Thamel transcending to a Red Light Area

Today, Thamel has developed itself as an epicenter of entertainment and glamour. From its origin, it was established with the theme to satisfy the needs of tourists in every desired way, in-fact it caters all sort of entertainment from visual to physical to mental giving the stance of it being a hub. Likewise, today it has transcended itself to a new hub of glitter and glamour where it wakes-up in the night showcasing a new exhilaration and excitement in satisfying sexual needs and wants.

To be precise the growing numbers of Massage Centers and Cabin Restaurants in the periphery have created an attraction for young men and teenagers from around the valley in habituating a craze of sexual activities in its abode.
Namgyal Lama, President of Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) said, “Thamel is a tourist hub, the way it is expanding and exploited with such social hazard activities has been a question to all. It has become a red light zone acclimatizing all its sexual activities in name of commercialization.”

Currently, there are more than 30 Dance Restaurants and 200 Massage Centers in Thamel where majority of such involve in sexual activities highlighting and giving stance to its audacity. On one hand it is against the law to sell or buy sexual activities whereas on the other it is directly creating a social menace.

In same view Lama stated that the issue is very sensitive and outsiders cannot help it, in-fact the Thamel residences should initiate an effort, which would be worth and effective. “In a tourist hub like Thamel where more than 2400 businessmen pay taxes, the government should give priority and security”, he added. We have formed a committee named Thamel Reform Committee (TRC) to channel the local bodies to clean such harzards. We are in the process of action.

He suggested, “Firstly, the activities of massage center and dance restaurants should be limited to professional level having no alternative for sexual activities and secondly there is no scope of dance restaurants in Thamel, as it does not interest the tourists and foreigners so it should be controlled. Moreover, the people of Thamel should be aware that just by paying an extra buck they should not rent their houses to such dance restaurants and massage centers.”

In today’s context when the sexual activities are openly run in such hub, the social scientists have already predicted a dramatic impact in the socio culture status of the society. In view of Tapan Kumar Dahal, Inspector of Sorkhutta Police Station said, “We are very trapped in situation of dilemma as when we raid on Massage Centers and Dance Restaurants the pressure groups like NGOs, INGOs and other women oriented organization gives us pressure and when we don’t take action, the public blame us saying we are working in hand with such group.”

Just few days back, during a raid in 8 major massage centers at Thamel, 26 girls and 9 guys were caught red handed in sexual activities. The girls caught aged from 18 to 35 where on investigation they reasoned poverty, lack of employment and illiteracy as their prime reason for involvement, according to Dahal. “This is just a beginning as we have initiated a full house operation where we do detail investigation,” he said.

Focusing on the professional ethics, he said that it is the duty of the Police to clean out such social menace and we are fulfilling it with a proactive and progressive approach. Moreover the public and police department should work together in such issues, which directly affects the societal values, norms and law.

From few days the Massage Center and Dance Restaurant issue have been raised, creating a media sensation of sex tourism and it effect but still the question of its legalization and implication lies hidden and un-addressed.

Similarly, 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 but sex industry is such controversial issue that it cannot be bypassed. From it origin sex industry has coherently adapted the culture and society. So the question of totally eradicating is impossible rather it can be controlled and regulated in a specified form.”

“The increase in sexual activities in Thamel and other hubs are the direct effect of inflation, violence and displaced situation. Moreover, women and sex industry is a sensitive issue which needs to be addressed with higher priority where women exploitation should be well address,” said Dr Updhayay.

Though Thamel has totally adapted the modern theme of tourism and entertainment, it lacks effective measures of monitoring and controlling which has resulted in such social deteriorating state. Perhaps the question of sex and sex tourism in tourism industry stands as a question seeking an answer.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Festivals after festivals: Effective or vain

Celebration is the part of life and showcasing it in the form of festivals is a way of promotion. But here we are not talking about the festivals like Dashain or Indra Jatra but the unending festivals that Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has been promoting over the years. In the recent years, NTB is more seen busy in endorsing such festivals and promoting local villages for tourism activities. The year round festival of NTB doesn’t seem to stop and every year this trend is only soaring higher and higher. As per the statistics NTB hosted around 40 events and festival celebrations in 2007 alone in different parts of Nepal. Now the question remains, how effective these festivals have been to promote tourism in real sense? Does it really help?

Mani Raj Lamichhane, Manager at the Tourism Product & Development NTB said, “We are the facilitator as the locals, they come up with the proposals and we evaluate their proposals and support them with necessary resources that are available.”

“Currently there is a whim of festival celebration going on where there is a misconception in public that we finance the project but in reality, we don’t. We support and coordinate with all our resources. In-fact, we do not support them with cash rather we support them with kind and before supporting any project; we do look at future prospect and do a full evaluation of the project’s sustainability and prospects,” added he

He asserted, “Celebrating festivals are not just the means to promote a destination perhaps, it’s a spectrum which gives a wide opportunity from exploring to awareness to promoting local industry.”

Highlighting the current status, the Annual operational Plan 2007/08 of NTB shows an expense of around NRs 4.5 Million (063/64) under the category of domestic tourism festival & events where as it shows NRs 61 Million (064/65) for tourism promotion in International front.

Surdarshan Pradhan, a leading festival organizer said, “Festival celebration is an essential part of promoting rural tourism. Today the western world is moving towards eco and sustainable tourism where the concept of home stay is developing rapidly. So adapting that we are more focused towards celebrating festival in rural parts where the arrivals can get the real taste of Nepal.”

“We generally host around 30 festivals in a year in rural parts of Tanahu and Lamjung district where NTB has supported us. Looking at the real prospects and capacity of NTB and its involvement is very limited. It’s a hub organization which annually receives NRs 250 to 300 Million where only 10 % is used in promotion of rural tourism. Reality is around 80% to 90 % of the budget is wasted in the name of foreign promotion where the staff enjoy visiting the foreign countries. Besides, if the right amount of money could be spent here then effective results could be achieved,” added he.

However, looking at the prospect of Nepal, currently there are hundreds of festivals and events celebrated around the country where the monitoring, evaluation and sustainability of the festivals are just limited with in papers.

Dr Rudra Prasad Upadhaya, academician and rural tourism expert said, “The trend of celebrating festivals and events has emerged as a whim where festivals and events are done on daily basis. This needs to be controlled and systematized by the related authorities in a channelized way. In-fact the NTB should develop a proper mechanism to counter such acts where it needs to engage itself in proper research focusing on prominent destinations.”

He suggested, “Understanding the voices, the trend of celebration shows an effort from the people to develop their place and land but on contrary they prioritize their trade where in major cases the destination lacks behind. People just do it in the trend of doing where the sustainability is a question which lies unanswered. To be specific, Nepal needs rural, village and community tourism where we lack effective promotion and development.”

“NTB is a hub organization which is not interested in domestic tourism where most of its efforts are prioritized to international promotion. The institution needs to integrate all the stake holders towards driving the industry for better development and prospects,” added he.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Sky Dive World Record Set in Nepal

The world record in Sky diving has been set recently by the aesthetic and world champion sky divers in Nepal’s most enchanting tourism destination, Everest region. A total of 76 jumps were carried out of which were 41 solo and 41 tandems at an attitude from 18,000ft to 29,500ft where the single engine Plane was flown in from Switzerland. Nima Tamang and Maya Gurung were the first Nepalese to perform the sky dives at such height. The group included 15 different national from various countries.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held in NTB premises on October 14 Windy Smith a Pro Sky diver and Ariel Cinematographer said, “The feeling of sky dive is an awesome experience. This is the most secured sport with minimum risk possibilities. Everything is calculated before conducting diving process. We use various equipment like GPS, attitude meter etc. to measure and trace the possible threats in order to minimize mishaps. The only unavoidable hazard for diving from such a height is high altitude sickness.”

Suman Pandey, President of the Explore Himalaya, the main organizing agency in Nepal said, “At first when I was approached by the concept of Sky diving I was confused regarding the technicalities and security issues but today after completion of the jumps, I am thankful to all the foreigners who opened our eyes and introduced ourselves to a completely new adventure sport for Nepal. Hopefully this will be our regular event from this year onwards. Most probably this is the second most covered event after the celebration golden jubilee of Mt. Everest, giving a wide publicity to Nepal as an ultimate adventure destination.”
At the closing ceremony were present Prachanda Man Shrestha , CEO at NTB and Subash Nirola, Director, NTB, TPRD. Prachanda Man Shrestha giving a remark said that a new adventure sport has entered the list of activities that can be carried out in Nepal. Shrestha also gave away token of appreciation to all the participant divers. Similarly, Subash Nirola expressed satisfaction over the success of the event and congratulated the organizers for attempting such a daring job and opening a new chapter in the realms of the country’s adventure sport.

Similarly, a documentary about sky diving was also displayed during the program.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Education via Radio: The new way of educating people

Charles Malcolm-Brown is a well-known name in Nepalese social sector; his contribution and voluntary assistance in supporting and coordinating different voluntary activities are well testimony to his name and fame.
Whether it’s about renovating a school in remote location or constructing toilets in schools or collecting fund for operating a brain tumor patient, Charles indeed is a person making difference in people’s lives. Currently he is working as the Chairman for the famous Mountain Trust (MT) where his creativity and genuine attitude has certainly helped in giving the MT a new vision and opportunities.

Recently, on his initiation the MT launched a new radio education program, which has significantly made prominent results. Few months back, they started a pilot project in collaboration with Annapurna FM in Pokhara. The project was based on the ideology of educating the unreachable with the best available. At first they prepared good lesson plan with standard materials and broadcasted the lesson from the radio, half an hour on daily basis. The result showered in when the SLC result was out, significantly a rise 17% was seen then the past record. The effective medium of entertainment was significantly approaching the youth as a prospect of redefining the barriers where listeners were being addressed to what they need in an effective way.

The idea is simple, he says, “It’s a simple form where you can address a mass through minimum resource, synchronizing the effective use of radio to reach the mass. The program was instant hit as students followed the lessons from their home and since the lessons were prepared in standard format of easy learning so the output was tremendous.”

“Previously, education had barriers like need of good teachers, time, location, climate conditions, infrastructure etc now it’s just limited to radio which can address a mass on the comfortability of their homes where they can easily utilize the opportunity. This doesn’t mean, we want to discourage the teachers or schooling prospect but looking at Nepal’s geography and availability of teachers, it certainly addresses the issue and assures prominent result which is crystal clear.”

Focusing on the concept he said, “This type of program is first of its kind so Nepal can further develop new techniques and use it as a role model where the under developing nations can idealize it.”

Moreover looking at the current development, he is planning to shoot 2 documentaries with his friends. The first documentary would address the MT’s working scenario in Nepal where as the second documentary would focus on the effectiveness and operation of radio broadcasting which would be presented to the policymakers and leaders of Nepal and abroad.

Charles is the person who believes in creativity and doing things differently, he is the person who definitely sees Nepal moving towards a new ideology for betterment where his positivity and endurance show the strength of his struggle in Nepal from past few years.


By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Noise pollution an ill factor for Thamel Tourism

Entertainment is an essential part of tourism and as the tourism industry is grasping an inclining prospect. It is also materializing its own buzz emphasizing the new trend and concept for the industry. Like such these days, when the trend of discos and pubs, live music restaurants, karaoke restaurants, dance bars and restaurants etc are getting in high demand. Perhaps, Thamel is occupied with various entertainment resources, making available the needs and wants by ability to pay. Although, opened for the feasibility of tourists but today they act as a means of nuisance for the accommodation spot (hotels and lodges) located in the periphery. Nevertheless, the problem is seen as an inevitable in most of the accommodations located near such spots where guests are avoiding staying due to high noise pollution.

John William, a British tourist staying in Thamel said, "It’s a tourist hub so a bit of excitement is the need but the way entertainment centers have been manipulating the sound as a marketing tool is not good. Perhaps, they should be equipped with sound absorbers to sooth the effect which seems lacking. One really gets mixed up with the cocktail of music ringing in ears coming from different direction. I have been in Thamel from past few days and it is really hard to sleep at night.”

However, the entertainment centers are not only expanding but they are also adapting more open approach where locals have been questioning on the intention and prospect of such centers.

Similarly, Shyam Shrestha, a local resident said, "The entertainment centers like dance restaurants and bars always invites crowd where generally you can see people having fights. Perhaps the sound does not disturb you that much in comparison to the scene created by intoxicated people and hooligans. We certainly have complained this to different authority but at the end of the day, no action is taken. Personally, I do not really know who is to blame for this, but somebody has to held responsibilities, in order to regulate and monitor such acts."

He suggested, "We need an effective mechanism which would not only regulate such acts but in return would monitor and in time would take action against them. The concern authorities need to focus on such issues as they directly affect the society."
On contrary Namgyal Lama, President of Thamel Tourism Development Board (TTDB) said, "Thamel is a happening place where people come to enjoy and this is a fact which needs to be understood. Currently there are more than 15 live music restaurants and 23 dance bar operating in the vicinity. We have tried to incorporate all the entertainment centers under a common understanding where every body would feel feasible to operate. Apart from that, we had recently formed a monitoring committee, to evaluate the scenario in Thamel. According to them, most of the tourists they like live music and enjoy it. Highlighting their recommendations, we have already regulated an effective planned schedule for controlling the noise pollution in Thamel for e.g. live restaurants are directed to play till 10:30 PM thrice in a week including Friday.
The main problem is, we had advised the entertainment centers to sound proof their place but the entrepreneurs voiced out that they have to pay a subsequent high amount of money as house rent, pointing it to the owners"

Adding more he said, "We have institution like tourist police to look after the issues but they are silent and most probably can two tourist police handle the whole Thamel is question which needs a proper answer."

When asked question regarding the role of TTDC, he asserted, "TTDC is highly operational but our main weakness is we lack fund and the organization like NTB who have fund, they are silent. If they cannot work then they should forward it to us with the resources and we would work on it. We lack a proper coordination mechanism, which is manipulated by the limited organization in creating the harsh aspect which needs to be understood and worked on."

Moreover, the issue of noise pollution is a condition, which is rising due to the lack of proper monitoring. Though voices are raised out regarding the issues but a relative answer lies hidden with in authorities till the time they take proper action.


By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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10% service charge: A Motivation or Burden

After ending two-decade, long dispute in-between the hotel entrepreneurs and the related trade unions on a 20 point joint agreement on the December 31, 2006. The associations agreed to implement 10% service charge on food and beverages on every hotel bills effective from January 1, 2007. The provision then encompassed all the member hotel of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), starting from a non-star to five star categories, which would then distribute the collected amount among the management and workers in ratio of 32:68. The settlement of the agreement has already crossed its first stage of six-month, where the effectiveness and application of these rules seems to be scattered among the different groups and entrepreneurs.

Prasiddha Panday, 1st Vice President of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) said, "It is an experimentation which we tried where both the side management and workers have a win-win situation. This initiation was initiated to provide relieve to the workers. With this agreement, both the management and the worker have promise that from their side, they would perform better and be in discipline. If they are thinking that after getting the benefit, they would be in-discipline and have a push kind of attitude then they would certainly need to change. As due to these, kind of service charges the destination is certainly getting expensive so the only thing we could do is we need to develop better packages. We should communicate well and coordinate to provide better service creating new scope and role."

"This initiation is for the worker and by worker as it's all about earning your own salary so you need to perform effectively and efficiently. If they do not then there are no hard or fast rules and in different countries where it has been adapted, there are live examples where the rule has been cut off due to its lack of effectiveness. We have formed a joint action committee with the HAN and different trade unions to monitor and regulate rules and regulation of the service charge and it related issues," added he.

At times the HAN has been issuing notice condemning the act and behaviors displayed by the workers and unions against hotel entrepreneurs in performing their duties and responsibilities. The acts performed by some of the unions and workers in the premises of different hotels are against the rules and clause of the agreement, which the HAN condemns and should be stopped at once.

In same view, Bishnu Lamshal, President of Nepal Independent Hotel Worker's Union said, "This agreement is the result of more than 20 years of conflict. It is the hope and future of workers who work through their life and it is their right. Currently in major five, star hotels the benefit has been adapted according to the agreement but in major hotels, restaurants and bar both inside and outside the valley have not distributed the workers share, upon which the workers have their right. We are currently trying to deal the situation with holding talks but if the institutions are not flexible enough to share the worker's right then we would be bound to go on streets."

"Perhaps, it’s a motivational and hope factor for workers who perform better for this. It certainly gives them hope to stay in their country and work hard. At the end of the day when the main motivational factor for which they had worked hard is taken away, then it really becomes unfair towards them," added he.
He opined, "The 10% service charge is an effective system because it gives motivation for the workers to work more efficiently, 32% of the amount goes to the management so it is good for them as well and lastly government collects tax from the 10% service charge. So as a whole it is an effective system which benefits everyone."

Similarly, analyzing from a worker’s perspective Ram Bahadur Karki, a restaurant worker said, "We lower crew people don’t have any facility like such and we are just exploited by the management in every aspect. They do not provide us with any facility and the money which is being raised in our name is withheld by the management. So what are we supposed to do except to plea. Even then our demands are not met, we would go on strike. The 10% service tax was created to relieve the lower workers so that at least we could have something upon which we could see our future."

Though the 10% service charge has a limited approach within the major hotels and restaurants, a relative need of overall adaptation of the rule is in demand. Workers of the Casino's are also demanding for the implementation of the service charge on their services. Likewise, a contradiction of the adaptation of rule is laying hanging in-between the government registered and unregistered hotels and restaurants where the entrepreneurs and hoteliers are manipulating with the worker's right.

On contrary, Laxmi Bahadur Bhattarai, President of Regional Hotel Association of Pokhara (RHAP) said, "The current 10% service charge seems to create a negative impact upon the tourists and other visitors. As from the time, they enter the country, we charge them with different taxes and it seems as if they come here to pay the different taxes. Though it sound rude to the workers but reality is after providing them with services, we generally get our share of money and to charge them more is totally irrelevant. Looking at it from a long-term strategy, these sorts of taxes and additional charges are making our destination expensive. Rather than charging such taxes, we should provide with better services where they could be comfortable and feasible enough during their stay in Nepal."

Apart from that, according to the agreement, the service charge will expand its periphery from the limited items of food and beverages to the entire product from January 1, 2008. In today's context when only a handful number of hotels have distributed the service charge then the question of further implementation lays questionable against the agreement and its monitoring body.

Netra Bikram Thapa, President of Nepal Tourism Hotel Worker Union (NTHWU) said, "The 10% service charge is a system which is currently in use and adapted in most of the tourist destinations like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand etc. We have just brought the concept to provide relieve to the worker. This is not a new system, as in a tea state, a worker gets a certain level of tea, and Nepal Telecommunication Corporation has provided its workers with telephone and Internet facility. Just like that this system relives a worker upon the right that he deserves."

"If we look from a worker's perspective then in the city, the normal life standard of a person is very high or expensive. It is very hard to afford the rent, schooling and other daily utilities of a worker. The service charge gives them a backup support to meet the daily need of life. Apart from that when a worker is financially strong, its certain that he would perform better," said he.

Looking at the context of destination getting expensive he said, "If the service charge becomes an unfavorable factor for the destination, we are ready to sort out or reduce the amount by holding talks with the affiliates."

However, the rule of 10% service charge seems to be well acquainted for the workers but reality is, if the tourists are ready to pay the money and if the workers are ready to provide better services, Then the question of objection seems vain. Nevertheless, the manipulation by the hoteliers and lack of supervision shown by the related hub organizations seems to raise question upon the service charge being a burden or motivational factor.


By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Yeti: Myth or Reality

Myth or reality!!! Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the depth of time, amortizing modern technology in its legacy of stories and lore’s. Moreover, with the propagandas surrounding its presence of a furred humanoid image, the yeti still excites people in luring them to the far ends of the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet. The existence of this nature’s illusion has been controversial as well as mysterious where it has established itself as a popular icon. The controversies over existence of Yeti are warming the industry with various vague encounters and evidences brought back from the sites of remote alpine villages.

Recently, on October 20, 2008, a team of seven Japanese adventurers photographed footprints of Yeti. Yoshiteru Takahashi, the team leader of the expedition and the Yeti Project Japan, said, “ The footprints were about 20 centimeters (eight inches) long and looked like human’s foot print. We are convinced; it was real, as we saw it walking on two legs like a human and was about 150 centimeters tall.” Takahashi claims to have observed Yeti on a 2003 expedition and is determined to capture the creature on film.

Following the trend, in early November 2007, Joshua Gates an American television presenter and his team reported finding a series of footprints in the Everest region of Nepal claming it to be of Yeti. The footprints measured 33 cm (13 in) in length with five toes that measured a total of 25 cm (9.8 in) across. Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, of Idaho State University examined the footprints who asserted it to be morphologically accurate to be fake or man made. Meldrum also stated that they were very similar to a pair of Bigfoot foot prints that were found in another area.

In the year 1986 renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner claimed to have a face-to-face encounter with a Yeti and in his book “My Quest for the Yeti” have actually claimed to kill one. According to Messner, the Yeti is actually an endangered Himalayan Brown Bear that can walk upright.

Similarly, in 1984, famous mountaineer David P. Sheppard of Hoboken, New Jersey, claimed to have been followed by a large furry man over the course of several days while he was near the southern Col of Everest. His Sherpas, however, say they saw no such thing. Sheppard claims to have taken a photograph of the creature, but a later study of it proved inconclusive.

Don Whillans a British mountaineer also claimed to have witnessed a creature while scaling Annapurna in 1970. He had seen a dark shaped creature moving near his camp and the next day, he observed a few human-like footprints in the snow. On the same evening, he had also viewed a bipedal, ape-like creature from his binoculars at a distance.

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reported seeing large footprints while scaling Mount Everest where Tenzing has mentioned about the encounter of yeti in his first autobiography.

In 1925, N. A. Tombazi, a photographer and member of the Royal Geographical Society, encountered yeti near Zemu Glacier. Tombazi later wrote that he observed the creature from about 180 to 270 M while descended the mountain and saw the creature’s foot prints. He described it as similar in shape to those of a man, but only six to seven inches long by four inches wide.

Analyzing the series, the 1889 foot print discovery is one of the oldest link in the trail of yeti encounter. L. A. Waddell reported his guide's describing a large ape like creature moving in the dark where its existence remains hidden and controversial.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of UAAA said, “Yeti is a mysterious creature which has kept its existence hidden for years. To be precise the word Yeti comes from the word meti which means human eating creature. Though, it is believed to be a mystery but in reality for people who live in the region, they have reasons to believe of its existence. When we were young, we use to hear a lot of lore’s and stories of yeti. It’s true that there is an unknown creature hidden in the laps of the Himalayan where it’s completely mysterious and may be that is the reason why its so popular around the world.”

“It can be capitalized in a proper way to benefit the industry and country where it has not been channelized. At first we need to conduct a thorough research about its existence. It’s both cultural as well as scientifically important where it can have a huge financial and scientific benefit for the country,” added he.

He further suggested, “If we could use yeti as the brand for the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 then it would have immense result as yeti is world known and capitalizing its popularity can benefit the country and campaign.”

Contemplating the image, the ethnic Tibetans fear and worship bear as a supernatural being where its lore’s and myth acclimatized the local in developing yeti as a cultural Icon. Whether you call it Bigfoot or yeti or Abominable Snowman, the yeti endures an image of enigma which isolates itself in the hidden valleys with in legacy of its mystery.

Jyoti Adhikari, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) said, “Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the depth of remote areas where its existence survives in just lore’s and stories. Every year numerous propagandas are created with yeti but it’s very controversial to predict its existence as still today we lack proper evidence. On contrary, if it’s true then it should be left alone. Furthermore, it should not be bothered as it’s a creature of its kind where leaving it in isolation seems wise. Besides, Nepal is known in the world for Mountain Everest not yeti. There are only handful number of people who come in quest of yeti so intruding such a mythical creature can bring difficult situation which needs to be understood.”

Yeti has evolved itself as a new marketing and promotion tool which has been drawing scientists, researchers, adventure enthusiasts etc to Nepal.

Yadav Khanal, General Secretary of Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) said, “Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the laps of Himalaya where its existence is unknown and mysterious. The government certainly needs to put an effort to know more about its existence where a definite research needs to be done at a professional level.
Today’s marketing is about good promotion and if we could use Yeti as an effective means then we can certainly attract more tourists.”

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Tourists being charged up to USD 20 for trolleys at TIA

With the news of high fraud cases happening at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a new issue has emerged enforcing a forceful payment of up to USD 20 by the porters for the use of trolleys for tourists at international section of TIA. Lighting the issue, people are bound to pay the money for the use of trolley where the so-called trolleys are made available by TIA management for free but the porters are misusing the trolleys forcing and illegally collecting money for the use of trolleys. The issue has popped in when many tourism associations such as NATTA, TAAN and HAN has been raising questions of the conditions of trolleys at TIA, saying that most of them are out or order and needed immediate replacements. These associations are also soon to donate some trolleys to TIA as a part of their social corporate responsibility. On contrary, Tek Chandra Pokheral, Chairman of Shangrila Tours and Travel said, “Recently, the Japanese ambassador was charged US $ 20 for using the trolley. The question here is not about paying the money; the question here is about legality and the carelessness of the management. It’s the worst case scenario as a lot of our customers have complained about the problem. It might seem as a small problem but in our scenario where individual marketing stands potent, it is going to impact our tourism very negatively. Moreover, looking at the present situation, it seems the security personnel and staff members are also involved with the group because this cannot happen unknowingly in a prioritized place of such importance. Though we have been raising our voice but till date it hasn’t been heard.” “To curb the problem, TIA management should restrict such people and monitor its area providing better service to the arrivals,” added he. Ram Kaji Koney, President of Nepal Association of Travel Agents Nepal Association of Tour and Travel (NATTA) said, “TIA is an essential part of our tourism as it the place where tourists get the first impression of our country. If people are illegally charging money for the use of free trolleys at TIA, it is very unfortunate for every one of us and a shameful act that one can ever imagine to happen at TIA. NATTA strongly condemns such act of indecency. It is totally wrong and the TIA authority should take strict action against such extorters.” He further added, “We have already allotted the budget for the 20 trolleys which in near future would be handed over to TIA but we expect them to be used properly.” Likewise, looking at the availability of police and management staff, the current happenings at the international section seems more complex and complicated issue where tourism experts and entrepreneurs are blaming the carelessness of the TIA Management. T. R. Manandhar, General Manager at TIA, Civil Aviation Office said, “We are the coordinating body where we have our priorities and we follow accordingly. We have always focused on rendering high services and facilities to the arrivals but at time the irregularities impedes us where we are doing necessary exercise to correct it.” “Looking at the shortage of trolley, we have already called for tenders in the Rising Nepal for additional 500 trolleys. Though the different associations have committed to donate trolleys, we have not received them yet. We need to improve the image of TIA where all the stakeholders should coordinate including security forces in order to overcome all our difficulties,” added he.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Publication: Nepal Traveller Publication

Magzine: Nepal Travel Trade Reporter

Date of issue: November 15-30, 2008

Vol-XI

Issue no: 3

Page no: 1

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Jatayu Restaurant

Jatayu Restaurant (JR), the name might give you an eccentric feeling of curiosity and oddness but reality is, it’s not a conventional restaurant that address the apatite, perhaps its bizarre of its kind. To be specific, it is a conservational site, established with the theme to conserve the decreasing population of two rare species of vultures’ namely White-rumped Gyps bengalensis and Slender-billed Gyps tenuirostris. Practically settling down from its name and visualizing its periphery is yet another amazement. The restaurant not only evades the bad image of the natural scavengers but provides an overwhelming platform to learn and to observe the behavioral aspect of this king of birds. Nevertheless, synchronizing the graphic and bloody scene might be an interest for researchers but for lighthearted people, it’s just a scene of a horror which explicates an open fest of bloody and fleshy carcass where hundreds of birds line up for their meal. The restaurant also houses a hide for the visitors to watch the fest where interested bird enthusiasts can learn more about the bird species. The restaurant is famous among travelers, tourists and bird enthusiasts as a wonder land where as for the locals, it’s a new concept of conservation adapting the ecological demand. In the year 2006, when the number of Vulture population plumed down, a situation of ecological turmoil ruled in. Suddenly attention was diverted towards the reasons behind the turmoil where researchers came to know about implication of the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Diclofenac on the bird species. Highlighting the need of time, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) played a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue. As the number of vulture population decreased, the dead carcasses were left aside to decay, spreading diseases and threatening the environment. The cause behind was the bird feasted on the contaminated dead animal carcass treated with Diclofenac, which was toxic to the bird species. In addition, the consumption of the medicine from the death carcass resulted in the death of the bird which slacked the vulture population. On the result of that the BCN established a community-run sanctuary named Jatayu (Vulture) Restaurant at Pithauli, Nawalparasi District which catered the extinct species with the fresh carcass uncontaminated with Diclofenac. They first setup a community shed where cows and buffalos outgrown their productive age are sheltered and after their death. They would be skinned out and fed at the JR to the birds. Additionally, adapting the trend the community shelter pays NRs 200 per animal to the donors which were previously exported to India. The community shed currently is running under the financial support of United Nation Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility and Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB). The entire management of this restaurant is managed under the local community with technical support from BCN. Likewise, a study of Nepal’s 75 districts by BCN finds that the use of Diclofenac has dropped by 90 percent since 2006, thanks to work of BCN and its partners like Nepalese government (Department of Drug Administrative and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation) the numbers are growing creating and alerting people about their ecological importance and conservation of these nature scavengers. Currently at its 2nd year the habitat has certainly double the birds’ number giving them a new hope for future where JR has established itself as a unique and model sanctuary managed under public partnership.



By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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YARSAGUMBA, the Himalayan Viagra : A WONDER OF NATURE

Born in the stativity of coldness and hard climate, the Yarshagumba is a wonder of nature which not only amortizes science but also proves to be a boon for the needy. With its Latin name Cordyceps Sinensis(CS), it is believed to be effcetive cure for sexual impotency and considered as a Himalayan Herbal Viagra. Literally, meaning summer plant and winter insect in Tibetan language, the Yarshagumba is only found at an altitude above 4000 Meters in the highlands of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan where it drives people to its existence in far remote corners prioritizing its image with the new passion of gold rush. Like such, it is prized as an aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and tonic. In Chinese medicine, it is used in treatments of ailments from fatigue to cancer. Especially in countries like China, Thailand, Korea and Japan, the demand of Yarshagumba is swelling up giving the existence of this species to quantify the findings of science and technology. Getting back to the technical aspect, Yarshagumba is a type of fungus which grows on Thitarodes caterpillar larva that feeds underground on the roots of trees and shrubs. Once infected, the body cavity of the larva fills with fungal mycelia and grows out killing the host. With in days, a finger-like mushroom grows out from the larva above the ground during the spring and summer. This fungus- caterpillar organism is called Yarshagumba which is then collected during the time. Normally, it is found as 2500 plants per hectare with in the balanced PH soil level of 7-7.5. The Yarshagumba is mainly found in plants of Rhododendron, Anemone sp, Anaphalis sp, Carese sp, etc. where the germination time starts from April , June/July and is collected from May ,June/July. Moreover on average it is found in 0.3 to 0.5gm per plant. Looking back to its export data, the trade of Yarshagumba has increased so much that it has been regarded as an expensive exportable herb. Likewise, rumors has it that it is exported through different channels to various European countries where it is used as an essential ingredient for sex enhancement drug like Viagra. Every year during May and June season, thousands of villagers from remote areas and across boarder from India come to this region for collecting Yarshagumba risking their lives. It is estimated that one collector can earn up to Nrs. 2,500 approximately to $35 a day just by collecting Yarshagumba. Moreover, Almost 50% of the annual supply of Yarshagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Dolpa is a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate. During the rush not only adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of Yarshagumba. Looking back to its legal status, collection of Yarshagumba was illegal until 2001. Following its popularity and lobbying, the Government lifted the ban but imposed a royalty rate of Rs. 20,000 (US$ 280) per kilogram (2.2lbs). One Kilo of Yarshagumba that costs around Nrs. 315 (US$ 5/6) in 1992 increased to Nrs. 105,000 (US$ 1,435) by the year 2002 and the price had shooted up, as the international interest increases on the Yarshagumba. However, the enforcement of the royalty fee proved ineffective as the trade went up shooting the bars. The market price of the fungus currently stands at US$3,000 per kg for the lowest quality to over US$15,000 for the biggest and highest quality larva synchronizing the demand to its existence.

BY Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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