Tourist arrivals to the country via air in the month of November increased by 21.5 percent to 48,331 as compared to the arrival figures of same period last year.

According to Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport, arrivals from the South Asia region inncreased by 55.5 percent, thanks to healthy contribution from Bangladesh (80.7 percent), India (52.9 percent) and Sri Lanka (44.2 percent). Similarly, arrivals from Asia (except South Asia) grew by 8.8 percent with Japan (14.5 percent), Malaysia (16.4 percent), and South Korea (44.9 percent) and Thailand (154.3 percent) posting strong growth.

However, arrivals from China and Singapore registered negative growths of 3.8 percent and 5.5 percent respectively. Europe registered an overall growth of 8.6 percent thanks to growth from France (8.3 percent), Germany (25.7 percent), Italy (3.2 percent), the Netherlands (9.1 percent), Russia (1.5 percent), Spain (16.8 percent), Sweden (13.4 percent) and UK (4.9 percent).

Arrivals from Australia and New Zealand increased by 10.8 percent and 30.2 percent respectively, while arrivals from USA and Canada grew by 39.2 percent and 31.5 percent respectively.

Total tourist arrivals to the country in the first 11 months of 2010 reached 412,446 tourists.

Himal Association is organizing the 8th Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) in Kathmandu from December 9-13. A total of 62 films from 35 countries covering a wide array of issues, including conflict, culture, climbing, wildlife, environment, globalization, gender, development and lifestyle, will be screened at the City Hall and the Nepal Tourism Board, according to the association. Twenty films will be screened in the international competition category, 36 in the international non-competitive category, and six films in Nepal Panorama category.

The top three films in the international competitive category will receive cash awards of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. A three-member jury comprising British climber and author Terry Gifford, Chinese filmmaker Li Wenming and British climber David Durkan will judge the best films.

The event will also feature other programs including a photo exhibition "Manang: 30 Years After" by Czech photographers Michal Thoma and Zdenek Thoma and slide presentation/lecture, film-making workshop, animation workshop and alternative book exhibition, among others.

The 29th World Elephant Polo Championship is starting today in Meghauli, Chitwan. Eight teams from Iceland, UK, Scotland, UAE, Switzerland, Afghanistan and Nepal are participating in the competition. The championship has been organized by the World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) and hosted by Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge since 1982.

Apart from some few differences, the rules of elephant polo are basically similar to that of horse polo. In elephant polo players are secured in rope harnesses, with a rope across their thighs and rope stirrups and the elephants are driven by their trainers, called "mahouts". The player lets the mahout know where & how fast to go and when to stop. The mahout in turn communicates with the elephant with verbal commands and by applying pressure to the back of the elephant's ears with their feet.

Nepalese private airline company Buddha Air will be flying to the north Indian city of Lucknow from January 7, 2011.The airline will operate three flights a week, i.e., on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The fare (one-way) for the 55 minutes flight has been fixed at NRS 5,600/-, excluding taxes.

Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition family feels proud and happy to organize Mt Lhotse (8516m) expedition from 18 Aug 2010 to 20 Oct 2010 to the group of five members from Czech Republic is under the leadership of Mr Leopold Sulovsky. We would like to express our healthful wishes for their success.

The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of August 2010, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 24.3% to 34,415.

The arrivals from South Asian region have gained overall positive growth of 34.9% with Bangladesh (51.6%), India (35.1%), and Sri Lanka (57%) registering positive growth. Visitor arrivals from Pakistan have declined by 20.2%. A robust growth of 20% has been observed in the arrivals from the South Asian region during the first eight months of 2010, in comparison to the same period last year.

Regarding the visitor arrivals from Asia (other than South Asian region) have maintained the upward trend. The region has recorded double digit growth of 27.7%. There has been substantial growth of 68.3% in visitor arrivals from China which is one of the fastest growing tourist markets for Nepal. Visitor arrivals from Malaysia (85.7%), and South Korea (28.6%) have registered positive growths. However arrivals from Japan, Singapore and Thailand have registered negative growths of 5.3%, 32.9% and 9.7% respectively.

Regarding the long-haul markets, Europe registered overall positive growth of 18.9% with major source markets showing positive trend in terms of visitor arrivals. Arrivals from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, UK up by 2.6%, 22.3%, 18.1%, 41%, 101.3%, 106.6%, 15%, 71%, and 15.5% respectively. A growth of 18% has been observed in the arrivals from the European region during the first eight months of 2010, in comparison to the same period last year.

The figures also show increasing trend in the visitor arrivals from Australia and New Zealand with a growth of 16.8% and 28.1% respectively. Similarly the United States of America has registered positive growth of 16.8% while Canada posted negative growth of 17.8%.

A total of 40,908 foreign tourists departed from TIA in August 2010. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 49,379 while 63,173 Nepalese departed from TIA in August 2010.

Bhaktapur Municipality has decided to increase entry fee for foreign tourists visiting the country from the very first day of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

Municipality sources say the entry fee is almost 100 percent higher than what the municipality has been collecting at present. The municipality will charge Rs 100 as entry fee for visitors from SAARC countries and Rs 1,000 from visitors from other countries from January 2011.

Bhaktapur, one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, is popular among foreign visitors for historic temples, palace complexes and ancient art, culture and tradition.

- TAAN E-NEWS

Hong Kong based Dragon Air announced on August 1 that it would add three more flights in its Hong Kong-Kathmandu route, making its flights on the route to six a week from September 1.

Alasdair Boyd, country manager of the airline, said Dragon Air was increasing its flights to Kathmandu taking into consideration growing number of passengers on the route. He also expressed the hope that increasing number of flights would be helpful in achieving Nepal's target of welcoming one million tourists to the country during the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign.

Cathay Pacific -- the sister airlines of Dragon Air -- will also extend its full cooperation in achieving the targets, Boyd said, addressing a press meet on August 1.

Dragon Air flies with Airbus A 330 on Hong Kong-Kathmandu route. The airline flew in 50,000 tourists the country county last year. The airline flies to 29 destinations in the Asia Pacific with 400 flights a week to mainland China alone.

- TAAN E-NEWS

Tourist arrivals to the country via air in the month of July increased by 26.1 percent to 29,338 as compared to the arrival figure recorded in the same period last year.

According to statistics collected by Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport and disseminated by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), total arrivals from the South Asia region grew by 31.3 percent over the period. Arrivals from Bangladesh and India grew by 88.9 percent and 26.5 percent respectively, NTB said in a statement. Similarly, the number of Pakistani and Sri Lankan tourists also went up by 10.3 and 48.7 percent respectively.

"Except for the soft decline in April, arrivals from India have been showing sustained growth this year," the statement added.

Arrivals from countries from outside the SAARC bloc have also recorded double digit growth of 19.9 percent. China, a key source country for Nepali tourism industry, recorded a phenomenal growth of 104.2 percent, whereas the number of visitors from Japan, Malaysia and Singapore rose by 10.7 percent, 98.9 percent and 24.7 percent respectively. However, arrivals from South Korea and Thailand registered negative growth of 2.1 percent and 45 percent respectively.

From long-haul markets, Europe registered overall positive growth of 24.6 percent in July, with major source markets showing positive trend in terms of visitor arrivals. Similarly arrivals from Canada and US also surged by 24.9 percent and 12.8 percent respectively.

Australia showed marginal growth of arrival by 0.9 percent, while arrivals from New Zealand declined by 31.1 percent.

Tourist arrival via land till June reached 60,877, up by 6.2 percent compared to the figures of same period last year.

- TAAN E-NEWS

In a bid to bring in more visitors during Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has proposed the government to waive visa free for foreign visitors at least during the campaign period.

Nepal has set a target to welcoming at least one million foreign tourists in 2011. More than half a million foreign visitors had visited the country in 2009.

According to Tourism Ministry sources, the proposal has been forwarded to the Finance Ministry to incorporate it in the budget for fiscal year 2010/11. The sources further informed that the proposal to introduce visa-free regime was worked out by the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 National Coordination Committee.

It is learnt that the Finance Ministry officials are positive about introducing free-visa regime in 2011.

The government collects around Rs 200 million as revenue from visa fee.

As a part of attracting more visitors to the country, the government has already offered free visa to Everest summiteers for two years.

- TAAN E-NEWS

It is great honour for Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition (P.) Ltd. to organise Shishapangma Expedition (8027m) which dated from April 26th 2010 to May 28th 2010 for 8 paxs of Austrian group (on the leadership of Hannes Grabnes).

Unfortunately, only Mr. Marcus could succeed to sumit the peak due to unfavourable weather. We would like to congratulate him on his success and congratulate rest of other members for their well try.

A trekking region with different identity & infinite adventure. Makalu Base Camp trekking offers you rich mountain scenery and diverse flora and fauna. Besides that absence of tea houses gives you the memorable taste on trekking. Langtang Ri Trekking and expedition Pvt. Ltd. arranged a Makalu Base Camp trek from 03 May 2010 to 23 May 2010 for the group of seven Canadians including Nepali trekking staff. We are please to get their positive and good response in return:

Makalu Base Camp Trek by Paul Willa, Canadian May 2010
Formerly a restricted area, it spans five major ecological zones where can be found the lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests or rhododendron and fir and alpine meadows that lead to the might Barun glacier. From the base camp, any one can view the spectacular Mt. Makalu. We did it. Suggestion provided by the Langtang Ri agency about the weight limit was nice. Transportation organized was very impressive. Equipments were equally very nice and porters were also well equipped. All guides and porters were really impressive and even had sound knowledge if English. Guide DP is perfect and so do as Ram. We must say this agency had god gifted guide not only for communication skill they do gave well managed. Proper utilization of garbage, North American should have to gain knowledge from them. This time we had very nice trip and this was only because of Langtang Ri. We will come back later too.

Makalu Base Camp Trek by Paul Willa, Canadian May 2010
Formerly a restricted area, it spans five major ecological zones where can be found the lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests or rhododendron and fir and alpine meadows that lead to the might Barun glacier. From the base camp, any one can view the spectacular Mt. Makalu. We did it. Suggestion provided by the Langtang Ri agency about the weight limit was nice. Transportation organized was very impressive. Equipments were equally very nice and porters were also well equipped. All guides and porters cook were really impressive and even had sound knowledge if English. Guide DP is perfect and so do as Ram. We must say this agency had god gifted guide not only for communication skill they do gave well managed. Proper utilization of garbage, North American should have to gain knowledge from them. This time we had very nice trip and this was only because of Langtang Ri. We will come back later too.

Makalu Base Camp Trek, Michael G Mllachlan, Canadian May 2010
Makau base camp trekking is finest and beautiful trekking area. One can find less number of Tourist and while we were doing there were only few. This trek was really exotic. Our every service was provided Langtang Ri Trekking and it was an excellent service. All the staffs were very cooperative and friendly and well managed. Cook was nice and cooked delicious food. Thank you for all Langtang Ri Team providing such an excellent service. I will again get this agency support for upcoming year as well.

India's Kingfisher Airlines has started daily flights on New Delhi-Kathmandu sector from April 24. Along with flights to Kathmandu, the airline also launched flights to Dubai.

With these new launch, Kingfisher now flies to five international destinations. London, Bangkok and Hong Kong are the other international destinations of the airline.

The airline is using Airbus A320 aircraft on both the new flights.

"The New Delhi-Kathmandu flight offers excellent connectivity with Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Leh and London amongst other cities. Kingfisher Airlines' guests will now be able to fly in from these cities and easily connect with the New Delhi-Kathmandu flight. Guests flying in from Kathmandu to New Delhi will get easy and convenient connections to Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad," the airline said in a statement.

The airline plans to operate daily flights on Mumbai-Kathmandu sector from June.

Tourist arrival in the month of March recorded a robust growth of 34.6 percent as compared to arrival figure recorded in the same month last year. According to data collected by Immigration Office, TIA, and disseminated by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 44,431 visitors entered Nepal via air in March.

Arrivals from the South Asian region, except Sri Lanka, registered an overall positive growth of 35.3 percent. India and China recorded a remarkable growth of 35.5 percent and 114 percent respectively compared in March. In other South Asian markets, arrivals from Bangladesh and Pakistan surged by 53.8 percent and 3.2 percent respectively.

Asian countries maintained the upward trend of previous months with Japan (6.8 percent), Malaysia (38.4 percent), and South Korea (68.1 percent) leading the pack. However, arrivals from Thailand and Singapore declined by 45.9 percent and 5.8 percent respectively. An overall growth of 42 percent has been recorded in the arrivals from the European markets with major generating markets such as UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands recording growths by 44.9 percent, 5.4 percent, 40.8 percent, 44 percent and 128.2 percent respectively.

The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that visitor arrivals in the month of March 2010, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 34.6% to 44,431.

The arrivals from South Asian region, except for the arrivals from Sri Lanka have gained overall positive growth of 35.3% with India (35.5%), Bangladesh (53.8%) and, Pakistan (3.2%). Visitor arrivals from India, which is the largest source market for Nepal, has been increasing since the very beginning of 2010. A robust growth of 21% has been observed in the arrivals from the South Asian region during the first three months of 2010, in comparison to the same period last year.

Visitor arrivals from China, one of the fastest growing tourist markets for Nepal, have sustained the remarkable growth of 114%, compared to the figures in March 2009. Similarly, other Asian countries maintained the upward trend of previous months with Japan ( 6.8%), Malaysia ( 38.4%), South Korea (68.1%). However, arrivals from Thailand and Singapore witnessed negative growths of 45.9% and 5.8% respectively In aggregate, the other Asian segment has registered a growth of 32.9%. Visitor arrivals in the first three months of 2010, as compared to the same period last year, have grown by 38.6% in aggregate.

An overall growth of 42 % has been observed from the European markets with arrivals from major generating markets such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands up by 44.9%, 5.4%, 40.8%, 44% and 128.2% respectively. Visitor arrivals from all the European markets in the first three months of 2010, as compared to the same period last year, have grown by 34.1%.

The figures also show increasing trend in the visitor arrivals from the United States of America with a notable growth of 6.5%. Similarly Canada, Australia and New Zealand have also maintained positive trend with 27.2%, 27.4% and 69% of growths respectively.

This is the tenth consecutive month Nepal has witnessed growth in the international tourist arrivals and this confirms the improved prospects for Nepal in the year 2010 with rising business and consumer confidence. In the first three months of 2010 a robust 29.8 % of cumulative growth has been observed in comparison to the same period last year.

A total of 39,221 foreign tourists departed from TIA in March 2010. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 51,243 while 68,475 Nepalese departed from TIA in March 2010.

Tourist arrival to Nepal in the first month of 2010 recorded an increment of 18.8 percent compared to the arrival figures of same period last year.

According to the figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, a total of 26,071 visitors entered Nepal in January. Growth in January was contributed by increment in arrivals from all market segments. Arrivals from India, which contributes one-third of total tourist arrivals to Nepal, grew by 9.9 percent. In the SAARC region, arrivals from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka grew by 43.3 percent, 37.3 percent and 9.9 percent respectively. In aggregate, the South Asian segment registered a positive growth of 15.6 percent in January.

Arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) have also recorded a positive growth. Arrivals from Japan, Malaysia and South Korea grew by 19.5 percent, 57.2 percent and 87.2 percent respectively. However, China, Thailand and Singapore registered negative growth of 18.3 percent, 25.1 percent and 3.2 percent respectively. In aggregate, the Asian segment registered a positive growth of 15.4 percent.

Arrivals from European countries recorded a growth of whopping 34.9 percent in January, contributed by growth from major generating markets like UK (12.6 percent), France (17 percent), Germany (25.8 percent), Italy (40.9 percent), the Netherlands (92.2 percent), Spain (62.4 percent) and Switzerland (5.8 percent).

Similarly, arrivals from Australia, Canada and USA also registered healthy growth of 17.5 percent, 69.2 percent and 10.2 percent respectively.

"Nepal has enjoyed a sustained positive growth in the international visitor arrivals since June 2009 and the trend continues even in year 2010. These figures reflect confidence among visitors and tour operators to Nepal," a press statement issued by Nepal Tourism Board stated.

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Nepal,

We are pleased to inform you that Langtang Ri Trekking and Expeditions will be participating in the BIT Buy World event that will be held during the Italian Tourism exhibition in Milan from February 17th to 20th, 2010.

We would like to cordially invite you to visit us at our exhibit to find out about our exciting adventures in trekking, canyoning, mountaineering, rafting, mountain biking and more in the land of Namaste.

There is much to be excited about at Langtang Ri and we look forward to seeing you in Milan!

"Thanks expressed for professionnal rescue assitance."

Katie Amy A couple of friends and I recently visited Nepal to do the Manaslu trek. Unfortunately one of my friends suffered a bad accident while on the trek and had to be evacuated out by helicopter. Our guide and porters helped save my friend's life and I want to publicly thank those who were involved in her rescue efforts, before and after the terrible accident. Our guide, Damodar Pyakurel (DP), took charge with a calm, resourceful and professional manner that was greatly appreciated. He and his four porters pulled my friend up from a very steep slope she had tumbled down and got her to the nearest village where first aid could be applied. Over the next 27 hours DP and one of the porters ran between different villages in both directions (Philim and Jakat) finding telephones to use to attempt to coordinate a helicopter rescue during terrible monsoon rainstorms. These two men risked their lives a couple times crossing raging creeks and a bridge that ended upgetting washed out. I regret I don't know the full names of our four friendly, strong, cheerful porters, but their first names are: Lal, Prim, Sang and Lhapka. Pamfa Dhamala with Langtang-Ri Trekking helped coordinate the rescue from Kathmandu and despite her very busy schedule she (or a member of her staff) took time every day to visit my friend in the clinic and acted as a liaison with the local doctors and insurance company. Rudy Scheffer with Around the World Adventures in America contacted my friend's boyfriend and relatives for us and also helped with insurance issues. These efforts added a truly personal touch to their trekking businesses and made me/us feel like part of their family instead of just another client.

Katie Amy Fishtail Air's helicopter pilot competently flew through bad weather. One family in the tiny village we had to spend the night in (below Philim) generously allowed us to camp out in their home so we could get out of the rain. My friend Katie, her family and I all truly appreciate the generosity, compassion and genuine concern showed by all who helped us out during this traumatic ordeal. I fell in love with Nepal and its people the first time I visited in 2006 and this last visit only reinforced those feelings, mainly due to the wonderful interactions I have had with the warm and friendly Nepali people I have met. One request: if you could get rid of the threatening Maoists who extort a toll fee out of trekkers visiting your beautiful country that would be great.

Sincerely,

Amy Murphy
6910 Peck Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99504 USA

Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition participated in the 43rd UFTAA World Congress in Kathmandu (Nepal) from 20th-23rd November 2009, which was followed by the 3rd NATTA Himalayan International Travel Mart-2009 (23rd-25th November 2009). About 150 UFTAA delegates from around the world participated in the 43rd UFTAA World Congress and another 150 tourism professionals attended the 3rd NATTA Himalayan International Travel Mart. These events brought many visitors and their tourism dollars to Kathamandu (Nepal). The purpose of these travel marts was to provide information and descriptions about activities taking place to help Nepal.

Celebrate the upcoming 2011 Nepal Year of Tourism.

Nepal has found its way into the list of top ten travel destinations in 2010 in the world.

The Lonely Planet "Best in Travel 2010" has listed Nepal, along with El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United States, as one of the top ten travel destinations, a statement from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said.

"Trekking in Nepal is one of those travel benchmarks, like seeing the Taj Mahal, or diving the Great Barrier Reef, or the first time you eat fried locusts. By the end of your trek, you may vow never to climb anything higher than the stairs around your home town, but the experience of the Himalaya will stay with you for a lifetime.

"This is a collection of destinations and experiences that we rate as the stuff people really should consider for next year. Whatever your own style dictates, you should be able to find inspiration in these destinations," The Himalayan Times cited Adam Bennett, manager of Asia-Pacific communications as saying.

"They'll take you from the familiar to the far away, both geographically and culturally, and more than likely have you reaching for your travel bag," Adam Bennett said.

The list released Monday is The Lonely Planet's fifth in its annual collection of the best places to go and things to do in the year ahead.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has increased the entry free for foreign visitors to visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

According to the new fee structure that came into effect from February 26, visitors from the SAAR countries are required to pay Rs 100 per person to enter the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Earlier, the entry fee was only Rs 25 per person. Similarly, the KMC has increased entry fee for internal visitors (except SAARC countries) from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per person.

The decision on the new entry fee structure was taken by the City Council meeting of the KMC held on January 31.

Bahrain Air, a private carrier of Bahrain, will launch its Nepal flights from March 3. The airline will fly to Nepal three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Bahrain Air is the fifth international airlines - after Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Ettihad - from the Middle East to launch its Nepal flights. The airline will operate Airbus A319, with 12 premium class and 150 economy class seats, for the Nepal sector.

January 26th: The first NTY 2011 promotional programme was held in Kathmandu on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA), Hisila Yami said that the government is focusing on improving tourism infrastructure like hotels and airports. The government has decided to grant free visa to those tourists who visit Nepal for the second time in order to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011) a grand success. The campaign's target is to bring in at least one million international tourists to Nepal by the year 2011.

February 17th: Figures released by the Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region show a marked rise in tourist arrivals to Tibet. Tibet saw a 2.2 percent growth in the number of tourists arrivals during this Chinese Lunar New Year holiday over last year. Tourism officials and entrepreneurs expect more tourists in Tibet to celebrate the week-long festivities to mark the Tibetan New Year on Feb 25.

February 17th: According to BBC South Asia, three Nepalese brothers are planning to break a world record by staying on top of Mount Everest for 24 hours. Pemba Dorje Sherpa, and his two younger brothers Nima Gyalzen and Phurba Tenzing, who are from Rolwaling, intend to use their stay on the summit to pray for peace in Nepal and the world. Pemba, Nima and Phurba have made 16 ascents between them and Pemba is already in the record books having made the summit from base camp in a still-unbeaten eight hours, 10 minutes in May 2004.

The current record for staying on top is 20 hours and this was set by the late Babu Chiri Sherpa.

February 16th: New dates has been announced for holding the 10th National Open Paragliding Championship in Pokhara. The championship which was scheduled for January has been postponed and will be held from February 19th to 21st in Pokhara. According to the organisers, the event has been postponed owing to some technical problems.

February 16th: Nepal Tourism Board along with Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and three travel trade companies participated in 70th Travel and Tourism Fair & Outbound Travel Mart (TTF & OTM) at Ashok Hotel in New Delhi from 12th-14th February 2009. Major queries during the Fair were regarding having Nepal Tourism Board's (NTB) own office in New Delhi.Visitors also inquired about soft adventure and religious tours in Nepal.

February 15th: Air Kasthamandap Pvt. Ltd is preparing to launch a fleet of Pilatus Porter for air taxi and charter flights within two months. According to a press statement issued by the company, it planned to bring air taxies and Pilatus Porter as such single-engine aircraft are the most suitable for Nepalese terrain. Air Kasthamandap's target is o provide an affordable service. Since the operating cost of the aircraft is much lower than those of twin otters and Dornier,the airline stated that the fares will also be much lower. The airline will have Nepalgunj as its base.

February 13th: Narayanhiti Palace, the royal seat of the ousted Shah monarch, now renamed Narayanhiti Museum will be opened for public observation from February 26, 2009.The residential area of the royal family, public meeting place and Tribhuvan Sadan is expetced to be the main areas of attraction. Hitler's gift to Tribhuvan, a Daimler Benz car will also be kept for observation. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is expected to inaugurate the museum.

February 12th: Nepal Tourism Board along with national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and four travel trade companies participated in the 69th Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) & Outbound Travel Mart (TTF & OTM) from 7th-9th February 2009 at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra- Kurla Complex in Mumbai. TTF & OTM Mumbai had over 500 participants from 26 countries and from all over India. During the fair Nepal particularly highlighted the upcoming soft adventure options such as paragliding and ultralite flights, rafting and alsopilgrimage packages like the Mt. Kailash Mansaorovar packages along with Muktinath and Damodar Kund yatra.

February 11th: Speaking at an interaction programme on 10th February, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Qui Guohang remarked that Nepal needs to upgrade its tourism infrastructure in order to substantially increase the number of Chinese tourists to the country. The interaction programme was organized by Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the capital on Possibilities for Tourism promotion between Nepal and China. Minister(MoTCA) Hisila Yami, who was chief guest of the programme, said that the government is serious towards exploiting the tourism potential between Nepal and China.

February 10th: Starting February 9, 2009 Etihad Airways is offering special deals for its customers under its new Inspired Service campaign. Under Etihad's Inspired Service, the guest will enjoy the service of Diamond First Class for the price of Pearl Business Class and the service of Pearl Business Class for the price of the Coral Economy Class, a press release issued by the airlines stated. To avail the special services customers need to book their tickets within 9 to 28 February 2009 but the outbound travel period is extended till 31 March 2009 while the travel can be completed by 31 May 2009.

February 9th: In order to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 a success NTB has decided to continue with the 'Send Home a Friend - Nepal for all seasons' campaign for two more years. 'Send Home a Friend' campaign was internationally launched in London, UK, on Nov. 17, 2007, by the Government of Nepal to forge partnership with the NRNs in different parts of the world and to get their support in promoting Nepal's tourism. The campaign was actively promoted in coordination with Nepal Tourism Board and the Non Resident Nepalis' Association.

February 3rd: A month-long trekking guide training organized by Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) began today at NATHM. A total of 512 participants, including six women, are taking part in the training. The training is being conducted to produce skilled manpower in the trekking sector.

February 1st: Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have asked the government to issue visas for tourists from Pokhara. The tourism entrepreneurs put forth their demand to MoTCA minister Hisila Yami on Saturday, 31st January 2009.

January 30th: Shaun Swilling, a South African tourist, was rescued by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) staff and Tourist Police after he collapsed due to sudden diabetic attack in Belhiya, near Bhairahawa, while on his way to India on January 15. Swilling was rushed to Universal College of Medical Sciences Hospital for necessary medical treatment. During hospitalization, he was looked after by Tourist Police and NTB staff . NTB officials, in coordination with South African Embassy in Sri Lanka, traced his friend in Rishikesh, India and was called to take him back.

January 28th: Everest is fast gaining ground as a favorite playground for sports, so it seems. Just a few months back Everest was in the news for the skydiving event. Now the region is again set to witness the world's highest-ever cricket match, when two teams (Team Tenzing & Team Hillary) will battle it out in the high altitude grounds of Gorak Shep.

England captain Andrew Strauss is the honourary skipper of Team Tenzing, while England vice-captain Alastair Cook is doing likewise for Team Hillary. The teams, which include a handful of Australians and New Zealanders, hope to raise £250,000 for The Lord's Taverners and The Himalayan Trust UK. The two teams are to make a nine-day expedition in April to Gorak Shep, a plateau 5,165 metres above sea level near the Everest base camp, for the record-breaking Twenty20 charity game. The Gorak Shep.

January 25th: On the occasion of Nagarkot Naldum Lhoshar Festival to be celebrated from January 26 - 28, hotels in Nagarkot have decided to give 15-25 percent discount to domestic and international tourists on food and lodging. The festival is being organised by the Nagarkot Naldum Tourism Development Committee and will feature Lhosar worship, cultural tableau, handicraft workshop, lok dohari, food stall and exhibition of antique pieces.

January 24th: Etihad Airways, the national airline of United Arab Emirates, celebrated the completion of the first year of the commencement of its Kathmandu - Abu Dubai service on 23rd January '09. According to a press release issued Etihad Airways the Kathmandu service has proven to be a valuable link for business and leisure travelers. The flights also serve the 90,000 Nepalese nationals living in the UAE and across the Middle East. Etihad's Kathmandu operations have been popular with travelers flying to key destinations such as London, New York, Frankfurt, Doha, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

January 22nd: Explore Himalaya has recruited 10 new interns who are undergoing training at Explore Himalaya's tourism academy HATT(Himalayan Academy of Travel & Tourism) located in Thamel. Amit Lamichhane, IT Officer, is coaching the interns on using various computer programs and applications, plus Tour Control office software, a software that is used for tour booking.

January 21st: Explore Himalaya extends a warm welcome to Mr. Stephen McEvoy, Managing director of Asia world Enterprise, who is on a three-day visit to Nepal.

January 19th: Laxman Acharya (10 yrs), a child under EH's 'Each One Teach One' Community Project has received a sponsor from UK. Sophie Cooper is sponsoring Laxman's education in memory of her nephew Hector Cooper-Williams.

Details of Each One Teach One Project.

January 13th: According to a press release of NTB dated 12-1-09, Nepal pavilion was awarded 'Best Stall Decoration Award' at TTF Chennai. Nepal Tourism Board along with 6 travel trade companies participated in Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) from 9th-11th January 2009 in Chennai a city in south India. During the fair, Nepal was highlighted as the land of Gods and gateway to Mt. Kailash, abode of lord Shiva. Likewise, Nepal showcased the various other tourism attractions and activities of Nepal. Nepal's initiative to attract more tourists to Nepal, 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' was also highlighted in the fair.

January 7th: A Japanese climber and environmental activist Ken Noguchi has announced plans to start building a school in a village at the base of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. Mt.Manaslu (8,163m), a part of the Himalayan mountain range, was first climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956. Noguchi, 35, who set up a foundation for the purpose in 2006, was quoted as saying that construction of the school will start in March and will be finished in two years.

January 2nd: The year 2008 saw a total of 8,13,561 tourists arrival in Nepal, an increase of 64.74 per cent, as compared to 2007.

The highest tourist generating markets are India, UK and US. The recorded number of visitors to Nepal in 2008 are: 11,998 from Australia, 11,679 from Bangladesh, 14,076 from China, 19,616 from France, 16,228 from Germany, 19,694 from Japan, 2,328 from Norway, 1,461 from Sri Lanka, 12,115 from Spain, 12,556 from Spain, 26,762 from the USA, 29,694 from the UK, 91,177 from India and 39,201 from other locations.

Recent data from TIA reveals that the highest number of tourists arrival, 90,923, was recorded in the month of October 2008.

Forty-two daring adventure seekers, including two Nepalis, enjoyed skydiving over the world's highest peak in the Everest Region from October 3-11.

The first ever skydiving in the Everest Region was jointly organized by High and Wild, an adventure outfitter from the United Kingdom, and Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure.

Fourteen divers enjoyed solo dives while 28 enjoyed crew team and tandem jumps, according to the organizers. The skydivers boarded a Pilatus Porter from Tenzing-Hillary airstrip in Lukla and launched themselves from above the height of Mt. Everest and descended down to Syangboche through parachutes following a free fall of a few minutes. Nima Tamang and Maya Gurung became the first Nepalis to enjoy skydiving. Several world-record holders including Windy Smith from New Zealand also enjoyed the thrilling adventure in the Everest Region.

The divers used specially-made parachutes with canopies three times the regular size. They also wear neoprene suits and thermal gear to keep out the freezing cold on the descent and have bottled oxygen strapped to their waist. Meanwhile, participants at a function organised on October 14 to discuss about the prospects of skydiving in Nepal said the adventure sport held great prospects for Nepal.

"I ask the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to realize the prospects of this adventure sport and promote it in international arena accordingly," said Suman Pandey of Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure. Pandey also said that divers from 15 countries participated in the skydiving.

Many international media including BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera and Channel 5 covered the skydiving in the Everest Region. Speaking at the programme, Prachanda Man Shrestha, chief executive officer NTB, said the NTB would promote skydiving would help Nepal in the upcoming Visit Nepal Year 2011 campaign. "We will promote this sport as a new adventure sport in Nepal," Shrestha said.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation has said that government is committed to buying at least two aircraft for the ailing national flag carrier-Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Speaking at an interaction in Kathmandu on October 12, Yami said, "As an immediate solution we are leasing two aircraft. The government will buy at least two aircraft for NAC after the suggestion committee submits its report on October 21." She also said that the government was undecided over buying Airbus or Boeing aircraft.

She also said that the process of purchasing new aircraft would be transparent and that there would be no controversy.

"The NAC needs at least four aircraft to cope with the increasing demand of air seats," she said and added that the government was planning to mark the year 2011 as Visit Nepal Year to bring at least one million visitors to the country.

As per the new provision, gratis visa that was being given in Nepal for 3 days has been waived off. In fact 3 kind of Tourist visa will be issued according to the number of days applied for. Much controversies regarding gratis visa for 3 days were talked about before as many viewed that it was as attractive factor while other opposed and said that it was being misused and no gain was there as many just stayed here for a day or two and used it as transit to go to China or India. The new visa structure has been set as US $ 25 to obtain Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days. Like wise, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days at US $ 40 and Multiple Entry for 90 Days at US $ 100 has been confirmed. Prior to this the fee was US $ 30 which granted tourist stay for 60 days. Like wise, the government has also revised fee required to extend days of stay and visa renewal. Tourist Visa can now be extended by paying for the charge for 15 days at first and then pay US $ 2 per day if extension is made for more than 15 days and Tourist who over stay will have to pay a total of US $ 5 per day.

Apart from this tourist on Business Visa will have to follow new regulation. Foreigners who have invested more than NRS 100 million will be granted gratis visa for as long as they stay whereas those who have invested more than NRS 10 million will be charged US $ 100 per year and foreigners who have invested less than NRs 10 million will have to pay US $ 300 per year. Here the charges have been fixed as per the amount of investment done. On the other hand, those who stay here on student visa have been classified into 2 groups' i.e. Non Degree and Degree students. Previously the visa charges for both the groups was same as US $ 40 per policy students staying here and studying non degree courses like music, art languages etc. will be charged US $ 50 per month and those on degree will be charged US $ 20 per month. Excluding the visa, new regulation on royalty fees to controlled areas which have been revised are set as US $ 500 for a trekker in Upper Mustang or Upper Dolpo . This US $ 500 will entitle the tourist a permit to the area for the tourists a permit to the area for the first 10 days. After this if the trekker wants to extend his stay he will have to pay US $ 50 each day. Equally, Trekker in Manaslu and Humla Region will need to pay US $ 50 for a week. If he extends his stay after that he will have to pay US $ 7 each day. Previously the trekkers were charged US $ 70 for a week and after that US $ 10 for each extra day. Correspondingly, permit fee for Kanchanjunga , Lower Dolpa and Gaurishankar and Lamabagar has been fixed at US $ 10 per person per week. However, permit fee for Chekampar and Chunchet of Gorkha district has been fixed at US $ 35 per person for eightdays during September to November and US $ 25 per person per eight days during December to August.

The government has named Lukla Airport and trekking route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp (EBC) after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first summiteers on Mt. Everest. Now onwards, the airport will be termed Tenzing-Hillary Airport and the route will be named as Tenzing-Hillary Route. The decision regarding this was taken on a Cabinet Meeting held on February 10, 2008. The proposal for this was taken to the cabinet by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The government has also decided to name one mountain peak after Sir Edmund Hillary. Ministry source say that the peak is yet to be decided. The government has also decided to observe May 29, the day of the first ascent of Mt. Everest back in 1953, as International Everest Day. TAAN had asked the government to commemorate the day as 'International Everest Day' and develop it as a day dedicated to mountain and mountaineering. Likewise, the Ministry also decided to install the statues of Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay at the premises of International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.

With the objective of raising awareness about the impact of climate change in the Himalayas, Eco Everest Expeditions 2008 is being organized in the spring of 2008 jointly by International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Asian Trekking. The expedition will also mark ICIMOD's 25th anniversary. This was informed in a press conference organized in Kathmandu on February 11, 2008. 'Eco Everest Expedition will be a platform to draw maximum global attention to the issues of climate change and melting glaciers in the Himalayas. It will specifically highlight the threats glacial lake outburst floods pose to the local communities and environment in the region. It will also raise awareness on early warning systems and on conserving the fragile mountain ecosystem,' reads a press statement release jointly be the organizers. Renowned Japanese alpinist and conservationist, Ken Noguchi will also be on the expedition as its senior advisor. Likewise, it is supported and endorsed by the pioneering US mountaineer Conrad Anker. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking will lead the expedition. As the main partner, ICIMOD will provide technical support for the expedition and carry out scientific research in the Khumbu Region, focusing on the Imja and Dig Tsho glacial lakes. At the sidelines of the expedition, clean-up campaigns, awareness raising workshops amongst local communities, a photo exhibition will also be organized. Likewise, the organizers are also planning to develop a ten-point recommendation for 'Eco Code of Conduct' which will be field tested during the Eco Everest Expeditions 2008.

The increasing trend in tourist arrival to Nepal continued in January, 2008, bringing in 2985 more visitors as compared to January last year. According to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), January recorded healthy increment of 12.9% against the arrival figure of same period last year (via air only). According to statistical figures disseminated by NTB, arrivals from the SAARC region increased by 7% despite the decline in arrivals from India (-12.2%) and Sri Lanka (-12.5%). The European and North American markets have registered robust growth of 33.1% and 34.3% respectively. China (96.8%), South Korea (5.1%), Thailand (23.2 %) and Malaysia (12.1 %) posted a remarkable growth. In January, South Korea contributed more than 10% of the total tourist arrival. However, arrivals from another stable market for Nepal, Japan, went down by 15.3%. Among European countries, the UK (33.9 %), France (78.5 %), Germany (4.5 %), Spain (28.5 %), and Netherlands (36.5 %) have recorded a significant growth showing increased consumer confidence towards the destination. However, arrivals from Austria declined by 7.5%. Nepal received record number of visitors in the year 2007 surpassing the best figures of 1999. With substantial increase in tourist arrival in January, it can be expected that the coming months will also record impressive growth rates.

An agreement has been signed between Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal(TAAN) with an objective of maintaining the database of trekkers and discouraging illegal operation in trekking business to implement the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) from 1st January 2008.

As per the provision, all trekkers should have the valid TIMS Certificate that is distributed free of charge by the TIMS counters of NTB and TAAN. Nepal Tourism Board will provide TIMS Certificate free of cost to both trekkers who wish to go to trekking through government registered trekking companies and individual trekkers(FIT).

As per agreement, TAAN would use the offices of all its member agents as TIMS Counter. Trekking agencies that aren't affiliated with TAAN, however, have to get TIMS certificates from either TAAN Secretariat or NTB. Similarly, TAAN's Pokhara Chapter member agencies of TAAN Pokhara Chapter would distribute TIMS Certificate in Pokhara.

It is believed that the database will become useful to rescue the trekkers during the emergencies and it will also help us to ascertain the number of trekkers in a particular trekking route.

TIMS Certificate can be obtained from NTB Office, Bhrikutimandap, NTB Office Pokhara, Belahia-Bhairahawa, Gadda Chauki- Mahendranagar, Kakarvitta and other designated counters by NTB in future.

In a bid to upgrade its fleet and extend services, the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is planning to acquire two more aircraft-- one wide-bodied and another medium-sized aircraft.

Unveiling the white paper of NAC on December 3, 2006, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Pradeep Gyawali announced the decision. The white paper has emphasised the need for the national flag carrier to have at least two aircraft to tap the European and regional markets.

NAC has formed a committee under the convenorship of its Deputy General Manager Mr. K B Paudyal to forward the process of buying the aircraft.

According to Mr. Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the committee will conduct a cost-benefit analysis within a month to pave the way for early procurement of new aircraft. With its ageing two Boeing 757s, the national carrier operates flights in seven countries at present.

With the peace process gaining due momentum, the Nepalese tourism business has begun showing indications of recovery.

Visitors' inflow to Nepal by air in November, 2006 increased by about 7 percent as compared to the number of the corresponding month of last year. Likewise, the number of Indian tourists, who came to the country last month, shot up by 1.5 percent in comparison with the figure of the same period of 2005.

A total of 29, 407 tourists visited Nepal in the month of November, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Of the total number, Indian market covered 23%, Japanese 11%, British 8%, American 6.8% and German 5.9%.

Air China is preparing to extend its service to Nepal from different Chinese cities from early next year. General Manager of Kathmandu office of Air China, Qiao Shuwen, said the airline would operate one flight every day from Lhasa to Kathmandu during July-October 2007. The Chinese airliner has been operating flights on Lhasa-Kathmandu route during the high tourism season only. "It will also give continuity to four flights a week in March - June, which it has been operating at present in other seasons as well," Shuwen said. Passengers can fly to Chinese cities Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao and other major cities from Kathmandu on the same day once China Air expands its services. This was disclosed in a program jointly organized by Nepal Tourism Board and Air China on November 26, 2006.

Nepal Tourism Board and Air China have agreed to carryout various tourism joint promotion programs in Nepal and China. As per the agreement Nepal Tourism Board and Air China will jointly invite 10 journalists and Air China will invite 10 tour operators from China for familiarization trip of Nepal between 25 November and 2nd December 2006. NTB will take care of all the necessary logistics and ground handling in Nepal and Air China will provide 20 FOC (free of charge) round trip air tickets for Beijing Kathmandu sector for the tour operators and journalists. The journalists and tour operators are currently visiting various places of tourist's interest in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan.

Similarly, NTB and Air China also agreed to organize press and tour operators' meets in Kathmandu and five major cities of China viz. Lhasa, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. The first leg of the program has been organized in Kathmandu in November 26 amidst a gathering of Nepalese and Chinese tour operators and journalists. Air China also made announcements of its new flight-schedules between Chendgu-Lhasa-Kathmandu routes during the program. According to Air China, in 2007, it will operate daily flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu in high season, from July 1 to October 30; 4 flights a week in normal season, from March 29 to June 30 and once a week during low season, November 1 to March 28.