New norms soon for monitoring tourism biz in Pokhara

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is all set to introduce a code of conduct for tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara. New norms for individuals and organizations involved in tourism business are to be announced Saturday.

According to Tika Ram Sapkota, a member of NTB and coordinator of the new norms, introduction of the norms is necessary for the sustainability and better management of tourism business and for instilling a greater sense of responsibility among tourism entrepreneurs operating in Pokhara.

“If tourism business in Pokhara continues without monitoring and remains unmanaged, the sector might become beset with problems about two decades from now. So, norms are necessary to check any unscrupulous practices,” Sapkota told Republica.

“Tangible guidelines are necessary for disciplined and sustainable tourism business in this tourist hub. It is only moral guidance that will help both tourists and tourism entrepreneurs,” he added.

The norms have been prepared through the joint effort of Pokhara Tourism Council and the Switzerland-based National Centers of Competence in Research (NCCR), and constitute the main guideline for the operation of tourism activities in Pokhara.

“There is no authority for controlling and regulating tourism business in Nepal. Problems may arise in future if this lack of proper guidelines continues,” Sapkota further said. He also informed that the directive was prepared after more than one and half years of consultations with stakeholders.

He said he believed that all tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara would commit themselves to the norms.

“One should only engage in business for which one has revived license. Businessmen tend to get involved in illegal and unscrupulous activities. The new norms would help check such anomalies,” he further said.

The District Tourism Committee and the Tourism Council will jointly monitor implementation of the norms. The authorities concerned will be trained for the purpose, according to Sapkota.

The norms contain provisions that require tourism entrepreneurs to play a role in the conservation of natural and cultural sites in Pokhara, and they are also expected to help keep the environment clean, maintain fair competition in business and not engage in any activities that disrupt other people´s businesses.

Source: republica-19 April, 2013

Tea-house Trekking in the Himalayas

Tea-House Trekking is the most popular trekking in the Himalayas. The most popular trekking region like Everest, Annapurna and Langtang has built tea-house lodges where trekkers can enjoy each night to eat and sleep. Himalayan Glacier offers enchanting Tea house treks with high level of hospitality employing local lodges available. Our professionally experienced local guide leads to the depths of Himalayan trails and to the taste of uniquely built up tea-houses. The journey traverses trekking around four to six hours every day interacting to the local people, culture, and religion.

Tea-house Trekking to Everest Base Camp reveals some of the most spectacular scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The mountain flight, Kathmandu to Lukla, drops where trek to Everest begins. The Khumbu region houses Mt. Everest and other eight thousanders.
Highlights

• Visit World Heritage Sites, picturesque villages and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
• Experience traditional Sherpa culture
• Follow trails across verdant valleys and glacial moraines with unparalleled views of Everest, Lhoste, the Khumbu Valley and Ama Dablam

Tea-house Trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Tengboche Monastery enhances to explore some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The mountain flight, Kathmandu to Lukla, drops where trek to Everest begins.
Highlights

• Reach the base camp of the highest mountain in the world and savor unparalleled views of Everest, Lhoste, the Khumbu Valley and Ama Dablam
• Visit World Heritage Sites and ancient Buddhist monasteries
• Trek through traditional Sherpa culture

Tea-house Trekking to Everest panorama is one the well-known short trekking highlights in Everest region which offer truly superb view of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and other many snowy peaks. The tea-house trek starts from Lukla after mountain flight from Kathmandu.
Highlights

• Trek to Namche Bazar, Tyangboche and into the Khumjung village to view settlement of Sherpa people
• Introduction to Sherpa country and its culture with great mountain views
• Popular destination for first time trekkers in Nepal

Tea-house Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most wonderful trekking in Annapurna Region. The moderate teahouse trek starts at Phedi, a short drive of about 45 minutes from Pokhara, and takes to the foot of Mt. Annapurna, one of the most magnificent peaks in the world. The tea house trail starts from lowland villages and rice terraces deep into the Annapurna Himal. As travelers deliberately climb uphill, the peaks of Annapurna south and Hiunchuli emerge from behind the foothills. Pastures and cultivated fields soon give way to deep forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron.
Highlights

• The trek passes through fascinating traditional villages of Nepal’s ethnic communities of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali
• The trail reaches Annapurna Sanctuary from where visitors see unimaginable 360 degree views of the Annapurna mountain ranges.
• The teahouse trip can be done anytime of the year except during the monsoons

Tea-house Trekking to Annapurna Circuit is known as the most diverse trek of the world and one of the most popular trekking in Nepal from where one can enjoy panoramic sceneries of Himalayas including Annapurna. There are panoramic sceneries of Himalayas, including of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m) Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7937 m.) , Mt. Annapurna III (7555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6986m), Tukuche peak (6920m), and Tilicho peak (7134m).
Highlights

• The trek is full of settlements of diverse communities such as Brahmin, Chhetri, Tibetian sherpa, Thakali, magars, Tamang, Gurung
• The trail is rich in wild animals such as Mountain Thair or Goat, Leopards, Jackal, birds such as pheasant, long-tail birds among others
• The circuit trek includes the Kali Gandaki River on the other side of the Thorung La Pass which is considered the deepest ravine in the world
• A magnificent sunrise view from Poon Hill

Tea-house Trekking to Jomsom Muktinath is popular trekking trail in Annapurna region which offers different spectacular Himalayan views including Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, Mt. Annapurna I 8091m, Mt.Nilgiri 7040m, Mt. Annapurna south 7219m, Mt. Annapurna II 7937m, Annapurna III 7555m, Mt. Annapurna IV 7525m, Mt. Hiunchuli 6441m, Mt. Machhapuchhare 6998m, Tukuche peak 6920m, and Lamjung Himal 6586m.
Highlights

• Enjoy mixed cultural human settlement of Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakali, Magar, Gurung
• Savor the beautiful landscapes of Annapurna Himalayan range
• Join the most popular pilgrimage trek for both Hindu and Buddhist: Jomsom Muktinath

Tea-house Trekking to Ghandruk Ghorepani Poonhill is the best trek for sun rise view in the Morning and amazing panorama of Annapurna Himalaya. The hike up to the Poon Hill early in the morning enthralls with mesmerizing view of sunrise and golden color views of Annapurna. The magic views resumes with many other many mountains having height more than 8000m such as Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna (I) as well as other less than 8000 meters higher mountains including Annapurna south, Machhapuchhre (fishtail), Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Huinchuli and with a maze of other peaks.
Highlights

• It is short and evergreen trekking trail in Nepal in such magnitude
• Immerse into the most brave ethnical group of Nepal named by Gurungs
• Explore different experience of culture, views of Himalaya, and flora and fauna

Tea-house Trekking to Langtang Valley, situated north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border, is the most easily accessible highland sanctuary in Nepal. The trek begins with the drive along the Trisuli River north of Kathmandu, through Trasuli Bazaar and heads to reach at Syabrubensi, a Sherpa village. On the way of trekking, one can have a trek through Langtang National Park.
Highlights

• Chance to see the national bird of Nepal, the colorful Danphe.
• Pay visit to the local yak cheese factory and have a view of the glaciers
• Walk over the popular gateway to Tibet

Tea-house Trekking to Langtang Gosainkund, famous trekking route in Langtang region, is situated north-east of Kathmandu valley border with Tibet, an area inhabited by Tibetans and Tamang. The teahouse route takes to scenic and remote Langtang Valley, the Hindu’s holy lake at Gosainkund, and the Sherpa villages of Helambu. It offers an opportunity for the trekkers and adventurers to rediscover the Himalayan Passes, pristine valley and diverse ethno- culture.
Highlights

• Traverse through traditional ethnic settlements to the holy Gosaikunda Lake and alpine yak pasture
• Cross over the inspiring Laurebina Pass at an altitude of 4620 meter with an excellent view into Tibet
• Gaze into amazing Himalayan views including Gaurishanker, Dorje lakpa and Rolwaling

 

 

30 New hotels coming up in Pokhara

Pokhara, the most popular tourist destination of the country, is set to get 30 new hotels in a year, as entrepreneurs are readily investing more money in the hospitality industry to cater to the growing inflow of domestic as well as foreign tourists. According to Pokhara Tourism Office, entrepreneurs have taken permission for the construction 30 new hotels in the lake city. Likewise, the office has also issued permits to build eight hotels in nearby districts. Four of the hotels will be built in Mustang, while two will be built in Myagdi and one each in Tanahun and Baglung. Most of the new hotels are of tourist class category. The new hotels are being constructed with investment in range of Rs 600,000 to Rs 20 million, depending upon their size, capacity and location . At least Rs 160 million is being invested in these hotels, according to the office.

The new hotels will add 450 rooms and 850 beds in Pokhara alone. With the fresh permit, the number of hotels in the city has reached about 600. Entrepreneurs said they are investing in hotel industry mainly because they are hopeful that the positive impact of Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011, which brought in substantial number of tourists in the city, would continue to have its effect in the coming years as well. Referring to the recent ´Vision 2020´ the government has accorded top priority to the tourism sector and has promised to launch special programs to promote the sector consistently through these years. Pokhara is presently serving half a million tourists, including domestic visitors, in a year.

Not just the hotel industry, travel and trekking businesses have also recorded substantial rise in investment over the year. Seventeen travel agencies and eight trekking agencies have received permission from Pokhara Tourism Office so far this year. Together they have injected fresh investment of Rs 55 million in the travel trade industry.With these new agencies, the number of travel and trekking agencies in Pokhara has reached 188 and 83 respectively.

Source: Hotel Association Nepal

Heli Tour Over Treasures of Nepal

Quench the thrust of more popular means of adventure journey in the Himalayas. Helicopter tour over the Himalayas is a truly magnificent adventure, filled with awe-inspiring scenery and superb peaks. The adventure also offers chance to see amazing vistas of the Himalayas.

Himalayan Glacier would like to offer some of wonderful helicopter tour to the Himalayas and mostly-sought vistas within Nepal. Our mostly sought after Heli Trip itineraries unravel the hidden treasures of architectural overview of Kathmandu valley, lead to savor the arresting views of Mt. Everest and Annapurna, and offer the synoptic glimpses of spiritual sites like Muktinath and Lumbini.

To view more detail information and Heli itineraries, please join the Himalayan Glacier’s warmly receptive team.
Kathmandu Aerial View – Heli Tour: This 30 minutes sightseeing Heli tour encompasses amazing aerial views of the cultural treasures of Kathmandu; namely the Pashupatinath temple, Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu durbar square and many more. While enjoying unrivaled beauty of Langtang and the Ganesh Himal, visitors also fly over Singha durbar, Thamel and many cultural monuments of Bhaktapur and Patan.

Pokhara – Annapurna Heliview Tour: The two hours’ helicopters flight takes to the nature’s hidden paradise Pokhara with an opportunity to close view of Mt. Annapurna, Fishtail, and Mt. Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and much more other enchanting mountain. Along with magnetic view of Marshyangdi River, the flight also flies over the lakes, namely Begnas, Rupa and Phewa. The tour rebounds in Kathmandu after enjoying the calmness of Pokhara following the upstream of Trishuli River.

Mt. Everest Heli Tour: This three hours’ adventurous Heli tour commences from the Tribhuvan International Airport. Travelers fly parallel to the Himalayan range till to the point of spectacular view of the Mt. Everest. Upon landing at Tyangboche, situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft. visitors engage on photographs and much more other short-interests. While at return trip, the flight closely passes through Mt. Langtang and Jugal Himal and finally trip comes to an end with awesome aerial view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour: This two hours’ tour flies over Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal. At its apex, visitors will be at Annapurna Base Camp for a brief moment to take pictures. The return flight greets with fantastic aerial views of Kathmandu.

Lumbini Spiritual Heli Tour: During two hours, the Lumbini Spiritual Heli Tour takes visitors at the site of archeological findings of Gautama the Buddha. The sprawling complex of viharas, monasteries and meditation centers of Buddhism really disseminate sense of spirituality, love and peace. After insightful journey into a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trip concludes landing in Kathmandu.

Muktinath Spiritual Heli Tour: This three hours’ Heli journey to Muktinath, a holy site of Hindu and Buddhist Pilgrimage sets a paradigm of having the close views of Himalayas at the one hand and the other site it will be a spiritual trip. The pilgrimage site is famous for people from different places including India to pay homage to Lord Vishnu. The tranquility and calmness of Muktinath soothes human mind and beckons sense of spirituality. Upon having spiritual thrill, the Heli trip ultimately lands in Kathmandu.

 

Bandipur Attracts with Ancient Aroma

Bandipur, a living museum of Newari culture lies midway on the day-long drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The hilltop town has maintained its age-old flavor intact by preserving its age-old cultural activities. The town still has its temples, shrines, holy caves, innumerable festivals and a Newari architecture that dates back to the Kathmandu Valley of old.

Traversing through the historical trail at Dumre Bazaar, visitor climbs through pristine forests to reach at a township that has hardly changed. As the visitors enter within the town, they find ancient aroma of living community. Further, the hilltop town offers the majestic views of Himalayan range, surrounding hills, green forest, and cultural aspects of tribal communities.

Bandipur, the center of ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet greets domestic as well as international visitor for the enjoyments of short hike, difference in culture, uniqueness of settlement, and overall enhances to encounter massively mind-blowing views of Himalayan peaks.

Traveling Bandipur connotes to the collection of experiences within the age-old cultural traditions, within the centuries–old architectural intactness, and within the decades-old communal social values.

 

Expectations While Trekking in Nepal

Mountain views are the great expectation of an international trekker in Nepal. The grand peaks of mountain views and ranges depend on the trek where the travelers are trekking within Nepal. Along with grand mountain peaks, visitors also trek over many of famous Himalayan passes. Depending on the time of year, the views can be either hazy or cloudy, or pristine.

Valleys are another secret of trekking in Nepal. Visitor will be trekking through some beautiful Himalayan valleys filled with exquisite scenery. Depending on the time of year the valleys will be lush and green. The magnetic Pokhara, the enchanting Kathmandu and much more other stunning valleys will host the visitors.

People of Nepal are friendly. With the cultural diversity, different locations of Nepal are inhabited by different communities of people. The innocenceness and visitors’ friendly people greet international visitors with warm hospitality.

Wildlife is the next highly anticipated expectation of visitors in Nepal. Trekkers see plenty of yak and cow above 3000 m. Rare mountain goats are often spotted high up on the sides of mountains. While all over Nepal bird watching is becoming a popular pastime. The myriad diversities of wildlife are possible to view in Nepal.

Indigenous Food Culture is distinct charm of Nepal. Unlike consumer food culture, visitors often surprise when they find themselves in a family milieu in the hilly regions of Nepal. There is plenty of good food available on all the main treks in Nepal. Every little tea-house along all the routes basically has food on offer. Examples of trekking food available in Nepal are Dhal Bhat.

Mostly Loved Climate is primary feature of Nepal. November or December to January or February is the cold season. February, March and April offer the second best time of year to go hiking in Nepal. This is full of blooming rhododendrons and other flowers in the valleys. May and June is the hot season in Nepal and it can get very warm indeed. June to September is monsoon season in Nepal. From October to November or December is the best time to go trekking in the mountain regions of Nepal. This season offers spectacular mountain views and greenness of Nature.

The exquisite hospitality, stunning mountain landscapes, green valley, indigenous food cultures, myriad wildlife, lovely climates and above all the best trekking destinations are the prime expectations of international trekkers in Nepal.

 

Your Holiday Excursion in Tranquil Nepal within 2013

Your holiday excursion in Nepal promises unforgettable tranquil experiences. Nepal’s breathtaking scenery provides the ideal setting for exploring its snow-clad peaks and lush valleys for the holiday makers. Wonder at the stunning architecture of ornate temples, take you through breathtaking scenery or embark you on exciting flights over the mountains to spot the splendid Everest. A fascinating holiday in Nepal gives you a broader experience of ancient diverse cultures and wildlife on the edge of the ‘Roof of the World’.

With eight World Heritage Sites and the enthralling cities Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, Nepal bestows crown of nobilities of nature and architectures. Kathmandu Valley is a treasure of rich culture and extraordinary sights. Wandering through the capital city, Kathmandu’s paved lanes give an experience into stepping back to the time of the 17th Century Nepal. Likewise, Buddhist stupas, Hindu shrines and rich texture of blending cultures try to win the attention of the crowd in Kathmandu. The bustling crowds of rickshaw drivers, monks, hippies and sadhus create awe and thunder. The three Durbar Squares, World Heritage Sites dated back to history of Nepal enthrall spectacular views.

Further, situated on the beautiful Phewa Lake, Pokhara is for many the gateway to the Himalayas and a setting off point for trekking and rafting adventures in Nepal. Pokhara is the best place to experience on a holiday trip to Nepal. Likewise, Pokhara is hub of multiple holiday destinations. It includes Annapurna Himalaya, and Fish-tailed (Machapuchhre). Pokhara is also capital of British Gurkha and offers one of the best treks in the world.

Holiday highlights:
Nepal has so much to offer for the passionate holiday makers.

• View the remnants of kingdoms at Kathmandu valley’s three Durbar Squares
• Discover the pilgrimage site of Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu Valley
• Glimpse an elusive tiger in Chitwan National Park- UNESCO World Heritage Site – home to more than 700 different species of wildlife
• Enjoy sights of the mighty Himalayas and their ranges

Experience Himalayan Glacier for the Revisited Deal:
Adventure and Trekking holidays, Budget travel holidays, Cultural tours holidays, Family holidays, Honeymoon holidays, Hotels holidays, Independent travel holidays, Luxury travel holidays, Safaris holidays, Small group holidays, Special interest holidays, Tailor made holidays, Wilderness holidays, Wildlife holidays

Our professionally experienced team aims to offer you the following destinations.
Annapurna, Annapurna Circuit, Chitwan, Everest Base Camp, Everest region, Indian Himalayas, Langtang, Mount Kailash, Mustang, Tibet and Bhutan

At last, your holiday excursion in Nepal will be promising at naturally tranquil, culturally diverse, historically inquisitive, and demographically innocent sites.

 

Trip to Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim+West Bengal 36 days across the Himalayas

It is not easy to start describing in few notes the fantastic trip we had around the Himalayas covering 4 different countries/territories and which you organised tailor-made impeccably to the last detail!
When we decided to embark on this trip, I searched in the Internet for a good local travel agency to prepare this trip for us. I always organize my trips in this way, on the many journeys we have done so far around the globe and will continue to do so. Local agents are far better in comparison with Western only based agencies, which are mere intermediaries. Local agencies have better knowledge of the situation, give much better on the spot support if needed, and above all we can get a better deal. After some search in early 2011 immediately Himalayans Glaciers appeared the one for sure to choose, and am glad I made this decision!
Thank you Narayan for having put together this journey for us, which I will try to summarize below. Will no doubt recommend your company to my friends who intend to visit this part of the world!

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