Tara Air begians Bhojpur flight

Tara Air, a subsidiary of Yeti Airlines, on Monday conducted its maiden flight between Kathmandu and Bhojpur as part of its expansion to serve the remote sector.
According to the carrier, it will run the service in the sector every Monday, with a Tara Air plane taking off from Kathmandu at 9:20 to Bhojpur and returning at 10:25 to Kathmandu.
A 1,650 meter long runway in Bhojpur is situated at 3,962 ft above the sea level and it takes 45 minutes to reach the destination. The airfare to the sector is Rs 4,995 for Nepalis and $ 132 for the foreigners. Lalupate Travels has been appointed the general sales agents of Tara Air for the sector.

"We believe this operation will help promote tourism and ease passenger services in the sector, including cargo and food delivery," the carrier said in a statement. Tara Air operates its scheduled flights to short-haul sector like Lukla, Faflu, Lamidanda, Tumlingtar and Ramechhap from Kathmandu; Jomsom and Manang from Pokhara and Dolpa, Jumla, Bajura, Simikot, Rara from Nepalgunj and Surkhet base.

Landslide displaces three families

Three families at Bhimeshwor Municipality-6 have been displaced due to landslide coupled with heavy rainfall occurred on Monday.

Six other houses at Tamakosi bazaar are at risk of landslide.

Three families of Kamala Katawal, Nar Bahadur Khadka and Kainla Upreti at Tamakosi bazaar were displaced due to the landslide.

A four-year-old child and two other persons were rescued from the landslide. Policeman Krishna Basnet was injured while rescuing the landslide victims.

Meanwhile, the district natural disaster rescue committee and District Red Cross Society, Dolakha, have distributed relief materials to the landslide victims. The displaced families have been provided with Rs 3000 each and tents, clothes and other materials too. RSS

The numbers of the tigers on rise in Nepal

A study of tigers conducted recently has suggested the rise in the population of tigers in the country.
Altogether, there are 176 tigers in the country, an increment of 21, a program organised in the Capital to mark the Tiger Conservation Day has revealed.  The tiger census conducted on 2010 had found 155 tigers in the country.

Bardiya National Park, where the numbers of tigers was 19 two years ago, now shelters 37 tigers. Similarly, the number of tigers have also risen in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and reached to 10. The count has also found 125 tigers in Chitwan National Park and four in Parsa Wildlife Reserve.

Increase in tourist arrivels fails to boost trekking business

 The Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has said that the number of trekkers has not increased as expected despite an increase in tourist arrivals. TAAN cited inadequate marketing and inability to compete with India and China in offering tour packages for the poor performance in attracting trekkers.
Although Nepal received a greater number of tourists during Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and the arrivals momentum kept up in the first quarter of 2012, there has been no matching growth in the number of trekkers.
“The number of tourists coming for trekking has not been so good as expected compared to the total arrivals,” said Rana Bahadur Khadka, first vice-president of TAAN. He added that trekking was one of the major tourism activities in the past years but it has remained stagnant presently.
Trekking agents blamed high trekking and mountaineering fees levied by the government compared to India and China which has made trekking an expensive adventure activity. Potential trekking visitors have thus dropped their plans to visit Nepal, they said. Trekking packages in Nepal start at US$ 70 per day.
Khadka said that the country was also lacking advertising and promotion to boost the adventure segment which India and China are doing recently. “The Indian government is providing tax waivers to entrepreneurs dealing with foreign exchange in the travel trade sector.”
Meanwhile, Arjun Prasad Sharma, immediate past president of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said that the number of trekkers has not dropped but has remained stagnant. “Increased options in leisure and other segments have affected the share of trekking in tourist activities,” Sharma said.
He added that Nepal had become a year-round destination for all activities due to improved peace and that the number of leisure and pilgrimage visitors had been growing. The number of tourists coming for leisure activities is shown by Indian and Chinese arrivals last year. “Visitors from both these countries are counted under leisure activities.” 
TAAN said that spending by trekkers had also decreased along with their falling  numbers. Normally, the length of stay of trekkers is 15 days.
According to a preliminary study of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, arrivals reached an all-time high of 735,965 in 2011, but average daily spending dropped to US$ 39.90 last year from US$ 43.20 in 2010. Government statistics show that average spending has been dropping since 2008. If foreign visitors spent US$ 73.00 per day in 2008, they spent US$ 65.30 in 2009 and US$ 43.20 in 2010.
Trekking in Nepal is an all-season activity. It is possible at any time of the year depending on where one goes. However, the most popular seasons are spring (February-May) and autumn (September-November)

Langtang Lirung

You can see the upper bit of Langtang Lirung 7,234 meters from Kathmandu valley, but getting there is a problem.

First you have got to find Langtang which is one of those hidden beyuls or meyuls or sanctuaries concealed by the gods of Buddhism.

So you travel to Tarke Ghyang, the biggest village in the Helambu region roughly north of Kathmandu it is a fascinating place, known for its beautiful women, its small, sweet apples and the magical monk of Tarke Ghyang village.

In the early quarter of the 18^th century a terrible plague struck Kathmandu and the king sent for the Magical Monk. The plague was stopped and as reward the Monk asked for 100 horses which he took back to Helambu. around the monk and his horses a village sprang and a gompa, a Buddhist shrine. it was called Tarke Ghyang or the shrine of 100 horses.

The village of Tarke Ghyang is still there and so is the strangely Bhutanese looking shrine. A faintly ribald Nepali refrain is sung about the shrine which says.

 Tarke Ghyang shrine, Now listen all of you has phalluses at each corner.

Now listen all of you. The protective phalluses are common in Bhutan but worth singing about in Nepal.it was from Tarke Ghyang or so I like to believe, that long, long ago, a Yak strayaed and got lost. But it was a considerate yak and it left its hoof prints on rocks as it went. its keeper, coincidently a monk, followed its trail, crossed a ridge a few days later and stumbled into a beautiful valley-Langtang valley.

Tourist increasing in 2012

The numbers of foreign tourists arriving Nepal though aerial route increased by 19.2 percent to over the first six months of the same period last year.

According to arrival figures disseminated by immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport, a total of 294,019 tourists visited the country via air in the first half of 2012. Total arrivals in June increased by 16.2 percent to 42,238, compared to arrival figures of June, 2011.

Arrivals from Asia have witnessed a positive growth by 45 percent during the six months, while tourists arrive from the china and India rose by 12.7 and 61 percent respectively. Likewise, arrivals from Pakistan soared by 35 percent whereas number of tourists from Bangladesh and sri lanka decreased by 3.7 and 14.7 percent respectively.

Similarly, an overall growth of 3.7 percent observed from European countries during the period. Arrivals from European countries including the UK, France, the Netherlands Belgium and Russia have increased, whereas number of arrivals from Germany, Spain and Italy is found to have declined.

Issuing a press statement, Nepal Tourism Board has attributed the rise in tourist arrivals to wide publicity of tourist arrivals to wide publicity of tourism heritages of the country during Nepal Tourism year 2011.

Jomsom Muktinath trekking

Jomsom Trekking is another wonderful short days trekking in the territory of Annapurna Conservation Area Nepal. For Jomsom trekking you take six hours scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On the next morning of your arrival in Pokhara you take 25 minutes flight to Jomsom. Jomsom is the gate way of Muktinath as well as Upper Mustang, the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. After few moments of your arrival at Jomsom airport your trekking starts towards Kagbeni, the medieval looking Tibetan village. The trail goes along Kaligandaki River. You spend overnight at the local lodge/ hotel at Kagabeni. On the next morning you move up to Muktinath. Muktinath is the pilgrimage center of Hindus as well as Buddhist. In Muktinath you see Tibetan traders and sadhus (holy men) from as far away as the south of India. Here you visit Muktinath temple, shrines of different god and goddess, springs and natural gas spot. From Muktinath you retrace your steps to Jomsom

Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo trekking presents an exposure to the high & remote Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan highlands. The main highlight of Dolpa trekking includes "Shey Phoksundo National Park" which is one of the major National Parks of Nepal. "Shey Phoksundo Lake" is another famous factor of this region. The lake is totally free of aquatic life, which the crystal waters clearly explain. Surrounded by rocks, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the area has been described as one of the World's "Natural Hidden Wonders". The other notable figures seen in Dolpo trek are snowy peaks, ancient and remote villages, rich wildlife, lovely Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lakes. The people of Dolpo area are simple and warm-hearted with enthralling culture and traditions. The cultural traditions of Dolpo are basically linked with Tibetan

Upper Mustang Trekking

Upper Mustang trekking is popularly known as Mustang trekking. Among more trekkers Upper Mustang trekking is also well-known as Lo Manthang Trekking. This is an interesting treking that takes you to unspoiled Tibetan villages situated at the northern border between Nepal and Tibet. Foreigners were restricted to visit Lo Manthang till 1992 AD. Lo Manthang is a small kingdom. Still it has a king. You visit the king’s palace surrounded by gompas and private houses. Upper Mustang Trekking gives you an opportunity to experience unique beauty of Himalayan desert, a strange and unusual landscape.

Damodar Kunda

Damodar Kunda trekking is one of the holiest lakes of all Hindus as well as Buddhists. The word kunda represents lake. Damodar Kunda is located in Mustang district at mid western Nepal. This area is very close to Nepal Tibet border. Lying at an altitude of 4890 meters, Damodar Kunda carries wonderful natural beauty. The Gandaki River, a major Himalayan river originates from this holy lake. The most of the part of Damodar Kunda trekking lies in rain shadow area. So here you experience unique barren landscape having low vegetation. While trekking you encounter coldness with sandy wind. You start this trekking from Jomsom following the route of Upper Mustang trail. After you get to Lomanthang you acclimatize there for a day. Then you proceed to north east. From Lomanthang it takes three days to arrive Damodar Kunda

Ghorepani poon hill trekking

Ghorepani Poon hill trekking is also known as the small Annapurna Circuit trekking, Poonhill trekking and only as the name of Ghorepani trekking. Ghorepani Poon hill trekking trail is very popular short trekking among trekkers visiting Nepal. The bravura mountain scenery and the beautiful ethnic villages validate the popularity of Ghorepani trekking. This trekking offers the splendid Himalayan views including the Mount Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna I 8091m, Fishtail / Machhapuchhre 6998m, Nilgiri 7041m, Annapurna south 7219m, Annapurna II 7939m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Lamjung Himal 6988m etc. The main attraction of Ghorepani trekking is Poon Hill, situated at an altitude of 3100m, one of the most spectacular mountain spots on earth from here you can enjoy fabulous sunrise over the Himalayas.

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region is another most popular trekking region for Nepal travelers. Trekking in this area offers good scenery of both high mountains and lowland villages. This region has also been recognized as one of the world’s best trekking trails according to survey by Modern Maturity (USA). As the name suggests, the centre piece of this place is the range of mountains that includes Annapurna I, the first of the 8000m peaks to be climbed. Also included in this region is another 8000m giant, Dhaulagiri, which is located west of Annapurna I. Between these two mountains lies the valley of the Kali-Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world. Views of lush, fertile farmland and stands of undisturbed natural forest, snow covered mountains and encounters with a mixture of many ethnic communities all add up to a diverse range of experiences that makes this area one of the most satisfying trekking destinations in Nepal.The popular trekking routes of this region are Annapurna Circuit,? Jomsom, and Annapurna Base Camp, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Upper Mustang and around Pokhara. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn

Everest Three pass

As the trekking trail goes via Sherpa villages, the trekkers can also observe the authentic life style of mountain people. Like other trekking of Everest region this trekking also start from Lukla after 35 minutes mountain flight from Kathmandu. In the early days it follows the route leads to Namche Bazaar, the main junction of all Everest trekkers. From Namche Bazaar it takes the path to Thame village and Lungdhen. The next morning of their arrival in Lungdhen they move to cross first pass Renjola. Crossing Renjola they down to beautiful mountain lake Gokyo. That night they sleep in the mountain lodge nearby Gokyo Lake. Next morning first of all our trekking guide takes them for climbing Gokyo Ri for enchanting views of Mt. Everest and other high mountains, Gokyo lake and glacier. After lunch they catch the path of second adventurous high pass Chola pass. Crossing Chola pass first of all they trek up to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. Then they trek back for crossing third and last pass Kongmala. After Kongmala pass they take one day rest in Chhukung valley. From next day they follow the route of Namche Bazaar and Lukla. After arrival at Lukla their exciting trekking ends. And next morning they fly back to Kathmandu.

Panorama trekking

Everest Panorama Trekking is also known as Everest View trekking. Some trekkers say Everest Short Trekking to Everest Panorama trekking. As compared to other trekking routes of Everest region, Everest Panorama Trekking is relatively easy and short but still it is very scenic one. It takes you to introduce Sherpa villages and its culture with great views of world’s high mountains including Mount Everest. Everest Panorama Trekking starts from Lukla after half an hour mountain flight from Kathmandu. After you get down at Lukla airstrip you trekking starts to Phakding, the first overnight place, following Dudha Koshi River. Next day you walk through forest of rhododendron and magnolia and arrive to Namche, a bustling bazaar (market), that’s a junction for trekkers. You stay one more extra day at Namche for acclimatization. On that day you hike to Syangboche, one of the major spot for the view of Mt. Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Amadablam, Mount Thamserku, Mount Kwangde etc.

Ancient stone

In the Everest region and Langtang region there have many Ancient stone walls. The flat stone have Buddhist mantra “um mani padme hum”. There have also many small stupa and flag generally the flag put in top of the hill. The flag has included five things such as fire, water, Earth wind and conscious

The Monastery

The current monastery is constructed with stone masonry. The courtyard and storerooms are large to facilitate the monks' religious rites and activities. The main building has the mandatory Dokhang, the prayer hall, where a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is deified. The statue extends to two floors of the monastery and encompasses the Ser sang lha khang, the first floor shrine room. Sakyamuni Buddha is flanked by Manjushri, the deity of wisdom and Maitreya and of the future Buddha. The scriptures of the Kangyur, the original teachings of the Buddha translated into Tibetan are also part of the sanctum.

The rebuilt monastery is large and an impressive structure with a camping area in its front and a number of lodges. Tengboche is surrounded by ancient mani stones (flat stones inscribed with the mantra, "Om Mane Padme Hum", prayer flags flying atop the high peaks (flags are flown in 5 colours denoting the five Buddhist elements: earth, wind, fire, water and consciousness

Flood, landslide, glacial lake burst threaten to wipe out Humla village

As the Halji river breaches its banks and advances rapidly, its namesake village in Humla district is under a high risk of flooding. Locals said that the river floods during the summer with the increase in water fall and rise in temperature which increases the rate of snowmelt.
The river has already destroyed four houses in the Halji village. “Some villagers moved to safety two years ago but those who cannot afford to flee are left to suffer,” said Khendap Tamang, a local resident.

“The main problem in the village is the eroding river. As it advances towards the village, we are under the menace of landslides,” said village leader Tandupa Tamang.
To add to the danger, landslides are becoming increasingly frequent and a glacial lake threatens to burst.
Khendap said that Halji and its surroundings would surely be swept away in a glacial lake outburst upstream. Tandupa also claimed that his family had been spending nights out in the open fearing landslips.
Villagers are unwilling to abandon an 11th century monastery, at the heart of the village, which also runs the risk of being swept away if there was a landslide or flood.
Locals have accused the government and political parties of doing nothing to prevent a disaster.
Two years ago, the Water Induced Disaster Prevention Office, Surkhet, set up a makeshift embankment of gabion boxes at the cost of Rs 1 million. However, villager Chhingnurbu Tamang said the structure was swept away.
Chief District Officer Bijaya Narayan Manandhar has assured the people of initiatives to tame the river.

Mustang become a green

A campaign to conserve environment by planting saplings is bearing fruit for local residents in Mustang district. Various mother groups, youth clubs and local people had committed to the campaign, which is now seeing previously bare hills boasting lush green cover.

Initiated by the District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the campaign has now been spread to Lomanthang, Charang, Chhoser and Surkhang of Upper Mustang and Chhusang, Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom of Lower Mustang.

DSCO Chief Hridaya Prasad Shrestha said the campaign was started four years ago and that local people were very enthusiastic about forest conservation. “This campaign will help control soil erosion and also enable local people earn their livelihood through forest resources,” he said. Local residents in the areas have been able to use forest resources for fodder and firewood and environment is also getting cleaner, he added.

The DSCO has been providing 5,000 saplings and also Rs 17 as an incentive for each sapling planted to local people every year. ACAP Chief Niranjan Dhungana said his office has also been giving an incentive of Rs 15 to local people for

each sapling planted.

“The campaign has really helped conserve the environment and made us independent,” said Potaling Mothers’ Group Chairperson Jiangmu Bista, who is involved in planting trees in Lomathang. Dhungana said more than 500,000 saplings have already been planted in Upper Mustang so far. “Local women groups and youth clubs alone planted more than 200,000 saplings,” he said. Local people have also been planting apple trees in Mustang’s bare hills. “All hilly areas will be covered with green trees within just a few years,” said Surendra Bista, a social worker in Lomanthang.

Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest altitude Lake in the world. Many tourists want to go there but difficult to reach there, trail is difficult. There is pass is called Tilicho pass throughout the Lake to Jomsom. It takes two days from the Manang vdc. The Lake situated at 4900m above the sea level.