgyal Sherpa and Pasang Gombu Sherpa.

November 2: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) gets new Chairman
Oct 29: In a major reshuffle in state-owned corporations and committees since the new government took office in August, the Maoist-led government on 28th Oct 2008 made sweeping changes. In this connection Mr.Bal Krishna Man Singh has been appointed as the new chairman of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC).

November 2: New Secretary for MoTCA
Mr. Ram Chandra Man Singh has been appointed as the new secretary of Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation.

October 26: National River Festival and Kali Gandaki River Rafting Festival being held from November 9-11
National River Festival and Kali Gandaki River Rafting Festival are being organized on November 9-11, 2008 in Nepal. The rafting in the white waters of Nepal is very challenging and popular. The festival aims at attracting the tourists for rafting in such rivers, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

October 23: International Folk Music Festival (5-8 November, 2008)
Nepal Music Center is organizing International Folk Music Festival from 5- 8 November 2008. The probable venues are: Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Nepal Sangeet Vidyalaya, Kathmandu University, Dept of Music and Lumbini. Apart from Nepali folk artistes, folk artistes from Norway, Malawi, Palestine, South Africa and India will be performing. So if you happen to be in Nepal during this time, it would be great to catch this cultural extravaganza.

October 20: 14th Asian Mountain Bike Championship in Nepal
Nepal is going to host the 14th Asian Mountain Bike Championship. Nepal Mountain Bike Association (NMBA) is making preparations for the up-coming event to be held from November 6. Till now, 137 bikers from 15 countries have registered their name for the championship

October 18: Himalayan Whitewater Challenge - Trishuli River Rodeo (28-30th November 2008)
The Nepal Association of Rafting Agents is organizing the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge on the Trishuli river this November (28th – 30th). Himalayan Whitewater Challenge in Nepal is a multi discipline one boat event that combines extreme slalom / river running skills with down river speed and freestyle action to find an overall whitewater champion. This event, which will combine state of the art forms of extreme whitewater slalom, head to head down river racing and amazing displays of freestyle rodeo maneuvers into one world class competitive event.

Dashain Festival brings smiles among Nepalese Hindus

Western couple remarry spiritually in eastern style

Upcoming Event - International Elephant Festival, Sauraha, Chitwan (26th - 28th Dec, 2008)

Everest Skydive - Closing Ceremony at Nepal Tourism Board

International Records made during Everest Skydive 2008