Nepal Tourism Year 2011. Make it happen !

New projects for NTY 2011

July 20th: To make Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 a grand success and foster wider economic growth, the government has planned a ‘one-district, one-destination’ identification program. For the promotion of NTY 2011, the government will prepare a one-district, one-destination identification program with infrastructure development and promotion of particular places.The government will also focus on developing Nepal as an attractive venue for international and regional conventions.

Nepali Temperament, Welcome and Hospitality of Guest

July 14th: Starting from Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Nepal aims to bring 1 million tourists every year & preparations are under way. Promotional programs for cultural and adventure tourism have been proposed by Nepal Government through the campaign "Nepali Temperament, Welcome and Hospitality of Guest".

In the budget speech by the Finance Minister Surendra Pandey, budget has been allocated for upgrading airports in Rajbiraj, Janakpur and Mugu, Humla, Kalikot and Dolpo of Karnali zone and extension of Dhangadi airport. The airports of Simara and Dhangadi will be equipped for night time landing and takeoff. Also an interaction with all climbers of Mt Everest will be held in coming year and Nepal will be developed as an attractive venue of international center.

Regional Sub-Committees for NTY 2011

An interaction program was organized by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on 23rd March to form regional sub-committees for NTY 2011. The program was attended by tourism officials and media persons.

Nepal Tourism Year 2011 Campaign Launched

The first NTY 2011 promotional programme was held in Kathmandu on January 25th , 2009. Speaking at the occasion, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA), Hisila Yami said that the government is focusing on improving tourism infrastructure like hotels and airports. The government has decided to grant free visa to those tourists who visit Nepal for the second time in order to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011) a grand success. The campaign's target is to bring in at least one million international tourists to Nepal by the year 2011.

Preparation for 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' underway

The first meeting of main committee of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 was held in Kathmandu on January 18, 2009 to discuss various issues relating to this mega event. According to a press release issued by NTB the meeting forwarded the proposal to form 12 sub-committee. The meeting has also proposed Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Ms. Hisila Yami, Vice Chairperson of National Planning Commission and Chief Executive Office of Nepal Tourism Board as the Chairperson, Joint Chairperson and Member Secretary of the main committee respectively. Secretariat of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 will be at Nepal Tourism Board and promotional activities of this campaign will be announced through a press conference. Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign has set the target to bring in 1 million tourists in 2011.

NEPAL TOURISM YEAR 2011 IN TOURISM FAIRS ABROAD
Germany

The Embassy of Nepal organized a Nepal Evening program on the theme 'Naturally Nepal, Once is not Enough' in Berlin on July 2009 to promote tourism in Nepal. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador for Germany Mr. Suresh Pradhan urged the German entrepreneurs for investment in the tourism infrastructure of Nepal, considering its immense potential in natural, cultural, convention & adventure tourism. He also requested support and cooperation for the celebration of 2011 as Nepal Tourism Year. Over 350 participants including journalists, tour operators, tourism entrepreneurs & members of Non Resident Nepalese Association in Germany were present.

TTF & OTM in New Delhi

Nepal Tourism Board along with National Flag carrier- Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and three travel trade companies participated in 70th edition of Travel and Tourism Fair & Outbound Travel Mart (TTF & OTM) from 12th-14th February 2009 at Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.
Nepal Tourism Board showcased Nepalese tourism attractions, diverse culture, rich heritage to both tour operators and consumers. Media personal inquired about tourism activities of Nepal. The visiting media and trade were also briefed about the celebration of 2011 year as Nepal Tourism Year and the various promotional activities being planned to attract the international travelers.

ATM in Dubai

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), along with five private travel trade companies and the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation participated in the ATM- 2009 held in Dubai, UAE, from May 5-8, 2009.According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the Nepalese tourism industry gave the continuity to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) participation for the third time to keep tapping the expatriates as well as the Emirate travelers’ market for Nepal from the UAE countries. This year the special focus was to create awareness for

Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011.
In Denmark

The Embassy of Nepal in Denmark organized a tourism programme with the promotion of Nepal Tourism Board at the Embassy premises on 18 May 2009. The main purpose of the programme was to promote Nepalese tourism by honoring Danish personalities among mountain climbers, frequent visitors, writers on Nepalese tourism. While delivering the welcome speech the Ambassador said that the programme would not only help promote Nepalese tourism but also contribute to introduce each other and bridge relations among Danish and Nepali people. The Ambassador also highlighted on the Government's decision to launch a national tourism campaign.

"Nepal Tourism Year 2011".
In USA

The Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. and the America Nepal Society (ANS) jointly organized programmes to promote tourism in Nepal in the month of May. The embassy and ANS set up information desks where various informative brochures, posters, postcards and CDs were distributed to the visitors.

In Thailand

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in coordination with the Nepali embassy in Thailand, Nepal Airlines and Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents, organized Nepal Evening on 24th February in Bangkok as a part of tourism promotional campaign in Thailand. The programme was attended by more than 50 prominent Thai travel trade and media persons and a delegation of Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents, said a press release. The prim

NASA Team on EVEREST BASE CAMP

Photos of Everest from NASA

NASA team on Everest to research "sleeping movements"
Kathmandu, April 19: A team of NASA scientists along with their Indian and Nepalese aides is set to leave for the Everest base camp tomorrow to carry out experiments on "sleeping and waking movements" for future space programmes. The team of 25 scientists from NASA, who arrived in Kathmandu yesterday in a research mission includes doctors, pilots and scientists. Besides the American and European scientists there also six Indian and 11 Nepalese aides in the team. "Quality sleep is crucial to daytime alertness and performance on critical tasks, and can also impact long-term health. Lack of sleep could even affect safety," Steve Vander Ark, Section Manager, Behavioural Health NASA said. Chris J Johnson, who is the NASA Orion Landing System Integration Manager is the leader of the expedition. They wanted to do some serious research to help the astronauts. Equipped with the Actiwatch and Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System, the team members would record the sleeping and waking movements and light exposure of the subjects. "Actiwatch resembles a wristwatch and records the wearer's sleeping and waking movements. It also measures light exposure. Several members of our group will be wearing an Actiwatch during the hike. In general, these devices will show how well the hikers sleep during the trip," Ark said. Vander Ark is taking a device up Mount Everest to monitor what happens with the sleep/wake cycle when the human body is subjected to long periods in challenging environments. The Lab-On-a-Chip, which can detect bacteria and fungi on surfaces inside the International Space Station, will be used to look for snow algae, he added. Former NASA astronaut Scot Parazynski has already left for Everest as a member of an expedition towards the summit. "We expect to meet Scott at the base camp," Chris said. If his attempt is successful, he'll become the first person ever to have gazed up at space from the pinnacle of Earth's tallest mountain, and gazed down on that same pinnacle from the black vacuum of space, he said. Steve said trekking to the base camp will be comparable in some ways to what astronauts face while engaging in a long spacewalk or an excursion on the surface of the moon or Mars adding Mt Everest provides a good space analog. The team's research would benefit future space travellers, they claim. The outcomes of the research would aid future research projects of the NASA, he said. The research could help scientists develop efficient procedures for future field studies on moon and Mars. The team also collected more than USD 1500 to support the Prisoners Assistance Nepal. The team plans to leave for Lukla, gate way to the Everest tomorrow and is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on May 2. Bureau Report

Trek In Nepal

Trekking is the best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture. On beaten trails or virgin tracks, Nepal is a trekker's paradise. The very organic rhythm of foot travel is a wonderful way to explore and make meaningful contact with the country. On average, trekking consists of walking daily 5 to 7 hours, 9 to 14 kilometres on a series of ascents and descents. The immense contrasts in altitude and climates found here, support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyle and wildlife. Nepal is a pioneer in the sport of trekking. Known as the Himalayan Kingdom, Nepal is dominated by eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains, including Everest. Each one is over 8000 meters (26,000ft). In all, there are 1,310 peaks of 5000 meters (16,900ft) or more. Annually, more than 200,000 tourists come here to trek. You will experience superb panoramic views of mountains, a diversity of landscape, flora and fauna, colorful cultures, friendly people and ancient history. Trekkers leave Nepal with grand tales to share with their family and friends.Type of Trek. Tea- house trekking?A tea- house or Lodge trek is local run guesthouse, but standard very enormously. In popular areas such as Annapurna, Everest and Lantang Tea- house are more like Hotels, with hot shower western food, and private rooms, where in more remote areas.They are for simple and more authentically nepalese. Tea- house trekking is less expensive than Camping and suitable for small groups and also for Large groups. Camping trekking?In this trip we will arrange all the necessary equipments form the beginning. Such as sleeping tent, kitchen Tent, dining tent, toilet tent. All the house action we will do with the help of the tent. We will have cook who will make always fresh food and if some one like to have nice cake our cook will make cake as well to relief from long walk. In camping trekking we will stay where we will get nice place to explore the beauty ness of the mountain and the nature as well. We are totally out with the other people but our staff will make you fun after finished eating, they will start singing and dancing.If you people did not feel bore they will go whole night even they know next day they have to walk for another destination.Trekking Routes: These routes requires outdoor tented accmodation-unlike lodge trekking where we stay in comfortable village lodges-having modern facilities.So-there are two type of trekking routes available in Nepal- Camping Treks and Lodge Treks.

EVEREST REGION:Everest Region>>>The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solukhumbu district, home of the legendary Sherpas and the highest peak of the world, the Everest at 8848 meters. To the north of Solukhumbu is Everest National Park; while to the east is the Makalu Barun National Park. The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpa, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhettris. Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be sighted are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Impeyan Pheasant [Danfe], ravens, crows, choughs and snow pigeons. The best time to visit is spring and autumn.
Popular trekking areas are Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Lukla, Pike Danda, Dudh Kunda, Salleri, Chiwong Circuit, Hinkhu, Hongu Valleys and Everest to Arun Valley. Interesting landmarks near Syangaboche are Khumjung School built by sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 and Khunde Hospital north of Namche bazaar established in 1968. How to trek in the Everest region depends on the route chosen. Teahouse trekking is possible on the main trail to Everest Base Camp or the route up Gokyo Valley. The trail from Jiri to Lukla also has teahouse on the way.


Getting There:Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses to Jiri leave from the old bus park [Ratna Park] in Kathmandu. Jiri is a ten hour drive from Kathmandu. By air, there are three options. The most convenient for Everest trek is Lukla, which is serviced by many airlines with daily flights from Kathmandu. Another options is the airstrip at Phaplu, near the district headquarter which is serviced by daily flights from the capital of Kathmandu. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangaboche, which is located above Namche bazaar. Despite being an option, altitude makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.
Permits and fees:Special trekking permits are not required to visit this area. Entry fees are charged for access to Everest National Park and Makalu Barun National park. Entry fees can be paid at the National Park desk Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.




EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK: The trek to Everest Base Camp is quite challenging and adventurous, as it offers romantic and thrilling experience to trekkers. It offers spectacular mountain view as well as wonderful insight into the lifestyle of the hard working Sherpa people. This trek is considered as one of the most interesting treks in Nepal. This is because of the close view of the world's tallest peak-- Mt. Everest-- and picturesque villages with unique Sherpa cultures, festivals and great monasteries. Lodges with better services and facilities are available along the trekking trail. One can have a very close view of various peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku. Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar are among the world's top 20 places of lifetime journey. Please click on this link http://holidaydestinytreks.com/everest_basecamp_trekking.htmlto know more about Itenerary and Price of this trek.

GOKYO VALLEY TREK: Beneath the southern slopes of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) lies the rugged and remote land of the Sherpas? Incredibly shaped mountains, whose ice-capped summits rise sharply above sheer rock walls, tower above stone their close association with mountaineering history and exploration. We start our trek from Lukla. This is a fantastic trek, visiting all of the high valleys of the Khumbu with extra time at Gokyo to explore the upper valley. Our camp at Gorakshep provides the opportunity to ascend to Kalapatter 5,545m for more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the black rocky ramparts of Everest's southwest face. We also have a day to visit Everest base camp at the foot of the immensely impressive Khumbu icefall. Our return journey takes us to Tengboche monastery, the most important center of Buddhism in the area, before descending to Lukla and fly back to Katmandu the next day. Please click on this link http://holidaydestinytreks.com/everest_gokyo_valley_trek.html to know more about Iteneraty and Price for this trek.


ANNAPURNA REGION TREK: Annapurna Region lies to the north of Central Nepal. The diverse terrain and the communities with varieties of the culture of this region make this area popular trekking area of Nepal. Pokhara “The Lake Town”, the gate way of this region fascinate everyone with its Machhapuchre, Annapurna Mountains and fewa lakes at the very beginning. The trade route of Kaligandaki in between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is the deepest George of the world. Cultural variety from Hindu communist, Buddhist, Aryan, Mongols, famous Gorkha Soldiers, villages, valleys and most rainy areas to the rain shadow areas of Nepal – all with extreme contrasts form each other make each day’s walk a different experience. Dhaulagiri ( 8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Manaslu (8156m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), Machhapuchre (6993m), Tukuche Peak ( 6920m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), Nilgiri (6940m) are some of the most popular mountains of the region. And the major trekking routes of the region are to Jomsom, to Annapurna Sanctuary, and a circuit of the entire Annapurna massif.


ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK: Trekking Duration: 19 days,Grade: moderate Difficult:Trekking in Annapurna Circuit is one of the famous and long rout which will take approximately 18 days to complete because of its variation from dense forest to Tibetan plateau. The most interesting part of this trek is to encounter with different ethnic groups like Gurung, Thakali ,Brahmain, Chettry etc. trekkers pass through 5416m hight Thorong La pass can have the perfect views of two beautiful mountains named Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. And some popular rivers called Kaligandaki(deepest gorge in the world)and Marsyandi can be seen on the way. It is still virgin land to attract the people from the different countries. Pleae click on this link http://holidaydestinytreks.com/annapurna_circuit_trek.html to know about Itenerary and Price for this trek

ANNAPURNA SACTUARY TREK:
Trekking Duration: 16 days Grade: Moderate: This is the most popular and famous trek in Nepal. Its is more distinct than any other treks by its variety of people, rich culture, beautiful landscape and natural scenery. This trek lends you to north-west of Pokhara through an ancient trek to Tibet across glaciers, gorges and waterfalls. You will have a close look of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre from the Annapurna base camp. At the final destination the Annapurna Sanctuary (Base camp 4200m) will be welcoming you patiently. Local inhabitants have treasured the Annapurna Sanctuary as a place f spiritual refuge since long before trekkers “discovered” it. A natural amphitheatre, ringed by Annapurna south 7219m.and Varahashikhar 7847m, Gangapurna 7485m. and Machhapuchhre 6993m,it serves as base camp for peak Climbing as well as favorite trek destination for mountain lovers. Beginning in pokhara, you’ll climb to naudada (1,463m) and again elevation slowly through. Please click on this link http://holidaydestinytreks.com/annapurnasanctury_trek.html to know about Itenerary and Price for this Trek.

LANGTANG REGION : Often known as 'the valley of glaciers’, the Langtang Valley offers a myriad of attractions ranging from alpine forests, swift mountain streams, rugged rocks, pasture land and many species of fauna. The Buddhist monasteries, cheese factory yaks and glaciers are some of the major attractions in this part of Nepal. The trek to the Langtang Region, the third most popular trekking areas of Nepal, becomes more memorable because of the mountain view and other attractions.Trekking in the Langtang Valley presents the colorful culture, religion and traditions of ethnic groups of Tibetan origin. With varied topographic features and climatic conditions, this is considered relatively less trekked region. The turbulent streams, sub-alpine grasslands and close view of Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Gang Chhenpo (6,388m), Lenpo Gang (7,083m), Dorje Lakpa (6,990m) and many more peaks offer a unique experience to visitors.As the holy pilgrimage site of Gosainkunda is not very far from this beautiful valley, one can visit. Several thousands of pilgrims, both Buddhists and Hindus, throng Gosainkunda in August each year to have a dip into the cold and spiritually refreshing water one of the holiest lake in Nepal, where thousands of pilgrims throng each August to bathe in its spiritually refreshing cold water.Sundarijal, the starting point of the trekking, can be reached in one hour's drive from Kathmandu. As the one of the major watershed area contributing drinking water to the Kathmandu Valley, Sundarijal has sparkling waterfalls flowing down through an oak forest. While trekking, one passes through a typical Sherpa village with many ancient monasteries. This trek offers a good chance for trekkers to learn about typical rural life.There are mainly three trekking routes to the Langtang Region from Kathmandu. One of them begins from Sundarijal and reaches Gosainkunda. The next is route leads via Helambu in Sindhupalchowk district. The next one leads to the Langtang Region via Dhunche, the headquarters of Rasuwa district.


GOSHAINKUNDA TREK : Trekking Duration: 16 days , Grade: EasyBest, Seasons : September-December / February-MayThis lake Gosainkunda is situated at the height of 4312m. There are more than 100 lakes around it. These lakes are the destination of thousand of Hindu Pilgrims during the month of August. This lake is also scared to the Buddhist. All along the way heart touching scenery and natural landscapes will welcome you. Click on http://holidaydestinytreks.com/gosaikunda_trek.html for Itenerary and Price.


HELAMBU TREK:
The Sherpa villages of Helambu due north of Kathmandu valley presents an easy getaway. This area because of its low elevation and the Sherpa villages make it an interesting 6 day loop. Starting with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal the trail to Helambu climbs on to the Shivapuri ridge from where there are sweeping views of the central Himalayas. Following a ridge-line the trek heads north to Thare Pati before turning east to Melemchi Gaon and Tarke Gyang the principle villages of this area. From here we visit Shermathang before descending to the Melamchi river to end our trek with a drive Melamchi Bazaar back to Kathmandu.
Moderate trek through the Helambu villages between altitudes of 1,370m/4,500ft to 3,490m/11,500ft. Accommodation in comfortable lodges run by local families. The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu and includes all meals, services of experienced trek guide and porters to carry luggage. Clients carry a light day-pack only and walk at their own pace. Please refer this link for Price and Itenerary http://holidaydestinytreks.com/helambu_circuit_trek.html