Sunday, July 26, 2009

New budget focuses on Nepal Tourism Year

The new budget for the fiscal year 2009-10 has laid special emphasis on the year-long Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign.

Through the budget speech, the government has accorded high priority to the campaign which aims to bring in one million visitors to the country. The government has devised a slogan ‘Nepali Temperament, Welcome and Hospitality of Guest’ for the success of the campaign. Another highlight of the budget is that it has stressed the need for forging partnership with the private sector to develop attractive tour packages and promote Nepal's tourism attractions.

The government also plans to hold an interaction with all Everest summiteers so as to chalk out future strategies to promote the mountaineering sector. The government has also tried to diversify the tourism industry in a bid to extend the length of stay of foreign visitors. The government will conduct a detail study to develop Gheralik of Argakhanchi and operate rafting from Balefi to Chatara and Ramdighat to Narayanghat. The new budget has also given special attention to tourism development in Muktinath and Damodar Kunda. It has also included provision to conduct feasibility study for operating cable car service to Muktinath. Upgrading trekking trails in Khaptad Area has also been included in the budget.

The budget has also allocated funds for the development of Birat, Bideha, Sahales, Simroungarh, Lumbini and Karnali-Chisapani areas as tourism spots. Likewise, the government plans to promote Pathivara, Barahchhetra, Pasupatinath, Manakamana, Muktinath, Sworgadwari and Mallikarjun as "Seven Spiritual Destinations". Similarly, the government will develop Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Lapcha, Limbu and Dhimal settlements as ‘Art Villages’.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Lhasa receives over 0.7 million tourists in first half year

From January to June of 2009, the tourism industry of Lhasa has rapidly recovered, sources from Lhasa Tourism Bureau.

In the first half year of 2009, Lhasa has received 733,100 tourists with an increase of 143.21% including 28,800 inbound tourists, 480% higher than that of 2008. In all, Lhasa has embraced 704,300 inland tourists with an increase of 137.57 per cent comparing with the corresponding period in 2008, up by 5.63 per cent than that of 2007. Lhasa harvests 668 million yuan tourism revenue, up by 183.05 per cent.

Since June, the reception amount for hotels and restaurants in Lhasa has resumed, and the occupancy rate for hotels comes to 60 per cent in June.

According to the principal concerned, supports from different departments have given a hand to the development of tourism in Lhasa and in the second half year, more tourists will be attracted as some large-scale activities such as "Miss Asia" Tibet Division Contest, 4th Namtso International Hiking Convention and the annual Shoton Festival will kick off.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Trekking gear list - Firante treks and Expedition

Body wear

T-Shirt, long sleeves, half pants, long trouser, warm jackets, fleece jackets, Gore- Tax wind & water proof jackets and trouser, warm trouser, sleeping bag, down jackets, rain coat/umbrella, inner wears.

Head wear

Sun hat, woollen hat/fleece hat, sun glasses, snow goggles, and scarf

Hand wear

Gloves, fleeces finger gloves, gore-tax water proof gloves

Foot wear

Warm woollen Socks, trekking boots, sandals, running shoes and snow gaiters

Accessories

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip cream, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knife, camera and film, towel, water bottle, music and books, trekking poles, flashlight/torch, repairing kits, water purifying tablets.

What you carry for the trek:

Please bring the equipments listed above. Please pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks and a small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porters to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jackets, hat, gloves, camera, money etc. The weather in the mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets in our safety box and the rest of the things you could store it in our store rooms.


Camping trek:

Travelling in the mountain regions at your own pace and uses tented accommodations at the end of the day. You will have cooks to prepare meals, guide and porters to carry load but we expect you to carry small personal bag packs.


On all of our camping treks, we observe the need to tread as lightly as possible. All waste paper is burnt. All other non-biodegradable garbage will be brought back. All water is purified; vegetables are treated with a water iodine base.

Meal: During our camping treks, our cook staff prepares simple but hygienic, nutritious and delicious meal.

Drinking water: In camping trek our cook staff will provide properly boiled and purified water for drinking and also we can take water purifying tablets or liquid. In Kathmandu, we suggest you to stay with mineral water or purify with water purifying tablets.

PERSONAL HYGIENE: A limited amount of warm water will be served each morning for washing (on camping treks). Teahouses usually have showers in lodges. We suggest not polluting streams or river waters.

EQUIPMENT: We provide sleeping tent, kitchen tent cum dinning tent in one and other necessary equipment for camping trek but you need to bring all your personal equipments etc.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: Check with your doctor and make sure that you have sound health. The most common health problem is diarrhea. We minimize the risks by consuming meals in camp (except on the teahouse treks). Our staff will attempt to ensure basic safety measures as medical services are severely limited or non-existent in these remote areas. However, a well-equipped first-aid kit will be carried by our staff.

Manaslu Round Trek June 2009

 
-----------------------------------------------
Surendra Lama
Managing Director
 
Firante Treks & Expeditions P. Ltd.
GPO Box: 8974 CPC 200, Thamel, Kathmandu
Tel/Fax: (+977 1) 4414381, Mobile: (+977) 9851011005
Email: surendra@firante.com, URL: www.firante.com
.................................................................................................
Recognized by | Deptt. Of Tourism, Govt. of Nepal
Recognized by | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Recognized by | Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
Member | Trekking Agencies Association Of Nepal ( TAAN)
.................................................................................................
 
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Adventure / Sports Tourism - Attraction of Nepal

Nepal represents a blend of ancient history, vibrant cultures and scenic grandeur. Located between China and India, Nepal’s main geographical features include show-capped peaks, lower mountains, mid hills and fertile plains of tropical jungles. Nearly one-third of the total length of the Himalayas and 8 of the world’s 14 highest peaks lie in Nepal. The land-locked country covers an area 147,181 sq. kilometers ranging from 70 meters to the highest point at 8848 meters above sea level. Nepal’s popularity as a tourist destination has increased vastly over the years. While trekking and mountaineering have long been popular, an entire range of other activities are also being carried out.

Trekking

Trekking is the highlight of a visit to Nepal. On account of the wide range of geographical features, the country nurtures a variety of vegetation and landscape. In addition to the natural endowments is the rich Himalayan culture. Thousands of visitors trek to different parts of Nepal every year to experience the charm of nature and culture. Most treks go through altitude between 1000 to 3000 meters, although some popular parts reach over 500 meters.

Protected regions along the Himalayas, like Shey-Phoksundo National park, Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu Eco-Tourism Area, Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park provide excellent trekking options. For group trekkers arrangement for food and accommodation are managed by the trekking crew, while independent trekkers can find night rest and food halt at small lodges and tea houses that dot the main trails. Independent trekkers should be self sufficient. In remote areas like Makalu, Kanchanjanga in East Nepal or Jumla, Dolpa, Humla in West Nepal, one must be self-sufficient in terms of food and water. For further details - www.firante.com

Boating

Nepal provides excellent opportunities for boating from glacier-fed lakes up north down to where rivers ease into the Terai plains. With famous lakes like Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara is one of the most popular destinations for boating.

In the terai, one can go canoeing on Narayani or Rapti rivers near Chitwan National Park. Boats and canoes can also be rented from local dealers on hourly basis. Pokhara and Chitwan are accessible both by air and road from Kathmandu. A wide variety of accommodation and other facilities are easily available in both the places.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is another challenging sport for outdoor lovers. Most of the areas for rock climbing are situated towards the north of Kathmandu Valley in the vicinity of the Nagarjun forest and the Shivapuri National Park Trip to these places can be combined with hiking, bird watching, nature tours and other activities. Nagarjun, 3 kilometers from Kathmandu City can be reached via Balaju near the New Bus Park. Shivapuri can be reached via Budhanilkantha which is 9 kilometers away form Kathmandu.

Bungy Jumping

The ultimate thrill of a bungy jump can be experienced at one of the best sites in the world. Nepal’s bungy jumping site is situated 160 meters over the wild river Bhote Koshi. The site is located close to the Nepal-Tibet border at Barahbise and is a three-hour bus ride from Kathamndu. A package deal includes the jump, bus ride to the site and even meals.

Golf

The popularity of golf is on the increasing stage in Nepal having five golf courses: Royal Nepal Golf Course and Gokarna Forest Golf Resort in Kathmandu, Himalayan Golf Club and Fulbari Resort Golf Course in Pokhara and Nirvana Country Club in Dharan. The best time for a play is during the dry season between October and March. Golf clubs in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer excellent courses with magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Golf is one of the most expensive sports, was started in Nepal by the Royal families. The history of golf in Nepal goes back to the time when a delegation of Rana ministers returned home with golf clubs from a visit to Scotland. They started playing golf in what is today's Gaucharan. The first real golf tournament Lava Cup was started in 1920.

The Gokarna Forest Golf Resort is one of the finest in South Asia. It is a 72-course golf area with 18 holes. The course is set in an old forest area of the Valley. Near the resort is Harmony Spa, for soothing golf senses. Established in 1829, Royal Nepal Golf Course in Kathmandu's Til Ganga is one of the oldest of Nepal and of Asia. The course was conferred the title of 'Royal' in 1911.

The Himalayan Golf Club in Pokhara situated about 6 kilometers away from the city is a recently completed pro-championship designed 9 holes golf course which is located in a beautiful amphitheater like setting of a river canyon scene with a panoramic view of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Jungle Safari

The tropical jungles of Nepal’s Terai preserve some of the vest wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Jungle safaris on elephant back or jeep rides are offered at Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Bardia National Park, Chitwan National Park and Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, all located in Terai. The best time to visit the Terai is during winter months when weather is more temperate. A wild range of tourist facilities are available in and around the areas.

Mountain Biking

Nepal’s diverse terrain is what mountain bikers’ dreams are made of. Biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring the country. It is possible to go biking the entire length of Nepal. Centuries – old dirt roads and trails offer a chance to go on extended trips to exotic locals like Annapurna and Kanchanjunga areas. 21 to 27 gear bicycles are recommended when riding through tough terrain. Mountain bikes are available for rent for a day or longer in numerous bicycle rental outlets in and around Kathmandu or Pokhara. Riders can explore rims and ridges of Kathmandu and Pokhara through off routes that weave in and out of the cities. Food and accommodation are easily available around valley and the main trail. However, it is recommended to use the services of licensed biking companies, www.firante.com , www.adventureone.info

Hunting

Licensed hunting is allowed in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in West Nepal. Dhorpatan is a prime habitat of blue sheep, ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, black bear, pheasant and partridge. Endangered species here are chir pheasant and red panda. Hunting is allowed only after acquiring license from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu and is restricted to a certain time in a year. Dhorpatan is four days treks from Baglung which is 72km from Pokhara. The best time to visit Dhorpaton is during February through April and August through October. Accommodation is offered in tented camps by agencies or at one of the village houses.

Honey Hunting

Honey hunting is an age-old tradition here in Nepal. Local honey hunters show their exceptional skill by hanging themselves from cliffs as high as 300 meters using bamboo ladders and hemp ropes, while harvesting the honeycombs. See the spectacular honey hunting on the steep bee cliffs to experience the tradition and culture of the local people. See them while you trek in the foothills of The Himalayas.

Rafting, Kayaking and Canyoning

Rafting is one of the most exciting ways of exploring the wilderness of Nepal. Option ranges from paddle rafting a team to kayaking alone in the water. Yet another extremely popular water-sport option is canyoning to explore hidden landscapes. The best time for these activities is October through mid-December and March through early May. The government has opened 16 rivers graded on a scale of 1 to 5 for commercial rafting. Since safety is of utmost importance choosing veteran rafting company is a wise move. It is also important to observe all the safety rules and precautions provided by the River Guide.

Mountain Flights

Mountain flights offer passengers a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks. The one-hour mountain flight takes within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world. The peaks seen are Gosaithan, Dorje Lhakpa, Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamare, Mt. Gaurishanker, Melungtse, Chugimago, Mt. Number, Karyolung, Cho-Oyu, Gyachungkang, Pumori, Nuptse and finally Mt. Everest. Mountain flights are offered by several airlines especially in the morning from domestic airport in Kathmandu.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Nepal gives an opportunity for aerial view of the Himalayas. Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna Mountains offers paragliding services. Best season is from Octover through April. There are various deals for the paragliding veterans and novices. Three-day introduction course is offered to beginners while tandem flights where one can fly with instructor are offered.

Ultra Light Aircraft

Ultralight aircrafts offer a breath-taking bird’s-eye view of Pokhara Valley and the surrounding mountains. Best season is from October through April. Flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months. In the half-hour flight, one can fly over Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot hill and ger a close to the Mt. Fishtail (Maccha Puchhre). Another option is the coploration of the Annapurna range from 12000 feet or higher in an hour. Pokhara is easily accessible from Kathmandu, Chitwan and other major towns.

Fishing and Angling

Fishing is also gaining popularity in Nepal. There are approximately 118 varieties of fresh-water fish in the Himalayan Rivers ranging from the much sought after mahseer to the mountain stream trout-like varieties. The best season to go fishing on the white waters is before and after the monsoon from February till April and October and November.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is another prime attraction of Nepal. The mountains of Nepal have stood as irresistible landmarks for the world’s adventures since Nepal opened its door to visitors in the 1950s. Mountaineering can range from climbing the highest peak of the world to climbing lower peaks. Although by Himalayan standards 33 “trekking peaks” are considered minor peaks, they nonetheless provide snow and ice-climbing opportunities and are technically quite challenging.

Climbing gears can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Many of the mountaineering and trekking companies also offer packages, where they provide gear, food, transportation, guides, porter services and also arrange for insurance coverage. Knowledge of altitude sickness and acclimatization process is a must for every mountaineer. The fatal sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can he dangerous for climbers ascending 3000 meters and above. Symptoms include headache, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Immediate descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the best cure.

History Of Mount Everest (Sagarmatha)

Age of Everest:

Everest was formed about 60 million years ago

Elevation:

8848 Meter

Name in Nepal:

Sagarmatha (means: goddess of the sky)

In Tibet:

Chomolungma: (means: mother goddess of the universe)

Named after:

Sir George Everest and Nepali name ‘Sagarmatha’ given by Historian Babu Ram Achraya

Location:

Latitude 27° 59' N.....Longitude 86° 56' E. It's summit ridge separates Nepal and Tibet

First Ascent:

May 29,1953 by Tenzing Norgay, NP, and Sir Edmund Hillary, NZ via the South Col Route

First Solo Ascent:

Aug. 20,1980, Reinhold Messner, IT, via the NE Ridge to North Face

First winter Ascent:

Feb. 17,1980 -L.Cichy and K. Wielicki, POL

First Ascent by an American:

May 1,1963, James Whittaker, via the South-Col

Mt.Everest rises a few millimeters each year due to geological forces.

First Ascent by a Woman:

May 16,1975, Junko Tabei, JAP, via the South-Col

First Ascent by an American Woman:

Sep.29,1988, Stacey Allison, Portland, OR via the South-East Ridge

First Oxygen less Ascent:

May 8, 1978- Reinhold Messner, IT, and Peter Habeler, AUT, via the South-East Ridge

First woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest from both north & south sides:

Cathy O'Dowd (S.A.) South May 25,1996/North '99

Fastest Ascent from South:

Babu Chhiri Sherpa 34, NP-16 hours and 56 minutes (5-21-2000)

Fastest Ascent (north side):

Hans Kammerlander (IT) May,24,1996, via the standard North Col Ridge Route, 16 hours 45 minutes from base camp

Youngest person:

Sambu Tamang (NP) 16 on May,5,1973

Oldest Person:

Lev Sarkisov May,12,1999 -60 yrs. 161 days

Most Ascents:

Eleven, 24th May 2000 Appa Sherpa became the first person to climb Everest 11 times-Ten, Ang Rita Sherpa, Babu Chiri Sherpa all ascents were oxygen-less.

Best and Worst Years on Everest:

1993, 129 summitted and eight died (a ratio of 16:1); in 1996, 98 summitted and 15 died (a ratio of 6½:1)

Highest cause cause of death:

Avalanches-about a (2:1) ratio over falls

Country with most deaths on mountain:

Nepal-46

Most dangerous area on mountain:

Khumbu Ice Fall-19 deaths

First ski descent:

Davo Karnicar (Slovenia) 10-7-2000

Last year without ascent: 1974

Last year without ascent: 1977

Corpses remaining on Everest: about 120

Longest stay on top:

Babu Chiri Sherpa stayed at the summit full 21 hours and a half

First Disabled Climber:

Tom Whittaker American) May 27, 1998

Largest team:

In 1975, China tackled Everest with a 410-member team.

Fastest descent:

In 1988, Jean-Marc Boivin of France descended from the top in just 11 minutes, paragliding.

Only climber to climb all 4 sides of Everest:

Kushang Sherpa, now an instructor with Himlayan Mountaineering Institute

First person to hike from sea level to summit with out oxygen. :

11th May 1990,Tim Macartney-Snape, Australian

Time To Climb:

A normal expedition lasts 60-90 days and is done during the months of April/May and October/November depending on conditions.

Tourism Minister visits NTB

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sarat Singh Bhandari paid an official visit to Nepal Tourism Board Tuesday for orientation to comprehend the activities and programs carried out by this Board.

During his visit, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board Prachanda Man Shrestha apprised him about the activities, programs, and plans of the NTB and constraints it faced. Minister Bhandari also interacted with the NTB officials.

Addressing the officials of NTB, he said that Nepal Tourism Board should play the role of coordinator of private sector and government bridging gap between two for development of tourism industry of Nepal.

It is imperative to empower Nepal Tourism Board, at this juncture, viewing the massive work that has been entrusted to position the destination image of Nepal, said Bhandari, adding, that he realized the resource constraints faced by this Board for carrying on gargantuan task of country promotion amidst the financial recession and travel turbulence witnessed in the world travel market.

“Nepal Tourism Year 2011 is a national program and in order to entrust the ownership of all the individuals and agencies, to make it successful, all district development committee should earmark at least some percentages of its budget for tourism development in the concept of "One District One Destination,” he opined.

Lauding the immense role NTB has to play in the days to come, and also to meet the expectation of all, he suggested NTB get ready to prepare itself to play the role of catalyst in between private sectors and the government in course of finding new products and making it reach to the international marketplace.

Trekking Permit / Fee

A) Trekking Permit

A trekking permit is a must to visit restricted areas mentioned below. To visit normal trekking areas, no permission is required but national park or conservation fees are required to pay.

B) Restricted areas which have been opened for Group Trekking
The following restricted areas are open only for group trekkers. And a trekking permit will not be issued to individual trekkers for such areas. The areas and required fees are as follows:

Dolpa district:
  • Area of Lower Dolpa: Per week per person US$ 10 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
  • Area of Upper Dolpa: For the first 10 days per person US $500 and After 10 days per day per person Us$50
Taplejung District:
  • Kanchanjunga area: Per week per person US$ 10 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
  • Areas of Olangchunggola, Lelep, Papung and Yamphudin Village Development Committee: same as above.
Mustang District:
  • Upper Mustang: or the first 10 days per person US $500 and After 10 days per day per person US$50.
Gorkha District:
  • Manaslu area: From September to November per week per person US$ 70 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 10.and From December to August per week per person US$ 50 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 7 /Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
  • Chhekampar & Chunchet VDC (Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chhekampar -Nile-ChhuleArea: From September to November per person US$ 35 for first 8 days and From December to August per person US$ 25 for first 8 days Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Dolakha District:
  • (Gauri Shankar & Lamabagar): Per week per person US$ 10 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Humla District:
  • Areas of Limi and Muchu village Development Committee, and area way to Tibet via Tangekhola of Darma Village Development committee:
  • For the first 7 days per person US$ 50 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 7 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
  • Area of Simikot to Yari: For the first 7 days per person US$ 50 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 7 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Trekking fee of other restricted areas imposed by Nepal government

Rasuwa District:
  • Thuman and Timure: per week per person US$ 10, Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Sankhuwasabha District:
  • Makalu Region - Areas of Kimathanka, Chepuwa,Hatiya and Pawakhola Village Development Committee: For the first 4 weeks per week per person US$ 10 and After 4 weeks per week per person US$ 20, Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Solukhumbu District:
  • Everest Region: All north-west area way from Thame to Nangpala of Namche Village development Committee: For the first 4 weeks per week per person US$ 10 and After 4 weeks per week per person US$ 20, or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Manang District:
  • Areas of Nar, Phu, and Northern area of Tilche Village of Thochhe Village Development committee: From September to November per week per person US$ 90 and December to August per week per person US$ 75 or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Mugu District:
  • Areas of Mugu, Dolpu, Pulu and Bhangri: For the first 7 days per person US $90 and After 7 days per day per person Us$15 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Bajhang District:
  • Areas of Kanda, Saipal, Dhuli: F or the first 7 days per person US $90 and After 7 days per day per person US $15 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Darchula District:
  • Areas of Byas Village Development Committee: For the first 7 days per person US $90 and After 7 days per day per person US$15 or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Delegation Meets Tourism Minister Bhandari

A delegation team of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal on June 28 met with newly-appointed Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari at his office in Singha Durbar.

The issues raised by the TAAN delegation are:

1. Define trekking as a permanent industry by annulling the provision of renewing the licence of trekking agents every year.

2. Annul the provision of bank guarantee for trekking agents which have completed the trial period of three years. Provide relaxation in customs duty for trekking agents to import goods for the upgradation of its facilities/services.

3. Scrap the provision of liaison officers for expeditions, except for the specialized ones, in a bid to attract expedition teams to different mountains in the country. We suggest the government to appoint a liaison officer for a trekking/mountaineering in a season.

4. Maintain one-window system for all formalities for foreign visitors. Distribute permits for controlled areas, mountaineering and other from a single place. The government should also authorize professional associations like TAAN to recommend on such things. This will help uphold professional ethics.

5. Implement TIMS on a one-window basis through TAAN. TIMS should be implemented through a central information mechanism to maintain records of trekkers and mountaineers from the upcoming fiscal year. It will help trace trekkers and mountaineers during natural disasters and help in their rescue works. Smart Card system will be implemented to enter records of trekkers on a hassle-free way. TAAN should be authorized to charge a nominal fee of US $ 2 for short treks and $ 5 for long treks. The amount would be collected in a fund which will be used for training, rescue and wellbeing of trekking assistants. Clothing bank and insurance facilities for trekking assistants could be managed from that fund. This will help promote responsible tourism in Nepal.

6. Authorise TAAN to permit fees for conservation areas/national parks and mountain climbing. This will help maintain one-window system.

7. Develop an effective mechanism to conduct rescue operation during the time of natural disasters. All hassles in this process should be sorted out.

8. Give due importance to trade mark value and name of existing companies while registering new companies. The government should make recommendation of umbrella organisations of such agencies compulsory while registering new companies. The government should authorize only one and pioneer umbrella organisation for the purpose.

9. Initiate in giving legal status to agreements reached between entrepreneurs and workers' unions.

10. Start tourism education campaign to further develop tourism sector. A monitoring body should be formed to study the quality of education/trainings provided by government-owned tourism training centres and tourism colleges.

11. Help Nepal make a tourism-friendly nation by introducing a unique colour and symbol for the entire industry and provide other privileges accordingly.

12. Issue free visa for visitors who want to come here during off-season. Also provide special facilities on mountaineering for them.

13. Develop and promote new areas to ease trekkers' traffic to existing areas and also to offer new attractions for visitors. The government should also authorise private sectors the authority of issuing permits and promote peaks, which are not popular among mountaineers, for certain time.

14. Roads have already been developed in Mustang and Dolpo regions from Tibetan side. The roads should be linked to Muktinath and Damodar Kund and developed as Silk Route. It can also be linked to Kailash Mansarovar region in Tibet.