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Nepal Safe for Travelling ? No doubt, it is totally 100 % safe
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There
is an overwhelming peace and tranquillity that prevails throughout
Nepal as the Peace accord is signed, Maiost are included in
the Govt. The best way to experience Nepal is to live it,
feel it and breathe it with locals. Nepal is for everyone,
it is time to visit Nepal and help .
Interim Constitution promulgated for
peace, prosperity and stability : In
an effort to bring long lasting peace and stability in Nepal,
the House of Representatives (HoR) promulgated the interim
constitution after day long discussions on January 15, 2007
dissolving the HoR and the upper chamber, National Assembly.
The first meeting of interim parliament unanimously endorsed
the Interim Constitution 2063. With the installing of the
new interim constitution, a new unicameral parliament having
330 members has been formed with the 83 members from the CPN(Maoists).
Also Maiost included in the Govt. This Govt. and Parliament
has responsibility to hold the election of Constituent Assembly
this year.
This is Nepal's sixth statute to have been promulgated by
Nepal in the last six decade.
The promulgation of interim constitution
formally ended a decade long conflict paving a way for permanent
peace creating conducive environment for all kinds of economic
activities including tourism. With the favourable atmosphere
at the doorstep, the tourism industry of Nepal is bound to
make progress rapidly. Recntly Hollywood superstar Richar
Gare and Mr. President Jimmiy Crater visited Nepal. |
Peace prevails,
come to visit Nepal to enjoy it's beauty :
The much awaited Comprehensive
Peace Accord (CPA) was signed between the government of Nepal
and the Communist Party of Nepal(Maoists) on Tuesday evening,
November 21, 2006 formally announcing an end to a decade -long
armed insurgency what Maoists termed as "People's War".
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Chairman of Communist
Party of Nepal(Maoists) Prachanda signed the historic Accord
promising to chart a new destiny for "peaceful and democratic"
new Nepal, and pledging for peaceful coexistence of all Nepali
irrespective of caste, creed, religion and gender.
On behalf of Nepalese tourism industry, Nepal Tourism Board
salutes all those in front and behind to make CPA a success.
Over more than a half decade, Nepalese tourism industry has
suffered severely due to conflicts at home and other untoward
incidences that took place around the world. Since both the
Government and Maoists have committed for free movement of
tourists and all Nepali in any part of the country without
hindrance, it will definitely provide a boost to ailing tourism
industry of Nepal. The signing of CPA also put full stop to
illegal donation collected by Maoists from trekkers in the
different trekking routes. Now tourists can go anywhere in
Nepal with any hiccup and hitch. Although not a single tourist
had been targeted or harmed by the rebels during a decade-long
insurgency, the conflict emanated wrong message to world about
the safety and security situation of Nepal. With the ending
of conflict, all tourism entrepreneurs have expressed their
satisfaction and happiness in a hope that it will bring permanent
peace in the country which is vital for the growth of tourism
industry.
Signing of CPA has given a positive message to the world that
Nepalese people are capable of resolving their own problem;
and it has set an example in conflict resolution for the whole
world. What until recently was dream of all Nepali and peace
lovers has now become a reality. Nepalese tourism industry
would like to thank all tourists and tourist generating countries
for their generous and unwavering support to Nepal and its
people. The people of Nepal would like to make a pledge to
all tourists who had postponed their tour to Nepal due to
various reasons to come and visit Nepal and see and experience
its beauty, grandeur, culture, arcane temples and monasteries,
mountains and jungles of Nepal. Nepalese people also would
like to request all tourists to make a New Year Resolution
for 2007 to visit Nepal as a life time experience.
By making the ceasefire permanent, the accord declares the
armed insurgency that began since February, 1996 as officially
over. Effective immediately, the CPA states that illegal carrying
of weapons, their display and any kind of attack, threat,
intimidation would, henceforth, be punishable by law.
Reiterating the commitment to hold the elections of CA by
mid-June, 2007, the CPA prohibits all kinds of illegal use
of weapons, raid, ambush, mining, aerial attack, abduction,
etc. Within 30 days both the sides will share information
regarding the placement of mines and within 60 days they all
would be disabled, it states.
Meanwhile, a statement from the US Embassy in Kathmandu a
short while later, welcoming the peace accord said, "The
US Embassy welcomes the announcement of a comprehensive peace
agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists.
We hope this step will place Nepal on the path of lasting
peace and democracy. We want the peace process to work and
we pledge our full support. We support an agreement that safeguards
the aspirations of the Nepali people."
The statement further states, "This means violence, intimidation,
and criminal acts -- such as forced recruitment of cadre and
extortion -- must end. The Nepali people, who have lived in
fear for 11 years, deserve a chance to live without fear and
choose their form of government in fair elections."
"The United States is committed to help Nepal build a
peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for its people,"
the statement said.
Following the US statement, a statement by Ian Martin in Nepal,
Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Nepal
said, "It is a privilege to have been present at the
signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, marking another
key step forward in the peace process. When Secretary-General
Kofi Annan heartily welcomed the agreement of 8 November between
the Seven Party Alliance and the CPN-M, he called it a historic
opportunity for the people of Nepal to end the armed conflict
and to build sustainable peace within an inclusive and democratic
state. Now today's Agreement promises to convert the ceasefire
into long-term peace. Those involved on both sides are to
be congratulated for their hard work in finalising an Agreement
which is entirely a Nepali achievement.”
"The Secretary-General has said that he intends to move
promptly to respond to the request to the United Nations to
help in key areas of the peace process. I am pleased to say
that my Office is working in an excellent spirit of collaboration
with the Government and the CPN-M on these areas, and today
we have completed agreement on the locations of seven divisional
PLA cantonment sites. With the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
now signed, I hope that we will quickly be able to reach tripartite
agreement on the full modalities for the management of arms
and armies, clarifying essential details regarding confinement
to cantonments and restriction to barracks, weapons storage,
permitted and prohibited activities, and monitoring arrangements.
The United Nations will then be able to move forward with
its planning to deploy monitors and other personnel. I also
look forward to discussing how the United Nations' role in
the other areas requested, of human rights monitoring, assisting
independent national monitoring, and electoral assistance
and monitoring, can help to create the climate of multi-party
democracy and pluralism throughout the districts and villages
of Nepal which is essential for the free and fair Constituent
Assembly election to which the parties have committed themselves,"
the statement further reads. |
Earthbound Expeditions
is proud to be partial sponsor of 6 days Annapurna trek
from Feb 19 – 24th, 2006, for http://www.overland-underwater.com,
a charity drive from UK to NZ in aid of CARE International.
They enjoyed it very much with us. We wish for successful
journey ahead for them. The Ambassadors says Nepal is safe
to travel / trek see the news of May 16 & 17, 2005 the
Rising Nepal ( the newspaper cuttings available on request)
On Dec 17, 2005, 2 famous trekker's Mr. Jacques
- Cordola 62 and Rene - Tomio 56 from France trekked all the
base camps of 8,000 meters Dhaulagiri to Kanchanjungha and
said Nepal is totally safe for trekker's and mountaineers.
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The UK Ambassador said in the past:
"The fact remains that not a single foreigner has been
kidnapped or killed as a result of the eight-year-old insurgency.
During that time, the country has received more than three
million visitors. The risk of being a victim of Maoist violence
is clearly much lower than the risks of going trekking, mountaineering,
rafting, or simply going in a bus," said Keith Bloomfield,
57, the British Ambassador to Nepal. "The threat is fairly
small." Kathmandu is functioning ormally, indeed the
situation looks more stable and better than for the last 6
years. I can see no reason for anybody to cancel their Nepal
- Tibet travel plans.
Ms. Shelly Brown from Australia
found everything normal in Nepal. She said she was here to
enjoy enchanting beauty of Nepal, and she did it without being
disturbed by internal and external sequence of events.
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Mr.
Lucas Berkuems, a Belgian who has traveled more than 25 countries
in his bicycle entered Nepal in the first week of February
from Bhairawa. He said: "My trip to Nepal is quite enjoyable
and memorable. I did not face any problem in Chitwan and Pokhara.
I will get back to Nepal again soon for trekking to Annapurna
Region." He is now in Langtang savouring the pristine
beauty of Himalayas. As by the travel update news by NTB,
www.welcomenepl.com
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Nepal, as with most of its neighboring countries,
continue to be, not only one of the world's best travel
values, but a safe one as well. Nepalese are peaceful and
tolerant people, comprised mainly of Buddhists and Hindu.
It is safe as decade-long political unrest is solved , we
invite you to take this great opportunity to enjoy lower
prices and fewer crowds.
Safety and Security Advice:
The situation in Nepal has always been tourist friendly.
Major tourist places like Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel,
Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Annapurna, Langtang, Everest
continue to welcome tourists in large numbers. Tourists
have never been directly targeted by the Maoists. Hence,
tourists have never been the victims of insurgency activities
in Nepal. Travel to and within Nepal is a safe and enjoyable
experience. Tourists are advised to use the services of
registered and reputed travel and trekking companies and
hotels only. By using the services of government registered
service providers, you will be ensuring the most comfortable
and reliable holiday possible.
Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political
expression in Nepal, as in other parts of the world and
they may occur on short notice. These demonstrations are
usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners.
During general strikes (called "Bandh" in Nepal),
many businesses close, and transportation and city services
may be disrupted. Tourist buses, airport downtown-airport
shuttle service and rickshaws are the only means of transportation
available during bandhs. Travelers are requested to stay
either at their hotel or homes or at the most in prominent
touristic areas such as Thamel, King's way etc. where no
any untoward incidents have taken place, so far. Tourists
can also visit places of tourist interest within walking
distance from their hotels.
Introduction:
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms
of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position
and latitudinal variation. This wild variation fosters an
incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain
range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth
of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen
valleys. It has extensive tourist facilities, which vary
in quality according to price and location. Tourism has
been a major source of foreign currency earning and also
a major contributor to our national economy.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
A passport and visa are required for visitors other than
Indian nationals. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival
at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all
other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport
exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. Travelers
may contact nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy/Consulates for
further information.
Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective
from October 1, 2000 Indians travelling to Nepal by air
will have to show upon arrival at entry point either a passport,
voter's identity card issued by Election Commission of India,
or an identity card with photograph issued by the Central
or State Government of India. Children under 10 years need
not show any identification.
Information for Travelers:
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a round
the year travel destination. Based on this fact, many international
tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their wishful
travel itinerary. Popular tourist areas in Nepal like Kathmandu,
Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang
Region, Lumbini, Janakpur and others are absolutely free
from any sorts of disturbances. This is a clear testimony
that travel safety in Nepal is more a perception problem
than the actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
always recommends travelers to get services through the
registered companies which guarantee you safe, reliable,
standard and value for money travel services.
Travelling in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended
time over rugged, steep terrain, to various luxurious stays
during the course of their trip. Many popular trekking routes
in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The Nepal
Tourism Board requests all existing and potential travelers
to exercise extreme caution while trekking at higher altitudes.
The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized
group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced
guide and porter who communicates in both Nepali and English.
Medical Facilities:
Medical care is widely available in the District head quarters
and the towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the most
modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most qualified
doctors in order to provide a quality care. Serious illnesses
often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility. Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek
in remote areas often require rescue by helicopter. Various
private Helicopter Companies including the Royal Nepal Army
(at the Airport) provide rescue services. The cost is typically
not much. For further information, please contact Himalayan
Rescue Association (Phone: 262746, Kathmandu) or your local
travel or trekking agent.
Medical Insurance:
After the establishment of various international Insurance
Companies in the form of joint venture (JV), medical insurance
is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers are requested
to insure through the reputed agencies. However, travelling
within Nepal is adequately safe except in some remote government
cautioned areas. Please check with your own insurance company
to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage.
Supplemental health insurance that specifically covers overseas
treatment and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility is strongly recommended.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
In major tourist destinations the condition of the Roads
are fairly well maintained. Those travelling by their own
vehicles must carry valid road maps. The East West Highway
connects all major cities and towns. Further information
may be sought from NTB or local agents. The accident rate
in Nepal is comparatively very minimal and relatively fatalities
from such accidents are rare as compared to other big cities
of the globe. Likewise, there are several domestic private
airlines operating within the nation, which has tremendously
helped to connect the remote part of the country to the
capital.
AIR TRAVEL:
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal is
well connected by a dozen of international airlines from
all major cities of Europe and Asia (flight Schedule). It
also has a fair no of domestic airlines, which cater to
the needs of the travelers domestically. Tribhuvan International
Airport (TIA) infrastructures have been duly extended in
order to meet the rising demand of the air travelers.
Customs Regulations:
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom regulations
of Nepal. The facilities that are given to travelers are
of international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty
import such as valuable metals, articles of archeological
and religious importance, wildlife and related articles,
drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications equipment.
Environment:
Government of Nepal is very conscious about maintaining
the ecological balance. The preservation of the natural
resources and conservation of the national heritages has
been our prime concern. In order to give a fillip to this
concept, Government of Nepal has already brought in to effect
the emission control norms for the vehicles. Similarly Government
of Nepal is coordinating with various experts, donors, INGOs
and NGOs and others to manage the Solid waste management
and also controlling the effluents discharged by the industries.
As far as conservation and preservation is concerned, Annapurna
Conservation (ACAP) area and Nepal's densely populated forests
are greatly appreciated models in the world.
Questions?
If you still have questions regarding travel to Nepal and
surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact us
for up to the minute information, or visit the U.S. Department
of State's Travel Advisory page for Nepal at http://travel.state.gov/nepal_announce.html
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For Further Information on Nepal travel plans,
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