Tourism Attraction

Major Tourism Sites

Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world’s oldest cities. The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. One can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic monuments in Durbar Square.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a conch shell-one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 A.D. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen Kilometers to the east of Kathmandu.The city is 1,402 meters above sea level.

Patan

The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur which means a city of beauty. It is indeed a city of beauty and grace and is planned on a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four points of the compass. The city is three Kilometers south-east of Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like Kathmandu, its center of attraction is Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle of the market place. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is also know as the city of artists. It is believed that the city has been built during the reign of Vira Dev in 299 A.D.

Pokhara

Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley, is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-trail summit of Machachhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it creates an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalayas. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, the city is connected by air and road not only from Kathmandu but from other parts of the country. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and other peaks.

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam. The Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists this nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar as a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden which spread over 8sq km, possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Lord Buddha’s mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected the pillar in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, {Puskarni} where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Lord Buddha. Places of various interest surrounds the area There are other places of interest too nearby. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

Chitwan

Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration of wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means the ‘heart of the jungle’ is among the last surviving example of the continuous band of forests and grasslands, which once extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The main attraction here is the Chitwan National Park, One of the largest forests regions in Asia teeming with wildlife such as the rare great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of dear, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water, dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips and jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors may also take a river raft. First driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. The five-hour drive to Chitwan (165km overland) from Kathmandu is filled with thrilling views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles on either side.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is scenic and town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with stupa and Buddhist Monastery is highly recommended site to visit. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarving, is a short distance from Dhulikhel.

Muktinath & Jomsom

It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it is 108 waterspouts from which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours via Kagbeni or trek all the way from Pokhara which takes 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimages of four Dhams in India. This temple is held sacred by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is a world-class accommodation facility in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.

Gorkha

Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhanth and Kali inside the place precinct. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana temple, on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting. The Nepalese believe that MANAKAMANA Goddess fulfills the wishes of all people and that’s one reason why the temple is visited by the tourist and the locals all through the year.

Religious Sites

In Nepal, religion permeates every facet of life with festivals, daily rituals, family celebrations and religious observances. At every step one can see temples and shrines, processions and devotional music. Although Nepal is famous as the world’s only Hindu Nation, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry woven of Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths loving together in tolerance and harmony.
Pashupatinath Temple Shiva, the destroyer, is historically the god most worshipped in the country. He may be worshipped as the holy ascetic, depicted with his consort Parvati and holding a trident and a small drum or more often in the form of the linga, an elongated stone representing his generative powers. The most important linga is situating in the holy shrine of Pashupatinath to west of Kathmandu. In front of Shiva temples one usually sees a statue of Nandi, the divine bull that serves as Shiva’s vehicle. Another popular form of Shiva in Nepal is the terrifying Bhirav. Different aspects of Bhairav play major roles in many of the Valley’s festivals. Vishnu, whose primary duty is to assure the preservation of the world and all living forms, is believed to have visited the earth ten times, each times as a different incarnation or avatar. He is often depicted as a boar, a tortoise, a man-lion and a fish-his four animal incarnations. Throughout South Asia he is most often worshipped in two well-known human forms: prince Ram the hero of the epic Ramayana and the pastoral god Krishna. In Nepal he is often worshipped in his omnipotent form of Narayan, and in some of his most lovely images is seen astride the man-bird Garuda his vehicle.
The archetypal mother or female, goddess in of particular importance in Nepal. She is worshipped in many aspects: as Durga, protector and slayer of the buffalo demon, as Taleju, patron deity of the Valley rulers, and as Kumari, and the living virgin goddess. . Other female goddesses include Laxmi, goddess of wealth and Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and arts. Another widely venerated god is elephant-headed Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and the source of good fortune. Other deities such as Red Machhendranath, are special to Nepal alone and are celebrated with unique local festivals.

Swayambhunath

There is a variety of Buddhist practices in Nepal, the Buddhism of the endemic Newar people, perhaps related to the ancient Buddhism that passed out of India one thousand year ago; the Buddhism of the Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan people and the relatively modern incursion of Theravadin or Southern Buddhism.
The central beliefs and practices date back to the time of its founder, Prince Siddhartha Gautam who was born in Lumbini in the southern Terai in about 534 B.C. Until the age of 29, the young prince led a sheltered life in the palace of his father, completely unaware of the problems and suffering of the world outside his palace wall. One day he convinced his charioteer to take him outside the palace, where he was shocked at the sight of an old man, a sick man, a corpse and an ascetic. The realization of the true misery of the world persuaded the prince to abandon his luxurious life and goes into the forests to seek enlightenment to end human suffering. For many years, Gautam practiced asceticism without success. One night beneath a pepal tree in the forest of Bodh Gaya he became enlightened. Henceforth known as Lord Buddha, the ‘enlightened one’ he traveled around northern India and southern Nepal preaching the Middle Path to enlightenment. At the age of eighty he passed into the final enlightenment.

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam. The Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists this nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar as a World Heritage Site.
The main attraction at Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden, which spread over 8sq km and possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Buddha’s mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected the pillar in 249 B.C. to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Lord Buddha.
There are other places of interest too nearby. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

Muktinath

It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it is 108 waterspouts from which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either takes a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to jomsom and hike for a 7-8 hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara which takes 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimages of four Dhams in India. This temple held sacred by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is a world-class accommodation facility in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.

Gosainkunda

One of the most famous pilgrimage destinations of Nepal is Gosainkunda Lake which is situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132km to the northeast of Kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south, the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nice nine famous Lakes such as Saraswati, Bhairav, Sourya, Ganesh Kunda etc.

Devghat

Devghat is a popular pilgrimage spot situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trisuli rivers. It lies just north of the Chitwan National Park. During the Magay Sakranti festival in January, Hindu devotees gather here to take holy dips in the river. There are a number of scared and history sites around Devghat which provide interesting side trips: the Triveni temple and Balmiki ashram where the great sage Balmiki had his retreat, the Someswar Kalika temple and fort, Pandavanag where the protagonists of the Mahabharat once lived and the Kabilaspur fort built by the old kings of Palpa.

Manakamana

This temple place at an altitude of 3900 ft. offer very good views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna group. The surrounding village though is a mixture of 20th century Nepali bar rock and 2nd World War aftermath. Every day hundreds make the journey to worship at Manakamana’s Bhagwati Mandir. For Nag Panchami, in late July or early August, celebrants construct an entire shrine out of flowers and foliage. Visiting Manakamana is a very Nepali thing to do, and even if you don’t sacrifice a goat you’ll feel like you’ve received an initiation into the society.

Pathibhara

Pathibhara situated at the top of Kutidanda and Haaspokhari in Mechi Highway is called as small Pathibhara regarded as the younger sister of Pathibhara in Taplejung. From this hill covered with green forest one can have a view of Terain plains, Mahabharat Range and Mount Kanchanjunga. This place with plenty of transportation facilities seems to have abundant feasibility for Gliding. Thousands of people pay homage to the goddess Pathibhara daily.

Jaleshwar Mahadev

This historic of Jaleshwar lies in the city of Jaleswar, the headquaters of Janakpur zone. Jaleswar Mahadev is one of Nepal’s prominent places of pilgrimage and is mentioned in the Hindu epic, Padam Purana.
According to legend, a hermit named Jagadish arrived in the lonesome forest of Jaleshwar and had a dream in which he was directed to conduct excavation at the spot. In accordance with the dream, he began digging and soon found an image of Jaleshwar Mahadev. He then built a temple with some gold, which he brought from a place called Sunukhadagarh.
Just in front of Jaleshwar Mahadev temple there are two sacred ponds, called Barunsar and Kshiresar. During the Ram Navami Bivaha Panchami feativals, thousands of pilgrims assemble at these ponds.

Dolakha Bhimsen

In the upper part of Dolakha Township lies the temple of Bhimeshwar, popularly known as Dolakha Bhimsen. The people of Dolakha regard Bhimeswar as their supreme lord. The roofless temple houses a Shiva Linga, underneath which is a holy pond. Fairs are held at this temple on such occasions as Bala Chaturdashi, Ram Nava, Chaitra Astami and Bhima Ekadashi. During the Dashain festival, goats are sacrificed here.
Approximately 200 meter from the Bhimeshwar temple is the temple of Tripurasundari where devotees assemble during the festivals of Chaitrastami and Dashian. Only the priest of this temple is allowed a glimpse of the image enshrined within.

Swargadwari

In the western part of the district of Pyuthan (Rapti Zone) lies Swargadwari, a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Swaragadwari lies almost 26 kilometers south of Khalanga Bazar, the district headquarters of Pyuthan. During the festivals of Baisakh Poornima and Kartik Poornima pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and India come to pay homage.Source:Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture and Tourism

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Major Tourism Activities

Mountain Climbing

The 800 km stretch of the Nepal Himalayan is the greatest in the world with eight peaks that rise above 8,000m including the highest in the world, Mt. Everest. Ever since the country opened its peaks to climbers in 1994, the Nepal Himalayan has become a great theatre of mountaineering activity and the drama of success and failure have provided impetus to thousands of men and women to meet the ultimate challenge. The Nepal Himalayan has been an attraction to many people, be they saints, philosophers, researchers or adventures.

Trekking

The best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture riches is to walk through them. One can walk along the beaten trails or virgin tracks. Either way you are in for an experience for a lifetime. Along with forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets, and small mountain villages, birds, animals, temple, monasteries and breathtaking landscapes, you will also encounter friendly people of different cultures offering a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life.

Bird Watching

Nepal is a paradise for bird lovers with over 646 species (almost 8% of the world total) of birds, and among them almost 500 hundred species are found in Kathmandu Valley alone. The most popular bird watching spots in Kathmandu are Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Bagmati river, Taudaha and so on. Get your binoculars and look forward to a rewarding experience.

Mountain Flight

Only awe-stricken silence can come close to matching the experience of going on a mountain flight to encounter the tallest mountains on earth. Mountain flights offer the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan Plateau. Mountain flights appeal to all category of travelers and have become a popular tourist attraction of Nepal. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going for a trek, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan in just one hour.

Rock Climbing

For all those cliffhangers out there, Kathmandu offers a roster of stone walls that make for an experience of a lifetime. Now of late, Rock climbing has become a popular sport in Kathmandu, which offers some really terrific places for rock climbing. Nagarjun, Balaju, Shivapuri and Budhanil Kantha are some of the places where you can try this sport.

Rafting/Kayaking/Canyoning

Rafting is one of the best ways to explore the typical cross section of natural as well as ethno-cultural heritage of the country. There are numerous rivers in Nepal which offer excellent rafting or canoeing experience. You can glide on calm jade waters with munificent scenery all about or rush through roaring white rapids, in the care of expert river-men employed by government authorized agencies. One can opt for day of river running or more. So far, the government has opened sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting. The Trisuli river (Grade 3+) is one of the most popular of Nepal’s raftable rivers. The Kali Gandaki (5-5+) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids. The Bhote Koshi (4-5) is 26km of continuous white water and the raging Marshyanghi is four days of uninterrupted white water. The Karnali river (4-5) provides some of the most challenging rapids in the world. The Sun Koshi (4-5), 27km, requiring 8-10 days to complete, is a big and challenging river. Adventurers are provided with world-class services by rafting agents. Agencies here provide life jackets, camping and the standard rafting paraphernalia needed by world-class rafting. An extremely popular sport in Europe, cannoning is now available in Nepal. Cannoning gives you the freedom to explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is very popular with tourists for it affords the most spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan ranges towering in the background. On a clear day it’s a superb way to view the Himalayan (from over 6000m up), and the view of the valley is equally breathtaking.

Bungy Jumping

The ultimate thrill of a bungy jump can now be experienced in Nepal at one of the best sites that this sport can boast of anywhere in the world. Nepal’s first bungy jumping site is situated 160m. Over the Bhote Koshi river, inviting you to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in the surroundings of this amazing place. The jump, at 160m., is staffed and operated by some of the most experienced jumpmasters in the business.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Nepal can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seeking. A trip will take you over some of the best scenery on earth, as you share airspace with Himalayan griffins vultures, eagles, kites and float over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungle, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.

Ultralight Aircraft

Ultralight aircraft take off from Pokhara and offer spectacular views of the lakes, mountains and villages. This is an ideal way to see life from a new perspective. The choice of Pokhara Valley for ultra-light aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. For those who wished they could fly birds when growing up, this flight is a must. It might be lonely at the top, but this flight is a must. It might be lonely at the top, but the spectacular view from up high certainly makes it all worth it. Flights are from the Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months.

Mountain Biking

The best way to explore the Kathmandu Valley is on a mountain bike. Nepal’s diverse terrain is a mountain biker’s dream adventure comes true. Mountain biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring this magnificent country, its landscape and living heritage. There are plenty of dirty roads and trails in Nepal to meet every mountain biker’s wildest fantasy. Mountain biking is specially recommended if you wish to explore urban centers of Nepal such as Pokhara and Kathmandu as well as the countryside. Adventurous souls may plan extended trips to such exotic locals as Namche Bazaar, and western Nepal. You could even do the entire length of Nepal across the plains. Mountain bikes are available for rent by the day or longer in many of the bicycle rental outlets in Nepal and around the city.

Jungle Safari

National Parks located specially in the Terai region in Nepal attract visitors from all over the world. A visit to these parks involves game- stalking by a variety of means-foot, dugout canoe, jeep, and elephant back. One is bound to sight a one – horned rhino or two at every elephant safari. Besides the rhinos, wild boars, samburs, spotted deer, sloth bear, four-horned antelope are also usually seen. A Royal Bengal tiger may surprise you by his majestic appearance.

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Tourism Associations

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is the national mountaineering association of Nepal. This association was founded in the year 1973 with its main objectives aiming to promote the mountaineering activities in the Himalayan region, to safeguard the interest and to upgrade the professional and mountaineering skill of Nepalese mountaineers, to popularize mountaineering activities among Nepalese students and youths, to create awareness both in national and international level to preserve the beauty of Himalayan region for future generations.

The NMA is the founder member of Union of Asian Alpine Association (UAAA) and also an active member of the Union of International Alpine Association (UIAA) to help carry out its objectives, the Government of Nepal has authorized the Nepal Mountaineering Association to issue permit for 33 peaks in the Khumbu, Langtang, Annapurna and Manang area. Donation in cash and kind, membership fees from general member and professional members also form the NMA fund.

For More Information: www.nma.com.np

Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)

Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) was established in the year 1966, when it had just eight hotels and all of them was situated in Kathmandu itself. In the first ten years of its existence, due to the early stage of the industrial age as well as the membership being extremely homogenous, the Hotel Association of Nepal was able to make its mark on the governmental regulatory and social upgrading aspects of tourism.

Furthermore, HAN was able to project itself as a leader in the decision making process pertaining to tourism. No aspects of tourism policies and their implementation could avoid the forceful imprint of HAN. The hotel industry at that time was perhaps one of the most successful industries in the scenario for hardly any other industry existed.

The period of 1970 to early 1980 was prolific year for tourism growth and its spread. It was in this period that all categories of star rated hotels grew not only within the confines of Kathmandu but it also spread its wings beyond the valley such as Pokhara, Chitwan and other districts of this valley itself. Till then tourism was still within the confines of sustainability and hotels helped in the growth of other segments of the tourism industry. Travel and trekking agents became more professional and their size of the market and its returns grew in manageable levels.

The 1980’s ushered in the idea of a borderless world and as such trade and commerce began to flow from one part of the world to the next. The tourism industry, the very heart of the concept of borderless economy, obviously began to get its full share of benefit. On the other hand, the concept of international standards made the need for international network of marketing. For More Information: http://www.hotelassociation.org.np/

Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA)

Nepal, with its bountiful water flowing from the peaks of the Himalayas and the high passes from the Tibetan plateau, possesses some of the finest whitewater rivers in the world. Additionally, Nepal is also home to one of the strongest and largest river tourism communities in the global industry. Comprising of approximately 61 companies, Nepal’s river tourism industry employs thousands of native Nepalese and is entirely Nepali owned, operated and supplied, a fact which makes it unique among other forms of tourism development in the Himalayan area (in fact in the world) However, whitewater rafting in Nepal, well known among several specialist river running communities across the world, has had relatively little publicity and as such is an extremely valuable yet little appreciated and publicized form of sustainable development for the country of Nepal.

The Event: With this in mind, the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents in cooperation with Peak UK, one of England’s largest whitewater kayaking equipment companies, has developed a proposal for the introduction of a river running event that has the potential to stimulate interest in Nepal as a tourist destination in general and Nepal’s rivers in particular as one of the world’s premier river running tourism destinations. The Peak UK Himalayan Whitewater Challenge in Nepal is a multi discipline one boat Event that combines extreme slalom / river running skills with down river speed and freestyle action to find an overall whitewater champion. This event, which will combine state of the art forms of extreme whitewater slalom, head to head down river racing and amazing displays of freestyle rodeo maneuvers into one world class competitive event. Additionally, this event will also allow for a competitive display of Nepal’s rafting history as there will be a down river raft race in which Nepal’s original Nepali raft guides, the current company owners, will guide rafts filled with their companies’ best guides in a head to head race down the Bhotekoshi river to claim the honor of ‘Top OG’ (Original Guide). As such, this event promises to be not only a world class competitive affair, but also an opportunity for Nepal to demonstrate its long standing tradition of whitewater rafting expertise among its citizens. Event Size and Expected Economic Benefits to Nepal’s Tourism Industry. The event’s organizer expected to attract to approximately 100-150 foreign competitors and approximately 100 Nepali participants, in addition to nearly 200-250 spectators, all of whom will help spread the world of Nepal’s awesome whitewater tourism potential to those that they know aboard. Additionally, the foreign participants will all ply into Katmandu’s Tribhuban International Airport, many of Nepalese air couriers Nepal Airline and then stay in Katmandu’s hotels and guesthouse. Where they will shop for good and eat at local restaurants, helping to bolster the country’s critical tourism industry that has taken such hard blows in 2001 due to both national and international crises. Additionally, past experience has shown that these participants will travel throughout Nepal after the events, to paddle many of Nepal’s world class rivers and as such will help to benefit other areas throughout the country economically. Further, as a by-product of the event is, publicity about Nepal as a safe and secure tourism destination will be disseminated helping to stimulate other non whitewater bases sectors of Nepal’s tourism industry as well.

For More Information: http://www.raftingassociation.org.np/

Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA)

After almost one month since the first ever government led Nepali sales mission to China returned to the country; Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is putting an additional effort to promote Nepal in the Chinese market through its Discover Nepal-China mission. Organizing a press conference in the capital today, the Association informed that the team in the mission has incorporated most of the private sector tour entrepreneurs that have received government authority to handle Chinese tourists. “The mission would concentrate its campaign in two cities-Beijing and Shanghai,” said Joy Dewan, head of the mission and the President of NATTA. The main concern of the mission would be about the interaction between the Chinese and Nepali tour operators that have been authorized for tour operation, he informed. Nepali entrepreneurs are waiting for a long time to see a good number of Chinese tourists since the signing of historic agreement between the Government of Nepal and China last November, which made Nepal Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Chinese tourists. The current major problems are the limited air services.

As both the Governments have principally agreed to review exiting air service agreement, the accessibility problems would be solved,” said Dewan “However, we will do our best to promote Nepal as the cultural and scenic destination”, he added. During the meet, Shi Xiang, the director of China National Tourism Office – Kathmandu informed that the Chinese Government has authorized additional 450 Chinese travel agencies to organize the tour between the two countries and handed over the list of the agencies to NATTA. He informed that the intensive promotion is required to attract Chinese tourists to this Himalayan area. “The Mission can be successful in creating awareness in the Chinese market about the beautiful Nepali tourism products.” he said. Currently around 300 travel agencies, out of some 600 registered are in active operation in the country and the NATTA is demanding the government to authorize all these agencies to operate Chinese tourists. The mission that comprises 36 tourism entrepreneurs including three hoteliers had visited the city to Shanghai from 23 to 31 July, 2002.

For More Information: http://www.natta.org.np/

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN)

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) was formed and registered in the Kathmandu CDO Office in 1979 by a handful of trekking agents who realized that it was time to assemble and create an umbrella organization; under which they could work together to meet their common goals and also assist the government by providing suggestions to make trekking business revenue generating industry and also provide employment opportunity to the locals. Such a body was necessary for many reasons. The need for such a body was felt very much, which could undertake the major responsibilities to develop and promote adventure tourism in the country. It was also essential to play a significant, conducive role to mitigate mountain environmental stress.

Since its establishment, the number of trekking agencies has been increasing as well as the number of members of the association. TAAN limited its membership only to Nepalese trekking agents at its initial phase. Nevertheless, it opened its associate membership to foreign organizations to broaden the scope of the Association.

TAAN members (nearly 300 general members and 12 associate members) meet annually to endorse policy guidelines, which govern the Executive Body. It frequently communicates with the concerned bodies of the government to simplify the procedures and solve the problems related with trekking. TAAN has Nine Sub-Committees, which assist to meet its objectives. It also organizes workshops to make trekking agents aware of the rising pollution in trekking routes and other problems encountered by the trekkers and trekking agents. The executive body, which is elected every two years, has 6 office bearers, 8 Executive Members, 1 immediate Past President, 1 Chapter Representative and 3 Nominate Executive Member/s.

For More Information: http://www.taan.org.np/

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Useful Contacts

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Airlines Operators Association of Nepal
AnamNagar, Kathmandu
P.O. Box: 20980
Tel : 4240940

Association of Helicopter Operators Nepal
Babar Mahal, Kathmandu
P.O. Box: 10760
Tel: 4226223, Fax: 4226941

Pacific AsiaTravel Association (PATA) NepalChapter
NACBuilding
P.O. Box: 1041
Tel: 4224266, 256163, Fax: 4256162
www.patanepal.org

Thamel Tourism Development Board
Kathmandu
Post Box 7655
Tel: 4250513, Fax: 4262775

Cargo Agents Association of Nepal
Tel : 977-1-4410403
Fax : 977-1-4419858

Himalayan Rescue Associaiton
Gairidhara, Kathmandu
Tel: 262746

Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal(REBAN)
Post Box: 6908
Tel : 4416078
Dhobidhara, Kathmandu

Tourist Guide Association of Nepal
Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Tel: 4225102, Fax: 4423939

Board of Airline Representatives in Nepal(BARN)
Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O. Box: 4162
Tel. 4223162, 4223502

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O. Box: 269
Tel: 4262007, 4262061, Fax: 4261022

Freight Forwarders Association of Nepal(FFAN)
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel: 4257712

Handicraft Association of Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O. Box: 784
Te: 4244231, Fax: 4222940

Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 4227487

Nepal Entrepreneurs Association of Tourism (NEAT)
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O. Box: 11034
Tel: 4416326 / 4411110, Fax: 4415284

NepalIncentive and Convention Association (NICA)
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box: 4258
Tel: 4494411, Fax: 4473696

Non-Star Hotel Association of Nepal Chapter
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O. Box: 4720
Tel: 4224266, 4256163, Fax: 4256162

Everest Summitters Association
Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 44263115

Nepal Canyoning Association (NCA)
Thamel, Kathmandi, Nepal
P.O. Box: 7407, Kesar Mahal
Tel: +977-1-4435454, Fax: +977-1-4439654
nepalcanyoning@gmail.com
www.nepalcanyoning.org.np

Society of Travel & Tour Operators Nepal(SOTTO-NEPAL)
(The Emerging & Leading Association for Travel & Tour Operators in Nepal)
Jyatha Marg(near Hotel Utse), Thamesl, Kathmandu, Nepal
G.P.O. Box No.: 21361
Tel/Fax 00977-1-4223486
info@sottonepal.org, sottonepal@gmail.com
www.sottonepal.org

Source:Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture and Tourism

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