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Nepal suffered heavy loss of lives and property by the devastating earthquake of April 25th, 2015 and subsequent powerful aftershocks. Tourism, one of the main pillars of the national economy, has been affected and as a result tourism infrastructure as well as cultural heritage and monuments are now in fragile and critical condition.
| Simplest Way to Help Nepal Get On Its Feet, Let Your Feet Do The Walking |
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Seven years ago I travelled to the most foreign country I have ever visited. I was a stranger to it with no idea what to expect or how it would make me feel. I confess that on arrival at the chaotic airport and during the frenzied drive to the hotel, I wondered if I had made a mistake. I stayed for only three weeks yet seven years on I still feel a tug in my heart and sense of longing whenever I think of it. That foreign place made its way into my heart. That place is Nepal.
To hear of the devastating earthquakes, with implications that will last for years to come, was to worry and to grieve for those who have lost all, for those who must struggle on, and for those who must pull together to rebuild the unique nation. But rebuild it they will.
You don’t need to look far to see the resilience in the Nepalese people. Numerous live in remote villages accessible only by walking trails as narrow, rocky and steep as goat’s tracks. To get anything and everything to their villages it must be carried. Sometimes a sturdy-footed animal can make the trip, other times a human has to carry the load. Seeing a stooped-over man carrying a solid wood dining table on his back up an endlessly steep, rocky, winding track for hours on end is a sight to behold, and one of many similar sights on any given day.
The Nepalese are hardworking and they have an honesty, generosity, happiness and simplicity (in the kindest of respects) that stays with you. Whether working in a shop in the heart of the bustling city, guiding me safely along my trek, welcoming me into their homes or accommodating me in tea-houses in the highest passes of the Himalayas, the people made me feel very welcome and never failed to bring a smile to my face.
Visiting Nepal is about much more than ticking off the tourist attractions – simply being there is an experience in itself. From the sites of the majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes to the chaotic sounds of the city, to the ancient history, deep-felt culture, wonderful people and more, Nepal is one of those unique destinations that can offer travellers a trip of a lifetime.
In a country that depends heavily on tourism, one of the simplest ways to help get them back on their feet is to let your feet do the walking. By travelling to Nepal, you bring new money into a country that needs it. You give people the chance to go back to work. You give businesses the chance to rebuild. You give a country the chance to show that its doors are open and that it will rise again.
Of course, be sure to do your research before travelling and book through a reputable agency that has a good handle on the most up to date information and advice. While there are damaged areas that should be avoided, many places including some of the main tourist attractions and regions remain intact, safe and as beautiful as before.
Lesley Magill, Adelaide, Australia, June 3 2015
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| Source: Nepal Tourism Board NTB, June 2015 |
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| Reopening of UNESCO World Heritage Monuments |
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Hon’be Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Kripasur Sherpa today launched the reopening of the World Heritage Monuments of the Kathmandu Valley officially for tourists at Bhaktapur amidst a grand program. The heritage sites were closed post the 24/ 5 earthquake, that partially damaged centuries-old palaces and temples listed as UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The program was attended by Secretary of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Suresh Man Shrestha, Director General of Archaeology Mr. Beshnarayan Dahal, Director General of Tourism Mr. Tulasi Prasad Gautam, Executive Board Members of Nepal Tourism Board Mr. Rajendra Sapkota and Mr. Ghanedra Shrestha, high Government officials.President of tourism associations and prominent tourism personalities were also present during the program.
Reopening of the monuments at heritage sites is an important initiative in a series of steps towards tourism recovery, to welcome tourists back to areas of their prime interest. These heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley are symbols of Nepal’s history, architecture and culture. Access has been restricted in certain areas to ensure safety precautionary measures and to preserve valuable arts and artifacts there.
The reopening of World Heritage Monuments in Kathmandu Valley gives a positive message to the world that Nepal is back to business and is waiting for tourists to welcome them. Unlike in many parts of the world, the heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley are a part of day-to-day life of its people. Rituals, tradition, festivals and culture starting from birth to death are centered around these places. Therefore, these sites are living museums signifying the essence of life in Kathmandu Valley, as it has been through the centuries.
Out of 75 districts of Nepal, only 11 districts were hit by the earthquake. Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Bardia, Annapurna, Everest, eastern region and far west region of Nepal also escaped damage, and are ready for business. Among the 19 protected areas only 3 are affected. More than ninety percent of hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu Valley are in operation. Life in the valley and in other parts of the country is back to normalcy with recovery and reconstruction efforts are underway at affected areas.
Tourism is one of the mainstays of Nepal’s economy, and Nepal will certainly need the income that tourism brings in as it attempts to recover from this disaster and to keep the jobs running.
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| Source: Nepal Tourism Board NTB, June 2015 |
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| Trekking Trail Updates |
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This is to inform all that detailed survey and final assessment of trekking trails in quake-hit areas is currently undergoing in coordination with Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). Trail maintenance works will begin once the assessment report is complete. Maintenance work is expected to be completed by August 2015. This means we can take bookings for the coming season which begins in September 2015.
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| Source: Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal, June 15 2015 |
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| Cultural Heritage in the Kathmandu Valley |
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