Bhaktapur Photos, Images of Bhaktapur, Temple, Pagodas and Locals

British Gorkha Expedition team bid first attempt to Everest 2017

British Gorkha Expedition team bid this year first attempt to Mt. Everest Summit 2017.

Photo source Kovács Gábor

Team of Rope fixing climbers (Rope and Icefall Doctors) successfully scaled Mt. Everest Top from Nepal ridge on may 11. After it, Everest Summit route is open from Nepal side yesterday and British Gorkha Expedition team bid this year first attempt to Mt. Everest Summit 2017. Base Camp Government  official explain, Team of Sherpa Climbers with at least others 12 expedition member including  British Gorkha Climber Team. They made summit at mid night 1.30PM.

Photo Credit by Mingma Tenji Sherpa/Himalayan Times

“They have opened a climbing route by fixing ropes to the summit point,” Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, a 10-time Everest summiteers, said from the base camp.

Pema Chhiring and Pem Chhiri were also part of the British Gurkha Expedition, he said.

Many team of climbers (About 375+ climbers) they are struggled in camp IV from the hard weather, those will heading soon to summit within couple of days. According of base camp official, at same time Mt. Lhotse (The 4th highest summit of the world ) climbers also heading to summit from camp IV to summit of Lhotse.

At least from 6 weeks, the climbers start their expedition from Base Camp of Everest and settle the Base Camp by their expedition crew.

Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang 2023

Tiji festival is the Tibetan three day dance rituals in Lo-Manthang, Mustang. The festival is about a historical story where the Lord Buddha's incarnation Dorjee Sonnu battles against his demon father to save the kingdom of Mustang from destruction. This is not only a festival but resembles the great history of Lo-manthang and the Choedhe Monastery is organizing yearly on May. The festival takes lasts for 3 days and during the festival, the monks with the colorful dress perform ritual dances. First day the group of monks dance Tsa Chham with different traditional cloths and mask. Second day it follows as Naga Chham dance and third day, there will be Rha Chham.


Tiji festival trekking is a spring festival in Nepal that combines the visit of Mustang villages, monasteries, Buddhist shrines and temples. Tiji festival in 2023 is going to be held in 7, 8 and 9 May in Upper Mustang - Lo Manthang City.

Best 15 things to do in Nepal for Traveler

List of Best 15 things to do in Nepal for Traveler by popularity and demand report by Nepal tourism and Activities provider record.

Visit-16th centuries things and structures in Nepal, Kathmandu

Nepal  - Never Ending Peace and Love - a small country, playground of multiple adventure activities.  with the world highest peaks and mighty Himalayas, strong and fast blowing  Himalayan white rivers, UNESCO nature National Parks,  safari and beautiful smiling Nepalese faces. While you travelling in Nepal and around, there are some of most popular, adventures, historical attraction, natural and virtual thins to see and do.  Without those activities your  Nepal tour and holiday trips won't be complete. Here are those recommended  activities for you which was most popular and rated by every tourist, travelers during the their travelling period of Nepal.

1: Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is one of most popular and demanded, first choice of every tourist while they entering in Nepal. According from Nepal tourism board and immigration almost 65 percentage tourist are attending in kinds of trekking and hiking in Nepal.  the Mr. Everest Base Camp hiking route, Annapurna circuit and langtang national park are first, second and third popular trekking destination among the travelers and backpacker. Those 3 trekking routes  taking 80 percentage tourist every year in Nepal. Because of freestyle without any permit limitation, easy to find guest house accommodation and catering service those are always first choice for every trekkers in Nepal. After that, Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga base camp and Kathmandu Valley treks are second optional choice for trekkers in Nepal. Those are relatively getting more popular every day. Instate of Kathmandu Valley trek, every trekkers required special trekking permit and at least a government license holder trekking guide through registered trekking  agencies.  Individual trekkers are not allowed to trek this special and developing tea house trek route.

Trekking in Nepal Himalayas

Rest of trekking route in Nepal there are not such guest house accommodation and trekkers nee to join for organize trek which is really wilderness and a amazing experience. But, those camping trek relatively more costly than tea house trek. Like Dolpo trekking, Humla Limi Valley, Makalu Base Camp, Dhaulagiri circuit, Ganesh Himal trek, Rara lake and other non touristic trek are popular for camping trek. This trek routes taking only few percentage of trekkers every year.

2: Mountaineering/Expedition in Himalayas.
Nepal is home of high altitude mighty Himalayas including world top mountain Mt. Everest, third tallest peak Kanchenjnga and other seven 8000 meters mountains peaks.  Every year more 1000 popular climbers engaging for Nepalese Mountains for climbing and expedition. Nepal produce large selection of first class experience climbing Sherpa helping those climbers in Himalayas.  Those climbing mountain bringing high amount of foreign Currency  income for the government and is it one of biggest source of for Nepal.  Mt. Everest is most popular peak for all because of cost, risk and personal suitability, only limit climbers will get this opportunity to attempt the summit of Mt Everest.

If you go small expedition in Nepal up to 6500 Meters called trekking peak climbing. Those peaks are most demanding climbing peaks and first choice for many tourist in Nepal after the trekking. Simply tourist can involve after trekking or combined trek and climbing trips together in same trips with experience Climbing Sherpa and support team. For climbing peaks in Nepal required only basic climbing  knowledge and fully  climbing equipment. Off course you need to be fit for climbing  know alpine/high altitude experience.

Island peak is most popular climbing peak of Nepal by the popularity among the tourist and this peak is one of highest amount royalty collector trekking peak of Nepal. The peak lies in Mt. Everest area and most of the tourist/climbers they climb island peak after or before Everest Base Camp Trek. Many of climber they climb this peak for experience and to get acclimatizing  before going to Everest climbing. Lobuche peak is second popular climbing peak and it stand just west corner of Everest Base Camp Trekking trail in Lobuche. Third popular climbing peak located in Makalu Varun National park. It name is Mera peak and the trekking route begin from Lukla after the Emotional flight to Tenzing Hillary airport Lukla. Others popular climbing peak located in Annapurna Base Camp - The Tent Peak, in the route of Annapuran Circuit trail Pisang Peak and Chulu East, Nayakanga and Yala peaks stand in Langtang National Park and Dhampus peak is in Dhaulagiri circuit trek route.

To climbing all the trekking peaks required climbing permit and experience climbing sherpa which is authorize by Nepal Mountaineering Association. You get permit through reputable and registered trek company of Nepal.

3: Culture tours in Kathmandu and Beyond.
Nepal is a reach country for their generation Hindus and Buddhist tradition, religion and own Himalayan Buddhist culture. The country, where you can find many combined inhabitant, happiness, peace and mind and vibrant of colorful festival. Kathmandu itself capital and a town of Temple and Hindus/Buddhist Good and Goddess. Every people of kathmandu, they believe their act and karma, respect the tradition and cultures. Every corner of Kathmandu valley you experience as holistic. Here are uncountable faces of good and goddess. Every of them symbolic something. They believe reincarnation and still offer blood for good and goddess by sacrificing animal. To respect the foreigner, eat huge amount of Dal Bhat (Rice with Lintel soup and Veg/Met) and look happiness is their tradition.

4: White river rafting.
Nepal is rich country for Highest Himalayas, green rain forest and natural springs. Here are many rivers begin from high mountain glacier and is has always high current water flow.  These river are perfect for rafting and kayaking. You can enjoy from the day rafting trips to 2 weeks multiday trips by boat in Nepal rivers. From 3+ standard rapid till 6+ rapid you can experience. Many professional rafting agencies offering this service through local experience rafting and kayaking guides team with camping option.

Trishuli and Seti both rivers are classic gold for almost 50 percentage river rafting tourists.  Because of easy transport assess, multiple option from day trips to overnight and cost this 2 river getting more popular among the tourist and agencies. Rest rivers are more challenge and high rapids you need to be fit and stop overnight camping. Marshyangdi, Kaligandaki, Bhotekoshi, Karnali, Tamor and Sunkoshi are others popular rivers for White water challenge in Nepal.

5: Mountain Bike Adventures.
Mountain bike is new established and well known adventure activity in Nepal among the bike lover tourist. It still growing slowly but also it has great role to introduce Nepal on foot and by paddling in the reality. Nepal recently organized Asian Downhill Championship and organize many international event for all bikers. Every year here is Yak Attack in the Annapurna circuit trail over the himalayas. Yak Ru and Enduro Championship. Every day young people of kathmandu and around increasing lots of biking fans and team.

Biking in Kathmandu Valley Nepal

Among the tourist Around Kathmandu Valley, Day trips biking, Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang and Classic route to Pokhara from Kathmandu trips are so much popular. About 10 percentage of tourist they are involving any kinds of bike trips in Nepal.

6: Jungle Safari in UNESCO Park Chitwan and Bardiya National Park.

Meet Elephant in Chitwan Safari

It is small land lock country but reach for natural resource and wildlife. In Nepal, here is 2 ECO and UNESCO National parks and many National parks to preserve the domestic wild animal and water source.  About 25 percentage tourist they visiting those national parks for their wildlife activities.
Chitwan and Bardiya both are popular National parks for Wildlife safari and activities to see the wild animals. Nepal is home for one horned Rhinos and Royal Bengal Tigers, Snow leopard and Various Vulture. More than 800 different species of birds and 100s of reptiles.

7: Paragliding in Pokhara.

Paragliding in Nepal Pokhara

Paragliding is one of fastest growing and most popular adventure air sport in Nepal. Specially Pokhara is most popular sport for Paragliding and it is world best place listed in Paragliding community. When you take this flight you grave 8000 meters to 800 meters landscapes from the 10000ft.  Almost 15 percentage of tourist in Nepal and 95 percentage of Chinese Tourist they taking this flight in Pokhara, Kathmandu and from Bandipur around.

8: Everest Flight.

Everest Flight in Nepal From Kathmandu

Mt. Everest Flight is one of most popular scenic nonstop flight which is operating from Kathmandu and Pokhara airport every morning. It is about 1 hours circuit flight to and nearby Mt. Everest and more. Use small aircraft with every person window seat. That make you flight emotional. Relatively this is quite expensive flight but almost every age people can join this activities. About 30 percentage tourist taking this flight to Everest .

9: Cannoning in Water Falls.

Cannoning in Nepal Water Fall

It is also a on growing adventure activity in Nepal among the young and adventure tourist. Only few percentage traveler are attracting for this.

10: Bird Watching in Shivapuri National Park.

Bird Watching in Shivaruri National Park Nepal

Bird watching is personal interested activities for special people. Those who are specialist for bard and activities, Nepal is home for more than 800 different species of birds with many of migrant birds from Siberia on seasonal. You can involve a tour for bird watching nearby kathmandu valley on Shivarpri National park and chitwan National Park. Can hire a Nature specialist and Bird specialist guide as well.

11: Farm House stay in Nepal.

Farm House stay in Nepal with Nepali Family

It is the another best opportunity for tourist to learn and know about Nepal, local culture, tradition get knowledge of Nepalese lifestyle.  Many of Nepali people out of the big city they are small farmer and doing their farming work in their own land. All year they are busy for harvesting, new planting, preparation and re planting  different types and seasonal fruits, foods, herbs and species. This activities will help you to grow our mind and peace as well. Use organic product, more fiber foods and daily activities you feel more healthy always.

12: Volunteering in Remote Schools

Volunteering in Nepal School in Remote Area

Volunteering as a teacher and communities is the best way to help in Nepal and Nepalese communities. This is the only work where Nepalese communities will get direct and so quick benefit from tourist. Here are so many schools in remote areas, small hospital and health post.  Where people and kids really looking something new, technology and experience form different workers. There you can involve and share your experience and get knowledge from the local as well.

13: Bungy Jumping.

Bungy Jumping in Nepal 

Bungy is most adventure and thrilling sport of Nepal and there are only 2 different places service. In Kathmandu and Pokhara. The first 1 is nearby Tibet Border over the Bhotekoshi River almost 160mtrs. 2nd is in Pokhara  only short jump. Bungy is popular among the Israeli and Indian young tourist and of course some of people from around the world.

14: Yoga, Natural Therapy  and Massage.

Natural Therapy in Nepal 

Nepal is the land of Hinduism, Buddhism and reach of spiritual  and nature source. Here are many peace and mind places, himalayas and yoga teachers  and Gurus who teaching their tradition as a culture. Every year many tourist and people visit Nepal for Yoga and retreat to get peace and satisfaction in their life. Lots of Monasteries, Ashram, School, Studios and local Yoga teacher offering their course for tourist and Nepali.

This relax activity, Spa and Therapy is one of another relax and timeout holidays suitability in Nepal. Many of tourist after the adventure trek, tours and activities they want to use is always.  Almost, every nice and popular hotels and resorts they do offer that service.

15: Nepali Cooking Course.

Cook Nepali Dal Bhat with Nepali Style Course

Cooking course is one of most effective activity for every tourist and traveler in Nepal by their interested. Most of Women traveler in Nepal they more interested than mans. Learn how to cook Nepali food with Nepali Experience cook and with family. Like Dal Bhat, MoMo, Roti, Tarkari, Dal and Masu, Aachar are popular dishes in Nepal.

Holi - Colorful Festival in Nepal

Holi is a festival of color celebrated in March 12, 2017 in Kathmandu Valley and March 13 in Terai region. The festival also symbolizes the farewell of winter and welcoming the glooming spring summer season. Celebrated in Full moon day in Falgun (March) is also called as Fagu purnima in Nepali. As the festival of color, water, sweets and music, people put color on each other and sharing the love with delicious food and music. In day time, people of all age group play with color and water and at evening sing, dance and eat the delicious food gathering the family members. Holi holds a mythological importance - that of the triumph of good over evil. It is also associated with the eternal love of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The holy festival is celebrated in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

Mira Rai voted National Geographic’s 2017 People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year

Photo Credit : Lloyd Belcher

The Nepalese trail Runner Mira Rai has been voted as the National Geographic’s 2017 People’s Choice adventurer of the Year 2017. According to a press release by National Geographic, she was selected from an impressive group of adventurers whose extraordinary achievements in exploration, conservation, humanitarianism and adventure sports distinguished them in the past year. The 10 honorees were announced on Nov. 3, 2016, and the public was invited to vote through Dec. 16, 2016, for the People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year.

Rai, along with ten other adventurers, had been nominated for NatGeo's annual list that selects adventurers for their extraordinary achievement in exploration, adventure sports, conservation, or humanitarianism.

 She was on the competition along with other adventurers include, Park Protectors Pete McBride and Kevin Fedarko, Rock Climber Ashima Shiraishi, Cave Diver Krzysztof Starnawski, Celestial Circumnavigators Hōkūle‘a Team, Ocean Advocate Shannon Switzer Swanson, Kayaker Semit Lee, Paraglider Antoine Girard, Wilderness Defender Kristine McDivitt Tompkins and Mountaineer Colin Haley. The 29-year-old former Maoist soldier had garnered the highest votes among the 10 nominees.

In 2016, Mountaineer Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita was voted as the 2016 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year and in 2017, Mira Rai save the position for the same category for Nepal.

Congratulations Mira Rai!!! - Nepal Footprint Holiday (P) Ltd.

Nepal Travel Guide 2023

Nepal is a landlocked country situated in between two giant countries India and Tibet. Rich in culture and nature, Nepal is the home to the world's highest glorious mountain peaks including Mount Everest as top of the world. 

If you are planning for Nepal Holiday in 2023, 24 then our travel guide will help you to get the essential information about the trip plan, accommodation, food, money, shopping, health, transport, visa information, travel insurance, climate and gears. Nepal is a small Himalayan country in south Asia lying between the two big countries China and India. With an area of 147,181 sq. kms. and population approx. 27 million, Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country.

Visiting Nepal in Spring and Autumn season are highly recommended as during these seasons, weather is clear enough to view the mountains and landscapes, blooming rhododendron forests will be awesome, temperature will be moderate and opportunity to join the Nepalese greatest festivals.

The transportation and luxury hotels are available in city areas whereas in the Himalayan areas, you are managed to stay in tea-houses and homestay. Normal Nepalese food is available in the village areas whereas in the city areas, you can taste the international cuisines as per your interest.

Except Indian, all of international tourist are required an entry visa which can be obtained from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and in the boarder between India and China.

Nepal Travel Information

Nuwakot Bull Fighting Festival

The annual bullfighting festival at Taruka Village (76 km north of Kathmandu Valley) in Nuwakot is going to be held on January 14 this year as organisers said.

The event is going to be organized on the auspicious occasion of Maghe Sankranti, one of the popular Hindu festival in Nepal and India will be a great highlight for visitors. Around fourteen bulls took part in the competition this year in a ring overlooking the stunning terraced hillsides of Nuwakot in front of huge crowd of visitors. For the annual bullfighting event, the bulls are selected when they are calves and are trained to fight. The festival is going popular in Nepal in different parts of the country, including Dhading, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung and Tanahun.

As we operate the animal friendly tourism in Nepal, we strongly avoid and raise voice to save animals against such events that give torture to the animals. Bull is worshipped during the Tihar festival by Hindus and consider to the father. Also the bull is worshipped as the vahan or vehicle of Lord Shiva. Bullfighting was banned 20 years ago in neighboring India, but the event is going to be popular in Nepal. 

Top 5 Mountain Biking Holidays in Nepal Himalayas in 2017

Do you love adventure? then why not Mountain Biking. Biking the rugged Himalayan trail is the fastest growing adventure holidays in Nepal.

Nepal is one of the world's best adventure destination with the eight of the world's 14 highest mountain peaks including Mount Everest. Due to the natural and cultural diversity, Nepal has been developing as the hub for Biking Holidays. Those who are planning for cycling in the Mountains, in the rugged trails of mid-hills and lower Great Himalayan Trail, We Nepal Footprint Holidays are arranging pedaling adventure throughout Nepal.

Along with Nepal, we operate Mountain Biking Trips to Tibet and Bhutan in the High Himalayas Single Track in the lap of Himalayas. Mountain Biking is not only the epic adventures but it provides the opportunity to explore the remote villages, jungles, scenic beauty, the Himalayas and beautiful panorama.

The most popular Mountain Biking destinations are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mustang, Annapurna and Langtang. With our expert guides, we are operating Biking adventures in Nepal this year 2017. If you are planning for epic adventures this season, join our Mountain Biking Holidays.

Top 5 Mountain Biking Holidays in Nepal Himalayas
Kathmandu Cultural Trail Biking
Kathmandu Pokhara Biking
Upper Mustang Biking
Annapurna Circuit Biking
Biking Langtang Tibet Border

Nepal Holiday Tour Packages 2017

Nepal is a country of beautiful sceneries, rich culture and historical sites, wildlife and adventure trekking spots. Not only for Himalayan adventure activities, Nepal is also popular for cultural, historical, wildlife and pilgrimage tours. The places like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan are popular for historical and cultural tours whereas Chitwan National park offers the adventure wildlife safari holidays.

If you are looking for Nepal Holiday Tour Packages 2017, Nepal Footprint Holiday operates
Kathmandu Day Tour
Kathmandu City Tour
Explore Nepal Tour
Culture and Wildlife Tour
Mountain Mystical Nepal Tour
Pilgrimage Tour
Buddhist Tour in Nepal
Discover Nepal Tour
Honeymoon Package Tour

Guerrilla Trail Trek route in Nepal officially open by Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda

Guerrilla Trek-Nepal - Photo Credit - Online-Khabar

Guerrilla Trekking which was used by the then Moists during the civil war, officially opened by PM Prachanda today. A historical and scenic trekking trail from Myagdi to Rukum offers you to explore the history of a decade before Civil War. The trekking type is remote area hiking trail of western Nepal.

Today 24th December 2016, Prime Prime Minister of Nepal, Prachanda officially opened this trek route from Chunwang village of Rukum District. In same time PM. Prachanda has open a museum  'Maoist Civil war of Nepal' in there. The museum explain about the maoist war in the past 10 years in Nepal and their historical and warriors  memories for the tourist who will join this guerrilla trek in Nepal. A trek cover wild and remote part of Nepal Dolpo, Rukum, Rolpa, Baglung and Myagdi district and it connect the Annapurna Circuit trail, Dhaulagiri trekking  and more region of Nepal.

PM. Prachanda went there with more than 10  Maoist leaders, officials and with his wife by Special Helicopter. Prachanda will attend an social awareness program in there and will back today in kathmandu.

Guerrilla trekking -Nepal, Photo Credit - Online - Khabar

Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Nepal

19 November 2016, Kathmandu Nepal, In front of Nepal Footprint Holiday sales office, Thamel.

Celebrated Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Nepal.

Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m / 28169ft.)  is 3^rd tallest mountain in the world and Mt. Makalu  (8485m / 27838ft. ) is 5^th highest mountain in earth. Both mountains are standing in the North East of Nepal. First attempt of Mt. Kanchenjunga on 25 May 1955. And 1955 May, On 15 May 1955, French team attempt the summit of Mt. Makalu first time.

The event organized by Nepal Mountaineering Association and many of tourism related association, interpreter, organization and agencies were participated. The march rally made a short circuit of Kathmandu thamel area and it cross through the Nepal Footprint Holiday trek.

Mt. Makalu/Mt. Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

Makalu Diamond Year celebration, Nepal

Mt. Kanchenjunga Diamond Year Festival

Monks Parade for Makalu Diamond Celebration

Parade on the occasion of Kanchenjunga Diamond Celebration

Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga

Nepal Footprint Holiday Operates Mountain Biking in Bhutan

Bhutan is the best travel destination with the mountains, the valley of Himalaya ranges and the remote villages offering prominent options to fulfil the lifetime adventure for adventure lovers. Mountain Biking in Bhutan is gaining popularity among the worldwide tourists.

Nepal Footprint Holiday has been operating with the great success since its inception. We guarantee the unique and authentic way of exploring the natural spectacle and interaction with the local people. Bhutan Biking offers the superb chance to experience the breathtaking adventurous sports.

Currently we are operating Bhutan Biking Tour starting from November 7 - November 14. Our Managing Director, Mr. Bashu Thapaliya will be leading the group to the Thimpu, Paro, Punakha and Tiger Nest.

Visit our website for more details about Bhutan Biking Tours.

Mira Rai nominated for National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year 2017

Mira Rai, a Nepalese trail runner has been nominated for National Geographic's Adventurer of the year 2017. As a teenager, Rai joined the Maoist rebel movement. She has been selected for nomination among the 10 honorees based on their extraordinary achievements in exploration, adventure sports, conservation or humanitarianism in the past year.

Online voting for the 2017 People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year is now open and will run through Dec. 16, 2016. Fans can go to www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/adventurers-of-the-year.html to vote every day for their favorite honoree.

The adventurer with the most votes at the end of the voting period will be announced in January as the 2017 People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year.

Former Maoist combatant, Rai, who hails from hilly district Bhojpur, has already achieved the Skyrunning World Championships award.

National Geographic has named Adventurers of the Year since 2006 and mountaineer Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita was voted the 2016 People's Choice Adventurer of the year.

Nepal Footprint Holiday Fixed Departures

If you are looking for Nepal short tour and trekking packages? or willing to join a group, Nepal Footprint Holiday has some fixed departure trips for you that has been specially designed according to our clients.

Here we have the list of some trips that you may like to do
Everest Mountain Flight - Every Morning ($195)
Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour - Every Day ($55)
Sunrise/Sunset Tour - Every Day ($40)
Day Hiking Tour - Every Day ($45)
White Water River Rafting - Every Day ($35)
Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari - Every Day ($90)
Poon Hill Trek 5-7 Days (Price on request)

Domestic Trekkers Flow High in Annapurna Circuit

The world famous Annapurna Circuit trekking route has been a big draw for foreign adventurers for decades, but now the scenic walking trail in the Annapurna mountains of central Nepal has been pulling domestic thrill seekers in droves too.

According to the police office in Mustang, around 1,800 Nepali trekkers have been arriving daily since the start of the Dashain festival. The Jomsom and Muktinath trekking trails are part of the Annapurna Circuit.

Upper Mustang, Thorung La Pass, Tilicho Lake in Manang and a number of places in the Annapurna foothills are major attractions for domestic tourists. “More than a dozen reserved vehicles enter Mustang daily,” said Yogendra Yadav, sub-inspector of the Ghasa Police Office in Mustang. “This year, domestic visitor numbers have been encouraging.”

All hotels on the route from Jomsom to Mustang are packed. “This year has been really surprising. We have not seen such a big number of domestic visitors,” said Mohan Kumari Serchan, the proprietor of Hotel Muktinath in Jomsom.

Bel Bahadur Pun, an official at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (Acap) Jomsom, said that they didn’t keep records of Nepali vacationers visiting the area, but that their numbers were exceptional this year.

Tourism entrepreneurs said that the number of domestic tourists had been increasing by the day. They added that a rise in disposable incomes was one of the major reasons behind the motivation to see one’s country.

“I have been mesmerized by the beauty of Muktinath,” said Pabitra Thapa, a local of Lamachaur, Pokhara.

“It was the experience of a lifetime. We enjoyed a lot,” she said. “I would like to visit this place again.”

Likewise, the number of sightseers travelling from Beni to Jomsom by motorcycle has risen sharply after the construction of the road.

The September-November period is considered to be the best time for trekking in Nepal due to the excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

According to a report entitled Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2016 published by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the total contribution of travel and tourism to Nepal’s gross domestic product (GDP) was Rs173.7 billion (8.1 percent of GDP) in 2015, and is forecast to rise 6.5 percent in 2016.

Domestic travel spending generated 57.5 percent of direct travel and tourism GDP in 2015 compared to 42.5 percent for foreign visitor spending or international tourism receipts. Acap statistics show that foreign trekker numbers have also been rising. In August, there were 1,857 foreigners which is more than double the figure for the same period last year.

Likewise, 3,620 foreigners received trekking permits in September, up 89 percent compared to the same period last year.

Nepal on the Top 10 Best Value Destinations list for 2017

Nepal is a naturally beautiful country in the world and most popular destination for all kinds of adventure holidays and city guide sightseeing tour. Every year about 1 million tourist around the world visit Nepal for trekking, peak climbing, adventure holidays and cultural sightseeing tour. No doubt Nepal offers the best holiday activities according to the interest of tourist. This beautiful country has been listed on the top 10 best value destinations for 2017 by Lonely Planet.

According to the biggest travel guide books, The Lonely Planet says: “Even natural disasters can’t keep Nepal down for long. The 2015 earthquakes caused devastation, but what is most striking from a traveler's perspective is not how much was lost but how much remains. Landmark temples crumbled, but others came through with just the odd tile out of place, and whole swathes of the country escaped serious damage, including most of the popular trekking trails. Nepal has all the skills required to repair monuments and infrastructure, but what it does need is income. By visiting Nepal now and supporting local culture and people, you could help a nation rebuild and bounce back even stronger.”

Along with the Nepal, Canada, Colombia, Finland and Dominica complete the top five destinations for 2017. Similarly Nepal has also named as the best value for money destination for travelers in 2017.

The Lonely Planet website says “Nepal is bouncing back from earthquakes and a fuel strike that made getting round the country tough. It remains a fabulous choice for budget-conscious travelers, who can access the best of its world-famous trekking routes and underrated wildlife for well south of US$50 a day. Visitor numbers are slowly recovering and the time is ripe to get back to Nepal’s mighty mountains; wherever you go, you’ll receive a warm welcome, as your visit brings much-needed income to communities getting back on their feet.”

Solo trekker missing for a week in Annapurna Range

Israeli national Amit Mosche Reichman, 42, has gone missing while trekking along the Annapurna trekking circuit. Reichman had last contacted friends and families a week ago and was reported to have been trekking along the Mardi Himal trekking route. Since then his whereabouts remain unknown.

"Reichman contacted his family on 17 October. Since then, he has not come in contact with anyone," said police inspector Jayram Wanta, who is a part of the search team. "Our investigation so far has revealed that he had stayed at the Fishtail Guesthouse. From where he had headed out for Mardi Himal telling the lodge staff that he would return in two hours," Wanta added.

He informed that the search team has been searching for Riechman intensely in all the possible areas and trails of Mardi Himal area that is around 5553 meters above the sea level.

"His personal belongings, which include clothes and other stuffs, are at the hotel. Though he had told the hotel staffs that he would return back in around two hours for lunch, he never showed up."

The search team has been camping in higher altitude of Mardi Himal for conducting the search. Along with them, Israeli embassy has also sent out additional members with a helicopter for assisting, he informed.

"A joint search team which includes Nepal Police, search professionals sent by the Israeli embassy, locals and tourist guides has been making every effort possible to search Riechman. But so far we have not been able to get any positive sign," said Wanta. He informed that the search operation is getting affected from time to time due to bad weather. "We have been conducting aerial and ground search, despite challenging weather. But so far we have been not successful."


Apart from the lodge staff, Riechman was spotted by another team of trekkers just few kilometers away from the lodge. But he is reported to have separated from them after a while. Since then, he was not spotted by anyone, the search team informed.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) records state that Riechman, who is an engineer by profession, arrived in Nepal on October 2 and has a visa valid until the end of the month. He had taken permission from the NTB, Pokhara, for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp after Mardi Himal.

Tourism entrepreneurs informed that it takes an additional day of trek from Mardi Himal to reach the high camp. As the trek above the high camp is very tough, only few tourists go for it.

"It is very tough to trek above the high camp. So many trekkers give up the quest from there. It is not possible to climb it without using expedition gear," said Milan Tiwari, a trekking guide.

Missing tourists: A challenge in Annapurna range

Just three months ago, Adina Monica Popescu of Romania who had gone missing, was found dead. Her body was found lying on the bank of Suikhola River in Ghandruk-1. Similarly, not all of the Japanese and Malaysians tourists, who were reported missing in the area in the last few months, have been found. Dead bodies of only a few of them have been recovered so far.

According to tourism entrepreneurs, around 5 to 6 tourists go missing in the Annapurna range annually. And few of them come out alive.

Call for banning solo treks
"Safety of trekkers call for trekking with professional team or guide instead of solo treks. When someone goes on to trek solo along a dangerous trail, they are prone to go missing," said Deepak Raj Adhikari, president of Western Chapter of Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). "Therefore we have long lobbied for banning solo treks."


"When we allow solo trekkers, we not only allow them to risk their life but also put our safety measures on the stake. When a trekker goes missing, along with the suffering their family and loved ones have to go through, our trekking industry earns a bad name," Adhikari said, adding that those who go for trekking in group are far safer and at ease. He called on government agencies to introduce proper guidelines and make provisions for strictly monitoring their implementation to make trekking safer.

Wanta who has been involved in other search operations previously said that foreigners opt to visit alone in the trekking route in search for adventure but it becomes a grave problem when they go missing. "Tourists should not be over confident when in unknown terrain as it can push them and those associated with them into trouble" said Wanta while stressing on restricting solo treks.

Junko Tabei, first woman to scale Mt Everest, dies at 77

Junko Tabei, the first woman to scale Mount Everest in 1975 has died of cancer at the age of 77.

He had been victim of cancer for the past four years and died at the course of treatment in Japan.

Born on september 22, 1939, Tabei became the first lady to summit Mount Everest in 1975.

Even after reaching the world's highest 8,848-meter peak at age 35, the Fukushima native actively climbed mountains abroad.

In 1992, she became the first woman to complete the "Seven Summits," the highest point on each of the seven continents.

She visited Nepal on April 30 this year to observe the golden jubilee of the first ascend of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse.

Nepal Travel and Tourism

The country marked the 38th World Tourism Day yesterday. Because of the earthquake and the unofficial Indian blockade, 2015 was a particularly bad year for the country’s tourism sector. Tourist arrivals to Nepal fell to a six-year low last year. However, the industry seems to have bounced back now. There has been a sharp increase in tourist arrivals for mountaineering and trekking activities in the past few months. This is a much needed respite for the tourism industry and the economy as a whole.

The travel and tourism sector accounts for 9.5 percent of global GDP and plays a key role as a driver of growth and job creation. The industry now accounts for one in 11 jobs on the planet according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). In terms of direct contribution to job creation by the industry, Nepal is ranked sixth among 184 countries by the WTTC. The Tourism Employment Survey 2014 of the Nepal government shows that every six tourists create one job in Nepal and that the tourism industry provides better access of revenues that it generates to poor communities.

This means Nepal’s economic growth and employment generation depend to a consideration extent on the advancement of the tourism sector. In a welcome move, the Tourism Ministry recently launched the new National Tourism Strategy 2016-2025, which envisages a fivefold increase in arrivals to 2.52 million annually by the year 2025.

Achieving the target, however, is going to require more work than simply drafting a plan. With eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world and a rich Hindu and Buddhist heritage, Nepal does have a high potential to be a tourist hotspot, but it is far from realising it. The annual number of visitors to the country has yet to reach the one million mark. Last year’s quake and the subsequent avalanches in the Himalayas dented Nepal’s image as a safe tourist destination. So the government needs to repair the trekking routes and enhance their safety.

But the main focus of government spending in the tourism sector should be on developing infrastructures like airports. Flying is key to the country’s tourism industry as it is an important mode of transportation in Nepal given its difficult terrain and limited road connectivity. But our air safety record leaves a lot to be desired; there have been four air crashes in the past six months alone. As such, improving the quality of our aviation needs serious attention. And the country’s only international airport, the Tribhuvan International Airport, has just one runway and was rated the third worst airport in the world last year by sleepinginairports.com, a website that does research on airports. TIA needs a complete overhaul.

Other tasks like upgrading the Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa to an international airport should also be completed on time. With China and India touching 150 million and 50 million outbound tourists by 2020, Nepal’s best bet to meet its set tourist target is to enhance the travelling experience within the country so as to attract at least a fraction of these tourists.

News Source: Kathmandupost