Nepal Tourism Board
E-Newsletter
July 30, 2004


Sajha Yatayat to operate bus service to Tibet

Sajha Yatayat the state owned transport service has decided to operate direct bus services from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet- the autonomous region of China from September with a view to promoting tourism, states RSS, the state run news agency.
Executive Director of the corporation, Mukund Satyal said, “As per the signing of agreement to start direct bus service between Nepal and China ten years ago, Sajha Yatayat has decided to start the bus service to promote tourism and expand the friendship subsisting between the two countries.”

According to the agreement, Nepal and China have signed a deal to start bus service to connect the two countries through land route.
Satyal said, “In the beginning, Sajha Yatayat will start three to four buses a week and later increase the number of vehicles.”
It takes two days to reach Lhasa from Kathmandu.
Satyal also informed that Sajha Yatayat is doing homework to expand its services to India shortly.


Eco- Tourism & Bio- Diversity Conservation Training begins


A15-day training on "Eco-Tourism and Bio-Diversity Conservation," has begun here on July 27, 2004. This training is organized to develop skilled manpower in issues related to eco tourism and conservation. The training is conducted by Tourism for Rural and Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) / Programme Management Office (PMO) through Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).

There are 19 participants in the training including officers and rangers from the DNPWC/ National Parks and senior trainers from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM). Multidisciplinary Consulting Organisation is facilitating the training.

During the inauguration ceremony of the training, Deputy Director General of DNPWC Mr. Narayan Prasad Paudel, TRPAP National Program Manager Mr. Rabi Jung Pandey, Chief Executive Director of NATHM Ms. Meena Khanal, Managing Director of Multidisciplinary Consulting Mr. Madan Nyachho, and Officer of DNPWC Mr. Surya Bahadur Pandey spoke about the programme. Speaking on the occasion, the speakers shed light on the important role that community-level human-power and skill development endeavors play in creating sustainable tourism activities at grass-roots level. This is the first training of its kind in Nepal.


Nepal's pilgrimage tourism highlighted in South India


As a part of aggressive marketing in the regional market, Nepal took part in the 16th edition of the India International Travel Mart (IITM), India’s premier Travel and Tourism Exhibition held in Bangalore from 24 26 July 2004. Represented by Nepal Tourism Board and Royal Nepal Airlines, Nepal had been promoted aggressively in the IITM by both entities as one of the most popular holiday destinations for the Indian market. The Nepal Stand was festively decorated depicting various facets of Nepal covering not only the traditional cultural, religious and natural attractions of Nepal but also the numerous soft adventure possibilities to cater to the changing profile of the savvy Indian travelers today, which received positive response from the trade and consumers alike. The Chief Guest of the programme, Hon'ble Mr. P.G.R. Sindhia, Minister for Large and Medium-scale Industries, the State of Karnataka and several other dignitaries visited the Nepal stand. Reminiscing about his memorable weeklong holiday in Nepal several years ago, Minister Sindhia said“, Nepal has been one of the best holidays in my life - wonderful scenery, weather and warm friendly people. I am coming back very soon”.
Visitors also made number of enquiries and requested to resume RNAC packages which was floated last year. Apart from queries regarding religious tourism, they also inquired about the Mt. Kailash and Mansarover tour in Tibet as Nepal has already been established as the gateway to Tibet including Mt. Kailash and Mansarover.
Nepal Tourism Board was represented by Ms. Nandini Lahe-Thapa, Director -Tourism Marketing and Promotion and Ms.Shrada Shrestha, Officer- Tourism Marketing and Promotion. Mr.P.N. Adhikari, Senior Official of RNAC based in Bangalore represented RNAC in the Mart. The private sector participants were Dharma Adventures Pvt. Ltd and Hotel Maharaja Palace.

Action Asia features Everest Region and Marathon
Internationally reputed adventure magazine Action Asia has published photo-feature of Khumbu Region spreading over eight pages in its July Issue(2004). This apart, it has also devoted one full page for the report and photos on Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon organized on May 29, 2004 from Everest Basecamp to Namche. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon was promoted by Nepal Tourism Board and organized by Himalaya Expeditions to promote adventure sports tourism in Nepal. Photographed by award winning British photographer based in Japan, Charles Partwee, the photos reflect the true facets of Nepalese Himalaya and the lifestyle of people living there in the photo feature titled as On the giant's doorstep. Under a photograph in which an army is seen patrolling, Charles writes," Thankfully though, there are no Maoists in the areas above Lukla and the occasional army patrols you come across are very relaxed."
Reporting the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon under the title Mountain Marathon, Charles writes, "There is no shortage of inspiration in the Tenzing-Hillary Marathon, where competitors run in the shadow of the world's tallest peaks."

Destination of the Week:
Kashi Tappu: Birdwatchers' Paradise
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is considered to be a Paradise for bird watchers. Established in 1976 and situated on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi River in Eastern Nepal it extends over an area of 175 square kilometers.
The reserve is a 24-km long section of the Koshi River lying at an elevation of 75-81 m above sea level. The river Sapta Koshi provides life to the reserve and its existence gives this area tremendous charm, serenity and beauty. The river is home to one of the rarest species of animals, the gangetic dolphin, also called the fresh water dolphin. Hardly seen in any other part of Nepal, these dolphins can be seen in the Sapta Koshi River, especially at Koshi barrage towards the south of the reserve. The Gharial, one of the rarest animals of the crocodile family, is also found here along with Otters and another interesting animal, which can often be seen on the banks of the Koshi River basking in the sun.
A barrage on the southern side of the reserve has created a water reservoir where thousands of migrating waders and wildfowl take rest.
Many small marshlands, pools and grasslands are formed which provide a haven for birds and birdwatchers alike. The vegetation near these banks holds many passerines. In addition, large agricultural fields that lie adjacent to the reserve make fine habitat for many birds. The finest birding sites in and outside the reserves are located between Camp and down south all the way to the barrage. Within this stretch many birds and mammals are found that offer the experience of a lifetime. Koshi Tappu is the ultimate destination for any nature enthusiasts and experts visiting Nepal.
Rare birds like Ibis, Storks, Ducks and Partridges are found in an unbelievable numbers. It is said that for true bird enthusiasts, at least 100 birds a day will definitely be sighted so for such tourists, it is easily a paradise.
Apart from birds, Koshi Tappu is the only remaining home for one of the rare animal species of Nepal. Wild Buffalo (Bublas Arnee), or Arna in Nepali, is a rare species found only in this reserve. There are now an estimated100 Wild Buffalos here, which is less in number, and this species is in great danger of being domesticated by the domestic cattle of the villagers grazing freely inside the reserve. Other mammals, which can be seen here include the hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and small animals like mongoose.
Another very attractive aspect of the reserve for tourists in general is the river side sand beach. Nepal being a landlocked kingdom, the people here do not have the luxury of sea beaches, but the riverside beaches here give an equal pleasure. Koshi Tappu itself is an island, and there are numerous tiny seasonal beaches on the river, which can be enjoyed as a resting spot, while taking a boating trip in the river. Though, the water in the river is cold enough to discourage anyone from swimming, a wonderful bask on the beach is irresistible.
Flora and fauna are the main show in the reserve but more pleasure awaits at this awesome place. A different culture lies in the villages near the reserves where people of many ethnic backgrounds, like Mongolians(Gurung, Tamang), Chettris, Brahmins and the oldest tribe of the country, Tharus, live in harmony. The housing structure is very different from any other villages in Nepal with wooden attic houses on the second level with sturdy wooden poles forming their base. The villages are picturesque, and give a different cultural flavor to this area.

There are three lodges in the area, with Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp being the oldest one amongst the other lodges. One can enjoy comfortable accommodation within Koshi’s natural beauty and this place is not to be missed by birdwatchers. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is definitely a place for nature lovers and a place for guaranteed peace and tranquility.

How to get there

By Air :
It is a 50 minute flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, and there are at least 6 flights a day. The camp is a little over an hour’s drive from Biratnagar airport.
Surface :
From Kakarvitta (coming from India) it is roughly 3 hours drive to the camp along the east-west highway. From Chitwan it is 300 km which takes roughly an 8 hour drive to reach the camp. From Kathmandu it is 500 km. which generally takes 12 hours.
Raft :
If you are rafting in one of the tributaries of the Koshi River, the camp is easily accessed by stopping your boat at Madhuban. Given prior notice of arrival tour operators can send escorts for group. The camp will be an ideal place to relax after a long journey down the river.
Upcoming Events

New Tourism Products in Nepal
Exhibition for travel trade and general public
Date: 24- 25 September 2004 (For Travel Trade Only)
26 September 2004 (For General Public)
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue : Tourists Service Centre, Bhrikutimandap

4th Bagmati River Festival 2004
Date: Till August 21

Nag Panchami
Date: August 20, 2004
Celebrated throughout the kingdom to honour Sanke-Gods.
Special function will be held at Nag Pokhari, Naxal, Kathmandu

Janai Purnima & Rakshya Bandhan
Date: August 30, 2004
Ceberated throughout the kingdom but especial function will take place around Pashupathi Nath Temple and at Kumbheswar in Patan. Thousands of people flock to Gosaikunda in the Langtang area for religious purpose.

Gai Jatra
Date: August 31, 2004
Celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and the other areas where Newari community is settled like Palpa, Pokhara, Trisuli. On the day of Gai Jatra, families who have lost a member during the year take out parade decorating children and cows.


News Department
Shakti Travels & Trekking P.Ltd
P.O Box: 913
Lazimpat,Kathmandu,Nepal
Ph.00977-1-4428552 (Ext. 181)
Fax. 00977-1-4428691
email: info@shaktitravel.com
URL: www.shaktitravel.com

suresh