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. Arriavals 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 miniature paintings, 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.
Destination Bandipur
June 30th: Bandipur has recently been recognized as a potential tourism spot. The place is the perfect blend of awe-inspiring nature and untainted culture. As it is opening up rapidly to embrace the outer world, it would be good idea for travel enthusiasts to get their gears ready to experience the natural aura and traditional mysticism of this ancient city. (More on this ancient town)
TAAN members meet the newly appointed Tourism Minister
June 30th: A delegation of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) members 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 and to annul the provision of bank guarantee for trekking agents which have completed the trial period of three years. The delegation 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 calendar 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). Read the story behind 'Rato Machendranath Festival' .
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.
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 26th to 28th June 2009. This campaign has been initiated to boost "Nepal Tourism Year-2011” campaign.
Debate over 'Oldest Everest Summitter' 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 in February this year, had recognized Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura who had climbed the peak at the age of 75, as the oldest Everest summitter.
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.
Jatayu Restaurant - Feeding centre for vultures
June 21st: Pithauli ,a village in Nawalparasi District in southern Nepal, is being frequented by a large number of tourists. The attraction is Jatayu Restaurant — not a diner, but a feeding centre for vultures.This feeding centre for vultures is first of its kind 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 ones. As Nawalparasi contain seven of the nine species of vulture in the world, setting up the restaurant has made it easier for conservationists to monitor the birds and their activities.The vultures are fed uncontaminated cattle carcasses. An observation post has been built for visitors to watch the birds swoop down at mealtime.
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 focus on the infrastructural development of the area.
Imja Tsho Action Event 2009 Begins
June 18th: Imja Tsho Action Event 2009 - Beat the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Action Run began today.This 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.
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. Today this city has become a popular center for tourism in Southwest China.
George Bush Sr. celebrates his 85th birthday with a sky-dive
June 17th: Former US President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 85th birthday on June 12th with a tandem jump. Bush made the tandem jump from 10,500 feet with Sgt. 1st Class Mike Elliott of the Army’s Golden Knights, who guided them to a gentle landing . He said he enjoyed it so much that he planned to do it again when he turns 90.(More)
Tharpu Chuli Trek
June 17th: James Ward is a Technical Evangelist for Flex at Adobe and Adobe’s JCP representative. In his bio it is mentioned, “much like his love for climbing mountains he enjoys programming because it provides endless new discoveries, elegant workarounds, summits and valleys”. Perhaps it was his love for climbing that drew him to Nepal Himalayas. (More)
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 Nepali 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.
EU Film Festival in Kathmandu
June 12th: The diplomatic missions and cultural institutions of the European Union (EU) are all set to organise a five-day European Film Festival at the Nepal Army auditorium, Kathmandu from June 13th to 17th.Movies from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and the United Kingdom will be screened on the occasion.
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.
Nepal bags Best Tourism Promotion Award
June 8th: Nepal bagged the Best Tourism Promotion Award at the Korea Travel Fair (KOTFA) held in Seoul from 4-7 of June. Nepal's participation in the fair was led by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
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 organised a clean-up and tree plantation programme 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.
"Climbing Lhakpa Ri was a special experience..."- Jürg Merz
June 2nd: A visibly elated Swiss climber, Jürg Merz , who recently summitted Lhakpa Ri shared his experience with Explore Himalaya. This was Jürg’s first Himlayan experience and he seemed doubly pleased to have visited and added the ‘first’ Himalayan peak to his list of mountains climbed. Interview & Expedition pictures
