So, went to Pokhara on the Enfielder trip...trip started on Thursday with a ride to Chitwan via Daman and then the next day to Pokhara....I joined on the ride to Pokhara...there is nothing on the way and it is all safe...we did not have any roadblocks or anything, even the army checks were less, of course, it helped that we were about 22 bikers on the road....
The tourism in Pokhara is very slow....streets were empty at Lake Side...quite depressing, I must say.
We definitely need more tourists to come into Nepal right now.
Have a couple of guys gone towards the EBC today...be back in 14 days...they should bring some news from there.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Himalayan Enfielders start Peace Ride 2005
This morning, about 30 bikes of several makes, most of them obviously Enfields left Kathmandu for a four day trip to Chitwan and Pokhara. This is part of their annual ride called the Peace Ride (since the last few years of course).
We shall see what news they bring back about movement in these parts. These are imporatant areas for tourism. If all goes well, the Yeti will ride tomorrow to Pokhara and join up with them.
We shall see what news they bring back about movement in these parts. These are imporatant areas for tourism. If all goes well, the Yeti will ride tomorrow to Pokhara and join up with them.
Nepal scribes evade censors with blogs
From the Calcutta Telegraph - posted in by one of the contributors to this blog
New Delhi, March 23 (Reuters): Journalists in Nepal are going hi-tech to sidestep tight censorship imposed after last month’s royal coup.
Outspoken web logs, or blogs, are springing up and being widely quoted and linked to in the “blogosphere” — the mushrooming cyberworld rapidly establishing a place for itself as an alternative source of news and information.
“I feel that our very own survival, intellectually and mentally, depends on freedom,” says Dinesh Wagle, a newspaper journalist who runs United We Blog! (www.blog.com.np).
“I don’t want to live like a dead soul. So these days I am blogging for a peaceful and democratic Nepal,” he said in an e-mail interview. King Gyanendra seized power on February 1, arresting government and political leaders, rights activists and journalists.
He also banned media criticism of his move, which he said was aimed at ending a nine-year Maoist revolt that has killed 11,000 people and shattered the tourism and aid-dependent economy.
But United We Blog! and another popular blog, the anonymous Radio Free Nepal (freenepal.blogspot.com), publish interviews with arrested political leaders and news about anti-king protests that the mainstream media cannot.
“I am blogging the truth as I see and as I think,” says the print journalist running Radio Free Nepal.
“I am telling my audience there are pro-monarch rallies and the true story behind them (compulsory participation) ... and also that there is not much participation in anti-monarch rallies, along with my feelings that there should be democracy and the king should step down,” he said by e-mail.
Wagle, who coordinates the art and style section for Kantipur, the leading Nepali language daily, is a former information technology reporter. He has his own website (www.wagle.com.np) and along with several friends and colleagues has been blogging since 2003. But United We Blog! turned political after Gyanendra seized power.
In the beginning, the UWB team was quite anxious about blogging political matter. But I was determined to blog politics and everyone was convinced.”
Hits have rocketed: from fewer than 13,000 in January to 65,000 in February and more than 80,000 in the first three weeks of March.
Nepal is one of the world’s poorest 10 countries and few people have computers. Fewer still know about blogs. Instead, United We Blog! and Radio Free Nepal are aimed at highlighting the country’s plights to the outside world.
The postings have been picked up, linked to and referred to by scores of other blogs around the world, including the Online Journalism Review (www.ojr.org) published by the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication.
New Delhi, March 23 (Reuters): Journalists in Nepal are going hi-tech to sidestep tight censorship imposed after last month’s royal coup.
Outspoken web logs, or blogs, are springing up and being widely quoted and linked to in the “blogosphere” — the mushrooming cyberworld rapidly establishing a place for itself as an alternative source of news and information.
“I feel that our very own survival, intellectually and mentally, depends on freedom,” says Dinesh Wagle, a newspaper journalist who runs United We Blog! (www.blog.com.np).
“I don’t want to live like a dead soul. So these days I am blogging for a peaceful and democratic Nepal,” he said in an e-mail interview. King Gyanendra seized power on February 1, arresting government and political leaders, rights activists and journalists.
He also banned media criticism of his move, which he said was aimed at ending a nine-year Maoist revolt that has killed 11,000 people and shattered the tourism and aid-dependent economy.
But United We Blog! and another popular blog, the anonymous Radio Free Nepal (freenepal.blogspot.com), publish interviews with arrested political leaders and news about anti-king protests that the mainstream media cannot.
“I am blogging the truth as I see and as I think,” says the print journalist running Radio Free Nepal.
“I am telling my audience there are pro-monarch rallies and the true story behind them (compulsory participation) ... and also that there is not much participation in anti-monarch rallies, along with my feelings that there should be democracy and the king should step down,” he said by e-mail.
Wagle, who coordinates the art and style section for Kantipur, the leading Nepali language daily, is a former information technology reporter. He has his own website (www.wagle.com.np) and along with several friends and colleagues has been blogging since 2003. But United We Blog! turned political after Gyanendra seized power.
In the beginning, the UWB team was quite anxious about blogging political matter. But I was determined to blog politics and everyone was convinced.”
Hits have rocketed: from fewer than 13,000 in January to 65,000 in February and more than 80,000 in the first three weeks of March.
Nepal is one of the world’s poorest 10 countries and few people have computers. Fewer still know about blogs. Instead, United We Blog! and Radio Free Nepal are aimed at highlighting the country’s plights to the outside world.
The postings have been picked up, linked to and referred to by scores of other blogs around the world, including the Online Journalism Review (www.ojr.org) published by the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Nepal Tourism Board Travel Update - 17th March
Known for unlimited number of festivals, the season of the festivals this years has begun with Mahashivaratri- Night of Lord Shiva celebrated on March 8 this year. Thousands of devotees from different parts of Nepal and India thronged into the Pashupathinath Temple in Kathmandu enthusiastically to pray for long life and prosperity. To follow the rituals carried out by their fathers and forefathers for many years, all devotees travelled all the way to Kathmandu by buses with a hope to have a glance of Pashupathinath.
So far, apart from small hiccup, nobody has reported to have faced any kind of problem while travelling by surface. Flights are operating daily to different destinations within Nepal including Pokhara, Lukla, Chitwan, Lumbini. Cosmic Air has recently added third Fokkar to its fleet for extending its network to different destinations in India and Nepal.
Air Sahara resumed its flight from March 15, 2005 after a short break with a promise to link Kathmandu with different parts of the world through its recently opened network in South East Asia.
Thamel now looks vibrant with the movement of tourists. Wining and dining is a serious sport in Thamel. Thamel harbours more than two hundreds pubs and restaurants - from cultural nights at star hotels to down-to-earth trekker's joints. Tuborg to the local rice-beer. Bloody Mary to High Altitude Punch. Thamel offers one of the most extensive menus of cuisines in Asia. Mexican tacos to Japanese teriyaki. Tired of hanging around Thamel, pop in to Casinos at five star hotels -night never ends there.
Moreover, it is specially advised to book holiday tour in Nepal through registered travel/tour operators for guaranteed service.
To effectively respond the problems tourists and tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal and abroad may come across, Nepal Tourism Board has taken a holistic approach to address these problems by running its Media Center 24 hours which is manned by efficient staff effective from February 23, 2005. The Center is supported by Crisis Response Action Unit already established to facilitate the tourists. In order to better facilitate tourists and tourism entrepreneurs, the Nepal Tourism Board has strengthened Media Centre with extra manpower and Direct Hotline Number to respond the queries and to take necessary initiatives for prompt action. The staff on duty is available at Direct Hotline Number 977-1-4225709 round the clock. Inquiry can be made through fax or email at 977-1-4254298 or mediacenter@ntb.org.np.
So far, apart from small hiccup, nobody has reported to have faced any kind of problem while travelling by surface. Flights are operating daily to different destinations within Nepal including Pokhara, Lukla, Chitwan, Lumbini. Cosmic Air has recently added third Fokkar to its fleet for extending its network to different destinations in India and Nepal.
Air Sahara resumed its flight from March 15, 2005 after a short break with a promise to link Kathmandu with different parts of the world through its recently opened network in South East Asia.
Thamel now looks vibrant with the movement of tourists. Wining and dining is a serious sport in Thamel. Thamel harbours more than two hundreds pubs and restaurants - from cultural nights at star hotels to down-to-earth trekker's joints. Tuborg to the local rice-beer. Bloody Mary to High Altitude Punch. Thamel offers one of the most extensive menus of cuisines in Asia. Mexican tacos to Japanese teriyaki. Tired of hanging around Thamel, pop in to Casinos at five star hotels -night never ends there.
Moreover, it is specially advised to book holiday tour in Nepal through registered travel/tour operators for guaranteed service.
To effectively respond the problems tourists and tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal and abroad may come across, Nepal Tourism Board has taken a holistic approach to address these problems by running its Media Center 24 hours which is manned by efficient staff effective from February 23, 2005. The Center is supported by Crisis Response Action Unit already established to facilitate the tourists. In order to better facilitate tourists and tourism entrepreneurs, the Nepal Tourism Board has strengthened Media Centre with extra manpower and Direct Hotline Number to respond the queries and to take necessary initiatives for prompt action. The staff on duty is available at Direct Hotline Number 977-1-4225709 round the clock. Inquiry can be made through fax or email at 977-1-4254298 or mediacenter@ntb.org.np.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Rafted over the weekend - was safe
I went rafting over the weekend - to the Bhote Koshi, which incidentally is one of the top ten rivers in the world (in high flow) for rafting.
Was hearing of some blockade starting Monday, but this was not authenticated in the Sindulpalchowk region. This river falls on the Arniko Highway, on the road to tibet. In fact, the number of police and army checkpoints are still the same, and there is no sign of a beef up in security or anything. Things seemed pretty normal.
We did an overnight, and it was very safe. Never felt anything suspicious. Also did a small hike up to a village above the highway where there is the old trade route to Tibet to get a feel of the situation in the villages, and also drew a blank. Things are pretty normal in this area.
Was a mixed group of foreigners staying / working in Nepal.....Finnish, Swiss, Norwegian, Peruvian, Austrain, Dutch and Japanese. ;) Hey that's three continents...
Was rafting with Ultimate Descents and staying overnight at the Borderlands Resort
Was hearing of some blockade starting Monday, but this was not authenticated in the Sindulpalchowk region. This river falls on the Arniko Highway, on the road to tibet. In fact, the number of police and army checkpoints are still the same, and there is no sign of a beef up in security or anything. Things seemed pretty normal.
We did an overnight, and it was very safe. Never felt anything suspicious. Also did a small hike up to a village above the highway where there is the old trade route to Tibet to get a feel of the situation in the villages, and also drew a blank. Things are pretty normal in this area.
Was a mixed group of foreigners staying / working in Nepal.....Finnish, Swiss, Norwegian, Peruvian, Austrain, Dutch and Japanese. ;) Hey that's three continents...
Was rafting with Ultimate Descents and staying overnight at the Borderlands Resort
Friday, March 11, 2005
Is Travel to Lumbini safe?
Heard yesterday about some serious fighting in Kapilvastu, near Lumbini. Travel to there could still be safe, as Kapilvastu is about 90 kms off Lumbini, and the flight takes you to Bhairawa, which is still before Lumbini.
Lumbini is of course the birth place of the Buddha, which is two hours drive from Bhairawa in the Terai.
Keep an eye for updates.
Lumbini is of course the birth place of the Buddha, which is two hours drive from Bhairawa in the Terai.
Keep an eye for updates.
Nepali Congress's movement to be based within the country
from nepalnews
In what is seen as a decision that could have far-reaching consequences, a major political party in the country, Nepali Congress (NC), has said it is not its policy to send its workers abroad or ask its workers to go underground.
In a statement issued Thursday, NC central office asked its cadres to stay put and actively take part in the civil disobedience movement.
The NC’s clarification has come when a number of second rung NC leaders had fled to bordering Indian towns and even the capital, New Delhi, after the February 1 move and some others had gone underground fearing arrests. The NC has also called its cadres to court arrest as per the party’s directives.
The NC has launched a nationwide peaceful movement beginning National Democracy Day (February 18) calling for restoration of peace and democracy.
“We will also discuss our policies with other four parties who have joined in the nationwide movement,” said Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, a central committee member of Nepali Congress. “The latest NC decision has come to clear confusion among the party cadres,” he added.
The NC’s decision has come amid criticism from top government officials that the opposition parties’ had hurt national dignity by making foreign soil their base (to launch their movement.)
Over 200 activists affiliated to five opposition parties were arrested on Tuesday while launching peaceful demonstrations across the country.
In what is seen as a decision that could have far-reaching consequences, a major political party in the country, Nepali Congress (NC), has said it is not its policy to send its workers abroad or ask its workers to go underground.
In a statement issued Thursday, NC central office asked its cadres to stay put and actively take part in the civil disobedience movement.
The NC’s clarification has come when a number of second rung NC leaders had fled to bordering Indian towns and even the capital, New Delhi, after the February 1 move and some others had gone underground fearing arrests. The NC has also called its cadres to court arrest as per the party’s directives.
The NC has launched a nationwide peaceful movement beginning National Democracy Day (February 18) calling for restoration of peace and democracy.
“We will also discuss our policies with other four parties who have joined in the nationwide movement,” said Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, a central committee member of Nepali Congress. “The latest NC decision has come to clear confusion among the party cadres,” he added.
The NC’s decision has come amid criticism from top government officials that the opposition parties’ had hurt national dignity by making foreign soil their base (to launch their movement.)
Over 200 activists affiliated to five opposition parties were arrested on Tuesday while launching peaceful demonstrations across the country.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Nepal Offers 'Buy Three Get One Ticket Free' for Indian tourists
from nepalnews
With a view of encouraging Indian tourists to visit Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, Cosmic Air, Nepal Recreation Center and Pashupati Area Development Trust have jointly launched an attractive offer 'Buy Three & Get One Ticket Free- Fantastic Family Offer'.
According to Nepal Tourism Board, this scheme is valid only on the National carrier Royal Nepal Airlines and Cosmic Air from March till May 31, 2005.
The airfare on Royal Nepal Airlines for this offer is IRs 3,650 for DEL-KTM, IRs 7,300 for DEL-KTM-DEL, IRs 8,800 for BOM/BLR-KTM and IRs 12,500 for BOM/BLR-KTM-BOM/BLR sectors per passenger respectively.The air fare on Cosmic Air for this offer for the DEL-KTM-DEL sector will be INR.5,000 per passenger.
The buyers (3 + 1) of the Offer by both the above mentioned airlines are also entitled for Free casino coupons worth INR 10,000.00 and will have special privilege in the Pashupatinath Temple Darshan, the NTB statement said.
The statement has moreover requested the interested Indian nationals to contact local agents of Royal Nepal Airlines and Cosmic Air or Nepal Tourism Board's Marketing Representative TRAC Representations (I) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Ph: +91-11-23737348 or visit NTB website www.welcomenepal.com for more information about the scheme.
With a view of encouraging Indian tourists to visit Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, Cosmic Air, Nepal Recreation Center and Pashupati Area Development Trust have jointly launched an attractive offer 'Buy Three & Get One Ticket Free- Fantastic Family Offer'.
According to Nepal Tourism Board, this scheme is valid only on the National carrier Royal Nepal Airlines and Cosmic Air from March till May 31, 2005.
The airfare on Royal Nepal Airlines for this offer is IRs 3,650 for DEL-KTM, IRs 7,300 for DEL-KTM-DEL, IRs 8,800 for BOM/BLR-KTM and IRs 12,500 for BOM/BLR-KTM-BOM/BLR sectors per passenger respectively.The air fare on Cosmic Air for this offer for the DEL-KTM-DEL sector will be INR.5,000 per passenger.
The buyers (3 + 1) of the Offer by both the above mentioned airlines are also entitled for Free casino coupons worth INR 10,000.00 and will have special privilege in the Pashupatinath Temple Darshan, the NTB statement said.
The statement has moreover requested the interested Indian nationals to contact local agents of Royal Nepal Airlines and Cosmic Air or Nepal Tourism Board's Marketing Representative TRAC Representations (I) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Ph: +91-11-23737348 or visit NTB website www.welcomenepal.com for more information about the scheme.
State of emergency for a short period only: Bista
from nepalnews
A senior government official has said the month-old state of emergency is for a short period only.
Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers Kirtinidhi Bista. (File photo)
According to Nepal Samacharpatra daily, addressing a function organised on the occasion of the International Women's Day Tuesday, vice chairman in the council of ministers, Kirtinidhi Bista said the state of emergency would not be longer than three months.
Article 115 (2) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990, says the proclamation or order of the state of emergency issued by His Majesty “shall be laid before a meeting of the House of Representatives for approval within three months from the date of issuance.”
The House of Representatives was dissolved in Nepal in May 2002.
Vice chairman Bista also claimed that nowhere in world the people would have felt as free and unaffected under the emergency rule as in Nepal. He further said the emergency was only directed against terrorism.
“The government is ready to hold parliamentary elections within three years and handover the power to the elected representatives if the political parties support it,” Bista added.
Meanwhile, three leading trade union organisations have said the government barred them from organizing rallies on the occasion of the 95th International Working Women’s Day Tuesday. In a joint statement, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions (DECONT) said the government barred them from organizing various programmes to mark the day though they had already obtained permission from the Kathmandu District Administration.
A senior government official has said the month-old state of emergency is for a short period only.
Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers Kirtinidhi Bista. (File photo)
According to Nepal Samacharpatra daily, addressing a function organised on the occasion of the International Women's Day Tuesday, vice chairman in the council of ministers, Kirtinidhi Bista said the state of emergency would not be longer than three months.
Article 115 (2) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990, says the proclamation or order of the state of emergency issued by His Majesty “shall be laid before a meeting of the House of Representatives for approval within three months from the date of issuance.”
The House of Representatives was dissolved in Nepal in May 2002.
Vice chairman Bista also claimed that nowhere in world the people would have felt as free and unaffected under the emergency rule as in Nepal. He further said the emergency was only directed against terrorism.
“The government is ready to hold parliamentary elections within three years and handover the power to the elected representatives if the political parties support it,” Bista added.
Meanwhile, three leading trade union organisations have said the government barred them from organizing rallies on the occasion of the 95th International Working Women’s Day Tuesday. In a joint statement, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions (DECONT) said the government barred them from organizing various programmes to mark the day though they had already obtained permission from the Kathmandu District Administration.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Travel Advisory - 09 mar 05
So what does all this mean in terms of travelling to Nepal.
Kathmandu - is normal. Actually yesterday, I did not even notice that there were any demonstrations. I only read about them this morning. Almost half of Kathmandu and all the tourists were at Pashupatinath, mingling with the sadhus (holy men) from India, who had come to celebrate Shivaratri. 25% of the people at Pashupatinath were high on grass or hash, considered auspicious on this day.
Other towns: I personally do not have news from there, but going by what travellers who just came back from Pokhara were saying, nothing is going on there and it is safe to travel. Other places are too small to have any problems anyways.
Transporatation: At present, i would suggest that all people use the flights rather than the busses. Not because there is a blockade or anything, but just because the hassle factor has increased. I recently met some tourists who took 10-11 hours to come from Pokhara (which is just a 6 hour ride)
Trekking: The safest trek is the Everest base camp trek...as you fly both ways and there is no maoist activity in the Everest region. Easy trekking (with some contact with maoists, meaning you will have pay them a fee) can be easily done in the Langtang, Helambu area.
Annapurna is also safe and similar to Langtang, but should there be a quickly announced blockade, you will have to trek additional two days right into Pokhara, so come padded with a few extra days.
Expensive yet very very safe can be a fly in fly out into Manang in the Annapurna region. There is no activity up there too...
see you in Nepal!
Kathmandu - is normal. Actually yesterday, I did not even notice that there were any demonstrations. I only read about them this morning. Almost half of Kathmandu and all the tourists were at Pashupatinath, mingling with the sadhus (holy men) from India, who had come to celebrate Shivaratri. 25% of the people at Pashupatinath were high on grass or hash, considered auspicious on this day.
Other towns: I personally do not have news from there, but going by what travellers who just came back from Pokhara were saying, nothing is going on there and it is safe to travel. Other places are too small to have any problems anyways.
Transporatation: At present, i would suggest that all people use the flights rather than the busses. Not because there is a blockade or anything, but just because the hassle factor has increased. I recently met some tourists who took 10-11 hours to come from Pokhara (which is just a 6 hour ride)
Trekking: The safest trek is the Everest base camp trek...as you fly both ways and there is no maoist activity in the Everest region. Easy trekking (with some contact with maoists, meaning you will have pay them a fee) can be easily done in the Langtang, Helambu area.
Annapurna is also safe and similar to Langtang, but should there be a quickly announced blockade, you will have to trek additional two days right into Pokhara, so come padded with a few extra days.
Expensive yet very very safe can be a fly in fly out into Manang in the Annapurna region. There is no activity up there too...
see you in Nepal!
Rafting agencies on the verge of closure
By Dikshya Thakuri, in the Himalayan Times
Kathmandu, March 8:
Entrepreneurs running rafting agencies would be forced to close them down if political instability and the conflict continued to escalate, a rafting entrepreneur has warned. “Out of 80 rafting agencies, 18 are barely operational at present,” said Megh Ale, managing director, Ultimate Descent, and general secretary of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), warning that “they too could fold any minute if the situation didn’t improve.” Owing to the “political instability” and the “ongoing conflict,” the last six months have seen the shutting down of scores of rafting agencies. Most of all, the recent Maoist blockade was the last straw, said troubled entrepreneurs, who have been losing sleep over the drastic slump in the business. “We would be forced to pack up and leave if the situation continued to deteriorate,” said Megh Ale. He added that only the restoration of peace and stability could put an end to the slump. The Maoists have not harmed a single tourist so far, but taking tourists all the way down the white waters of Karnali, Seti Karnali, Bheri in the Western region is next to impossible due to security problems.
“One has to pass through the Maoist-infected areas such as Surkhet and Dailekh to reach the Karnali river, which is unthinkable at present.” Moreover, there is hardly any demand for river rafting in rivers such as Kaligandaki, Bhotekoshi, Seti, Marsyangdi, Sunkoshi. Compared to the last year, business is down by 80 per cent this year. Nonetheless, the entrepreneurs hope that the situation would improve in the four-month peak season, which starts in September.
“All the stakeholders should collectively strive to attract the tourists,” says Surya Joshi, president, NARA, adding: “Most importantly, the Maoists and others should stop calling blockades, bandhas and strikes, as such activities harm the nation’s economy.” Escorting the tourists during bandhs and blockades for rafting is out of question. “Moreover, there were no takers for rafting during the recent blockade, which is perfectly justifiable on the tourists’ part,” Joshi said. “There used to be a time when a lot of tourists would instantly go for rafting outside the valley,” Joshi said, adding that it is difficult to find a single group of willing rafters at present. Hira Gurung, a river guide and former managing director of the Special River Rafting, which is no longer operational, said the slump in the sector had forced him to go for a joint partnership in rafting business in Himanchal Pradesh, India. “I have no choice but to try and make some money in India although I would love to resume my business in the country.”
Kathmandu, March 8:
Entrepreneurs running rafting agencies would be forced to close them down if political instability and the conflict continued to escalate, a rafting entrepreneur has warned. “Out of 80 rafting agencies, 18 are barely operational at present,” said Megh Ale, managing director, Ultimate Descent, and general secretary of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), warning that “they too could fold any minute if the situation didn’t improve.” Owing to the “political instability” and the “ongoing conflict,” the last six months have seen the shutting down of scores of rafting agencies. Most of all, the recent Maoist blockade was the last straw, said troubled entrepreneurs, who have been losing sleep over the drastic slump in the business. “We would be forced to pack up and leave if the situation continued to deteriorate,” said Megh Ale. He added that only the restoration of peace and stability could put an end to the slump. The Maoists have not harmed a single tourist so far, but taking tourists all the way down the white waters of Karnali, Seti Karnali, Bheri in the Western region is next to impossible due to security problems.
“One has to pass through the Maoist-infected areas such as Surkhet and Dailekh to reach the Karnali river, which is unthinkable at present.” Moreover, there is hardly any demand for river rafting in rivers such as Kaligandaki, Bhotekoshi, Seti, Marsyangdi, Sunkoshi. Compared to the last year, business is down by 80 per cent this year. Nonetheless, the entrepreneurs hope that the situation would improve in the four-month peak season, which starts in September.
“All the stakeholders should collectively strive to attract the tourists,” says Surya Joshi, president, NARA, adding: “Most importantly, the Maoists and others should stop calling blockades, bandhas and strikes, as such activities harm the nation’s economy.” Escorting the tourists during bandhs and blockades for rafting is out of question. “Moreover, there were no takers for rafting during the recent blockade, which is perfectly justifiable on the tourists’ part,” Joshi said. “There used to be a time when a lot of tourists would instantly go for rafting outside the valley,” Joshi said, adding that it is difficult to find a single group of willing rafters at present. Hira Gurung, a river guide and former managing director of the Special River Rafting, which is no longer operational, said the slump in the sector had forced him to go for a joint partnership in rafting business in Himanchal Pradesh, India. “I have no choice but to try and make some money in India although I would love to resume my business in the country.”
Over 200 protesters held
from nepalnews website
At least two hundred political leaders and workers were detained across the country Tuesday while taking part in the peaceful demonstrations launched jointly by a group of five opposition parties.
According to reports, over 130 political activists including former lawmaker, Anand Dhungana, were detained in the southern town of Janakpur while taking part in a peaceful demonstration. Police also detained Ashish Sarraf ‘Nikki,’ a photo-journalist, who was taking pictures of the demonstration, reports said.
In Kathmandu, nearly two dozen activists including CPN (UML) leader Ms Bidya Bhandari, Nepali Congress (Democratic) leaders and former ministers Tek Bahadur Chokhyal, Mrs Bhim Kumari Budha Magar and former lawmaker Krishna Kishore Sharma Ghimire were arrested by police while demonstrating in Ason-Bhotahity area Tuesday afternoon.
The demonstrators also chanted slogan against the royal move of February 1 and demanded restoration of democratic rights in the country. Half of those detained in Kathmandu were women activists including pro-Jana Morcha Nepal activist Ganga Belbase.
Women’s wings of major political parties had taken a lead in Tuesday’s demonstrations that coincided with the International Women’s Day.
Reports from Chitwan said local administration detained at least 28 activists out of which 17 were released later. In western district of Kaski, police detained some two dozen activists while trying to take part in peaceful demonstrations. A human rights activist, monitoring the demonstration, was also injured in baton-charging by police, reports said.
In neighbouring Tanahun district, at least three dozen local political workers affiliated to opposition parties were arrested. There have been reports of demonstrations in eastern districts of Morang, Jhapa, Dhankuta, mid-western district of Banke and far-western district of Kanchanpur by political activists affiliated to five opposition parties.
Authorities have not said anything publicly as yet regarding the latest nationwide arrests
At least two hundred political leaders and workers were detained across the country Tuesday while taking part in the peaceful demonstrations launched jointly by a group of five opposition parties.
According to reports, over 130 political activists including former lawmaker, Anand Dhungana, were detained in the southern town of Janakpur while taking part in a peaceful demonstration. Police also detained Ashish Sarraf ‘Nikki,’ a photo-journalist, who was taking pictures of the demonstration, reports said.
In Kathmandu, nearly two dozen activists including CPN (UML) leader Ms Bidya Bhandari, Nepali Congress (Democratic) leaders and former ministers Tek Bahadur Chokhyal, Mrs Bhim Kumari Budha Magar and former lawmaker Krishna Kishore Sharma Ghimire were arrested by police while demonstrating in Ason-Bhotahity area Tuesday afternoon.
The demonstrators also chanted slogan against the royal move of February 1 and demanded restoration of democratic rights in the country. Half of those detained in Kathmandu were women activists including pro-Jana Morcha Nepal activist Ganga Belbase.
Women’s wings of major political parties had taken a lead in Tuesday’s demonstrations that coincided with the International Women’s Day.
Reports from Chitwan said local administration detained at least 28 activists out of which 17 were released later. In western district of Kaski, police detained some two dozen activists while trying to take part in peaceful demonstrations. A human rights activist, monitoring the demonstration, was also injured in baton-charging by police, reports said.
In neighbouring Tanahun district, at least three dozen local political workers affiliated to opposition parties were arrested. There have been reports of demonstrations in eastern districts of Morang, Jhapa, Dhankuta, mid-western district of Banke and far-western district of Kanchanpur by political activists affiliated to five opposition parties.
Authorities have not said anything publicly as yet regarding the latest nationwide arrests
Trek to EBC holds 7th position in Top Ten 'Once In A Lifetime' Trips
Taken from the NTB newsletter, dated 08 March 05
iExplore announced a list of Top Ten "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Trips, as determined by unique travel inquiries at iExplore over the last year on March 7, 2005. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp(EBC) has been placed in seventh position in Top Ten ranking. Nepal is the only South Asian country to have chosen in this prestigious list. Last year The UK's leading magazine The Observer had ranked the Everest Base Camp in seventh position in 20 Journeys of a Lifetime. Champagne Flight to the North Pole has been registered as number one in the ranking which is followed by Travel to Timbuktu(Mali) and Back and Sea Kayak the Panama Canal.
iExplore founder and CEO, George Deeb, said, "As the Baby Boomers are approaching early retirement, they are less interested in accumulating hard assets at this stage in their life, and they are more interested in accumulating life changing experiences."
Deeb continued, "The above list shows you how far consumers are willing to go to get as unique an experience as possible, providing them with travel memories and 'travel bragging rights' for a lifetime."
Top Ten Ranking are as follows:
1 - Champagne Flight to the North Pole
2 - Travel to Timbuktu (Mali) and Back
3 - Sea Kayak the Panama Canal
4 - Stay With a Mongolian Family in the Gobi Desert
5 - Cage Dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa
6 - Camel Caravan Across the Sahara Desert
7 - Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp
8 - Take a Hot Springs Bath in Iceland
9 - Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti (Tanzania)
10 - Walk Rainforest Tree Canopies in the Amazon
iExplore announced a list of Top Ten "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Trips, as determined by unique travel inquiries at iExplore over the last year on March 7, 2005. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp(EBC) has been placed in seventh position in Top Ten ranking. Nepal is the only South Asian country to have chosen in this prestigious list. Last year The UK's leading magazine The Observer had ranked the Everest Base Camp in seventh position in 20 Journeys of a Lifetime. Champagne Flight to the North Pole has been registered as number one in the ranking which is followed by Travel to Timbuktu(Mali) and Back and Sea Kayak the Panama Canal.
iExplore founder and CEO, George Deeb, said, "As the Baby Boomers are approaching early retirement, they are less interested in accumulating hard assets at this stage in their life, and they are more interested in accumulating life changing experiences."
Deeb continued, "The above list shows you how far consumers are willing to go to get as unique an experience as possible, providing them with travel memories and 'travel bragging rights' for a lifetime."
Top Ten Ranking are as follows:
1 - Champagne Flight to the North Pole
2 - Travel to Timbuktu (Mali) and Back
3 - Sea Kayak the Panama Canal
4 - Stay With a Mongolian Family in the Gobi Desert
5 - Cage Dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa
6 - Camel Caravan Across the Sahara Desert
7 - Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp
8 - Take a Hot Springs Bath in Iceland
9 - Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti (Tanzania)
10 - Walk Rainforest Tree Canopies in the Amazon
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Tourist arrival registers sharp decline
This post was taken from the nepalnews website article dated 06 march
The number of visitors arriving to Nepal via air in February 2005 showed a decline of 43 percent compared to the same month last year, said the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
This was stated in the provisional figures provided on March 6 by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation quoting the Immigration Office at the Tribhuvan International Airport, NTB said in a press statement issued Sunday.
According to the statement, a total of 14,001 visitors came to Nepal last month. The decline in the number of Indian visitors during the month was 52 percent and that of non-Indian visitors 39 percent, the release added.
However, according to the release, the arrival of Chinese tourists picked up by 52 percent.
The NTB said that the recent fall in tourist arrivals could be because of some negative coverage on Nepal by the international press and stringent travel advisories issued by some major tourist generating markets to Nepal. “As a result, travel reluctance could have developed among the potential visitors to Nepal,” the release said.
The visitors’ number will pick up again in the coming months as their confidence is gradually building up and the trekking sector has witnessed increased bookings for the coming season, the NTB statement quoted Travel Agents Association of Nepal president Deepak Mahat as saying.
The number of visitors arriving to Nepal via air in February 2005 showed a decline of 43 percent compared to the same month last year, said the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
This was stated in the provisional figures provided on March 6 by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation quoting the Immigration Office at the Tribhuvan International Airport, NTB said in a press statement issued Sunday.
According to the statement, a total of 14,001 visitors came to Nepal last month. The decline in the number of Indian visitors during the month was 52 percent and that of non-Indian visitors 39 percent, the release added.
However, according to the release, the arrival of Chinese tourists picked up by 52 percent.
The NTB said that the recent fall in tourist arrivals could be because of some negative coverage on Nepal by the international press and stringent travel advisories issued by some major tourist generating markets to Nepal. “As a result, travel reluctance could have developed among the potential visitors to Nepal,” the release said.
The visitors’ number will pick up again in the coming months as their confidence is gradually building up and the trekking sector has witnessed increased bookings for the coming season, the NTB statement quoted Travel Agents Association of Nepal president Deepak Mahat as saying.
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