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Second World Buddhist Summit in Nepal
Nepal has now started preparing for the Second World Buddhist Summit
Conference to be held in Lumbini under the theme of ''Lumbini- A Symbol
of Unity in Diversity -The Fountain of World Peace''. from November 30
to December 2, 2004. The first meeting of the Second World Buddhist
Summit Organizing Committee was held on August 05, 2004 under the
Chairmanship of Prime Minister and Committee's Chairman Rt. Hon'ble
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
This Summit comes at a time when South Asia Sub regional Economic
Cooperation (SASEC) under the funding of Asian Development Bank has
just concluded the feasibility study of Buddhist Circuit linking India,
Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. A marketing campaign is to chalk out
branding SASEC's “Buddhist Heartland” products, targeting international
and regional tour operator networks through NTOs pooled resources.
Being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a focal point of
Buddhist Circuit and, the Summit Conference to be held there holds a
greater significance to promote religious tourism in Nepal.
There are many places in Lumbini which hold importance in relation to
Lord Buddha. Moreover, Lumbini is being linked up with other Buddhist
pilgrimage sites of India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. This means the summit
is an opportunity to explore opportunities for regional tourism
promotion. 360 million (Six percent of world population) are Buddhists
and most of them live in Asia. Unfortunately, less than 5% has so far
visited Lumbini. Thus, holding such global summit in Nepal will help
garner publicity of Nepal in the international market.
Because of its importance from tourist and religious points of view,
the summit to be hosted by Nepal has been looked upon with great
significance by all Nepali people and especially the people of Lumbini
who are eagerly waiting to welcome the distinguished guests of the
summit.
Some Important Places in Lumbini and around its vicinity.
Lumbini.
Situated in western Tarai of Nepal, Lumbini holds a special place in
the Buddhist world. Many classical texts like Suttanipata,
Mahaparinibbana Sutta and Divyavadana have mentioned Lumbini several
times as the birthplace of Buddha. The fact that Buddha was born in
Lumbini was re-endorsed by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of India with his
visit to the place. Ashoka built a pillar here that mentions that the
emperor visited Lumbini and offered worship in this holy place where
Buddha was born. It is believed that the emperor prostrated before the
Sal tree under which the Lord Buddha was born.
Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang accounted his travel to Lumbini in the
seventh century when he saw the holy tree, the pond, stupas and
shrines. He also described that the Ashokan Pillar as having a horse
carved on top of it.
In 1896, excavations by Khadga Shumsher of Nepal and renowned
archeologist Dr. A Fuhrer found the Ashokan Pillar in Lumbini,
Niglisagar and Gotihawa in the western Tarai of Nepal. In 1898, the
British government deputed P.C. Mukherjee who confirmed the exact
location of Aroarakot as the birth town of Kanakmuni Buddha, Lumbini as
birthplace of historical Buddha, and Gotihawa as the native place of
Kakruchhanda Buddha. He also claimed Tilaurakot to be the exact site of
Kapilvastu.
The scientific excavation done by the government of Nepal in 1970 1971
was intended to locate Lumbini as mentioned in the Ashokan Pillar. Many
ruined monuments have been recovered recently and several stupas have
been restored to their original shape and size. The most important
aspect of the recent excavation is confirmation of Buddha’s nativity.
The excavations discovered the stupa’s lid of a gold casket of
cylindrical type in association with some charred human bones and other
ritual offerings, the terracotta sculpture of a Boddhisattva,
terracotta human heads, a plaque of Dharmachakra panel are important
archeological discoveries made in Lumbini. The reconstruction of
Mayadevi Temple has also been completed.
Gotihawa
Gotihawa is another important historical, archeological and religious
site in the Kapilvastu district, about 31 kilometers west of Lumbini.
It is believed that Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Sakyamuni
Buddha, was born and attained nirvana in Gotihawa. At the center of the
main mound lie the remains of a broken Ashoka Pillar. The site is
believed to have started developing in 6 B.C. The first phase of the
stupa is made of rectangular and wedge-shaped bricks containing a large
amount of rice husk, straw and vegetation which is believed to date
back to 3 B.C. The second period is marked by the addition of two more
rings and a new Pradaksina Patha at a higher level than the earlier.
New rings are made of rectangular bricks only. It can be conjectured
that the enlargement of the stupa was carried out in Saka and Kushana
time from the end of the 1 B.C. in this part of the subcontinent, to
the A.D.2-3.
Kudan
Kudan is situated about four and a half kilometers south of Tilaurakot.
According to archeologist P.C.Mukherjee the remains are those of
Nigrodharma, where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha. The remains may
also be of the “Kasaya” stupa where a kasaya (yellow robe) was
presented to Lord Buddha.
The stupa is 25 feet high and festooned with prayer flags. There is a shrine which was once the residence of Akshyobhya Buddha.
Niglihawa
Niglihawa situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini, is a
significant Buddhist site because it is believed that the Kanakmuni
Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha, was born, enlightened,
and met his father in this place.
Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa
and set up a pillar and remains of pillar is still there. Archeologist
Dr. A Fuhrer discovered this pillar in 1895. The 15 feet tall upper
portion of the pillar bears the inscription attributed to Raja Ripu
Malla of the Naga dynasty of western Nepal. The inscription reads “Om
Mane Padme Hum.”
A Kanakmuni Stupa is situated here. The Ashokan Pillar of the
Niglisagar attest the fact that Emperor Ashoka enlarged the stupa
enshrining the relics of the Kanakmuni Buddha. There are also ruins of
ancient viharas in Niglihawa. Chinese pilgrims, Fa-Hien and
Yuan-Chwang, who visited Niglihawa have described about Kanakmuni Stupa
and Ashokan Pillar in their travel accounts.
The Ramgram Kingdom
The Ramgram Kingdom was 60 kilometers to the east of the holy place of
the Buddha's birth. The King of Ramgram Kingdom was one of the eight
Kings who obtained Buddha's relics and he also built a pagoda, which is
named Ramgram Pagoda. And the relics were in it for offering.
Emperor Ashoka also visited this place and paid homage to pagoda. The
site of Ramgram is stretched North South after the river Jharahi was
diverted from east of the stupa in 1986/87. Before that the stupa was
surrounded by that river from three sides. The running river Jharahi
flows in the east and dried old course of the same river on all the
three remaining sides. But still a small strip of land is left on the
north as a land bridge.
The total height of the stupa at present from surrounding cultivated
surface is 6.85 meters. The monuments found in Ramgram, like a Kushana
period coin and grey wares may be of latter date (B.C. 5-3).
Sagarhawa
To the northwest of Niglihawa is the forest of Sagarhawa. It is the
site where ruins of ancient water tanks were excavated in 1895. This
site has been identified by archeologists as the ''Palace of massacre
of the Shakyas.'' The ruins of the ancient site are lying on the west
and south banks of the large tank Lambu Sagar in Niglihawa village.
Tilaurakot
About 25 kilometers west of Lumbini is the site of Tilaurakot that
extends over an area of two and half miles. Most of Tilaurakot is
surrounded by mud rampart and brick fortification. Some parts of the
west and north of the ancient habitation have been left out of
fortification. Inside the fortification the surface is generally flat.
The bastions and the watchtowers are exposed in the western side.
Thirteen layers of human depositions dated from 11-8 B.C. to A.D.2-3 by
archeologists have been found in the area. Tilaurakot was confirmed by
P.C. Mukherjee deputed by the British-Indian government, as the exact
location of Kapilvastu. It was established then that only Tilaurakot
could claim to be the exact site of ancient Kapilvastu due to its
general consonance of local bearings and geographical conditions as
described in the Buddhist texts and travel accounts of Chinese
pilgrims.
Both Chinese Scholars Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang visited Kapilvastu. The
latter wrote that he saw Kapilvastu in complete ruins and counted 10
deserted cities within Kapilvastu. Kapilvastu is said to have been
destroyed by King Virudhaka who massacred the Shakyas during the last
days of Buddha.
About Lumbini Development Trust
The Lumbini Development Trust
is an autonomous, non-governemental and non-profit making organisation
established by the Lumbini Development Trust Act 2042 (1985) for the
purposes of restoring the Lumbini Garden under the master plan. His
Majesty the King of Nepal is the patron of the trust.
In the national level Lumbini Development Trust was constituted in
order to present before the people of the world and commitment of His
Majesty's Government of Nepal to project goal and ideal of development
of Lumbini more effectively and operate the Lumbini Development Plan in
a more co-ordinated and smooth manner.
His Majesty's Government reconstituted the Lumbini Development Trust
under the chairmanship of Minister of Culture on July 6, 1998. The
trustees are nominated by the HMG. The act also provides for nomination
of representatives of international Buddhist organizations and such
other persons associated with the preservation of the world cultural
heritage. In 1970, the 13 National International committee for the
development of Lumbini was formed in New York under the chairmanship of
the permanent representative of the Kingdom of Nepal to the United
Nations. These 13 nations are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Combodia,
Indonesia, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore,
Sri Lanka and Thailand and later formed an advisory panel to the world
- renowned Japanese architect, Professor Kenzo Tange, in his
preparation of the master plan for Lumbini's development. Three
additional countries , namely Bangladesh, Bhutan and Republic of Korea,
later joined the efforts.
For more information, please contact:
Lumbini Development Trust
Websitewww.lumbinitrust.com
Email:nlumbinit@wlink.com.np
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Nepal to Celebrate Cho Oyu Festival in October, 2004
In the process of celebrating the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Ascent
on the Himalayan Peaks above 8000 meter, Nepal is celebrating Cho Oyu
Golden Jubilee Anniversary on October 19, 2004. Nepal Mountaineering
Association has prepared a series of events to celebrate it.
Cho Oyu sits astride the border of Nepal and Tibet, about 20 miles west
of Mount Everest. It is the sixth highest mountain in the world (8201
meters or about 26,900 feet). Cho Oyu is translated in Tibetan as ''the
goddess of the turquoise.'' A famous trade route crossed Nangpa La
pass, just west of Cho Oyu, and very close to the Advanced Base Camp.
From Tibet, salt was brought over this pass to Namche Bazaar (Khumbu's
commerce center) in exchange for grain from the south.
For Detail Information, please contact:
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
Website:www.nma.com.np
Email:office@nma.com.np
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Govt. allocate budget for Regional Tourism Promotion
As part of promoting inbound tourism to Nepal from the regional
markets, especially from South and South East Asia, Nepal launched
marketing and promotion campaign under regional promotion campaign
initiated by His Majesty’s Government (HMG) of Nepal in the beginning
of this year. Nepal Tourism Board in close collaboration with various
travel trade associations and private sector promoted Nepal in
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. To keep
the promotional activities going in regional market, the His Majesty's
Government of Nepal has allocated Rs. 22,500,000/- in the recently
unveiled budget for the fiscal year of 2004/05.
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Lumbini to host the "Second World Buddha Summit"
Hon'ble Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance
Minister presented the Budget Estimates for Fiscal Year 2004/05. In the
Budget brought through the ordinance Minister Adhikari said private
sector's participation would be called for to construct an alternative
International Airport under Built-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) System.
He further said Gautam Buddha Airport, Bhairahawa and Pokhara Airport
would be upgraded as SAARC Region level airports in FY2004/05.
"Dhangadhi Airport will also be upgraded and initiative will be taken
to build a Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) airport at Dharan under
BOOT system. New Aviation Policy will be formulated and implemented for
the purpose of tourism promotion, extension of transport services and
to encourage private sector in air services."
Outlining the government's policy, Minister Adhikari said," Continuity
will be given to the infrastructure building work as per the Lumbini
Development Master Plan. Support will be provided to convene “Second
World Buddha Summit” in FY2004/05 aimed at promoting Lumbini Area as a
World Tourism Destination. I have allocated necessary fund for
environmental improvement in Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, Swayambhu and
Patan Durbar Square listed under the World Heritage Sites including
reconstruction of Fifty-five Windowed Palace of Bhaktapur. Programs
will be carried out in line with the strategy of making tourism sector
as a medium of high economic growth, environmental balance and rural
poverty reduction."
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Tourism personalities honoured by His Majesty the King
Famous Mountaineer Reinhold Messner and Nawang Sherpa have been
conferred Prestigious Suprabal Gorakha Dakshin Bahu (Third) by His
Majesty the King. Similarly, Board Member of Nepal Tourism Board and
tourism entrepreneur Suman Pandey and Banquet Manager of Soaltee Crowne
Plaza Deepak Damala have been conferred Prabal Gorakha Dakshin Bahu
(Fourth) by His Majesty the King.
Nepal Tourism Board would like to extend heartiest congratulations to all of them.
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Impact on tourism after accession to WTO discussed
Tourism Industry Division of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil
Aviation with support from Nepal Tourism Board organized a program on
the effect in tourism sector after the accession of Nepal as 147th
member of World Trade Organisation (WTO) on April 23, 2004.
The workshop was organized with an aim to inform and educate the
tourism industry on what implications it will have on the tourism
industry after the accession of Nepal to WTO .
With the accession to WTO now the foreigners and multinational
investors could make investments in tourism areas like aircraft
maintenance & repair and travel agency & tour operator with a
maximum of 51 percent share for the initial years whereas in star rated
hotel & lodging services and graded restaurant, the foreign
investment can go upto 80 percent.
It was also discussed that the Indian and the dollar tariff will have
to be reformulated so that tourists of various nationalities get equal
treatment as per the agreement of WTO.
Resource persons speaking on the occassion were Mr. Prachanda Man
Shrestha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies
and Mr. Ashok Pokharel, Director, Shangri-La Tours and member of the
executive committee of Nepal Tourism Board.
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Tourism promotion in India
As part of promoting inbound tourism to Nepal from India, Nepal is
launching various tourism promotional programmes in Indian cities of
Mumbai, Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Chandigarh from June 21 to 25, 2004.
Organised by Nepal Tourism Board in cooperation with Jet Airways and
Nepal's private sector, the promotional programme will have press
conference and tour operators meet in four cities of India. This is a
part of the marketing and promotion campaign under regional promotion
campaign initiated by His Majesty’s Government (HMG) of Nepal.
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Nepal's promotion in Bangladesh
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in association with Royal Nepalese Embassy
(RNE) Dhaka is organizing a Media and Tour Operators Meet in Dhaka, on
June 13, 2004 at Hotel Sarina, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
His Excellency Mr. Bhagirath Basnet, Royal Nepalese Ambassador to
Bangladesh has kindly consented to be present at the program where NTB
Director- Tourism Marketing & Promotion, Mrs. Nandini Lahe-Thapa
will make a destination presentation followed by an interaction with
the invitees on capitalizing on the existing avenues and finding newer
ones for promoting tourism between the two countries.
Similarly, Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Bhutan have also identified
common product like eco-tourism and Buddhists circuit for product and
marketing linkages in the region. As a result, Nepal has also been
following a consistent promotional approach in the neighboring markets
following policy guidelines of the HMG of Nepal for promotion of
regional tourism in the area.
Since Dhaka is connected to Kathmandu by BIMAN, national carrier of
Bangladesh, it is expected that Nepal and Bangladesh could mutually
benefit through destination awareness and market linkages. Kathmandu,
the nearest international destination from Dhaka, is linked by BIMAN
five times a week, except Tuesday and Sunday, with a very affordable
airfare and providing an exotic experience. His Majesty's Government of
Nepal has waived the visa fee for the citizens of SAARC nations
including Bangladesh in its effort to woo tourists from South Asian
countries.
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Microlight flies over Mt. Everest
Richard Meredith-Hardy, a 46-year old Etonian Englishman, Richard
Meredith-Hardy has become the first man to fly a microlight over the
highest peak of the world Mt. Everest.
Hardy fulfilled his dream on May 24, 2004 around 8:15 AM Nepali time
and waved to a "shed load of climbers" standing on top of the highest
peak of the world and began circling to take photos to confirm his
achievement of a ten year dream to be the first man to fly a microlight
over Everest.
Richard had been towing an Italian hang glider pilot, Angelo also
aiming to fly over Everest, but there had been a tow-line break at
27,000 feet after climbing in front of the Lhotse Face, and Richard
lost sight of Angelo, who fell away, still attached to a piece of line,
and was not seen by Richard again (it was later confirmed that Angelo
landed safely next to the Italian Himalayan weather centre in Lobuche).
Richard climbed another 3,000 feet, crossing an area full of
potentially deadly down drafts, some as fierce as 3,000 feet/min,
before circling joyfully over the summit and taking numerous photos.
Richard flew back to his base at 12,500 feet, 15 miles from the summit,
and landed safely. Richard and Angelo had been in Nepal a month, after
a year of preparation, for the fourth attempt at Everest by microlight.
Three previous attempts, had all failed the last by just 1,500 feet.
Angelo, an Italian hang glider expert who specializes in flying with
eagles, tracing migration routes, had aimed to be the first man to fly
a hang glider over the highest mountain in the world.
They had suitable equipment, including oxygen and cold weather gear, and
Richard was able to power his heated suit from the Rotax 912 turbo engine which drove his English-built Pegasus XL-S.
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Pemba- fastest man to climb Everest
Mr. Pemba Dorjee Sherpa (27 yrs) a High Altitude Sherpa of "Dream
Everest Expedition 2004" from Gaurishankar -I, Dolakha, Nepal has been
successful to summit Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) the highest (8848 m.)
peak of the World by setting a new world record of fastest climbing,
according to a press release issued by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and
Civil Aviation. He completed the distance from Sagarrnatha Base Camp to
the summit in 8 hours and 10 minutes by starting at 6 P.M. on 20th May
2004 and reaching the summit at 02.10 A.M. on 21st May 2004.
The previous world record was 10 hours 56 minutes and 46 seconds set by
Mr. Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa (36 yrs) Climbing Sirdar from Solukhumbu on 25th
May 2003.
Mr. Pemba Dorjee Sherpa a High Altitude Sherpa of Ten members "Dream
Everest Expedition 2004 " Team was permitted to climb 8848 meter high
Mt. Everest from South East Ridge for the period of seventy- five days
from 25th March 2004 under the leadership of Mr. Robert Huygh, Ternat,
Belgium.
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Jet Airways starts flying to Nepal
India's Jet Airways touched down at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International
Airport on May 14 becoming the first private airline of India to
commence operations to the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. The Nepalese
capital, Kathmandu is the second international destination on Jet
Airways' route network. Less than two months earlier, on March 23,
2004, India's premier domestic airline went International by launching
a daily Boeing 737 flight between Chennai in South India and Colombo in
Sri Lanka. Today's maiden flight, 9W 4107 (Delhi-Kathmandu) took off at
1135 hrs with a full complement of passengers after an inaugural
ceremony at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport that was
blessed by prayers and marked with festivity. The one hour, twenty-five
minutes flight from Delhi landed in Kathmandu at 1315 hrs.
On deplaning, passengers including the senior Jet Airways Management
team led by its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wolfgang Prock-Schauer were
extended a traditional, ceremonial welcome. The panchkanyas or the five
maidens at the stepladders, performances by traditional dancers and
musicians and the police band added to the festive spirit even as seven
Brahmins sprinkled holy water on passengers passing through an
especially erected bamboo gate. Passengers were welcomed by Joint
Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Medini
Prasad Sharma, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
Mr. Nagendra Prasad Ghimire, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Mr. Tek Bahadur
Dangi and other officials of Nepal Tourism Board and Civil Aviation
Authority of Nepal.
These daily flights on the Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi sectors connect well
with Jet Airways' extensive domestic network, spanning 41 destinations
with over 250 flights daily.The daily Delhi-Kathmandu flight will
provide immediate forenoon connections to passengers from Mumbai,
Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The return flight from
Kathmandu to Delhi will provide convenient onward connections to
passengers travelling to Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and
Bangalore. Jet Airways flies daily between Kathmandu and Delhi.
In a press conference organized in the afternoon CEO of Nepal Tourism
Board Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi said operation of Jet Airways in Nepal will
bring travel boom in Nepal as India is a biggest tourists generating
country for Nepal. He requested the Jet Airways to work together for
destination promotion benefiting both Jet Airways and Nepal. CEO of Jet
Airways Mr. Wolfgang Prock-Schauer assured that Jet Airways will join
the forces with Nepal Tourism Board in promoting Nepal in India. The
press conference was also addressed by Ms. Ava Shah, Managing Director,
Hansa International which is the GSA for Jet Airways in Nepal.
Jet Airways has a fleet comprising of 33 Classic and Next-Generation
Boeing 737- 400/700/800/900 aircraft and eight modern A TR 72-500
turbo-prop aircraft. With an average age of 4 years, as an operator of
one of the youngest aircraft fleet in Asia, the airline operates over
255 flights daily to 43 destinations. Since inception on May 05, 1993
till end April 2004 Jet Airways has carried over 43.5 million
passengers.
The benchmarks established by Jet Airways in the Indian skies have been
acclaimed both nationally and internationally and include the
'Superbrand' status by the world's leading authority on branding the
Superbrands Council in August 2003. In February 2004 Jet Airways swept
the first edition of The Financial Express Business Traveller Awards
for offering the 'Best Business Class', 'Best Economy Class' and 'Best
Service (Airport & Inflight)' in the Domestic Airline category.
Other coveted national and international awards include the first ever
Galileo-Express Travel & Tourism Award for 'India's Best Domestic
Airline' for 2003 and 2004, Boeing Company's honour for consistently
maintaining the highest technical despatch reliability in excess of 99
per cent for 2002 and 2003, the leading business weekly,
Businessworld's 1ndia's Most Respected Company in the Travel and
Hospitality Sector' for 2003 and Travel Trade Gazette's (TTG) 'Best
Domestic Airline Award' for 2002 among 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific
region. The airline has also won the Air Transport World (AT' 'Market
Development Award' for 2001 for the best domestic airline, the Qimpro
Gold Standard for 2001 and the Hospitality & Food Service
(H&FS) 'Best Domestic Airline' award four times.
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Documents on Pro Poor Tourism Policy and Tourism Strategic Plan handed over
Two separate documents on Pro Poor Tourism Policy and National Tourism
Strategic Plan (2005 - 9) prepared for Ministry of Culture, Tourism and
Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) were handed over to Mr. Lava Kumar Devacota,
Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation by Tourism
for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) on April 30, 2004.
These documents were handed over during a special function attended by
Secretary, Joint Secretaries and senior staff members of MoCTCA,
members of National Planning Commission, National Programme Manager of
TRPAP, senior staff of Nepal Tourism Board and other senior
personalities from various tourism related associations and
organizations.
Policy, Strategy Planning Expert to TRPAP Mr. Peter Nizette prepared
the 2 separate documents during the past six months in Nepal. The Pro
Poor Tourism Policy document would support the planning and
implementation of pro poor tourism activities in Nepal, whereas, the
tourism strategic plan will guide the policy makers and the tourism
industry of Nepal to consolidate the strengths, increasing quality
visibility & focus in the primary markets. The plan has focused on
the quality of products, services, professionalism, accountability and
marketing. Considering the vital nature of the structure of the travel
industry (private sector), there is recommendation to form an apex or
umbrella body to represent the whole industry with one voice to
Government, the NTB, media and international, regional and local forums
on tourism and travel.
During the preparation of the documents, various stakeholders, both
private and public, were consulted through workshops, seminars and
meetings since mid 2003. This 5 year rolling strategic plan is the
first of its kind in Nepal. This strategic plan has also incorporated
the current key issues of the existing tenth five-year plan. Moreover,
it has also given special focus to reducing the financial leakages and
has emphasized more on qualitative rather than quantitative tourism. In
addition, the strategic tourism plan has analyzed the strong features
of Nepal's tourism industry and has clearly recommended how to improve
the quality of tourism sites and services and how to reinforce the
implementation part of the pro poor tourism policy.
Speaking during the hand over ceremony, member of National Planning
Commission Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada stressed on the importance of such
documents for sustainable tourism development and expressed his
commitment to carry out necessary coordination among the different
ministries for the successful implementation of the policy. Speaking at
the same function, Secretary Mr. Devacota highlighted that cooperation
and active support from all stakeholders are equally important in order
to achieve the objectives of the tourism plan and thanked all the
parties involved in the preparation of the tourism plan including UNDP.
The above two documents submitted to the MoCTCA are 1 of the 3 main
objectives of TRPAP in order to develop sustainable tourism in Nepal.
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Medical clinic at Everest Basecamp
Himalayan Rescue Association(HRA) has set up medical clinics at Manang,
Pheriche(Everest Region) and Everest Basecamp to assist trekkers and
climbers. In Manang Goan and Pheriche, medical camps have already been
in operation since March 01, 2004. But in the Everest Basecamp it
starts from April 01, 2004. The camp in Manang and Pheriche (4600
metres/ 146000 feet) will be there till May 20, 2004. However, it will
remain at the Everest Basecamp till the last week of May, 2004 as it
indicates the closure of expeditions and trekking in the area.
Manang Clinic is being manned by Dr. Alexandra Halina Dunin Bell and
Dr. Michael Kai Chin whereas Pheriche Clinic is managed by Dr. Suzanne
Christinne Boyle. The Everest Base Camp Medical Clinic set up at the
height 5,340 m/ 17,600 ft will be looked after by Dr. Lauanne Freer and
Dr. Denise Meritt. They are being assisted by HRA staff.
This apart, HRA runs daily talk on altitude sickness at Manang, Pheriche, Dingboche and Kathmandu.
Dr. Merritt graduated from UConn medical school and has Wilderness EMT
training, is a member of The Appalachian Trail Club, Wilderness Medical
Society, Travel Medical Society, and a veteran of the HRA.
Dr. Luanne Freer, board certified emergency physician, wilderness
medicine expert, and veteran volunteer for the HRA, heads the
altitude-experienced medical staff, which treats all climbers/support
staff at Everest Base Camp, as well as trekkers visiting Base Camp.
Luanne makes daily live updates to her website from BC.
The first-ever Everest Base Camp Medical Clinic was a pilot project of
the Himalayan Rescue Association last spring, and the brain-child of
Dr. Luanne Freer.
The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) is a voluntary non-profit
organization formed in 1973 with an objective to reduce casualties in
the Nepal Himalayas, especially keeping in view the increasing number
of Nepalese and foreigners who trek up into the remote wilderness. (
Check HRA website: www.himalayanrescue.comor www.himalayanrescue.org for more detail)
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Nepal wins best service award in Germany
In 2003, Tourism Network, a German tourism PR Company initiated Go Asia
Campaign aiming at promoting Asia as Holiday destination. Together with
REISE & PREISE, one of the most popular consumer travellers
magazines it conducted a poll same year for their readers to choose the
Best Tourism Board of Asia, Best Asian Destination, Best Asian
Airlines, Best Asian Service & Hospitality, Best Asian Beach, Best
Asian Cultural Destination. In this poll, Nepal has won the first prize
in the Best Service & Hospitality Category. Readers have given top
marks to Nepal for its friendliness and best hospitality. In this
category, Nepal has been followed by Japan and Taiwan in the second and
third position respectively. Thailand is in forefront in receiving
first prize in many categories ranging from Best Beach to Best Shopping
whereas Singapore Tourism Board has been voted as Best Tourism Board.
Thai Airways has been voted Best Asian Airlines.
The Prize for winners will be distributed at ITB Berlin on March 12,
2004 amidst the function. Nepal Tourism Board will represent Nepal in
this function to receive award.
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Annapurna Circuit-No.1 in iExplore's Hiking & Trekking Trips
iExplore, the world's leading resource for off-the-beaten-path travel
has recently published its top 10 routes for exploring a pié run the
gamut from day-tripper walks and hikes to multiweek treks into
high-altitude mountains in its website: www.iexplore.com. In its
admittedly audacious picks for the world's top adventures on foot,
Nepal's Hiking Annapurna Circuit has been given number one ranking. It
describes this trekking area as follows: "This classic Himalayan trek
is a classic for good reason: It encapsulates the best of Nepal,
wrapping around the stunning Annapurna range to put you in the shadow
of peaks that pierce 26,000 feet. Yak herds, eagle-like Himalayan
griffons, blue sheep (so called because of the blue-gray hue their coat
turns in winter), fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, and hot springs dot
this central Nepal route, which starts in lush green foothills and
climbs into high-altitude desert typical of the Tibetan plateau. Bonus:
The lakeside town of Pokhara offers plentiful opportunities for shorter
treks in the region for those who don't have three weeks to spare."
This classification is based on the write up by Lynn Schnaiberg, a
Chicago-based writer in iExplore.
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Climbing Mount Everest among BBC's 50 things to do before you die
In early 2003 BBC asked its readers to vote on the top 50 things they
think everyone should do in their life and Climbing Mount Everest has
made its place in 26th position. After from Nepal, India's Seeing
Tigers in wild is the only entry that made from South Asia which is in
45th place. BBC asked online readers to vote for 50 things to do before
you die and Swimming with dolphins in Florida, USA has been voted
first. BBC has quoted Dorian Hempleman who says, 'I think that for
anyone who loves the outdoors and has a passion for culture the
Himalayas has got to be the pinnacle of ambition. The raw energy and
vastness of this region mixed with the Nepalese culture must combine to
offer a truly unforgettable experience.'
Meanwhile BBC has also chosen Nepal among Holiday 10 best in the Wild
and wonderful holidays for a trip of a lifetime theme. Nepal has been
placed eighth in this theme. India's Ranthambhore National Park has
been voted as first in this theme which is famous for tiger watching.
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Everest Base Camp Selected in 20 Journeys of Lifetime
The UK's leading magazine The Observer, sister publication of UK's
Guardian in its Sunday edition published on January 11, 2004 has
selected Everest Base Camp of Nepal in 20 Journeys of a Lifetime.
Selected by journalist Jill Hartley as great adventures that one never
forgets, Everest Base Camp has been placed in the seventh position
beating the destination like Galapagos Islands which was placed first
by UK's internet based travel company iexplore.com in 2003. Galapagos
Islands has been placed in sixteenth position in this list of The
Observer. The famous traditional trade route known as Silk Route from
Kashgar (China) then Tashkent - Samarkand - Khiva (Uzbekistan) is in
eight position.
The Everest Base Camp is the only South Asian destination that has been
included in the list. Most of the journeys included in the list are
shared by two countries. The journey from Ruta Maya Antigua -
Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) to Lake Atitlan - Antigua (Guatemala) via
San Cristobal - Palenque - Merida (Mexico), Belize City - Caye Caulker
(Belize), Tikal has been selected as number one among 20 journeys.
Describing the Everest Base Camp journey, Jill Hartley writes,'' To the
rest of us, the crown jewel of the Himalayas invokes tales of
unbelievable human courage and strength. Today a trek to Base Camp
should be within range of any fit regular weekend walker. Those who've
done it say nothing compares with that roof-of- the-world feeling as
you stand there in awed silence surrounded by towering snow-capped
peaks. That said, the Himalayas are as famed for their vibrant
rhododendron forests as their snowy tops. You'll also need a camera for
cliff-side monasteries with football playing monks in saffron robes,
colourful yak trains accompanied by local black-eyed urchins and
vertiginous swing bridges decorated with fluttering prayer flags. ''
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'On Arrival Visa' for Chinese Tourists
His Majesty's Government has implemented a new policy of issuing ''On
Arrival Visa'' for the Chinese tourists visiting Nepal both by air and
land. The new policy which came into effect from 02 September, 2003
aims at facilitating the Chinese tourists who wish to visit Nepal.
The decision to this effect was made at the meeting of the high level
offices of the ministries of Home and Foreign Affairs held on 26
August, 2003, according to the information received recently from the
Department of Immigration.
Earlier, it was mandatory for the Chinese tourists to get visa from the
concerned authorities prior to their departure from China. The new
policy allows the Chinese tourists to enter Nepal from all entry points
designated by His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The new arrangement is
expected to help revive the ailing tourism industry.
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