Memories of mesmerizing Lakhuri Bhanjyang

Lakuri Bhanjyang is a spectacular land marvel resides within 20 KM from the valley in the Lalitpur district at an altitude from 2100-2500m. Excluded and serrated in its own natural habitat, it’s one of the most popular sites for recreation activities. Perhaps, looking at the rich green bio-diversity and vegetation seems as an amalgamation of nature and modernization bordering to its limits. Similarly, the scenic views of Mahabharata range joys the arrivals amidst its wide versa of landscape magnetizing them to its enigmatic and dimensional perspective adding bonus to the journey. Contemplating, the peculiar views of the valley overwhelms its visitors with exhilaration and temptation of natural and real Nepal where on contrary the yellow embraced fields of mustard and small cribs located in the hills and cliffs gives an essence of vigorous civilization. Moreover, its spectacular landscape is perfect for adventure sports like hiking, mountain biking, paragliding etc which highlights the place from time to time in its abode in the name of tourism. Though not far from the city it’s a perfect and isolated site for relaxation where one can feel the fresh oxygen to the lung making it easier to breath in the explicit space. The journey starts from Kathmandu edging its border to the outskirt of Bhaktpur, Lalitpur district and then to Sisneri where we touched three district from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. After reaching Sisneri, the vivid vegetation peripheries its facilitating environs to be more vivacious and attractive. Looking at such green and fresh vegetation, we slugged out of the bus thinking of the hiking to be hard and treacherous. We were accompanied by around 40 media persons from different publication and media houses who were invited to celebrate the International Mountains Day. After getting the hint from the organizers, we grabbed our bags and set in to the jungle with in the small tracks. The tracks were indifferent so much that if not accompanied by a tracker, it would be hard to locate the route. Perhaps, the deal was, we were excited and in the space of comfort of the locals and trackers, we decided to make the hike more adventurous, so neglecting the easy roads we made our way thorough the jungle creating an extra sense of enthusiasm and exhilarating out of the trip. The jungle was deemed with tall pine trees and slippery track of yellow mud, thanks to god it was not a rainy season. Despite the fact that these jungles at times can be scary and dangerous, we subtracted the stem and forwarded our journey with a new sprit. Carrying the burning enthusiasm, our team passed through the jungle highlighting a sense of excitement but on the back of our mind we all had the sense of adrenaline going, thinking for the inevitable. Passing by the panoramic cliff exhibited the exotic view of Kathmandu valley below and the mountain range amortized time in our memory. Looking at the scenic views from a native’s eyes focused on the essence to see the valley below in the most profound way. Moreover the encroachment of the concrete jungle and it limitation seemed as a posing threat of modernization where the nature was challenging the threats of modernization. Likewise, the tracks passed through a rough terrain where we felt the lack-ness, as lack of good trekking shoes might feel as a major draw back to face the evitable situation, so prior hiking one should always see the feasibility of the landscape and the accessories needed. The route made us feel very tradition and convention where the springs and streams that were readily available beside the tracks made us feel comfortable with the available of water. But looking at it from the health point of view it not considered wise to drink water from wild without any treatment which always triggered us neglecting it in the sprits of seeing and feeling it rather than using it. Similarly, during the hike, we came across villages and societies where the normal lifestyle of the native people was a learning experience. Like such, in Lamatar, we came across a Tamang society where the family of the deceased was performing the after death 49th day procession. The shaman told us that this was a very intricate process and if not done in proper way the sprits cannot obtain peace. The experience of the whole interaction was eccentric but reality is our culture and tradition are based upon mysterious believes that are very abstract and enigmatic which portraits our rich heritage. The hike nearly lasted around 2 hrs but the exhaustion was overwhelmed by the scenic mountains view of in the Mahabharata range and the valley which kept the sprit high. With a picture perfect mode posing seemed as a perfect shot framed in the canvas of nature. From Lakuribhanjyang one can see the range of mountains like Gauri shankar, Ganesh, langtang etc. Ironically, Lakuribhanjyang is a great destination of scenic views with a timeless photographic image where one can rejuvenate oneself with the fresh environment.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More

Nepali Orthodox Tea

“Tea has always been an expression of freshness” as whether it’s an early morning reason to get-up or a hot drink in hard winter, we generally grab our cups to satisfy our longing by having a cup of tea. To be precise tea has adapted the different culture and creed people, evolving itself as a brawny part of the different culture where people have developed it as an addiction in the most profound way. Scientifically, the tea plant belongs to Camellia Sinensis group of species, which generally grows in cold or higher altitude. Categorically teas are divided into two-category CTC which is massively grown in terai region and Orthrodox in hilly region. In-fact, the High altitude teas have more flavors and aroma than low altitude teas that is the reason why, the green teas grown in high altitude are regard as the best. Today, Nepal's orthodox tea is getting famous in the world for its medicinal and youth-ness properties. It is devoured by thousands of people in a pleasing way of satisfying their thirst in just the name of having a break. Perhaps, it contains antioxidants, which helps to fight our body against disease and also helps to prolong aging to an extent. Further researches have confirmed its properties to be effective against disease like cancer. Different category of teas are found from a specific garden, grade and flush like Silvery Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (STGFOP), Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pokoe (TGFOP), Golden Flowery Orange Pokoe (GFOP), Flowery Orange Broken (FOB), Broken Orange Pokoe (BOP), First and Second flush etc where teas grown using minimum pesticide are high in demand in the international market. Mostly the CTC teas are grown in terai region while orthodox teas are grown in hilly region. In eastern Nepal, the organic gardens are situated in 3000ft to 7,325ft above sea level giving the Nepal orthodox tea, a definite taste and aroma. Currently in major areas like Dhankuta, Illam, Jhapa, Therathum, Panchthar etc where the trend of orthodox tea is taking pace with high earning. More over, teas are produce from biological and ecological balanced soil so it has adapted the different entrepreneur in creating a lure for the industry. Generally, the tea plantation in Nepal begins in March following the raining season with the opening of winter. The tea then plucked has a light golden color with a slight aroma. The second flush is plucked during May and June. By mid June the Monsoon season reaches the eastern part and continues till the end of September. The tea produced during this period contains moisture and considered of standard quality. Again in October another plucking session is done which is specifically know as “Autumnal” varying its color from pale lemon to amber with the season. It features an extra ordinary Muscat flavor, rich aroma and a lingering aftertaste. Perhaps orthodox tea is accepted around the world for it seasonal and unique taste. The tea manufacturing process includes three main stages Plantation, Plucking and Pruning and Processing. Plantation includes a rigorous procedure of selecting a high quality tea breed and facilitating it with natural and available fertilizers. Plucking and pruning refers to another important stage where fresh leaves are plucked once every 7 days giving another batch of fresh tea leaves to grow on it. Similarly processing is the most important stage where the leaves plucked from the plant are then withered which gradually evaporates moisture from the leaf over the hours then the leaves are removed from the trough and loaded into a rolling machine. After the rolling process the leaves are then set for fermentation, on attaining the level of fermentation that transforms the green leaves into black tea and when the desired level of fermentation is acquired, then the tea is dried or exposed to hot air to regulate the aroma and taste. Likewise, it goes to a chamber of a modern tea factory where the temperature is maintained in between from 93-121C. It is the most intensive operation in the entire tea processing. After which the tea is then sealed and packed according to desired ways. Nevertheless, in today's context tea is growing as a habituation in subsidizing it as a culture where people are having one more cup in the name of break or recess. (Source: Kunwar C. Santosh, Managing Director of All Nepalese Teas & Coffee Centre. It is an agro based company pioneering in the filed of Orthodox, Organic tea and Bio-fertilizer. For further information please contact or log on to www.allnepaltea.com) BY Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More

Tourism Budget Satisfactory, say entrepreneurs

Acclimatizing the new dawn of republican, the budget 2065/66 is welcomed by all with new aspirations of development and progress. Like other sectors, the tourism industry is also synchronized with different programs and policies addressing a better prospect for tomorrow. This year the budget has lined up different lucrative projects facilitating the industry like the new campaign “Nepal Tourism Year” is declared for 2011 where the basic objective of the campaign is to spread awareness and to do an effort to bring 1 million tourists per year. The ministry has allocated NRs 250 million for up-gradation and capacity expansion of 14 domestic airports and has also proposed Nrs. 397.8 million for tourism sector by substantially increasing the allocation compared to last Fiscal Year.

Similarly, the ministry has set aside NRs 200 million for the construction of International Airport at Nijgadh, Bara and Regional Airports at Pokhara and Bhairawa, which would be constructed on public-private partnership basis. It has proposed Rs. 950 million for the aviation sector.

Tek Chandra Pokheral, Chairman of Shangrila Tours and Travel said, “The new budget looks different but now it depends upon, the implementation. From the past a lot of new proposal and policies have been introduced by various parties but when it comes to implementation part they were weak. We just need to see how well the new government would carry their plans and policies.”

Regarding the new campaign to declare 2011 as Nepal Tourism Year, he said, “I am not excited by that. There is a normal growth of 27% in the number of arrivals where just by launching a new campaign gains burden. Reality is with the new campaign come responsibility which needs to be understood and worked on. Just looking back to the Visit Nepal 98 campaign, the amount of money and effort spend on it did not quantify the turn over. Though the conflict situation affected the productivity but still it did not meet the expectation, so it’s better to go with the normal growth rather than with such campaign.”

“ Moreover, if we could use the same money to facilitate the industry then it could give prominent results for e.g. if we could systematize traffic in tourists hub, increase the number of planes in the national carrier, systematize the Tribhuvan International airport (TIA) in terms of service and facilities then more prominent results can be achieved, ” added he.

“Currently we have Mafia’s ruling the trolleys in the TIA; recently the Japanese ambassador paid USD 20 for the use of the trolley which sounds embarrassing. At first we need to control such illegal acts then we can move on,” added he.

Like wise the budget also focuses towards the development of infrastructure, different plans and feasibility study of developing motorable roads at different parts of the country will be initiated. A feasibility study would be carried out and necessary process will be followed with a view of opening new trekking routes at Lamjunj-Annapurna, Lamjung-Manaslu, Gorkha-Manaslu areas and Manasrover focusing Khaptad.

Jyoti Adhakari, President of Trekking Agent’s Association of Nepal (TAAN) said, “This budget indeed is a different budget which addresses the needs and issues of the tourism industry. We just need to wait for some time and then evaluate its substantiality but still the early signs seem very prominent where the minister has already initiated to lease two Boeing for the national carrier Nepal Airline Corporation (NAC). Like such, we cannot just expect changes with in seconds or days, it takes time and a lot of resources. I believe the government has equal amount of opportunities as well as challenges. Moreover, we cannot expect more in a situation like this where we lack proper mechanism. So we just need to wait and watch. We need to support the government as for the first time tourism has been recognized as the economic development tool by the government.”

In order to develop tourism as a main component of poverty alleviation and a tool for revolutionary economic development, the budget focuses on development of infrastructure like road, communication etc which would increase the number of tourists’ flow enhancing income in rural and urban areas.

Ram Kaji Koney, President of Nepal Association of Travel and Tours Agents (NATTA) said, “The new budget is very impressive. The new campaign for the 2011 and the modalities for the improvement of the industry are very welcoming.”

“But it has missed certain things, such as Tourism Labor Law and Road Accident Law which should be formulated and brought in practice strictly. Today our tourism industry is in a threat because of untoward incidents like bandhs, vandalism, intimidations and extortions by various political and non political forces. This has to come in a complete halt. Likewise currently TIA lacks three T’s Toilet, Trolley and Taxi where the tourists are suffering due to improper management. The government should keep an eye on such activities at TIA where tourists are harassed.” added Koney.


By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More

Rhinos census shows 408 rhinos in Chitwan National Park

Rhino poaching has been a hot issue from past few years. Though tireless efforts have been made at national and international level to discourage poaching and illegal killing of rhino but the killings have significantly increased in the years, luring vast majority of people due to its high paid up value. Nevertheless, the scenario is changing as in the year 2000 the rhino census counted 544 rhinos in Nepal and in 2005 the census counted 372 rhinos in Chitwan. Similarly, the 2008 census revealed that the number rose to 408 in Chitwan.

Laxmi P. Manandhar, Conservation Education Officer at the Department of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) said, “The Nepal government in coordination with different local bodies like World Wildlife Fund (WWF), National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), IUCN etc are working to raise awareness about poaching and we have even mobilized the local resource, Police and Army personnel in the operation. It is a joint effort in coordination to fight against poaching which is high on alert. At first we need to understand the real ordeal of rhino poaching. The thing is, it is considered that rhino horn is used in different traditional medicine and thought to have aphrodisiac qualities but in reality, its just a mere propaganda. Rhino horn in reality is a type of hair and since it’s rare so its value has gone up, other than that everything is false.”

“At times, we hear in Medias about the foreign involvement in poaching but reality is there is no such direct involvement found or seen till today. As in most cases Nepalese are the ones who kill rhinos and the agents out here export it to foreign market. So focusing that we have already started different levels of awareness campaigns,” added he.

On the query about the feasibility of infrastructure and equipment he added, “During the insurgency time, most of our infrastructures (security posts and towers) were destroyed or were damaged, so we have already started the renovation process other than that we are technically fit to deal with the problem.”

“In major of the cases, rhinos die due to natural causes and when found by villagers they rob the horn which again comes under poaching, as its horn is missing. Moreover, to overcome the whole issue of poaching the government should implicate strict rules of punishment where person found guilty should be strict punishment which would definitely discourage others,” stated he.

According to the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 BS; any person directly or indirectly involved in killing, injuring, purchasing or selling protected wild animals or its products, including rhinos, or transferring rhino horns and if found guilty can be jailed for 5-15 years and fined Rs 50,000-100,000. Contemplating the scenario, currently there are around 100 accused poachers serving sentences in jails at different location of Bharatpur, Birganj and Kathmandu where as on the counter part the carnage is still on, highlighting the demand of rhino horn at national and international market.

Diwakar Chapagaine, Manager at Wild Life Trade program of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said, “WWF from its side has been supporting the cause by every means. We have been facilitating the government with basic necessities of transportation, communication, equipment etc. Moreover, we have also played crucial role in community mobilization where we are coordinating with different community bodies to raise awareness regarding the issue.”

“Today the situations have changed previously when people didn’t knew the importance of wildlife but now after awareness they are more concerned. Reality is, if a rhino dies today then questions are raised from the different stake holders which has certainly discouraged poaching and other illegal activities,” added he.

Briefing more about the WWF plan he said, “In future we are planning to launch higher level of awareness campaign specially targeting the policy makers, as still today there are people at policy level who think and say, land occupied by forests are waste and it should be turned into field which certainly needs to change. The only option to fight against poaching is awareness and if better steps are taken now then we cannot secure the future.”

Recently on June 9, a total of nine poachers, including Nepal Army (NA) personnel who were involved in rhino poaching in Bardiya National Park, were trailed at the District Prison Office, Bardiya. The officials at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) said that all the alleged poachers were detained when their involvement was proved in poaching activities.
Likewise in another case on June 19, the rangers caught Pemba Lama, alias Yakche, during a search operation. He was carrying a rhino horn and Rs 460,000 cash, and confessed of killing 20 rhinos and selling their horns to Tibetan traders. As per the information provided by the Department, those arrested were NA personnel Jaya Bahadur Shah and renegades Om Prakash Chaudhary, Binod Shah and Om Prakash Basyaula. Shah was associated with the Raneshwor Battalion of NA located at Thakurdwara of Bardiya district.

Though, rhino poaching and its issue are highlighted daily in different medias but crucial role-play by the Nepal government stand out loud proving its effective measure and mechanism. The numbers increased have certainly given hope for this animal’s survival but on the other hand the rare species also has given a new scope and role for marketing Nepal with a new tool.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More

Save the Thamel

Picturing the perfect scenario of tourism, Thamel potrays the real image of a tourist hub where more than 2500 business runs acclimatizing the sole theme of serving the tourists. No matter what, tourism being a service industry has been catering the needs of tourists and visitors adapting it in the most profound way. Like such, Thamel as a hub, provides availability of things ranging from food items to entertainment for tourists. There is no doubt that Thamel is the most happening destination in the whole of Kathmandu but, with time, Thamel has seen many changes and not all of them are good ones. Lately, Thamel has become a notorious destination among domestic and international tourists as sex business center.

The different orchestrated centers like dance bar restaurants, cabin restaurants, massage centers and discos are mushrooming in Thamel which is posing a great threat to the overall image of the country. As most of the tourists visiting Nepal still prefer to stay in Thamel for the name it has earned over the years as a popular hang out place for tourists. However, the sex business in Thamel has intensified so much that after dusk, the scenario changes where it stages itself with an illusive image of explicit paradise. One can easily understand the worsening scenario by looking around the growing numbers of sex workers and brokers wandering freely in the street of Thamel.

Namgyal Lama, President of Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) said, "The first thing that we should understand is that Thamel is changing very fast in to becoming an entertainment hub. Previously, it was just thought as a tourist hub but today it has commercialized where different businesses are run. We totally agree that if Thamel is not properly managed and monitored, it would certainly turn out worse in the years ahead."

Lama informs more, "A new problem of walking prostitutes has arisen in Thamel. Many of the tourists have complained of such encounters in streets of Thamel. It needs to be controlled by the authorities before it gets too late."

“Although prostitution is illegal in Nepal, it is going on unabatedly. In addition, the basic thing here is about clear policies where the government lacks to provide an effective mechanism," added he.

Tourism provides massive potential for sustainable social and economic growth and development of the countries. And many tourism experts argue that there is a huge potential in the sex industry to allure tourists in any country. Unfortunately, it also invites inherent threats like HIV AIDS and other STD’s.

In February 4, 2005 (Friday), the BBC News website quoted, “The sexual behavior of Nepalese trekking guides and tourists is to be the subject of a study by researchers at Aberdeen University.” Perhaps, the situation has worsened in the years.

According to a broker in Thamel, “The question here is not about availability, the question here is about people's mentality. The government should take strict measures and control it. One must see the problem from different angles to analyze the situation."

He stressed, “We do this for living and we do not have much choice left. Besides, it is an easy way to earn. And it is same with the sex workers. Most of them are compelled to sell sex. From time to time the Indian tourists do visit these brothels and more often their guests have been Nepalese.”

"I have heard the whole racket run in association with in the cooperation of Police. Every month, a large sum of money is channeled to police officers for facilitating their work. The whole network runs with the help of money power which sluggish to higher level officials," he added.

There have also been reports that even police officials are involved in these businesses indirectly. Many of them make hefty money out of these businesses for not conducting raids.

On the same, defending the issue, Basundhara Khakda, Inspector at the Sorhakhutta Police Station said, “When I first came to this station. Like a normal person, I had a different image of Thamel as a tourist destination,” adding, “Sex business is however not the only problem in Thamel. Recently, two dance restaurant owners for over billing where from time to time we have been monitoring such activities since," informed she.

“We have launched a Quick React Team (QRT) for effectively handling the situation where our team is leading the action for prominent results. We have been holding operation in Thamel in both duty hours and off-duty hours to find out more irregularities. Apart from that recently, we had called all the dance restaurant owners and had discussed the issues of inappropriate sexual activities happening in such centers. They did agree to stay according to rule. If they cross it, then we would certainly take action against them,” added she.

Regarding the allegation for police, she asserted, “I am not bothered by what people say. It is part of my duty to work for the people with in the legal periphery and I would always be marching in that direction to achieve my goals where the wrong doers would certainly be brought to the book.”

There is no doubt that the high number of displaced because of the past conflict has led most of the young girls to choose sex work for living. Owing to lack of opportunities, these girls start their sex career right from as early as 13. To begin with, most of them start from cabin and dance restaurants. And slowly they take to prostitutions by force or any other reasons. From interviews, most of them don’t fancy their job as sex workers but are compelled to do so to meet their expensive daily needs in Kathmandu.

Prof. Dr Rudra Pd. Updhayay, Central Dept of Economic and rural Development T.U Kirtipur said, “Sex tourism is a part of tourism which cannot be denied. Perhaps, sex industry is such controversial issue that can be regulated but it cannot be controlled which need to be understood and worked on. Especially in Nepal, where sex is taken as taboo, the problem is inevitable looking at the growing tourism scenario. The increase in sexual activities in Thamel and other hubs are the direct effect of inflation, violence and displaced situation.”

“Thamel is a booming hub and all the business inside it are interrelated which need to be understood. Another reasons for the increasing sex industry inside the tourism is the lack of proper rules and regulation which generally fortifies the sex tourist to travel to such country where the rules and regulation are at ease or flexible. Like wise, It is also attracting sex tourists who are not only bringing a limited resource but unfortunately they are also bringing diseases like HIV/AIDS which needs to be addressed by heightening awareness,” added he.

He suggested, "TTDC should initiate a proper mechanism with the stakeholders to regulate sex businesses in Thamel."

Approximately, there are more than 30 Dance Restaurants and 200 Massage Centers in Thamel alone. However, not all the dance bars and massage parlors are using sex as their prime product. Regardless of high risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV-Aids, the sex industry in Thamel is growing in an alarming rate. Now the time has come that the government should take some serious steps regarding prostitution and other sex related activities in the country in general and Thamel in particular. Those illegal brothels need to be identified and closed down. The time has also come for public polls on whether to legalize prostitution or not. The situation as of now is only risking the health of public and the sex workers and if this issue is ignored that may have deadly impact on the society as a whole researcher's have contemplated that potential tourists' fear of HIV/AIDS could discourage themselves from visiting such places and which might displace the tourism businesses from Thamel to other place as what happened to the Freak Street. Therefore, effective measures should be taken in a coordinated way to make a Thamel a better place. The TTDC should play a role to take further initiatives in bringing concrete solutions to this problem before it gets too late.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Publication: Nepal Traveller Publication

Magzine: Nepal Travel Trade Reporter

Date of issue: March 10-23, 2008

Vol-X

Issue: 48

Page no: 22 and 23 (Feature Article)

Read More

The Growing Voluntarism

Tourism has different facets, like such the current evolving trend of volunteer tourism is yet another aspect, which has been attracting thousands of tourists accenting their passion for Voluntarism and Social works. Every year thousands of tourists visit our country's rural part in assisting the native to provide a helping hand in building and renovating school projects, drinking water projects and orphanages. These volunteers mostly come in association through web or individual referral who work in cooperation with big International Non Governmental Organization (INGO) or local Non Governmental Organization (NGO). The basic motive behind the service quantifies time need of tourists, which relates it as a part of their education or to earn an experience for their resume or as a passion. No matter what, these tourists interest in but on pragmatic grounds they not only serve the rural with physical services but also generate huge revenue in the form of membership fee to the INGOs and NGOs. These volunteers pay a membership fee ranging from US$ 10 to 100 according to institutions and organizations. In addition, they also donate cloths and useful equipments as assistance to their work operation and after completion of the volunteer program, they enroll themselves in sponsoring the orphan childrens for their education. Apart from that a lot of foreigners even engage themselves in raising fund in their community and sending it back to Nepal supporting the different orphanages and NGOs.

Tiago Madureird Migliari, a Brazilian volunteer said, “Beside everything, Nepal offers a lot of tourist activities for which people come here for holidays and at the same time, they feel like doing something for the people in return of exposure to true nature, culture and adventure of Nepal.”

“We volunteers come from different countries paying our own money to the INGOs or NGOs on different volunteer programs. We not only give our money but to some extent facilitate the native in supporting them with the assistance of our capabilities but in ways we take the social responsibility of making a difference in the society,” says Migliari, adding, “There are a lot of illegitimate organizations and corruption going on, which is rampantly creating a negative image of the country. Perhaps there are many organizations working in the field that portrays the image of a social organization but in reality they do not work for the cause. They just take the money and that does not help much. As volunteers, we try to bring funds from our country to help the needy and looking at such scenario it obstructs us from doing the activities, which strongly needs to be controlled by the authorities.”

“Currently, we are working one on one with people and we have established websites named www.nepaliproject.wordpress.com and http://www.kavreproject.wordpress.com/ in both English and Portuguese language to raise money from outside. Apart from that we have also launched a fund raising program where we have designed some t-shirt, which we would be selling with in our circle and the money raised would be used for sponsoring the children’s education in different sites. I request other travelers and volunteers that it’s easy to give money but it should be watched where the money is going,” added he.


He suggested, “While travelling the tourists, they get culturally involved with the society and people. Doing such, it certainly creates the scope of responsibility and they should initiate something to make a difference as voluntarism is all about bringing a change in the society. At times you feel frustrated with the constricted system and lack of helping hand but the societal responsibility always comes with hardship which should be realized and continue ahead.”

The rampantly opening of the small NGOs and other social organizations has not only created an issue of weak government monitoring mechanism but in ways has increased the cases of fraudulent happenings.

P. Yalambar Rai, Program Officer at Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) said, “The volunteering tourism has good potential in our country, for a lot of tourists who come to Nepal, they feel like doing something."

"For long term volunteer's the limited VISA of 150 days is an obstacle where feasible policies need to be devised according to the timely needs," added he.

Talking about the illegitimate organization, he said, "The main problem here is about transparency which is why fraudulent cases are taking its toll in the name of NGO. The Social Welfare Council (SWC) needs to impose a stronger monitoring mechanism, which would not only control the organization but would further help to expand and facilitate the industry. It is a sensitive issue which should be prioritized."

Bhupendra Ghimire, Chairman of Volunteers Initiative Nepal said, “The Volunteers generally come here from web correspondence and we enroll them in our volunteers program. Currently the European Union (EU) has made compulsion of voluntarism in developing nation as a part for completion of the education degree, which has increased the flow."

He asserted, "We seriously need to have a controlling mechanism as a lot of fund is collected by NGO’s where the transparency on the earning and expenditure should be clear. As when a tourist donates his money, he donates it for a cause."

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More

TIA Expansion Plan of MoCTCA

From the last few years Tribhuvan International Airport expansion (TIA) has been in issue highlighting the number of arrivals and flow of airlines in the country. Every year the issue of its expansion voices out with the starting of the tourism season and fades after the time. Currently, the country has 18 international airlines with 9 of it directly linking Kathmandu with different destination and almost a dozen air carriers operating in the domestic sector.
Nevertheless, due to improper planning and growing numbers of airlines, the TIA currently is facing a huge congestion problem. As per sources, due to busy runways, the rate of air holding of the aircrafts at TIA has significantly increased. From above it can be said that there is no alternative for Nepal than to go for another international airport to meet the current demand of the aviation sector in the country. But in the condition, when Nepal cannot immediately cater the need of aviation growth by constructing a new international airport, there becomes no choice than to expand and improve the capacity of TIA to manage with the current needs. During the interaction held at Nepal Tourism Board, organized by Nepal National Aviation Council (NNAC), an elaborative presentation was made by Hari Bhakta Shrestha, Joint Secretary at Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation about the expansion of TIA model and planning where he hinted towards a need of TIA expansion from 2008 and the construction of the new international airport at Nijgadh from 2010, if we are to enjoy benefit in 2010 for TIA and 2025 for Nijgadh respectively.
The plans of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) includes, acclimatizing the need of the industry, the (MoCTCA) under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CIAA) forwarded a master plan strategy which is currently adapting its track.
According to the master plan, the Aviation sector strategy needs to explore its depth highlighting its position and brand Nepal as a regional model of aviation excellence within 10 years. Moreover, after strengthening the sector strategy the Phase-I would be introduced with in 2009-2013 with an approximate investment of US$ 53.8 million.
The government from its side has already shown its commitment through the Government Policy Commitment 2063 where it plans to commence the New International Airport (NIA) with modern facilities under a master plan.
Focusing the master plan the acquisition and management of land required, environment impact assessment, migration plan, road link up and infrastructures and various modalities of investment to attract native and foreign private investors are in its way highlighting the scope and role of Nijgadh.


Presently the TIA capacity holds
International terminal Building (ITB) Area 24,242 sq.m
Int'l Aircraft Bay 9
Peak Hour passenger Processing Capacity 750 pax/hr
Domestic floor area 3894 sq.m
Peak hour Passenger Processing Capacity 384 pax/hr


Aviation sector strategy
- Modifying the institutional frame work
- Adjusting responsibilities for sector management
- Strengthening CAAN's financial, Management and regulatory capabilities
- Improving TIA's commercial performance
- Upgrading air safety and security system
- Improving managerial and technical skills
- Encouraging private sector participation in major projects
- Upgrading of CNS facilities
- Improving the national airport infrastructure


Phase-I: 2009-2013: Investment: 53.8M $
- Demolition of existing domestic terminal building (DTB)
- Expansion of Int'l aircraft parking apron toward DTB
- Construction of low cost DTB to serve till year 2017
- Development of aircraft maintenance base (Int'l & Dom) move Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and military hanger to east side runway
- Expansion of domestic aircraft parking apron
- Construction of the parallel taxiway
- Upgrade CNS/ATM system
- Improve water supply and sewerage system
- Refurbishing of ITB facilities, airline lounges

Similarly, Phase II: 2014-2018: Investment:150M $
- Construction of new ITB
- Conversion of the existing ITB to new DTB
- Expansion of parking Apron (Int'l 7 Dom)
- Expansion of parallel taxiway to exist no.5
- Car parking and road infrastructure for the new ITB
- RADAR replacement and upgrading the CNS
- Terminal area commercial development
- Construction of commercial project


Currently the proposed Second International Airport (SIA) at the Nijgadh area
Area 32 sq.KM
Traffic forecast for 2015 2-3 million
For 2015 terminal area required 41,854 sq.m
For 2015 aircraft gate for Int'l 9 gates
First phase SIA 1.2 Billion $
Bagmati Corridor Road 100Milion $

Text compiled by Shreedeep Rayamajhi
Source: Hari Bhakta Shrestha
Joint Secretary, MoCTCA

Read More

A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary

Human endurance and courage have always testified its permanence at times, defining capabilities of doers in creating their own name and fame. Significantly stressing the same, the tradition of legends have not only aspire thousands but on pragmatic ground for people who elucidate qualities to bring change have always defied the normal human limitation in doing something extraordinary. Like such, Sir Edmund Hillary is yet another name that shines in history of mankind as the arch of achievement and aspiration for all.

Whether you call him a legendary mountaineer or an expert navigator or a Philanthropist, no matter what you call him. Sir Edmund Hillary was a pillar of strength, who by his esteem dedication not only nailed nature’s highest point Mt. Everest but with his tall aspiration brought change in people’s lives through his organizations Hillary Foundation in different parts of the world.

Sir Hillary once said, “I don't know if I particularly want to be remembered for anything. I have enjoyed great satisfaction from my climb of Mt. Everest and my trips to the poles. But there's no doubt, either, that my most worthwhile things have been the building of schools and medical clinics. That has given me more satisfaction than a footprint on a mountain,” adding, “I was just an enthusiastic mountaineer of modest abilities who was willing to work quite hard and had the necessary imagination and determination. I was just an average bloke; it was the media that transformed me into a heroic figure. And try as I did, there was no way to destroy my heroic image. But as I learned through the years, as long as you didn’t believe all that rubbish about yourself, you wouldn’t come to much harm."

Although these words manifest the greatness of his legacy, but seeking more toward the brawny part of his personality, his simplicity and dedication made him the man known to the world.

Sir Edmund Hillary was born to Percival Augustus Hillary and Gertrude Hillary, on July 20, 1919 A.D in (1919-07-20)Auckland, New Zealand. From his childhood, he was a shy and adventure enthusiast. He did his primary education from Tuakau Primary School then Auckland Grammar School. He had a huge interest in reading. The turning point in his life came at the age of 16, during a school trip to Mount Ruapehu, when he gained confidence in mountaineering. He gained confidence with uncoordinated effort and his height of 6 ft 5 in (195cm) eased him. He found that he was physically strong and had greater endurance which gave him the determination to endure mountaineering as a passion. He further continued his studies with mathematics and science at Auckland University College and later scaled Mount Ollivier, New Zealand in the Southern Alps in 1939AD. He climbed the Southern Alps in both summer and winter, to practice both rock climbing and ice pick work, and also took up wrestling for techniques.

During the outbreak of World War II, Sir Hillary applied to join the air force, but his application was withdrawn before it was considered. Following the introduction of conscription on the outbreak of war in the Pacific, he joined the New Zealand Air Force in 1943 A.D as a navigator in Catalina flying boats. Similarly, in the year 1945 A.D in one of the operation in Solomon Islands, he was badly burned in a boating accident after which he was send back to New Zealand. By this time a dream had born to enclose nature’s wildest vanity to overcome it by defying physical boundaries.
"In some ways, I believe, I epitomize the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed," said he.
Prior nailing Everest, in the year 1951 A.D, Sir Hillary was part of different expeditions. Like such, was a British exploration team led by Eric Shipton. Following the same in 1952 A.D Sir Hillary and George Lowe were again part of the British team led by Eric Shipton to Mt. Cho Oyu. After failing that attempt, Sir Hillary and Lowe crossed the Lho-La into Tibet and reached the old Camp II, on the northern side.
Likewise, Sir Hillary joined a British expedition led by British mountaineer Sir John Hunt in 1953 A.D. It was in hard May and after a grueling climb up from the southern face battling the effects of high altitude and bad weather, Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa managed to reach the peak at 11:30 A.M local time on May 29, 1953 A.D.
"I continued hacking steps along the ridge and then up a few more to the right... to my great delight I realized we were on top of Mount Everest and that the whole world spread out below us," said Sir Hillary.

The news of the succession did not reach the outside world until June 2 and on the eve of the Queen Elizabeth II's coronation; Sir Hillary and Sir Hunt were knighted by the Queen for their achievement while Tenzing received the British Empire Medal. Immediately after the successful Everest expedition, Sir Hillary and Sir John Hunt published their account of the expedition, The Ascent of Everest.
Adopting the normal life standard, Sir Hillary married Louise Mary Rose on September 3, 1953A.D. They had three children: Peter (1954), Sarah (1955) and Belinda (1959). Climbing Everest was the apex of his career, but Sir Hillary had a lifetime ahead of him. He continued to go on expeditions and climbed ten other peaks in the Himalayas on further visits in 1956 A.D, 1961 A.D and 1965 A.D. He also reached the South Pole as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, for which he led the New Zealand section, on January 4, 1958A.D. Shortly after, He was also awarded the Polar Medal for his part in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

As the years passed, he became more concerned with the welfare of the Nepalese people (Sherpa’s) and in the early 1960s; Sir Hillary began raising money to build a school for the children of Khumjung. He later established the Himalayan Trust, which, since its establishment has funded more than 30 schools in Nepal, as well as hospitals, medical clinics, gompas and airstrips.
"I have never felt sorry for the Sherpa’s, and I have never tried to impose projects on them. These are all things that the local people wanted, and we just responded. Every time we finish one project we get more requests," said he.
During the time, Sir Hillary’s cashed his fame in fundraising and into his ninth decade and he spends more than half the year travelling the world raising money for the trust.

Again in the year 1975 A.D, Sir Edmund Hillary's published his autobiography “Nothing Venture, Nothing Win” followed by “From the Ocean to the Sky” in the year 1979A.D.
In 1975 A.D while travelling to join Sir Hillary in the village of Phaphlu, Nepal where he was helping build a hospital, his children Louise and wife Belinda were killed in a plane crash near Kathmandu airport shortly after take-off. In 1977 A.D, he led a jet boat expedition, titled "Ocean to Sky", from the mouth of the Ganges River to its source.
Similarly, in 1985A.D, he was appointed as New Zealand High Commissioner to India (concurrently High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Ambassador to Nepal) and spent four and a half years based in New Delhi.
In 1985A.D, he was accompanied by Neil Armstrong in a small twin-engine ski plane over the Arctic Ocean and landed at the North Pole. He thus became the first man to stand at both poles and on the summit of Everest. Sir Hillary was again married in June to Mulgrew, the widow of his close friend Peter Mulgrew, on December 21, 1989A.D.
In 1992 A.D, Sir Hillary appeared on the updated New Zealand $5 note; he was the only New Zealander to appear on a banknote during his or her own lifetime. Later, he was also awarded the highest award for chivalry "The Knight of the Order of the Garter (KG)" on April 22, 1995 A.D and in the 1999 A.D, he published his second biography “View from the Summit”.

In 2003 A.D marking the 50th anniversary of the ascent, the Nepalese Government conferred Sir Hillary with the honorary citizenship. He was the first foreign national to receive such an honor from the Nepalese government. Similarly the same years Apart from that, a 2.3 metre (7.5 ft) bronze statue of him was installed outside The Hermitage hotel at Mt Cook village, New Zealand, in 2003 A.D.
On April 22, 2007A.D, while on a trip to Kathmandu he was reported to have suffered a fall and was hospitalized after returning to New Zealand. On January 11, 2008 A.D, Sir Edmund Hillary died of heart failure at the Auckland City Hospital at the age of 88 around 9 AM the local time.
Hillary's death was announced by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark at around 11:20 AM. His death was recognized by lowering flags to half-mast at the New Zealand Parliament, Auckland Harbor Bridge and at Scott Base in Antarctica.
Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand said, "He was an heroic figure who not only 'knocked off Everest but lived a life of determination, humility and generosity"
A state funeral was planned for 22 January. It is known that Hillary wished to be cremated, and for his ashes to be spread over Waitemata Harbor in Auckland which was performed according to his will.

Text Compiled by Shreedeep Rayamajhi
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Hillary,
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/hil0bio-1,
http://www.nzedge.com/heroes/index.html

Read More

Dance restaurant a growing threat

Like every industry has its pros and cons. The tourism industry has not been able keep itself away from the negative aspect of sex industry highlighting its scope and role. In same view these days, Pokhara City is grasping the trend of dance restaurant in its hub areas. Though the different dance restaurants are materializing its identity in the name of entertainment and tourism but a relative lack of supervision and monitoring by the concern authority have resulted in its growth.

Bharat Paudel, police officer at the Community Police Service (CPS) Baidham said, "Many of dance restaurants are running freely in the name of tourism and entertainment but in reality, we cannot even see a tourist or traveler in such places. Although, we have already alerted them and have regulated them under a code of conduct but still at times, we have been getting complains and have acted against them. Looking at the problem, we have already formed a monitoring mechanism District Coordination Committee (DCC), which has been actively observing such acts. Just few days back, we visited some of the dance restaurants around the city area, where many people were found in an uneasy situation. We are further planning to work with the DCC to develop an effective rules and regulation to limit the dance restaurants to the code of conduct and strongly adopt it in their operation."

At times, the police and other related organization have raided them but despite the lack proper mechanism of management and monitoring, the dance restaurants are creating a menace for the society and people living within the abode.

Ganesh Bhatterai, a restaurant entrepreneur and past president of Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) said, "The concept of easy sex is very common these days in urban cities. Mainly due to a decade long conflict, many people have displaced from their villages to cities. The lack of employment impedes them to take sex business as their profession.”

"It is not that I am against the dance restaurants or opposing against it but the dance restaurants should follow relative rules and regulation. As in democracy, people should have their rights to choose their way of living and earning their profession but it should not be against the law and go off the limit," added he.

To solve the problem he suggested, "The Government and INGO’s working in the field should primarily focus on providing empowerment training to the people taking sex as their prime profession and should develop programs where women of such field could survive and sustain."

Goma Dhakal, president of District Coordinating Committee woes, "The increasing dance restaurants in Pokhara are creating a negative impact in the society. We have initiated a campaign to fight against such menace. Today dance restaurants are adapting as a prostitution center so to control them and to limit them,we have come up with a concerted efforts of a code of conduct. If the dance restaurants do not follow the code of conduct then we would further initiate strict laws against them. "

However, the CSC, CPS and other related organization have created limitation and restriction in the name of code of conduct. Still the activities performed by dance restaurants are increasing in number creating a menace in the society. Perhaps, a need of a stronger monitoring mechanism is the time demand of the problem, voice all the sectors.


By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More

Visit Pokhara Year 2007 Campaign

The visit Pokhara year 2007 (VPY-07) campaign has certainly brought the charm in the faces of the tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara. These days Pokhara is heavily populated with tourists and travelers indulging themselves to the beauty and scenery of Pokhara. Perhaps, the cease-fire news has given the travelers to rethink their destination. Apart from that, this tourist hub is also adapting to the norms and themes of arrivals creating favorable and lucrative environment of the real Nepal. However, looking back to the last year and comparing it with this year, the tourism industry is quite busy in attending the arrivals. In-fact the current years campaign of VPY-07 has certainly played a role in creating favorable milieu for the hub.

Basudev Tripathi, Coordinator of the VPY-07 said, "This year the favorable situation of cease-fire and the initiation of the VPY-07 campaign has really paid off. Though we had limited time of two-three months for preparation but still the numbers of arrivals has increased which has certainly put smiles to the face of entrepreneurs. Currently, we are focusing more towards individual promotional activities with both the inbound and outbound tourists. We knowledge them with brief introduction of Pokhara and provided them with necessary pamphlets, maps, and posters so that they can promote Pokhara in their place."

Looking at the inflow, he suggested, "We lack coordinating effort in-between the government and association, which should be sorted out. Apart from that, the city-centered mentality needs to change. As more than 60% of our country is located in rural areas where the lack of infrastructures impedes us. Therefore, we need to reach the unreachable with proper resources and infrastructures rather than to limit everything in the cities."

He opined that, "For any campaign to be successful it needs strategic planning and enough preparation time. Though this year due to situation and time constrain our campaign was rushed and we had limited time for preparation but still the campaign is running well. Now, this should be noticed that we need enough preparation time, so in future, if we are declaring a campaign next year the work should start from this year. Apart from that, we should first be prepared. We need to provide them with enough air seats, feasibility of accommodations and fooding service, communication and infrastructures, effective and prompt rescue services etc. After equipped with such tool, then we can handle a tourist and he or she would be interested in spending more money."

Pokhara has received a remarkable number of both domestic and foreign tourists from its beginning in January, however the entrepreneurs have complained about the lack of proper infrastructure and the much awaited airport are the primary issues of VPY-07.

Sundar Shrestha, President of Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) said, "The first foremost important thing for tourism industry is better promotion. We need to promote Nepal with more significant campaign and packages. Though presently we have finished our budget and have already received a new budget but still, we primarily are focusing toward promotion specifically targeting the boundary region."
"Pokhara is the prime destination for holiday and adventure so at first we should be able to provide them with necessary services and facility. The government should facilitate and promote Pokhara in ways where its tourism industry can be acquainted and benefited. Perhaps, the need of international airport has become a prime compulsion for the proper development of tourism in Pokhara. We definitely need an international airport which need to be address at higher priority," added he.

Laxmi Bahadur Bhattrai, Regional Hotel Association of Pokhara (RHAP) said, " The VPY-07 campaign is an opportunity where to some extent, we have been able to achieve the target. However, regarding its operation we need to improve a lot where problems like lack of preparation time, lack of effective promotion and lack of the infrastructure (Airport) needs to be recognized and adapted in future. The necessity of any campaign is promotion and the way we target the Nepali media (Kantipur TV) was less effective and was a limited approach. Perhaps instead of that if we had promoted our campaign in foreign or Indian channel then it would have been more effective."

He opined, "We need a travel desk in every embassy of Nepal, which would help to promote our destination. Apart from that, currently we are planning to publish an information book which would incorporate all the related information about the place, industry and agencies needed by a tourists."

Although, the VPY-07 is walking its way to its end, but with the rapid growth from the first week of October, this campaign is creating opportunities for people living in the place and the surrounding. Moreover, the problems like Maoist extortion and security issues are some of the realities where the industry, entrepreneurs and the arrivals are hindering the pace. Perhaps, the significant impact of such acts cannot be weighted to the loss of the country’s image.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Read More