High Mountain Wave Trekking operates adventure travel activities in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & Sikkim. Service offered Climbing, Customized Tours, Hiking, Wildlife safari, Rafting & Mt. Kailash pilgrimage. We have been safely guiding both experienced trekkers and climbers and first-time walkers all over the country since 1996. Through safe and fun trekking and mountaineering, we aim to create unforgettable experiences to make your dreams come true.
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The World's 14 Highest Mountain Peaks (above 8,000 meters)

 

Nepal is home to Eight out of the Fourteen highest peaks in the world All 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks are located in the Himalaya or the Karakoram ranges in Asia. According to Everestnews.com, only 14 climbers have reached the summits of all 14: Reinhold Messner (Italy) was first, followed by Jerzy Kukuczka (Poland), Ehardt Loretan (Switzerland), Carlos Carsolio (Mexico), Krzysztof Wielicki (Poland), Juan Oiarzabal (Spain), Sergio Martini (Italy), Park Young Seok (Korea), Hang-Gil Um (Korea), Alberto Inurrategui (Spain), Han Wang Yong (Korea), Ed Viesturs (U.S.), Alan Hinkes (British), and Silvio Mondinelli (Italy).

Note: The 1955 elevation of Everest, 29,028 ft. (8,848 m), was revised on Nov. 11, 1999, and now stands at 29,035 ft. (8,850 m).

Highlights of the newly signed peace accord include:

- Formal end of the Maoists' People's War that began in 1996
- No political rights to King; his property to be nationalised underv public trusts
- Implementation of all previous agreements reached betweenv the government and Maoists.
- Maoists' People's Liberation Army and Nepalv Army and their arms to be managed as per the earlier agreement reached between the government and the CPN (Maoist).
- No attacks or any kind of violent andv offensive activities from either side; no new recruitments in armed forces of both sides.
- OHCHR-Nepal to monitor human rights situation, and UN Team tov monitor and supervise PLA cantonments and Nepal Army barracks
- Fullv commitment to upholding human rights, all international human rights laws, civil liberties.
- Maoists' parallel administration (People's governments, People's Courts) across the country to be scrapped.
- National Peace andv Rehabilitation Commission, Truth Commission, and a high-level Commission for State Restructuring to be formed.
- Feudal land-ownership system to end,v Scientific land distribution system to be adopted.
- Strong punitive policy against corruption.
- Property earned illegally by anybody throughv corruption to be confiscated.
- Possession, display and use of arms andv weapons by anybody a punishable crime.
- Both government and Maoists tov assist each other to maintain law peace, law and order.
- Respectful rehabilitation and social integration of the people displaced during the insurgency.

Meanwhile, the UN, US, India and others have welcomed the announcement of the comprehensive peace accord.

The slacked economic sector, especially tourism, is expected to revive with the formal ending of the internal conflict.

TAAN welcomes peace accord

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has welcomed the historic Comprehensive Peace Accord signed by the government of the Seven Party Alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
The landmark political development has marked the end of the decade-long internal conflict, a press release signed by the President of TAAN, Mr. Narendra B.C. states.
It is important that all the major political parties, including the CPN (Maoist), have shown their strong commitment to work towards restoring peace and stability and accelerating the almost stalled economic development process in Nepal.
TAAN, an umbrella organisation of the country's registered trekking agencies, has hoped that the signing of the peace agreement would reinstate Nepal's image as a safe and peaceful tourist destination in the international arena. The end of the conflict would also be helpful in promoting the country's vast and unique tourism resources.
At this important hour, we would like to call upon all the tourism-related organisations, including Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), to come up with more effective promotional programmes to give a desired boost to the Nepalese tourism industry. TAAN is always ready to move ahead hand in hand with all the concerned organisations for tourism promotion, the press release says.

Project launched to market rural tourism products

In a bid to market Nepal's unlimited rural tourism products in the international arena, the Marketing Assistance for Sustainable Tourism (MAST)-Nepal was launched in the capital on November 23, 2006.

Addressing a launching ceremony, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Madhav Prasad Ghimire pointed out the need for Nepal to do something important to promote the country's vast rural tourism products in the international market in a sustainable manner.

Being a pioneering project in the field of tourism marketing, MAST has been introduced with the financial and technical support of the European Union's Asia Invest Programme, SNV Nepal and Leeds Metropolitan University of the United Kingdom and coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The project aims to enhance the capability of the tour operators in marketing our rural tourism products.

Mr. Ghimire expressed the hope that the establishment of peace in Nepal would help revive the country's tourism business.

Highlighting the importance of the development of aviation sector in tourism promotion, he said that the government was working out plans for increasing air access to Nepal.

He assured that the government would introduce more comprehensive tourism policy and strengthen the national carrier—Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi expressed the belief that the Nepalese tourism industry would witness an unprecedented growth in the days to come because of the newly signed peace accord.

Speaking at the function, programme officer of UNEP, Ms. Garrete E. Clark said that the best sustainable tourism practices in Nepal would be showcased in other countries of the world.

On the occasion, Country Director of SNV-Nepal Mr. Mathias Moyersoen, representative of European Union delegation to Nepal Mr. Giap Dang, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Mr. Vijay Singh, representative of Leed Metropolitan University, UK, Mr. Richard Taper and Tourism Marketing Director of NTB and NTB focal person for MAST-Nepal Mrs. Nandini Lahe Thapa spoke various aspects of the new tourism project.

Mithila festival marked in Janakpurdham

The Bibahapanchami (Sita-Ram marriage) festival was celebrated with much fanfare in Janakpurdham, the ancient capital of the Mithila state, on November 25, 2006.

Devotees worshipped Lord Ram and Goddess Sita at the local temples after taking holy dips in the religiously famous ponds of Gangasagar, Dhanushasagar and Argaja.

On the day of Bibahapanchami, the wedding ceremony of Ram and Sita is commemorated. This is the largest festival in the area. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India, and Hindu devotees from different parts of the world, take part in the festival.

Meanwhile, addressing the concluding ceremony of the festival, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli stressed on the need to preserve the art, culture and language of the Mithila region.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR TREKKERS

With a view to checking illegal operations in the trekking industry and ensuring safety and security of trekkers, the Nepal Government has introduced a new rule that requires all trekkers to go on trekking in various parts of the country only through registered trekking agencies after obtaining a Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). As an umbrella organization of more than 550 registered trekking companies of Nepal, TAAN has been authorized by the Nepal Government to issue TRC and the new rule is scheduled to come into force from October 1, 2006. TAAN will charge a minimum amount of money as administrative and service fee for issuing TRC. As a record of trekkers, TRC incorporates their personal details, trekking route, duration, etc. The provision is introduced in order to upgrade the service standard and for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal. Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other penalties in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government. However, foreign guests visiting Nepal at the invitation of the Nepal Government, foreign officials, who deserve facilities as diplomats, and other foreign nationals working for development projects in Nepal, do not need to obtain TRC if they are not visiting the trekking areas as trekkers. But they must possess supportive documents and show them to the concerned officials at the check posts.

IMPORTANCE AND NECESSITY OF TRC

It is very important to have a kind of monitoring and facilitating system in place for any sort of outdoor activity that involves physical risk. Trekking is a major outdoor activity in Nepal's mountain tourism. Given the rugged physical condition and remoteness of almost all trekking areas of Nepal's Himalayan mountain region, a record system is very essential that would be helpful in monitoring the safety and security of trekkers. The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The Nepal Government is very serious about implementing TRC as a mechanism to control all sorts of anomaly, including illegal operations, and to ensure safety and security of trekkers. Therefore, TAAN, as a national tourism organization working in the field of sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal, has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing TRC. As per TAAN’s proposed hassle-free procedure, TRC is being issued to each and every trekker traveling only through the registered trekking agencies.

The decision regarding the introduction of TRC is a welcome step taken in its policies and programmes by the Nepal Government. So, TAAN is in the process of developing a well-managed and efficient system with nominal service charge of Nepali rupees 250 (equivalent US$ 3.5 only) to implement TRC in the open trekking areas of Nepal. TRC is going to be issued from convenient locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

TRC ISSUING SYSTEM

The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TRC:

1. All important details of trekkers and trekking routes will be maintained on a computerized record system that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers and field-staff.

2. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders -- tourism organizations, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institutes, etc.

3. Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned - trekkers, agencies, field - staff, government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.

4. TAAN will be able to work more in its effort of preservation of natural and cultural environment in cooperation with local communities. This, in turn, will enable to promote sustainable tourism.

5. The issue of TRC will be so simplified that it would be prompt and inexpensive. The convenient TRC counter in Kathmandu will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year. Pokhara counter will be opened for 9 hours a day. The TRC counters will be located close to the counters of the National Parks and Conservation Areas.

6. TAAN’s Media Centre will have updated information about the conditions of trails and other relevant insights into the trekking areas. The same information also will be updated frequently in the TAAN's web page. Some of the check posts along the trekking routes will be equipped with telephone services by TAAN.

TRC REGULATORY PROVISIONS

1. Trekkers must keep Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) along with them while trekking.

2. TRC must be shown to TAAN authorities, National Park check posts, Conservation Area Project’s check posts and police check posts on demand.

3. Deviation from the prescribed trekking areas shall be taken as a violation of law of the Government of Nepal

4. Trekkers must keep their copies of passports along with them during trekking for verification.

5. TRC shall be non-transferable, non-refundable and non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

APPEAL

TAAN also requests all concerned stakeholders to help disseminate the above information to potential trekkers to Nepal and other related offices and agencies. Any inconvenience that may arise due to implementation of this new rule is regretted. Urgent measures for tourism revival stressed

Japanese climbers scale Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Panbari

Eight members of the Japanese Mt. Manaslu Expedition 2006 climbed Mt. Manaslu (8,163m.) on October 1, 2006, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

Those who made it to the top were Yoshitomi Okura, 55, Takeshi Ogawa, 65, and Masami Yamanashi, 64, of Japan, and Sherab Jangbu Sherpa, 37, Nima Tenji Sherpa, 36, Pemba Gyalzen Sherpa, 38, Ongje Sherpa, 23, and Nima Gyalzen Sherpa, 30.

The team, which was led by Yoshitomi Okura, had made the attempt on the peak to mark the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Manaslu in 1956.

Similarly, five members of the Japan Alpine Club Panbari Himal Expedition 2006 scaled the 6,887-metre Mt. Panbari on September 24, 2006. The climbers included Yoshimi Kato, 22, Sakaya Koyama, 22, Yosuke Urabe, 25, Kenro Nakajima, 22, and Gakuto Komiya 21, of Japan. The team was led by Yoshimi Kato.

BBC Holiday Programme to promote Nepal

A five-member team of BBC Holiday Programme returned home recently after completing its weeklong filming programme in various touristically important places of Nepal.

During the stay in Nepal, the team visited cultural and historical places of the Kathmandu Valley and the Chitwan National Park. Moreover, they experienced mountain flight, and whitewater rafting in the Seti River.

With around six million viewers worldwide, BBC Holiday Programme is expected to play a vital role in promoting Nepal worldwide as a prime tourist destination in the international arena.

At a farewell reception hosted in honour of the popular channel's team in the capital, Mr. Bikrum Pandey, managing director of the Himalayan Expeditions (P) Ltd. that handled the team in Nepal, expressed the hope that Nepal would get a massive positive publicity with the airing the programme.

"As the political situation of Nepal is returning to normalcy, the BBC's film could send positive message to their millions of viewers about Nepal as the most exciting cultural and adventure holiday destination," said Mr. Pandey.

He also thanked team leader Mr. Owen Gay and other members for their effort to promote Nepal's tourism resources.

On behalf of the BBC team, leader Gay said that the trip was quite exiting. He was happy that he sighted a Royal Bengal Tiger as well in Chitwan.

Other members of the team were Mr. Anthony Cranck, Mr. Dean Johnson, Mr. Wade Muller and Ms. Jessica Morris.

Suketar airport reopens

The Suketar airport in the Taplejung district has reopened since October 6, 2006 after three-month closure. With the reopening of the airport, the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has resumed its flights from Biratnagar to Taplejung.

According to the airport management, NAC operates three flights a week and the Yeti Airlines flies once a week.

Located at a height of 2,480 metres above sea level, the airport is in operation from October to July. During other months, the airport remains close due to bad weather.

Nepal takes part in JATA mart

Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines and private sector of Nepal jointly participated in the JATA Congress and World Travel Fair 2006 held between September 21 and 24, 2006 in Tokyo, Japan.

This year, a large number of exhibitors from all over the world took part in the mart. The According to the Japan Association of the Travel Agents (JATA), about 38048 trade visitors and media persons and more than 68,000 consumers visited the fair this year. NTB participated at the said fair with the new tourism branding theme "Naturally Nepal, Once is not Enough."

A large number of consumers visited the Nepal stand and collected latest information on Nepal at the mart, according to NTB.
Japan is one of the top tourism source markets in terms of outbound numbers as well as tourism spending. According to the Japan Tourism Marketing Corp. the Japanese outbound market has grown significantly due to the recuperated travelers' confidence and the total number of overseas Japanese visitors reached 17,403,565 in 2005. The departure figure of Japanese nationals till June, 2006 is 8.3 million and is expected to reach the level of 2000 when 17,81,8590 Japanese traveled abroad.

Japanese tourist arrival to Nepal till August 2006 is 9027 (by air only).


More foreign airlines flying to Nepal

With the cease-fire turning into permanent peace, the entire tourism industry is in the process of revival. Both the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) leaderships have expressed their commitment that they would give the much-required positive message to the country soon by holding summit peace talks before the Dashain festival.

Against this backdrop, some six international airlines are in the process of operating their flights to Nepal soon. According to the latest news reports, GMG Bangladesh, Orient Thai, Air Arabia, Korean Air, Etihad, and Sri Lankan Airlines are flying to Kathmandu as a new destination.

GMG Bangladesh Airlines said it would conduct flights on the Dhaka-Kathmandu route from October. According to Mr. Joy Dewan, managing director of Zenith Travels (P) Ltd. that represents GMG Bangladesh Airlines in Nepal, the airlines has plans to operate three flights a week from October 25, 2006.

Orient Thai Airlines, a budget airline from Thailand, and Air Arabia, a national budget airline of United Arab Emirates (UAE) have already forwarded the process to take permission from the Nepal Government in order to operate their flights.

Orient Thai wants to operate three flights a week on Bangkok-Kathmandu-Bangkok route. Similarly, Air Arabia has requested the government to allow it to operate seven flights a week on Sharjah-Kathmandu-Sarjah sector.

Likewise, Korean Air is planning to operate direct-chartered flights to Kathmandu from Incheon, South Korea from the second week of November this year. And Eithad Airways, the national airline of UAE, has received permission from the Nepal Government to operate four weekly flights on Abu Dhabi-Kathmandu-Abu Dhabi route.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Airlines is willing to fly to Kathmandu via New Delhi. The airline is likely to start its flights on this sector only after the renewal of air services agreement between Nepal and India.

Sweden lifts travel advisory against Nepal

The Government of Sweden has lifted the travel advisory against Nepal effective from September 7, 2006. It was stated in a letter sent to Nepalese Embassy- UK by Dr. Roland Dahlam, Consul General of Nepalese Consulate General in Sweden, according to a news report of the NTB Media Centre.

The lifting of travel advisory will allow the Swedish travellers to get travel insurance to visit Nepal. Travel insurance is very common among the Swedish population and will again be effective in connection with travel to Nepal, he said. Dr. Dahlman said that it would help to increase the number of visitors from Sweden to Nepal

‘Garden of Dreams' to open from Oct. 4

The Keshar Mahal Palace and Gardens, which is also known as the 'Garden of the Six Seasons' or the 'Garden of Dreams' will open to all fro October 4, 2006.

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, the palace represents one of the most prominent architectural examples of Nepal's Rana period.

The garden has been transformed by an Austrian architect into a garden of dreams with a restaurant and an amphitheatre.

Promoted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the beautiful garden has been developed by Eco-Himal, an Austrian NGO.

Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC)


Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has been entrusted with the responsibility of issuing Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) to foreign tourists interested to visit open trekking areas in the country. The new provision is going to be launched on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2006) and come into effect from October 1 this year.

The Nepal Government has decided to introduce TRC in order to control illegal operations in the Nepalese trekking industry and to ensure safety and security of the visiting trekkers.

tour operators were asked to sell Nepal more effectively in a more affective manner at a time when peace process has been taking a momentum in the country. The media people were also requested to disseminate information about the political changes that have taken place in Nepal in a positive light, according to Nepal Tourism Board.

Presenting his welcome speech, Charge‘d Affaires a.i., Mr. Dipendra P. Bista shed light on the recent positive political developments in Nepal. He also highlighted the agreement signed between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) for the resolution of the decade-long internal conflict.

The programme was important in the sense that Mr. Alan Hinkes, the first Briton and 13th person to climb the world's all 14 highest mountains above 8000 metres, made his presentation. The world-famous climber said that the magnificent mountains and traditional culture and hospitality are attractions in Nepal. “Because of such attractions, I have been visiting the Himalayan country almost every year since my first visit in 1987,” he said.

Regarding the issue of safety and security, Mr. Alan said that Nepal is one of the few places where he can relax and enjoy the splendid beauty of the unique land.

On the occasion, the organisers and President FBNNTO, UK Raja, Mr. Ram Giri requested all participants to help promote Nepal more effectively.

Dhruba K.C., who is the founder President FBNNTO, highlighted the efforts of the association for Nepal’s tourism promotion in Britain.
Mr. Madan Thapa’s presentation of live music had made the gathering more interesting. About 150 travel and tour operators, representatives of airlines, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), UK, Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Britain Nepal Society, and renowned travel trade journals, national dailies, including Editor Daily Express, The Independent and Nepali Television UK.

TAAN welcomes Govt-Maoist pact

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has welcomed the five-point understanding between the Nepal Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) for the establishment of permanent peace in the country.

“The request made by the government and the CPN (Maoist) to the United Nations for carrying out the responsibility of monitoring of peace process reveals their strong commitment to peace and stability,” a press statement issued by TAAN states.

The umbrella organization of the trekking agencies is assured that the entire economic sector, especially the tourism industry, will get a boost with the peace process moving ahead in the right direction. 

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Sagarmatha Award for late Col. Roberts

The Government of Nepal has awarded the Sagarmatha Award to the late Lieutenant Colonel James O.M. Roberts in recognition of his pioneering role in the Nepalese trekking industry and outstanding promotion of mountain tourism in Nepal.
The reputed mountaineer and Gurkha officer had founded Nepal’s first trekking agency--the Mountain Travel Nepal, part of the Tiger Mountain Group.
The Sagarmatha Award is presented annually by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Government of Nepal, to foreigners who have made significant contributions to Nepal’s development. The award carries a cash purse of Rs. 100,000.
According to a press statement issued by the Tiger Mountain Group, the amount will be divided equally between the World Pheasant Association “Jimmy Roberts Memorial Fund” and the Himalayan Trust.
The WPA supports the Pipar Pheasant Sanctuary in Macchapuchhre Village Development Committee (VDC) of Kaski district with innovative linkage of school development in return of conservation of the healthy pheasant populations in the community forest and upland grazing areas of the village.
The Himalaya Trust, founded by world-famous mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, provides education and health development in the Khumbu (Everest) Region of Nepal.
The Mountain Travel offered new economic opportunities to the Sherpa community through trekking tourism. By the end of his active climbing life, he had led more than 10 expeditions, served on countless others and pioneered the majority of present day trekking routes in Nepal.

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Security beefed up at TIA

The Nepal Government has beefed up security at the country’s only international airport-- Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)-- and tightened scrutiny of air passengers following the foiled terrorist attack plot in London.

TIA's Security Coordination Committee has restricted air passengers from carrying aerosols, gels, toiletries, liquid soap, mouthwash, shaving cream, toothpaste, perfume, among others, in their hand baggage.

TIA security has been asked to strictly monitor hand carried liquid items, according to a government official. Security has been issued with a directive to closely inspect the branded seals even of liquid items bought at duty-free shops, says a press statement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

 

TRC issuance procedure to be simple, practical

In a bid to collect suggestions and ideas from the member agencies about the implementation of Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized an interaction programme in Kathmandu on July 24, 2006. TAAN officials and member agents were unanimous regarding the procedure of the implementation of TRC. They emphasized the need to adopt a simplified procedure for the issuance of TRC.
As demanded by TAAN, the Nepal Government has introduced the provision of TRC to help control various anomalies, including illegal operation. TRC is likely to come into effect from the last week of September this year. With the implementation of TRC, the visiting trekkers must go on trekking through the registered Nepalese trekking agencies and pay a small amount of money.
Addressing the meeting, President of TAAN Mr. Narendra B.C. said that TRC would help check illegal operation in the trekking business. “This will also ensure security of the trekkers, as TAAN will maintain a record system,” B.C. said.
He believed that the implementation of TRC would help maintain quality of the trekking business.
Mr. Deepak Mahat, Immediate Past President of TAAN, said that the suggestions of member agencies would be incorporated in the TRC action plan.
Mr. Mahat, who had been lobbying hard for the introduction of TRC, asked the member agencies to extend their necessary support and cooperation to TAAN for its effective implementation.
Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Phurba Gyalzen Sherpa, First Vice-President of TAAN, lauded the member agencies for their invaluable suggestions.
Extending his welcome address, Mr. Sitaram Sapkota, TAAN’s General Secretary, asked the member agencies to put up their ideas and suggestions regarding TRC to TAAN. Mr. Sapkota also stressed on the need for the member agencies to be serious and sincere while implementing TRC.
Similarly, Mr. Bashu Dev Parajuli, President of TAAN Western Regional Chapter Pokhara, pointed out the need for TRC and asked the member agencies to come up with strong commitment to check illegal operation. On the occasion, member agents Mr. Abir Malla, Mr. D. B. Koirala, Mr. Tilak Bahadur Lama, Mr. Santosh Gautam, Mr. Sagar Pandey, Mr. Govind Poudel, Mr. Tej Bahadur Bhatta, Mr. Nawaraj Marasini, among others, shared their ideas and views about challenges and opportunities of TRC implementation.
Meanwhile, a nine-member TRC implementation taskforce has been formed under the coordination of Mr. Deepak Mahat. Other members of the taskforce include Mr. Phurba Gyalzen Sherpa, Mr. Ganesh Neupane, Mr. Tilak Bahadur Lama, Mr. Mohan Lamsal, Mr. Nawaraj Pandey, Mr. Nawaraj Dahal, Mr. Bashu Dev Parajuli and Ms. Pampha Dhamala. The taskforce has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing an action plan and carry out other necessary preparations for the implementation of TRC.

TEAP workshop for SASEC tourism trainers A 5-day Tourism and Environment Awareness Program (TEAP) Workshop for South Asia Sub-Regional tourism trainers was successfully held recently. The training imparted in-depth knowledge on the role of environment awareness, community empowerment and gender mainstreaming in tourism with reference to the efforts made by Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in the field of sustainable tourism development. The participants, who were from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, visited Dhunche, Syabru and Gatlang in Rasuwa district, and observed the tourism and environment related initiatives. The programme was jointly organized by NTB and Asian Development Bank - Japan Special Fund in association with UNDP/TRPAP.

Govt. announces indefinite ceasefire
In its response to the ceasefire announced recently by the Community Party of Nepal (Maoist), the newly formed government of Nepal has declared an indefinite ceasefire and called on the rebels to hold a peace dialogue at the earliest. The government has also lifted the Red Corner notice as well as the terrorist tag labelled on some top Maoist leaders. In a meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs K. P. Sharma Oli read out the decision regarding the peace process. The government’s move is expected to be helpful in making an end to the decade-long internal conflict in which more than 13,000 people have lost their lives. As per a 12-point understanding reached between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists in November last year, the reinstated House of Representatives is in the process of holding constituent assembly elections.

Appa scales Everest for record 16th time
Well-known mountaineer Appa Sherpa has broken his own previous record by scaling Mt. Everest for the 16th time on May 19, 2006.

Together with two Sherpas and one American climber, Appa, as a head guide, made it to the top at around 10.50 a.m. on last Friday. The expedition was handled by the Asian Trekking (P) Ltd.

Appa's first successful ascent of Everest was on May 10, 1990 and he set foot atop the summit twice in 1992. He has been climbing the world's highest peak regularly since 1990.

Appa announced retirement from climbing after he ascended the 8,848-metre peak for the 13th time in 2003. He continued to climb the peak, breaking his earlier records.

According to news reports, more mountaineers are climbing Mt. Everest this season because of favourable weather conditions. Around 45 climbers from various countries climbed the world's highest peak on May 18 (Thursday) alone.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said that climbers from the US, the UK, Poland, Canada, Australia, Spain, Philippines, Korea, Germany, Switzerland and Austria along with Sherpa guides of Nepal successfully climbed the peak on that day.

Setting a world record, a 70-year-old Japanese climber scaled Mount Everest on Wednesday, making him the oldest person in the world to achieve the feat.

The second Nepali women to climb the Mount Everest, Lakpa Sherpa, made another world record by ascending the peak for the sixth time.

New Zealand’s mountaineer Mark Inglis, who lost his legs in a climbing accident 24 years ago, become the first double amputee to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.

Yet another new record on Everest
Lhakpa Sherpa has broken her earlier record on mountaineering by scaling the world's tallest peak for the sixth time. According to news reports, she climbed the 8,848-metre peak from the Tibetan side along with her husband George Dijmarescu. As members of the International Everest Expedition, the couple climbed the peak on May 11, 2006.

Lhakpa, who hails from the northern part of Sankhuwasabha district, climbed Mt. Everest for the first time from the South Pole in 2000. Then, she scaled the peak in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

She is the second Nepali woman to climb the peak. National luminary late Pasang Lamu Sherpa was the first Nepali woman to scale the peak, but she died while descending.
According to another report, an Italian climber Alois Brugger, 47, of Kammerlander Pasang Lhamu Chuli Expedition team, died while climbing the 7351 m Mt Pasang Lhamu Chuli on May 11.

Diplomat atop Mt. Everest
A team of HG Everest Expedition comprising nine mountaineers, including a diplomat stationed at the British Embassy in Nepal, successfully scaled Mt. Everest on May 18, 2006.
The successful mountaineers were 39-year-old British diplomat Serena Helena Brocklebank, British national John Charles Pomfret, 44, Mark Squirrell, 34, of Australia and Addries Norte Botha, 54, a Canadian doctor, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Similarly, the Nepalese team members of the expedition to scale the Mt. Everest were Pasang Dawa Sherpa, 36, Pasang Nuru Sherpa, 30, Ang Namgyal Sherpa, 23, Chewang Dorjee Sherpa, 25, and Lakpa Thundu Sherpa.

Meanwhile, an eight-member Polish expedition team comprising Boguslaw Stanislaw Ogrodnik, a 41-year-old Lawyer at the British Embassy, Tomasz Andrzej Kobielski, 33, Dariusz Jerzy Zaluski, 47, Janusz Adam Admski, 37, and Marta Eliza Wojciechowska, 32, of Poland also successfully scaled Mt. Everest on May 18.
The Nepalese members of the Falvit Everest Expedition-06 to scale Mt. Everest included Dorjee Sherpa, 40, Phur Tenji Sherpa, 32, and Mingma Sherpa.

Peaks scaled

One member of "International Everest Expedition 06" team scaled the 8,848-metre Mt. Everest from Tibet side and came across to the Everest Base Camp of Nepal on 13th May 2006.

The Korean climber is Mr. Young Seok Park. Mr. Serap Jangbu Sherpa, a high altitude guide, also made it to the top.

Led by Mr. Juan Antonio Oliverieri of Spain, the team included eight members. The handling agency was the Thamserku Trekking (P) Ltd.

Eleven members of the Chilean Lhotse Expedition 06 and four supporting high altitude guides climbed the 8,516m. Mt. Lhotse on May 12, 2006.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), the team was led by Mr. Rodrigo Hernan Jordan Fucas of Chile. Those who scaled the peak include Mr. Aliro Ernesto O. Miranda, Mr. Eugenio Luis Guzman Letelier, Mr. Elias Misael Alvial Cid, Mr. Gabrial Andres Becker Mardones, Mr. Sebastian I. Dominguez, Ms. Maria Paz Ibarra Letelier, Mr. Maximiliano A. M. Edwards, Mr. Nicolas C. I. Scott, Mr. Sebastian I. V. Contador and Mr. Nicolas I. VArela. Similarly, the high altitude guides are Mr. Palden Nyamge Sherpa, Mr. Phu Tashi Sherpa, Mr. Lakpa Rita Sherpa and Mr. Chewang Lendu Sherpa.

The team was permitted to climb the peak from normal route for a period of 75 days from March 25, 2006. The Asian Trekking (P) Ltd. was the handling agency.
Likewise, four members of Deutsch Schweitz Ama Dablam Expedition 06 climbed the 6812-metre Mt. Ama Dablam on May 4, 2006. The German climbers were Dr. Olaf Rieck, Mr. Dieter Rulker, Mr. Volker Tiller and Mr. Axel Otto. Led by Dr. Olaf Rieck, the team had nine members. The expedition was handled by the Multi Adventure P. Ltd.
Meanwhile, two members of the 12-member Swiss Ama Dablam Expedition 06 climbed Mt. Ama Dablam on May 4, 2006. The successful climbers were Mr. Thomas Forestieri and Mr. Lampley Brandon Gaay. The team was led by Mr. Anjan Truffer from Switzerland. The Ice Land Trekking P. Ltd. was the handling agency.
Similarly, two members of the six-member Ama Dablam Expedition 06 Group successfully scaled the peak on May 5, 2006. The successful climbers were Mr. Fabio Meraldi and Mr. Mr. Diego Govannini. Handled by the Thamserkhu Trekking (P) Ltd., the expedition was led by Mr. Fabio Meraldi from Italy.

Climbers felicitated

The Nepal Mountaineering Federation (NMF) felicitated Korean mountaineer Mr. Park Young Scok and Nepali climber Mr. Serep Jangbu Sherpa amidst a function organised in Kathmandu on May 18, 2006.

Along with 13 other climbers, Mr. Scok and Mr. Sherpa climbed the world's tallest peak Mt. Everest on May 11, 2006

Mr. Scok boasts of setting a record of climbing 14 high mountains of the world. Similarly, Mr. Sherepa has climbed eight highest peaks of the world.


NTB resumes operations

The office of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) that remained locked for several resumed operations from May 17, 2006.

Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Shankar Prasad Koirala unlocked the main entrance in the presence of the employees. The gate was locked by the agitating employees of NTB and the Democratic Tourism Society demanding the resignation of Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi, the Chief Executive Officer of the board. Dangi has been accused of misusing the funds of NTB for suppressing the employees supporting the recent popular movement. The gate of CEO's room is still locked.

The employees as well as the Democratic Tourism Society are in favour of restructuring the board.

UK softens its travel advisory for Nepal

Considering the recent political change in Nepal, the United Kingdom (UK) has softened its travel advisory for Nepal. As the process of permanent peace and political stability has started, the UK has said it was no longer advising its citizens to avoid the troubled Himalayan country. Late last month, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) had warned British nationals against "all but essential travel" to Nepal late last month as a series of violent demonstrations and strikes raged against the absolute monarchy. The office said that following the embattled monarch's April 24 announcement to reinstate parliament, tensions had eased.

Hillary calls on tourists to visit Nepal

Renowned mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary has called upon foreign tourists to visit Nepal at a time when the process of establishing permanent peace in the country has started. During his recent visit to Nepal, Hillary asked tourists to travel to Nepal in order to help revive the declining economy. “Nepal has many natural gifts to offer for tourists,” he said. He was here to attend a meeting of his charity organization—The Himalaya Trust that has extended support for the construction of school buildings, hospitals and bridges in the Everest Region. Born in 1919, Hillary and the late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had climbed Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953. That was that landmark event in the history of Nepal’s tourism.

Kathmandu-Lhasa bus service to continue

Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of the People’s Republic of China have reached an agreement regarding giving continuity to the Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu direct bus service. The bus service has been in operation on a trail basis since May last year. Sajha Yatayat has been operating the bus service from Nepal side while Himalayan Transport has been operating on behalf of the Tibet government in the 970-km route. But its operation has not become smooth. According to the Ministry of Labor and Transport, the agreement was reached at a meeting held from April 19 to 21 in Lhasa between a team led by Joint Secretary at the Ministry Dinesh Hari Adhikari and Party Secretary-General of the Communications Department of Tibet, Paba Cicheng. Both the sides now have agreed to make the service more effective. It was also agreed at the meeting to sort out the obstacles in ensuring smooth running of the bus service, including s visa processing, visa for tourists from the third world countries, visa fees for Nepali tourists, hotel facilities in Lhasa, garage and ticket counters for the Chinese side in Nepal. In a bid to hold discussions with the Nepalese authorities, a high-level team of the Chinese government is scheduled to visit Nepal this year. Visitors Arrival in April 2006 (by air only)

Visitors arriving to Nepal by air route during the month of April 2006 recorded a 2.2% decline compared to the same month of last year. 18,465 visitors came into Nepal during the month. Indian visitors number plunged by 23.9% while non-Indian arrivals increased by 6% during the month. This was stated in the provisional figures provided today by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, quoting Immigration Office, TIA.

Visitors number, which was notably up by more than 35% until the first half of the month helped maintain the month's figure since the second half observed remarkably low arrivals owing to the mass rallies and curfews in different parts of the country. Arrivals particularly from short haul market like SAARC and South East Asia recorded a decline while the long haul market numbers remained almost unchanged during the month.

SAARC arrivals went down by 26.6% while the other Asian markets have too decreased by 10.7%. Arrivals from Japan, Taiwan and Singapore came down by 2.5%, 12.1% and 16.1% while South Korea remained as the only Asian country to grow by 17.3%.

From among the European market, France (2.8%) and UK (38.9%) showed some growth and also emerged as two major contributors in visitor numbers last month as their combined market share stood at almost 20%. Markets to rise were Austria (62.2%), Belgium (43.8%), Switzerland (3.8%), Spain (139.5%), Israel (3.7%) and Sweden (18.9%). Negative growth came from Denmark (-4.5%), Germany (-7.0%), Italy (-15.9%), the Netherlands (-17.6%) and Norway (17.8%). Interestingly though, arrival from Australia and New Zealand both increased by 12% and 44.5%, while the arrivals from USA and Canada went down by 15.2% and 22.5% % respectively.

On his remarks to the arrival trend in April 2006, NTB CEO Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi said "It is indeed a strength of Nepalese tourism industry that despite some internal disturbances, tourist arrival has not dwindled during the month. It speaks of the visitors' confidence towards the destination. And now with the final achievement of peace and stability in the country and the amount of international exposure Nepal received during the month, brighter days for tourism are back again. As an industry we need to be more prepared to welcome the tourists who have long waited to visit Nepal."

 

TAAN calls on diplomatic missions to soften travel advisories
2006-02-24

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has requested all the diplomatic missions based in Nepal not to disseminate the information that could tarnish Nepal's image and harm the tourism industry.
In a request letter addressed to different foreign diplomatic missions, the association has said that the adverse type of travel advisories issued by them have affected the tourism business, which is the mainstay of the national economy. "Hundreds of thousands of people of the Himalayan country are depending for their livelihoods upon this multi-faceted industry. As the tourism industry has both forward and backward linkages, this has directly supported Nepal's economy," says TAAN.
The association says that the important sector has been passing through unfavourable situation for the last couple of years. Tourism in Nepal has faced a severe setback because of several factors, including the ongoing Maoist insurgency and the subsequent negative portrayal of the country as a tourist destination abroad.
"We do understand the fact that one of the prime responsibilities of your organisation is to protect the interests of the citizens of your country. We acknowledge that the insurgency has caused inconveniences to foreign visitors as well," it says.
No visiting tourist has faced any serious problem because of this internal conflict. All the tourist destinations inside the country are safe and tourism-related activities are taking place as usual. The association believes that the conflict is basically a political problem and the group involved in the insurgency has nothing to do with foreign nationals.
It may be recalled here that the insurgents have time and again expressed their commitment that they would not harm foreign tourists.

 

More French willing to visit Nepal: Envoy-20/02/2006

French Ambassador to Nepal Michel Jolivet has said that the natural beauty of the Himalayan country would continue to attract tourists from France even in the days to come.
"More trekkers and climbers from France will visit Nepal, as the country has many attractions to offer," said envoy Jolivet while speaking at a reception hosted by him in honor of the new executive committee members of Nepal-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NFCCI) at his residence at Bishalnagar on February 15 evening. He said that the number of French tourists visiting Nepal would go up considerably if peace were restored in the country.
France is one of the major tourist generating markets for Nepal. Around 15,000-20,000 French tourists visit Nepal annually.
He called on the new executive committee of NFCCI to play an important role in promoting trade and tourism between Nepal and France. "The French market has and will have high demand for Nepalese goods if quality is maintained," he said. He also emphasised the need for making exchange visits of business community between the two countries.
On the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandi Raj Dhakal shed light on the scope of the Nepal-France trade. Similarly, President of NFCCI Mr. Shyam M. Shrestha said that Nepal's trade deficit with France was narrowing gradually.
He further said that the political instability in the country for the last few years has adversely affected the economy.
NFCCI is planning to send a business delegation to France as soon as business atmosphere in the country becomes more stable.

Fifth Pokhara Int'l Marathon held

As an annual event, the fifth International Pokhara Marathon was held in the tourist hub city of Pokhara on February 18, 2006. Participants from different parts of the world took part in the event. The sporting event was organised by Nepal Ex-sportsman Forum-2001, Pokhara, with the support of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
 Mr. Rewat Dahal of Tribhuvan Army became the Fifth Pokhara Marathon Champion. Similarly, Mr. Akkal Bahadur Bohora of the Armed Police Force came out second and Tribhuvan Army Club's Mr. Chandra Bahadur Mahato stood third. The first winner was awarded a cash prize of Rs.30,000, while the second and the third athletes bagged Rs.20,000 and Rs.15,000 respectively.

Earlier, at a press conference organized in Kathmandu, Mr. Hikmat Singh Ayer, Manager of Tourism Product and Resources Development Department of NTB, had said the marathon was organized to promote Nepal as an adventure tourist destination generate awareness among the people about adventure tourism activities in the country.

 Shivaratri festival on Feb. 26

As this year's Shivaratri festival is coming closer, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) is making preparations for facilitating pilgrims visiting the temple during the festival time. This is the festival of Lord Shiva.

The Pashupatinath Temple is a centre of attraction among a large number of Hindus from various parts of Nepal and India. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the temple annually. The Lord Shiva is the most sought-after deity among the Hindus. It is believed that the God fulfills all the wishes of devotees.

 Trekking guide training ends

A four-week trekking guide training organised jointly by Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Academy for Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) was concluded recently.

A total of 191 participants took part in the training. Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) sponsored training fee of 65 participants coming from remote districts.

Govt decides to increase domestic airfare
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has decided to increase domestic airfare by 17.6 per cent, citing the cause of increased operation cost. The new fare will come into effect from February 17, 2006.

According to MoCTCA, airfare for tourist areas has been increased by 11.8 per cent, while the fare for remote areas has been hiked by 13-14 per cent. Destinations such as Pokhara, Lukla, and Bhairahawa are regarded as tourist areas. Tumlingtar, Bhojpur, Simikot, Doti, Bajura and Taplejung fall in the category of remote area.

However, no change has been made in dollar fare.

As per the new provision, fuel surcharge and insurance charge will be included in the air ticket cost now onwards.

Call to stop strikes

Travel trade related associations and organisations have welcomed the move. Calling the withdrawal of Nepal bandh a welcome step, Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has called on one and all not to carry out the activities having adverse impact on the country's tourism sector.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) had called off the weeklong Nepal bandh general strike with effect from February 09, 2006. With the withdrawal of the general strike, vehicular movement across the country resumed.

News reports received from various destinations, especially the trekking areas, have it that many foreign trekkers are enjoying their trips as usual.

Events organised to promote Nepal

As part of introducing traditional cuisines of various countries of the world and enhancing friendship among the nationals, an International Evening was organised in Kolkota by the Kolkata Club recently.

According to a news report, Royal Nepalese Consulate General, Kolkata actively participated in the program presenting traditional Nepali cuisine.
About 500 people visited Nepali stalls and tasted various items, including MoMo, Choyla, and Sekuwa.

The visitors were also offered first hand information about different Nepali tourism products with the presentation material provided by Nepal Tourism Board. Similarly, stalls promoting USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Bangladesh, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Spain, among others, were on display.

Similarly, the Royal Nepalese Embassy based in Moscow introduced Nepal's tourism products amidst a function on February 07, 2006.

The promotional programme was organized in association with a group selling Nepalese products in Russia. Around 150 participants associated with French women associations based in Russia took part in the event.

Indian Airlines offers incentive

In its bid to promote business, Indian Airlines has introduced a 'Business Class Companion Offer' on its Kathmandu-Delhi and Kathmandu-Kolkota routes with effect from February 05, to September this year.

The airlines said any passenger paying full normal Business Class fare for these sectors would be permitted to take a companion at 50% discount on the normal Business Class fares.

 

Nepal launches new tourism brand
February 06, 2006

Nepal has launched her new tourism brand in order to reposition her image in the international tourism market. The new brand includes the slogan of "Naturally Nepal, Once Is not Enough", as it aims to promote the country's unlimited tourism potential.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), an autonomous body formed as per the concept of public-private partnership, launched the new brand amidst a function on March 5, 2006. With the new strategy, NTB plans to attract additional 300,000 tourists annually by investing around Rs. 100 million in tourism promotional activities.

Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yankila Sherpa, unveiled the brand. A soft international launching of the brand will be conducted on March 11, 2006 at ITB Berlin. Similarly, NTB plans to launch the new brand in India in April this year.

Developed by Alchemy, an India-based social infrastructure agency, the new brand aims to reinvent Nepal's diversity, modernity, and cultural heritage to make the country a more popular tourism destination.

According to Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTB, the new tourism brand has evolved with three major segments: weekend breaks, adventure holidays and lifetime experience. He said the brand is expected to promote Nepal as the next generation mountain destination among holidaymakers abroad.

He hoped that the new brand would be instrumental in increasing the number of tourists visiting the Himalayan country.

Speaking at the function, Brand Consultant Rahul Sen of Alchemy said the brand has envisaged a plan to go for low cost advertisement campaigns with the help of posters and digital media to popularise Nepal's tourist destinations in the international arena.

NTB has allocated Rs 25 million for the current fiscal year to carry out promotional activities abroad.

Joint team to start Everest clean-up drive
February 06, 2006

A team of Asian and European mountaineers will embark on an expedition to Mt. Everest to remove the garbage piled up on the slopes of the world’s highest peak.

Addressing a press conference organised in the capital on March 5, 2006, leader of the team, Han Wang-Yong of South Korea said that mountaineers from Japan, South Korea, France, Italy and Australia are all set to climb Mt. Everest during this spring season.

"We will try to collect as much as five tons of garbage from higher camps," said Wang-Yong.

Mr. Wang-Yong is a renowned mountaineer, who has climbed more than a dozen highest peaks around the world. He informed that his team has planned to reach the South Col at 8,000 meters, which is littered with tents, food packaging, ropes and other equipment.

According to him, Nepali Sherpa guides will accompany the team.

The team members are all volunteers who would also be taking up the cost of their trips. However, the names of the participants are yet to be finalized.

Trekking Agent Association of Nepal (TAAN) Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
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