Tourist police in Bandipur Published on: March 5, 2019
Central zoo to get a face lift Published on: February 24, 2019

KATHMANDU: Central zoo of the country has constructed new and advanced structures for animals. The zoo has been constructing a new module of shelter depending upon animals.

Lina Chalise, Information Officer at the Zoo said that a new shelter with air-conditioned facility is being built for the red panda. The construction of new homes for blue bull, jackal and the crane is in progress.

The visitors will have an opportunity to see the blue bull after the construction of the shelter for it. Besides, works to upgrade a walkway meant for visitors are underway. The Zoo has an area of six hectares. There are 1,219 wildlife of 127 species in the Zoo now.

Last year, the Central Zoo collected Rs 1.4 million from visitors. It charges Rs 50 per head under 12 as entry fee; Rs 100 for students; Rs 150 for public; Rs 220 for visitors from the SAARC and Rs 750 for visitors from other countries.

 

Nepal participates in TTF Chennai, 2019 Published on: February 11, 2019

KATHMANDU: Nepal has participated in the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF), Chennai 2019 as part of the tourism campaign efforts.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with thirteen private companies promoted and highlighted Nepal in the three-day TTF that concluded on Sunday.

According to NTB, the TTF Chennai edition concluded with productive participation of 125 exhibitors from eight countries, 19 Indian States and Union territories.

Around 6,000 visitors visited the fair in which Nepal is a partner country. Visitors from Goa, Andra Pradesh, Himanchal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhanda, Odisa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the host state Tamil Nadu took part in the show, NTB stated.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that Nepal welcomed 1,273,072 visitors in 2018. This means that India alone contributed 17.8 percent of the total number of arrival.

Nepal Pavilion attracted a lot of visitors in the fair. Visitors eagerly showed interest about Kailashnath and Muktinath temples.

Tourism entrepreneurs in Siliguri to promote Pokhara Published on: February 5, 2019

POKHARA: The local tourism entrepreneurs have gone to Siliguri, India for publicizing Pokhara in the north-eastern region of India. The delegation comprises 22 entrepreneurs. The tourism entrepreneurs have reached Siliguri in the context of facilitating trade among the entrepreneurs between Nepal and India, and with the growing number of Indian visitors from the north-east parts visiting Pokhara every year.
The Pokhara Tourism Council has been organising such promotional tours of tourism entrepreneurs every year with the aim of further promoting tourism relations with the north-eastern region of India.
The local tourism entrepreneurs will also participate in the Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) to be organised in Siliguri from today. The mart is organised by the Eastern Himalayan Travels and Tour Operator Association (EHTOA), a common organization of the tourism entrepreneurs of the north-eastern states of India. The information about this was shared in a programme oganised in Siliguri on Monday.
On the occasion, Manager of Nepal Tourism Board’s Pokhara Office, Surya Thapaliya had shared information on the tourism in Pokhara and Nepal. He believed that the promotional programme would be beneficial both for Nepal and India.
First vice-president of NATTA Western Region Association, Sanjaya Kant Sigdel, said that a large number of visitors from the north-east region of India including Siliguri, Dooars, Gangtok, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Manipur, Assam, among other places come to Nepal through the eastern transit point Kakadbhitta and other transit points, every year.
President of Pokhara Tourism Council, Chiranjibi Pokhrel said extensive discussions would be held on various aspects of tourism business collaboration with the tourism entrepreneurs of India as part of BTM.
Pokhara Tourism Council and the EHTOA have also signed a joint memorandum five years back for promoting partnership in Pokhara’s tourism. The agreement includes increasing the professional capacity, joint publicity, business networking and conducting joint promotional programmes, among others.

42 Nepali women scale Mt Everest so far Published on: February 4, 2019

KATHMANDU: A total of 42 Nepali women have scaled the Mt. Everest so far. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa reached the world’s highest summit on April 22, 1993, becoming the first Nepali woman to conquer the third pole.

Lakpa Sherpa of Solukhumbu holds the record among the Nepali women scaling the Mt. Everest for nine times. Born at a remote village Tashigaun, Makalu-Barun in Solukhumbu, Lakpa started her mountaineering career as a helper of a trekking group 17 years ago.  She reached the top in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

In 2008, a total of 10 Nepali women made it to the peak. Likewise, 1993, 2001, 2004, 2009 and 2013 witnessed a single woman each scaling the mountain, according to the record.

According to the record maintained by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, as many as 18 women scaled the world’s highest peak in 2018, the highest record ever. Those include Rosha Basnet, Rojita Buddhacharya, Deurali Chamling, Phunjo Jhangmu Lama, Kalpana Maharjan, Chhoki Sherpa, Dabuti Sherpa, Dawa Diki Sherpa, Dikki Sherpa, Doma Sherpa, Lakpa Yangi Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, Nima Jangmu Sherpa, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Yangdi Sherpa, Purnima Shrestha, Kanchhi Maya Tamang, Lukme Tamang. Basnet and Shrestha are journalist and photojournalist respectively.

In 2008, a total of 10 Nepali women made it to the peak. Likewise, 1993, 2001, 2004, 2009 and 2013 witnessed a single woman each scaling the mountain, according to the record.

Likewise, Maya Sherpa of Patle 5, Okhaldhunga conquered Mt Everest four times. Similarly, Pemba Doma Thaktopa Sherpa, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Kanchi Maya have climbed the peak two times each.

Most of the women who conquered Mt. Everest belong to the Sherpa community.

Out of 42 climbers, 23 of them belong to the Sherpa community whereas others represent the Tamang, Newar, Gurung, Limbu, Rai, Brahmin and Chhetri communities.

YEAR NAME
2018 Rosha Basnet
2018 Rojita   Buddhacharya
2018 Deuralee Chamling
2018 Phunjo Jhangmu Lama
2018 Kalpana Maharjan
2018 Chhoki  Sherpa
2018 Dabuti Sherpa
2018 Dawa Diki Sherpa
2018 Dikki Sherpa
2018 Doma Sherpa
2018 Lakpa Yangi Sherpa
2018 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2018 Nima Jangmu Sherpa
2018 Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
2018 Yangdi Sherpa
2018 Purnima Shrestha
2018 Kanchhi Maya Tamang
2018 Luckme Tamang
2017 Bhumira Gurung
2017 Nanu Maya Gurung
2017 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2017 Kanchhi Maya Tamang
2016 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2016 Maya Sherpa
2013 Nisha Adhikari
2012 Beena Magar
2012 Dawa Yangzum Sherpa
2012 Ngim Chhamji Sherpa
2011 Susmita Maskey
2011 Chhurim Dolma Sherpa
2011 Ngawang Bhutik (Nawang Futi) Sherpa
2009 Junita Sambahamphe
2008 Pujan Acharya
2008 Shaile Basnet
2008 Usha Bista
2008 Maya Gurung
2008 Susmita Maskey
2008 Ngawang Bhutik (Nawang Futi) Sherpa
2008 Nima Doma Sherpa
2008 Pema Diki Sherpa
2008 Chunu Shrestha
2008 Asha Kumari Singh
2007 Maya Sherpa
2007 Mingkipa Sherpa
2007 Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
2006 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2006 Maya Sherpa
2005 Moni Mulepati
2005 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2004 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2003 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2003 Mingkipa Sherpa
2002 Pemba Doma Thaktopa Sherpa
2001 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2000 Lakpa/Lhakpa Sherpa
2000 Pemba Doma Thaktopa Sherpa
1993 Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

 

Trekking: Snapshot Overview Published on: February 4, 2019

If you have the urge to discover Nepal’s terrain, and understand the ecology or learn about its distinct geography, going for a trek would be the right thing to do. Unquestionably, Nepal has remained an exciting playground for adventure tourists and trekkers since the Himalayan country offers an assortment of exhilarating opportunities.

The camaraderie of the locals will add flavor to a trekker’s fervor besides getting a stunning view of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Khabarhub gives you a sketchy idea about some popular trekking destinations.

Everest Region

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

A homeland to numerous soaring mountain ranges, including the world’s highest peak, the Mt. Everest, this region will mesmerize a trekker with its grandeur. Peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Kangtega, Mt. AmaDablam, Mt. Cho Oyu and several other peaks will leave you spellbound. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp would be enthralling since it gives you a spectacular close up view of the world’s highest mountains, as well as an opportunity to explore the Sherpa villages and their lifestyles besides coming across magnificent high passes, valleys, rivers, monasteries and Buddhist prayer flags.

Annapurna Circuit

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Dubbed as one of Nepal’s most popular treks, Annapurna Circuit gives you a blend of adventure and pleasure with the trail traversing a variety of terrain in the Annapurna region. Trek to the Annapurna Circuit gives you an opportunity to understand and explore the rich cultural and natural diversity besides offering an amazing view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Macchupucchre, Manaslu and LangtangHimal. Moreover, the trail offers you an opportunity to enjoy the lush valley, green high alpine, and arid peaks. And not to forget the smiling faces of the people!

Manaslu Circuit

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

The Manaslu Circuit offers you spectacular panoramas of the snow-clad peaks on the Nepal-Tibet border. The trek here goes around the gorgeous Mount Manaslu — the world’s 8th highest mountain. The profoundness of your spirits will reach the optimum high when you get through the challenging Larkya Pass, and several other mountain passes. On the way, you will find typical villages and come across diverse cultures of ancient Buddhist monasteries. The Manaslu Circuit trekking route, in fact, gives you adventurous, yet fabulous experience for trekkers.

Ghorepani Poon Hill

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Easy and short route, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers you a panoramic view of the high hills, terraced farmlands as well as the beautiful rhododendron forest. More than that, the warm hospitality of the people of Gurung community adds flavor to the trip. In fact, the trek becomes relatively exciting during the spring season when the rhododendron forest is in bloomGhorepani Poon Hill trek is usually termed as the best trek in this Himalayan country to have a spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna range and to explore the beauty of the Annapurna Region.

Langtang Valley Trek

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

What could be more exciting than to go for Langtang Valley Trek – widely admired trekking route for its diverse vegetation and cultured villages? Surrounded with tranquil rural landscape, this trek offers an opportunity to view the stunning Annapurna and Makalu peaks. Besides, the trek also makes you feel the warmth of the rich Tamang culture and hospitality. In fact, you will not miss some beautiful glaciers at a quite low altitude.

Upper Mustang

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Close to Tibet, the Upper Mustang offers you an opportunity to see the 16th-century Buddhist monasteries and the caves carved into sheer cliff walls. Considered a culturally and geo-politically sensitive, this was opened for trekking only from 1992. This place has an unusual terrain of a semi-arid desert. The deep ravines and rock shelves, fringed with snowy peaks add flavor to your trekking experience. In fact, this place is often termed as a ‘hidden paradise’ rich in Tibetan culture.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Trek to the Kanchenjunga area will give you an opportunity to explore the culture and beauty of the mountain range – a home to some of the Asia’s most exotic wildlife. The trek also takes you to the high-mountain terrain on Nepal’s border with Sikkim and Tibet. The trek to this region will give an exposure to the unspoiled local culture

Annapurna Base Camp

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Trek to the Annapurna Base Camp takes you to the base of Mount Annapurna passing through hospitable villages and picturesque valleys. A blend of superb natural scenery and rich cultural diversity, the spectacular trek offers you a close view of the peaks above 8,000 meters. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is a spectacular, breathtaking walk that rewards trekkers in many ways.

Gokyo Valley

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Golyo Valley, Nepal’s biggest glacier and an arc of snow-mountains, is the most attractive region in the Khumbu region. The GokyoRi Trek is a trek to the Gokyo valley that passes through green forests and several suspension bridges. Its alluring side glens, turquoise lakes, and the scenic ridges enhance the trek. This offers an opportunity to view of the five Emerald Lakes together in the shadow of the majestic mountain peaks in the Gokyo Valley along with the view of the wonderful ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung located in Khumbu region.

Upper Dolpo

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board

Trek to the Upper Dolpo region involves long climbs and strenuous descents. Considered as a hidden gem of Nepal with its Tibetan style villages, its stunning barren landscapes, and picturesque mountain peaks displays an impressive acquaintance. The region, in fact, holds centuries-old culture untouched by the modern world. Trekking to this region needs to cross of three high passes Nagdalo La (5350m), Shey La (5000m) and Jeng La (5110m).

 

 

 

 

In pics: Mesmerizing Bajura Published on: February 4, 2019

BAJURA: Nepal’s far-western region, which sometimes reels from famine and drought, is astonishingly rich in natural beauty.

While the region is blessed with the fragrance of colorful flowers in the spring season, it is no less beautiful than Switzerland owing to the sparkling snow during the winter.

Thanks to the snowfall since last Monday, the Himalayan belt of the region is all silvery. It feels as if otherwise naked hills of the far west are decked with clean white bed sheets.

While the region is blessed with the fragrance of colorful flowers in the spring season, it is no less beautiful than Switzerland owing to the sparkling snow during the winter.

Pokhara’s tourism entrepreneurs to promote tourism in Northeast India Published on: February 3, 2019

KATHMANDU: A team of tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara are all set to commence a tourism promotion tour to the Northeast of India from February 5 to 10 this year. The team comprising Tourism Board (NTB) officials and Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) executives were scheduled to visit Siliguri and Guhawati among other places.

The visit is taking place in line with the MoU that was signed between the Eastern Himalayan Travel and Tour Operators Association, and Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) some five years ago to promote the tourism of Pokhara and Northeast India at the initiative of Nepal Tourism Board.

PTC President Chiranjivi Pokharel shared the Nepali tourism entrepreneurs would be taking part in various tourism promotion activities during their visit to lure a large number of Indian tourists to Nepal. Pokharel was of the view that the visit would contribute in attracting and retaining the Indian tourists in Nepal.

Thousands of Indian tourists from Siliguri, Dooars, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Manipur, West Bangle, Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Mizoram reach to Nepal via Kakadbhitta especially to visit shrines like Pashupanti Nath and Mukti Nath, according to him. The Pokhara’s entrepreneurs will also take part in Bengal Travel Mart where a press conference will be held, shared NATTA Western Region Association’s First Vice-President Sanjaya Kanta Sigdel.

13th food festival from Feb 11 Published on: February 2, 2019

CHITWAN: The 13th Sauraha food festival is being held this year from coming February 11 to 15. The festival is organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) with the objective of promoting tourism and also supporting education of children from poor families. Ten per cent of the income from the event will be used to set up an education fund for the education of poor children inward nos 5, 6 and 7 of Ratnanagar municipality, according to the festival coordinator Dhruva Giri.
The event will be held at the Sisuwar ground in Ratnanagar municipality-7 with ‘Natural beauty the special feature of Chitwan Sauraha’ as the main slogan. The festival is also expected to help enhance the quality of food item while promoting Sauraha as the major destination in Nepal for both domestic and foreign tourists, added Giri.

Snow disrupts air service in Humla Published on: January 28, 2019

HUMLA : Flight service to and from Simkot airport has been disrupted following heavy snowfall in Humla.

However, the District Administration Office took the initiative to remove the snow piled up in the Simkot airport. According to Assistant Chief District Officer Mahesh Kumar Pokharel, they have continued the task of snow removal from the airport as disruption of flight service directly caused inconvenience to send the ailing people outside the district for treatment. Nepal police together with Nepal Army and Armed Police have concentrated their efforts to clear the snow from the airport.