NTB completes 10 th year

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) celebrated its 10th anniversary on November 18, 2008 at its abode at Brikutimandap. NTB was established under the Public Private Partnership in 1998 seeking the opportunity and scope to promote and establish Nepal as a prominent tourist destination worldwide by maintaining, improving and diversifying the available tourism products and services.

With the different tourism campaigns like Destination Nepal Campaign, Festival of Life, Naturally Nepal Brand Campaign, Regional Tourism Campaign, Visit Pokhara Year 2007 and Send Home a friend campaign bagged under its belt, it is moving towards future achievement showing the commitments and efforts.

The Chief Geust, Hisila Yami, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) inaugurated the program.

Speaking at the program Minister Yami said, “NTB is a Successful example of the Public Private Partnership with a concerted effort of Promoting Nepal as a popular tourist destination in the global travel market. Operating with various constraints from financial to human resource is obvious an arduous and challenging work which NTB has been undertaking over this decade. But every challenge has opportunity which this institution has to further explore and expand. The present favorable situation in the country’s politics is the strongest base for the development of tourism industry of Nepal. In addition, government of Nepal has placed tourism in the priority list of the national income resource. It has already taken initiative by declaring this year, the year of infrastructure development and 2011 as the Nepal Tourism Year. Moreover, we have already committed to build second international airport, two regional airports, upgrading and expanding other domestic airport and development of Nepal’s tourism industry.”
“Improving the management of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) into fully equipped airport are further in pipeline which show the government‘s sincere policy and action towards the development. Likewise, we are also working in improving the management of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and starting the process of purchasing at least two wide body aircraft articulate government’s policy and action towards the development of Nepal’s tourism industry,” Minister Yami added.

The minister unveiled the new ‘In Focus 2008’ the publication of NTB, where she also felicitated the different NTB employees and distributed awards to the winners of the sports activities of the organization. Moreover, this year the best employee award was awarded to Raj Bhandari where as the support staff was given to Gautam Lal Darshandhari. Similarly, National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) was awarded the award for Partnership in tourism promotion.

Ranan Lurie, an international painter presented his presentation on Uniting painting.

During the program the Sadhana Kala Kendra performed different ethnic dances where Megh Ale, President of the Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) presented concept paper of tourism for peace and prosperity 2008 to the minister.

Prachanda Man Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer of NTB said, “Personally, I have a strong emotional attachment with this institution. I have seen this organization grow and mature every year with greater responsibility. This decade of NTB has been the decade of hardship and challenges. It has witnessed both international and national upheavals, uncertainties and condition which obviously have had detrimental impact on industry. Therefore NTB has to continuously strive for the overall tourism promotion of Nepal to enhance its image as a safe, secure and pleasant holiday destination for the tourist in various segments from all over the world. But now we feel like a day break in Nepal’s tourism industry due to the improving political stability, peace and aspirations of the stake holders in this field. Government is fully committed to build infrastructure and to encourage investment and private sector is all set and energized to take up the enterprise with vigor and confidence. NTB as a promotional body of Nepalese tourism is fully aware of the upcoming opportunities and is vigilant of the possible challenges in its future course of action.”

Ram Chandra Man Singh, General Secretary at the MoCTCA said, “NTB from its past has been a pillar of support to the tourism industry. Its role and effort during the conflicting situation is highly appreciable to manage the countries tourism. NTB is a spirit of public private partnership which was established to promote tourism and it should work in that spirit adapting all the stakeholders’ aspirations.”

Apart from all the celebration, the tourism journalists’ fraternity expressed their discontinuation of journalist award and for not recognizing their contribution by NTB despite immense role in helping NTB’s tourism promotion campaign both nationally and internationally.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Nepalese Tourism finally revived

The numbers of arrivals during September and October 2008, have certainly brought smiles to tourism entrepreneurs where their expectations are met with good tourist turnouts.
Ram Shrestha, a tourism entrepreneur in Thamel said, “Thamel certainly looks crowded these days. Perhaps, the authorities should focus on regulating Thamel in a more systematic and coordinated way where Vehicle regulated Zone should come in effect. The priority today is to establish information centers in Thamel where tourists can access quality information. We need to create better environment where they can feel at home”

Currently the tourist hubs like Thamel, Chitwan , Pokhara, Sauraha etc are fully booked, the situation have crossed the limits where the hotels are charging high prices to the arrivals due to the congestion.

Likewise, Yaubraj Basnet, Manager at the Candle Inn, Pokhara said, “In comparison to last year, this year the tourist turnout certainly look promising. The current on going peace process has certainly benefited the flow, though we are fully booked for the month of December but still the recent untoward incidents in the capital certainly have created a stir, we don’t know the future but we expect it to be better. Moreover, the government should react to such happening and should create a mechanism to deal with the situation.”

Pravesh Lamichhane, Trekking Manager at the Tenzing Asian Holidays said, “The numbers of arrivals in the October was good where the Free Individual Tourist (FIT) had surely increased but now the numbers have dropped but in comparison to last years data its surely good. First thing what we need to understand is Nepal’s tourism is based on repetitive and individual marketing where the role of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is very much limited.”

“We just need to give better services and the numbers would soar. Perhaps if the current government could focus on easy VISA procedures and could give better facilities to the arrivals then we can certainly expect more. As currently from the time they enter Nepal they face problem right from TIA.”

Adapting the government declaration to celebrate the year 2011 as the “Nepal Tourism Year” experts have already predicated it to be more ambitious and impractical as in current scenario when we are not been able to cater the normal growth then talking about the 1 million tourists seems unpractical in situation where we lack proper infrastructures and airseats to meet the rising demand.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Feel free with Linen

Feeling free with comfort is the real expression which defines Linen. Tagged with high prices and luxury and adapting the commercial market, Linen defines its value with in the comfort of its customers.
Linen is a natural fabric produced from fibers of the flax plant which is highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat. Linen fabric feels cool to the touch and is 2 to 3 times stronger than cotton.

Whether its casual, leisure wear, party wear or corporate formals, Linen Fabrics have always been preferred by the trend setters for creating a difference.
Linen fabrics have a high natural luster; their natural color ranges between shades of ivory, ecru, tan, or grey. Pure white Linen is created by heavy bleaching where the linen softens on further wash. Typically, Linen has a thick and thin character with a crisp and textured feel to it but it can range from stiff and rough, to soft and smooth. When properly prepared, Linen fabric has the ability to absorb and lose water rapidly. It can gain up to 20% moisture without feeling damp.

The plant of Linen is sown in April where it produces blur flowers in June and is harvested in August. After pulling, the crop is laid out in the fields to ret, a process where the woody bark of the plant is naturally rotted so that the fibers come loose from the main stem and then it’s further processed to turn it into a cloth.

Looking back to the history, Ancient Egyptians believed that linen was a gift of the God and regarded it as sacred. Linen was used in holy ceremonies and it was the only fabric which leaders of worship were allowed to wear as it symbolized cleanliness and purity. It was also used extensively in the mummifying process, beside gold, as it helped to preserve the dead body, thus ensuring that the deceased’s remains remained immortal.
Legend has it that queen Cleopatra, after her daily aromatic bath would rest in a bed full of Linen pillows filled with flaxseed. Since, it would not aggravate her delicate, alabaster-like skin and body.

The production of linen continued through the middle ages, but it was not until the 17th century that the industry started to develop in structured way, initially under the guidance of Earl Stafford and the Duke of Ormond.

In 1949, Jaya Shree Textiles, a unit of Indian Rayon and Industries Ltd., and Aditya Birla Group Company took the first initiative to bring this nature’s gift of spinning into a world class weaving and finishing plant. The yarn is spun, woven and processed by importing French and Belgian flax fiber. The plant is still the only facility for Linen spinning in the sub-continent with state-of-art-technology.



Compiled by Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Wedding to remember

Adapting the rich culture and tradition of Nepal, Kate Wharton a British citizen and Alexandre Wahart a French citizen tied knots of marriage in a traditional Nepalese style here at the Thamel House Restaurant on November 20, 2008. The duo got their paper certification of marriage a few weeks ago from France and came to Nepal to make their wedding more special by tying knot in authentic Nepalese style.
Making a round trip of Thamel, the duo enjoyed their marriage procession moving with the Panche baja towards the marriage venue on a rickshaw. The duo came here under a group of 16 member dental doctors team where they conducted dental camps at different parts of the country like Pharping, Bungamati, Jawalakhel Refugee camp and Tahachal from November 9 to 16. Dressed up in the traditional attire, the groom was suited in Daura Surwal where as the bridge was in a beautiful Banarasi sari. After reaching the venue, the priest conducted various rituals and karmas of the traditional marriage.
According to the bridge and groom, “Nepalese culture is very rich that stands firm for its high values and traditions. Since, we visited the country and worked with Nepalese so we wanted to feel the culture and tradition from inside where marriage gave us a chance to know and be a part of Nepal and Nepalese society."
"The experience was beautiful and we will cherish this for our whole lives,” added the couple.

Sunil Joshi, Manager of the Himalayan Dolpo Natural Trekking (P) Ltd said, “This is our first experience of conducting foreign marriage in Nepalese style. We have tried our level best to put this marriage as rich and cultural as any Nepalese wedding could possibly happen. Today the cultural tourism is booming where tourists want to feel the real culture and tradition of the foreign land. Moreover, this kind of events certainly helps them to feel and remember Nepal in a new and a different way.”

The marriage lauded the message of traditional and eco-friendly concept where the duo idealized the use of rickshaw and traditional Panche Baja. Moreover, adapting the trend Anne Lelong, Director of the Himalayan Dolpo Natural Trekking (P) Ltd said, “It’s just the new way of celebration where the couple, they wanted it to be memorable for their lifetime. They are basically volunteers and living with the Nepalese community, where they wanted to feel and experience the real taste of culture, so they tied knots in a traditional Nepali style.”

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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The Royal Orchid Holidays : A unique set of holiday package of Thai Airlines

The Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) is a brand holiday package managed by the Thai airways world wide facilitating travelers and tourists in indulging themselves with the best travel services available. Currently, the ROH is following different tourists’ destination like Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Greece, Bhutan, Lijiang, Maldives, India, Sweden and South Africa among others.

The packages focus on different quality services like sightseeing, golf package, spa treatment etc commemorating the amenities available according to the will and interest of the travelers and tourists. Moreover, the ROH packages adapt quality of standards where they have linked themselves to a chain of hotels with the status of their quality and reputation around the world.

In Nepal the ROH is managed by Yeti Travels Pvt Ltd where the agency is well known for its operation and standards.
According to Uttam Karki, Dy. Manager-Travel at the Yeti Travel, “ROH are the best holiday packages, which guarantees the benefit of quality services and standards. It’s a broad concept of qualitative service that comforts you in indulging to the best travel services of what are available in the following destinations. You just choose the package and everything is set in and every penny is worth spending. When you take the package, you don’t need to worry about anything it’s us the partner agencies who take care of everything including from airport pick up to accommodation.”

“Currently, we are selling packages for Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia where the services and facilities are based according to the places and customer’s pocket size,” added Karki.

The quoted tour price includes transportation, transfers, accommodation, some meals, service charge, government tax, tours etc, as outlined in each tour description. Tour price is based on a minimum participation of two members. For one person traveling alone a surcharge as detailed in the price list will be levied.
Expenses other than those specified in each tour itinerary e.g. airport taxes, meals, sightseeing, cost of passport, visas or other documentation, laundry, liquor, excess baggage charges, tips, personal or baggage insurance, cable, telephone or communications charges, or any items of a personal nature are not included in the price quoted. In the accommodation, the standards are maintained according to the choices made in by the customers. Accommodation is in a shared twin-bedded room, with a supplementary charge for single occupancy. For a third occupant sharing the same room, a roll-away bed will be provided.

In larger cities and major beach resorts the quality of every aspect of highest international standards, are met, but in more remote locations and adventure destinations first class hotels are provided with moderate facilities. In these situations, Royal Orchid Holidays will arrange the best standards of accommodation available in each category. All ROH include American breakfast. Some itineraries also include other meals, as shown in each description. Meals are indicated in the text by: B-breakfast, L-lunch and D-dinner.

Private cars, microbuses or motor coaches are used for passengers awaiting commencement of the tours and transfers depending on number of participants traveling on the same day. In all major destinations tours and transfers are on a seat-in-coach/car basis. The ROH are pre-arranged packages and no individual program changes or modifications can be made. THAI reserves the right to rearrange the order of any tour itinerary, to cancel or to substitute elements of any plan without notice when local conditions force such changes.

ROH are not usually accompanied by a tour escort. All sightseeing tours and most transfers are operated on a seat-in-coach basis, including the services of a local English-speaking guide.

For further information click on to www.royalorchidholidays.com
(Compiled by Shreedeep Rayamajhi)

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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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