Khaptad National park

                              Khaptad National park

 The khaptad National park ( about 3000m) is rich in its flora and fauna variety. The National park is covered by subtropical forest of chirpine at lower altitude, and sub alpine forests of fir hemlock oak and rhododendron in the higher areas. The area boasts of 224 species of medicinal herbs and is described as the living garden of herbs and a museum of natural history. Is is estimated that about 567 species, 11 percent of flowering plants of Nepal are found in khaptad.

 The park also offers excellent bird- watching opportunities with 270 species of birds the common ones being different varieties of Impheyan pheasant, partridges flycatchers bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles. The park is also fairly rich in its variety of wild animals common ones being barking deer, wild dog wild boar, ghoral Himalayan black bear yellow throated marten rhesus monkey and langur monkey.Other areas in the National park of interest to tourists are khaptad Daha Nag Dhunga and upper Tribeni. Khaptad National park also offers religious sightseeing.

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TAAN participates in tourism solidarity rally

Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) participated in 'Tourism Solidarity Rally' organized in Kathmandu on Friday.

The rally was organized to draw the attention of government and other concerned stakeholders toward problem being faced by tourism industry due to Tarai unrest and Indian blockade. It began from Tridevi Marg in Thamel and passed through Durbarmarg, Ghantaghar, Ratnapark, Bhadrakali and New Road before culminating into a corner meet at Basantapur.

Hundreds of tourism entrepreneurs and tourism workers, among others, participated in the rally carrying banners and placards with messages like 'Let Tourism Survive', 'Tourism for Prosperity', 'Nepal Needs Tourism', 'Promote Organic Agro-Tourism' among others.  

Speaking at the program, TAAN President Chandra Prasad Rijal said the Tarai unrest and Indian blockade has dealt a serious blow on tourism industry. "Though price of many products and services, we have not raised our prices as it would send negative message in the international market," he added.

Similarly, TAAN General Secretary Karna Bahadur Lama said tourism is passing through difficult times because of the Tarai unrest and Indian blockade. "Our tourism was recovering gradually after the tragic earthquake of April 25. But the present situation has hit our tourism industry hard," he said. Lama also requested the government to fulfill tourism entrepreneurs' at least minimum requirements for fuel so that they can continue serving foreign tourists.

Office-bearers, executive committee members, general members and staff members of TAAN actively participated in the rally.

DB Limbu President of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Binayak Shah of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) and Chandra Dahal of Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), and among others also spoke on the occasion.

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The Religious Trees of Nepal

                               The Religious Trees of Nepal

 In Nepal trees are closely linked with religion. Not only are some associated with Gods and Goddesses themselves, But many play an integral part in religion of Aninmism which held that every thing had a soul, and that good and bad spirtits dwelt in trees and other natural objects.

Pipal Tree by the bhadrakali Temple

Of all the trees the pipal which is a fig is probably the most important. It was under a pipal that Buddha sat and received Enlightenment. Both Buddhists and Hindus consider it to be one of the most sacred trees, and although its leaves may be used for fodder the wood is never burnt as a fuel and it is sacrilege go cut one down. The tree is worshipped on various auspicious occasions and often there is a lingam or shrine at its foot. On Sundays, or sometimes during marriage ceremonies rice flowers and incense sticks are placed under pipal trees.

 In times gone by it was the custom to dispense justice under one of these trees, perhaps for the reason that it is considered to be very unwise to tell a lie whilst in the shade of a pipal

 The tree is easy to recognize by its leaves which have very long thin points and one can often see strings of such leaves hanging over a doorway or window to keep away evil spirits and to bring good luck.

Another fig the Banyan is also worshiped being considered to be the home of good spirits. One Banyan provided shelter for lord Krishna in his childhood, and the god Vishnu was born in the shade of one of these trees. The banyan can usually be recognized by the masses of rope like aerial roots hanging down from the lower wide spreading branches.pipal and Banyan trees are often planted in pairs, ( the Banyan will give shade when the pipal is leafless along roads and main paths and surrounded by stone platforms. There chautaras as they are celled are resting places for travelers and meeting places for villagers.

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