TAAN felicitates UAAA President

Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized a dinner reception in Kathmandu on Friday in honor of the President of Union of Asian Alpine Associations Dr In-Jeong Lee.

At the program, TAAN honored Dr Lee with Letter of Appreciation in recognition of his credible efforts and inspirational leadership to protect mountain environment, mountain communities and mountain diversities of the world. "Himalayan countries like Nepal are the most vulnerable to the climate change and we believe such a responsible organization like UAAA will consistently provide successful leadership to address the challenges," reads the Letter of Felicitation.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ananda Prasad Pokharel presented the Letter of Felicitation to Dr Lee. Minister Pokharel also presented Letter of Felicitation, posthumously, to South Korean adventurer Park Young-Seok – the first man in the world to climb all 14 eight-thousanders and Seven Summits, and trek to both poles. He went missing while opening a new climbing route in Mt Annapurna in 2011.

Minister Pokharel presented the Letter of Felicitation to Park's wife. He also presented Token of Love, on behalf of TAAN, to Choe Yong Jin, ambassador of South Korea to Nepal.

Speaking at the program, TAAN General Secretary Karna Bahadur Lama said TAAN's relationship with UAAA began two years ago when TAAN former President Ramesh Dhamala visited UAAA assembly held in Tokyo in 2014. "Last year also, our former president visited UAAA assembly held in Seoul where TAAN was granted 'observer member' status," he added. "Nepal, which lies in the lap of the Himalayas, needs to enhance cooperation with UAAA for effective development and promotion of tourism in mountain areas. UAAA's support is crucial for us in fighting the impacts of climate change and global warming in our country."

Similarly, UAAA President Dr Lee thanked TAAN for the wonderful program and said his association was keen to work with TAAN.

Likewise, Minister Pokharel said UAAA's support would be crucial for Nepal to fight the impacts of climate change and global warming. Stating that Nepal has been failing to exploit its tourism potential to the fullest, he said efforts are being made to promote Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha – as the pilgrimage destination.

Delivering his vote of thanks, TAAN President Chandra Prasad Rijal said TAAN was keen to work with UAAA and learn from its expertise in mountain areas.

Sadhuram Sapkota, officiating secretary of tourism ministry; Govinda Bahadur Karki, director general of Department of Tourism; Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) board members Ghanendra Shrestha and Rajendra Sapkota; former President of TAAN Sitaram Sapkota; and representatives of different associations were present at the program.

Similarly, office-bearers, executive committee members and staffers of TAAN Secretariat were present at the program.

    

Buddha post hole’ found in Nigrodharam area

Archaeologists have discovered a post hole, believed to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon while visiting Nepal after attaining enlightenment, during an excavation at Nigrodharam in Kapilvastu district. This was the first time that the post hole had been found in Nigrodharam, after two unsuccessful attempts. Archaeologists involved in the digging claimed that the discovery would be very important for further archaeological studies. They even believed that the finding has deepened the history of the ancient place. A team of archaeologists from Durham University in the UK, Unesco, Department of Archaeology and Lumbini Development Trust have been carrying out the excavations. Excavations were initiated by digging a trench—26metres long and 1.5metres—between two structures. The trench is about 5metres deep. The post hole, that was discovered in the southern part of the ancient ruins, was six inches in circumference and four inches deep. According to archaeologists, search is on to find other possible post holes in the area.
                                A foreign expert involved said that the post hole has justified that the area belonged to the Buddha era as the wood and bamboo used in the structure were of that time. The finding shows that there was a well-managed settlement in the area.
The fresh excavation started in Nigrodharam following the last major digging in 1962. Indian archaeologist Debala Mitra carried out the excavation then and came to a conclusion that the ruins found in the area could date further back than the seventh century. Unesco consultant Basanta Bidari said that the finding has justified that the history of the area is older. 

He added that the laboratory test of the soil, charcoal and bone would further bring to the fore more historic facts about the place. Professor Robin Cunningham of Durham University, also involved in the digging, said the excavation is being carried out with modern tools. He added that the excavation would help in finding out the development of Tilaurakot and the human settlement in the area then.  source by Kathmandu post 

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Nepal to gift 2 rhinos to China

Nepal will provide two one-horned rhinoceros as gifts to China upon the request from the Chinese side.

Forest Minister Agni Sapkota said Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed to forward the process to gift a pair of mammals to the northern neighbors.

“PM Oli has agreed to gift a pair of rhinos to China. The gifts will be made after a cabinet decision,” he said. Chinese Forest Minister Zhang Jianlong and other Chinese officials had requested the Nepali side for the rhinos during Forest Minister Sapkota’s visit to China.

“I had forwarded their request to the PM. The process to gift the rhinos will soon go ahead,” Sapkota said. Sapkota said preparations were being made to gift the mammals during an impending visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal.

In exchange for the rhinos, the Chinese side had agreed to provide financial and technical assistant for the proposed Forensic Science Laboratory in Bhaktapur, assist in establishing an international center on community forests, Minister Sapkoa said.

As per a recent census, there are 645 rhinos in Nepal. Of the total, 605 of them are in Chitwan National Park. The rhinos to be gifted to China will also be selected from the park.source by Kathmandu post

Gurung Heritage Trail

                                                     Gurung Heritage Trail

 The east to moderate option visits the regions below Annapurna II and Lamjung where the Gurung culture is displayed in villages such as bhujung places that have rarely been heard of until now. The trek utilizes homestay accommodation. The trek is within the ACAP area, but this is not an added expense for manaslu circuit hikers. The authors have not done this route, so timings are estimated.

The path from khudi heads to Simpani the village of temples used by devotees of a local deity thani mai and mahadev as well as by followers of Ganesh Krishna and his consort Radha. Further on through uninhabited forest the trek reaches Gurung settlement. There is a side trail to Ghan pokhara a hilltop village with panoramic views.

 After Nayan there are no facilities the trek is through isolated country to Bhujung 3-4 hrs. This aesthetically pleasing traditional village is currently notable as being the largest Gurung village in Nepal. Bhujung now has the benefit of electricity and homestays are available.

 From Bhujung (1625m) is necessary to sedcend on the famous Gurung stone staircase trail into the wide valley of the midim khola. The next usual overnight stop (4-5hrs) is Pasagaon (1652m) with its Buddhist kani and monastery. The trail follows the ridges and descends to the Rudi khola valley and eventually reaches Nagidhar (1260m). From here the trail descends to Gahate and then down to the sweaty madi khola River to Gumle Bazaar (7-9 hrs). Buses or jeeps take roughly 2 hrs and depart when full from Thumsikot/Gumle Bazaar for pokhara.