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KATHMANDU, JAN 01 -
The tourism boom in 2011 and 2012 had raised the hopes of the travel trade that the good times would continue in 2013, but that did not happen.
A series of unfortunate issues dampened the country’s tourism industry—the European Commission’s (EC) blanket ban on Nepali airlines for their poor safety record, the Constituent Assembly (CA) election, strikes by anti-poll parties, Nepal’s bad air safety record, lack of tourism marketing due to the Nepal Tourism Board’s (NTB) remaining headless, and runway problems at Kathmandu’s airport necessitating load restrictions on international aircraft.
“Due to a combination of factors, the tourism sector didn’t show resilience in 2013,” said Hari Sarmah, the CEO of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA). “In fact, due to the political transition, the government and concerned stakeholders didn’t focus on tourism issues, and the sector remained neglected, resulting in a gradual decline in tourist arrivals,” added Sarmah. “But 2014 will be better as the CA election has been successfully concluded. The travel trade sector has high expectations from the new government.”
The year just past was particularly ruined by three major incidents. First, the government’s announcement in June that it would hold the CA election in November created a fear psychosis among travellers as potential holidaymakers usually avoid countries where an election is being held.
Hoteliers said they suffered at least 15 percent booking cancellation since the beginning of September this year due to the polls. Unexpected events again happened when the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) asked international airlines flying wide-body aircraft to observe a load restriction following repeated damage to the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). And finally, the EC’s ban on Nepali carriers and its advisory to European citizens not to fly on them led to incalculable damage to the country’s tourism image.
The repercussions of the EC’s ban are expected to be seen in the country’s tourism industry in 2014. NTB Spokesperson Aditya Baral said that the EC’s decision to blacklist Nepali airlines would create a psychological impact on travellers in the short run.
“If the country’s aviation safety is not addressed in time, it can badly affect tourist arrivals,” he added. He said that if aviation infrastructure and air safety standards were not improved, the tourism sector would be greatly harmed.
Baral said that there was a need for massive investment and reforms in the civil aviation sector. “The time has come for the government to be more liberal in its aviation policy by allowing more and more international airlines to enter the country,” he said.
Considering the large number of air service agreements (ASA) gathering dust on the government’s shelves, Baral said that the government should aggressively move ahead to revise or sign new pacts as a number of airlines plan to connect Nepal.
However, a number of things like expanding the fleet of Nepal Airlines Corporation and upgradation of Gautam Buddha airport to a regional international airport are positive signs for the country’s tourism, Baral added.
Meanwhile, a spate of air accidents in recent years have raised concerns over Nepal’s aviation safety, and industry insiders have blamed the mishaps for damaging the country’s image and scaring away potential visitors.
Nepal’s tourism started to pick up speed after the announcement of the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 national campaign in 2008, but the industry lost momentum following a series of air crashes, said analysts.
National and international aviation experts have pointed out that CAAN has not been serious about addressing issues like training manpower and injecting adequate investment into aviation technology.
However, former CAAN director general Tri Ratna Manandhar has a different opinion of Nepal’s recent focus on air safety. He said that CAAN had presently started mobilizing its own resources in a break from the past practice of seeking donor funds.
“On the physical infrastructure front, CAAN is doing well,” he said. For example, CAAN has blacktopped the runways at 10 remote airports through its own resources. Likewise, it is also injecting hefty amounts into navigation and communication equipment and training manpower. CAAN has spent Rs 250 million on its training project.
Manandhar added that despite many improvements, documentation remained CAAN’s weak point. “CAAN has not been able to provide documents to the global aviation watchdog, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as evidence of the steps it has taken on the safety front,” he said. “This is why Nepal has failed to satisfy ICAO and other international aviation regulators.”
KATHMANDU, SEP 27 -
In yet another incident of daring broad daylight shooting, an unidentified men opened fire at Bouddha in the Capital on Friday morning, leaving a person injured.
The injured has been identified as Indian national Mohammad Sansullah, of Motihari, India. He was running a tailoring shop behind Subash party palace in Jorpati.
Sansullah has sustained bullet injuries in his stomach.
The reason behind the shooting is yet to be ascertained.
According to eyewitnesses, two men in a bike fired gunshots at Sansullah.
Meanwhile, Sansullah has been ferried for treatment at Maharajgung based Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Police have been investigating the incident.
Mount Everest is the Earth's highest mountain, with a peak at 8,848 metres above sea level and the 5th tallest mountain measured from the centre of the Earth. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas
Siddhattha Gotama 490-410 BCE
During what has been called the second urbanization of north-eastern India, emerging small kingdoms caused upheaval in all areas: economic, social and religious. Brahmin priests no longer retained the level of prestige and power they had as Vedic rituals and religious traditions lost their value, and more people turned their focus inwardly. They sought to know the true nature of reality that was at the bases of religious practice and the very foundation of life.
Men and women of all castes gave up everything to live a life of meditation, yoga, contemplation, starvation, self-mortification and deprivation of all kinds, in order to find this freedom, self-knowledge and fulfillment. Known as Samanas, there were so many of them that they were regarded as a fifth caste. These ascetics and sages lived alone in caves or forests, or with their families in communities. They were supported by those who felt unable to do the same but who, by helping them, believed that they gained
Karmic benefits.
Picture of Gautama Buddha.
One Samana was Siddattha Gotama (Siddhartha Gautama), who would eventually become known as Buddha – the “Awakened One.”
“Having it all is not Enough” – the legend of Siddattha Gotama
Siddattha Gotama, legend has it, was a royal Prince whose father had protected him from any kind of suffering. From the time of his birth until the age of 29, he was given everything that one could possibly want: looks and riches, a beautiful wife, a healthy son. Then, at 29 he encountered sickness, old age, and death for the first time. Overcome by what he saw, Gotama recognized that all beings were subject to these things, no matter how much they had of worldly goods and splendor. He could no longer ignore the realities of life: suffering and death. Then he met a Samana who had renounced everything but appeared happy nonetheless, so, following his example, he left his home forever, and took up the begging bowl and staff of the Samana, to seek the end of his samsara the constant cycle of births, deaths and rebirths. Tradition refers to this episode as the “Four Sights.”
Image of Gautama Buddha.
For six years Gotama practiced the ascetic arts, traveling throughout the cities of the Ganges basin, studying with teachers who could impart the disciplines that would end his samsara. He learned yogic meditation and other practices but refused to believe that the temporary states arrived at were the highest realization possible to man. He deprived himself of food until he became emaciated, but concluded that this method only intensified suffering, it did not release one from it.
He realized that neither the pleasures of life nor the ascetic practices of the Samana offered him the wisdom he sought. He needed to find a way between these two extremes – this he called the Middle Way.
According to the Buddhist tradition, Gotama sat beneath a huge tree that was later called the “wisdom,” or “Bodhi” tree and vowed not to leave it until he achieved the liberating knowledge he sought.
Unlike his teachers, whose practices focused on achieving extra-sensory perceptions of the mind, Gotama’s emphasis was on the quality of ‘mindfulness’ – awareness, without judgment, of mind, body and environment. He remembered that as a child he had meditated and focused on his breath and that this had brought him a sense of both pervading calmness and awareness. He undertook a long and arduous period of meditation and contemplation that culminated in his acquiring deep insights into the human condition. Finally, in overcoming the temptations of the demonic Mara, he believed he did attain nibbana (or nirvana) – the understanding that liberated him from samsara.
“In that instance the knowledge and the vision arose in me, unshakable is the realization in my mind, this is my last birth,” At this moment he earned the title Buddha – the Awakened One.
| Image of Gautama Buddha. |
For 49 days, we are told, he enjoyed this liberation, and pondered whether he could teach others how to attain it. Finally, he traveled on foot to Benares to seek the five ascetics who had deserted him when he gave up the samsara way. They recognized that something had changed in him, and, following his Dhamma (Dharma: teachings) became the first arahants of Buddhism. Buddha taught for several decades throughout the cities of the Gangetic basin, building a community of followers. In 410 BCE at the age of 80 he became mortally ill, his last words, tradition has it, being:
“All compounded things are subject to decay, work out your salvation with diligence.”
picture of Gautama Buddha.
The Mount Everest in our country Nepal. The Mount Everest height 8,8,48 Meters. The World's Highest Mountain.29,030 Feet. The Mount Everest is Nepali name Sagarmatha is call in Nepal. Because The Mount Everest in Sagarmatha zone and Sagarmatha Districts so all the Nepalis are call Sagarmatha. But The Mount Everest call all the person. who know about Nepal just definitely who know Sagarmatha. i think all the person visit just one time in Nepal and think about Nepal. Nepal is very beauty full country and very interesting peoples are in Nepal. I think all the person or people visit once time in Nepal. The Mount Everest and enjoy yourself and mortised your life. at this time very short so think about my thinking and all the Nepali and all the world people visit once time the Mount Everest.
MT. EVEREST IN NEPAL(SAGARMATHA), 8,848 M.
Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) is the World's Highest Mountain. Sagarmatha rises to 8848 Meters (29,030 Feet) above the sea level. Originally Mount Everest was called Peak XV. As it turned out, Peak XV already had two other names one name came from South side of the Mountain, from the Nepalese who referred to it as Sagarmatha or "Goddess of the Sky". The other name came from North side of the mountain from the Tibetans, who had name to it as Joloungma, or "Goddess, Mother of the world". Later the mountain has renamed in honor of Sir George Everest. Although today it is rarely called Joloungma or Sagarmatha, it is clear from their names for the mountain that the Nepalese and Tibetan people worshiped this special place on the earth.
Mount Everest looms above the valleys of the Khumbu Region of Nepal. The world's tallest mountain has lured trekkers and mountaineers since Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand beekeeper, made the first ascent in May 1953. While it has been more than 50 years since it first achieved international celebrity, Everest continues to fascinate the adventurous as a world-class mountain destination.Snow Lion Expeditions has been leading trekkers to the base of the world's highest mountain for nearly two decades. The company offers three different trekking routes through the Khumbu to breathtaking viewpoints of Everest: Kala Pattar, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri and Thyangboche Monastery.
Magnificent mountain panoramas set the scene for your ascent through charming Sherpa villages where the residents' warm hospitality receives you with openness and generosity. Because the Sherpas have been blessed with economic resources from commercial trekking and mountaineering that has provided them with both education and wealth, they have not embraced the Maoists which have dominated other parts of the kingdom for the past six years. Accordingly, the Khumbu remains a world-class mountain destination--a safe haven for both trekkers and pilgrims.
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp
The Mount Everest or Solu Khumbu area is the first most popular trekking destination in Nepal. The primary objective of Everest treks is either the Everest Base Camp, about 5, 340 meteres, or Kala Pattar, an unassuming (5, 545 meters). A trek into Mount Everest Base Camp is one of the most spectacular adventure treks in the world. Everest Base Camp is not the sole preserve of high altitude mountaineers. Everest Base Camp trek is the quintessential trek to Everest journey begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to the Mountain airstrip at Lukla in the heart of the Khumbu region. There follows a fairly easy day of around three hours to our first stop Phakding. We continue North up the Dudh Kosi Valley to Namche Bazaar, quite a hard day, where we spend a day acclimatizing, good food and accommodation. From Namche we trek to Khumjung Tengboche monastery, the seat of Sherpa Culture. it is mainly a gradual push up to Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp resting one day in Dingboche or Pheriche for some side trips and further acclimatization. Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp
Trekking in Annapurna provides you with unparalleled access to spectacular horizons of snowy peaks, and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek combines some of the most fantastic mountain scenery with a fascinating insight into the life of middle hill Nepalese. The trail takes us through an ever-changing landscape of rice fields, misty forests and lowland local villages to the glacier. It offers a fine opportunity to surround oneself with Himalayan peaks and to witness the glacier basin of Annapurna Sanctuary formed by Annapurna, Machhapurchre (Fishtail, Himchuli, and Manaslu). This used to be a complicated trek due to problems with food and lodging. However, there are now many facilities between Ghandruk and Annapurna Base Camp along this trail only used by trekkers. Annapurna Base Camp can be approached by at least three different routes. Here we have described one of three options.
Rara Lake
Rara Lake
The best destination for trekking western Nepal .Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal surrounded by Rara National Park. The route follows off path all the way where you have a splendid view of Nature and its beautiful components. The trek also grants magnificent view of the Himalayas passing through forests with pine, spruce and juniper, including breath taking views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks. Rara trekking is one to take your breath away.
Bandipur
Bandipur view
Located on a 1,000m ridge in Tanahu district some 140km from Kathmandu, Bandipur’s hallmark is its beautiful scenery. Bandipur is a part of western Nepal.Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower; indeed, one can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang. Besides from the dazzling views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life.
Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. Lumbini is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in modern Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself. The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha’s birth.
Lumbini, Mayadevi kund
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. Lumbini is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in modern Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself. The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha’s birth.
Chitwan
Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the finest national Parks in Asia, renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provides the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna An elephant ride is the most popular way of exploring the Chitwan jungle.
Pokhra Valley
Pokhara with Begnas
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. It is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal. Its serene lakeside locality and immediacy to the Annapurna mountain range connote it is an supreme place for recuperating from a trek.
Tansen – Palpa
Rani mahal-Palpa
It is a part of western Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate The Nepali topi (national cap), Dhaka – the most popular hand woven cloth of Nepal comes from this region. The most famous places to visit in Tansen are Tansen Bazaar, Palpa Ranighat; an ancient building (palace) set on a massive rock, Tansen Durbar Palace and the stunning ranges of mountains.
Muktinath & Jomsom
Muktinath temple
It is believed that all miseries/sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple Muktinath (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindu & Buddhist. The holy shrine at Muktinath is in a grove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda style temple of Vishnu Temple, Containing an Image of Vishnu. Many best places to visit in this region are the Kunda, Mukti Dhara, Jwala Mai Temple, Gomba Samba, a “newly built monastery”. Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils too.
Khotang-Diktel
Diktel, Capital of Khotang district
Khotang District is one of the large districts of Sagarmatha Zone. It is situated in Eastern Nepal where Diktel is a district headquarters. It is situated in the North-East of Khotang District. It is a remote place but in nature a very beautiful where we can view the natural landscape and inhale natural air. Diktel bazaar is one of the busiest places of Khotang. Diktel-Khotang is the second major strategic centre of the hilly areas after Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.
Solukhumbu
Saleri - Solu Kumbhu
A place with very incredible discovery is with high Altitude the ‘Solukhumbu ‘starting from Jiri which end on Lukla. The Solukhumbu area is divided into two distinct regions, Solu and Khumbu.Most of the tourists trek from Salleri or Jiri to Lukla or in the reverse direction. In Khumbu, many tourist routes are used extensively to trek into the Everest region, but some new alternate trails can also be explored. The most visiting place in this region are Sagarmatha National Park, Mt. Everest, Pikey Peak Trek, Thuptenchholing Monastery, Dudh Kunda- Khaling Rai Trek, Thuptenchholing Monastery and many others.
Antu Danda-Ilam
Antu Danda, Illam
Antu Danda is located in the Eastern part of Nepal and is one of the highly potential places for tourism. It is delimited by captivating views with greenery tea plantation. Antu Danda is also the best destination to view the scenic sunrise and sunset.
It is situated at an altitude of 1,677m in Ilam district and is famous for the splendid views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga that it commands. Another must to be viewed place is the Lepcha museum at Aantu. Illam reflects affluent cultural and social heritages of people living in concord.