Nepal: Reviving Tourism

Nepal making efforts to rebuild tourism infrastructure and revive the tourism industry.

Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan nation of Nepal, once a kingdom, will be the venue for an international Hindu conference from October 22.

The three-day event will be inaugurated by the former King, Gyandedra Shah, and the event will bring scholars, priests, and Vedic affairs students together to discuss various issues facing Hindus all over the world.

Nepal was the only Hindu Kingdom in the world until some years ago, but political and other events have made the country run without a king now.

Among the topics that may come up for discussion at the meeting is the reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu nation, according to the organizers, the World Hindu Federation.

Apart from political changes, Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake, after which the country is making efforts to rebuild tourism infrastructure and revive the tourism industry.

Nepal Opens Everest To Climbers For 1st Time Since Avalanche

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal has opened Mount Everest to climbers for the first time since an earthquake-triggered avalanche in April killed 19 mountaineers and ended the popular spring climbing season.

Japanese climber Nobukazu Kuriki will be the first to attempt to scale the world's highest peak since the quake. Nepal's tourism minister, Kripasur Sherpa, gave Kuriki his climbing permit at a ceremony in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Kuriki plans to leave for the mountain on Tuesday by helicopter and then reach the summit in mid-September. The autumn season is considered a difficult time to attempt Everest and is generally avoided by climbers.

"The main purpose of my climb is to spread the message that Nepal was safe for climbers and trekkers even after the earthquake," Kuriki told reporters.

It will be Kuriki's fifth attempt at Everest. His four previous bids to reach the top of the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) mountain were unsuccessful. In his last attempt, in 2012, he lost nine fingers to frostbite.

Since April's earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people, Nepal has been desperate to bring back the tens of thousands of tourists who enjoy trekking the country's mountain trails and climbing its Himalayan peaks.

Travelore News: UNESCO World Heritage Monuments Of Kathmandu Valley Reopen For Tourists

KATHMANDU, Nepal - The UNESCO World Heritage Monuments of the Kathmandu Valley here reopened for tourists after the 24/5 earthquake that partially damaged these centuries-old palaces and temples. Reopening of these monuments is a march forward in a series of steps towards tourism recovery, to welcome tourists back to areas of their prime interest. Access is restricted in certain areas of the heritage sites to ensure safety precautionary measures and to preserve valuable arts and artifacts there.

The heritage sites around Kathmandu Valley are symbols of Nepal’s history, architecture and culture. Tourism entrepreneurs are positive that reopening of the UNESCO Monuments in Kathmandu Valley will disseminate positive message to the world that Nepal is back to business and is awaiting to welcome tourists. Heritage sites of the 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 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 getting back to normal at a fast rate, with recovery and reconstruction efforts 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 jobs running. Nepal is, indeed, back to business.

Quake-Hit Nepal Reopens Damaged Heritage Sites For Tourists

Tourist photographs a damaged building near Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal

BHAKTAPUR, Nepal (AP) — Nepal on Monday reopened most of the cultural heritage sites that were damaged in a pair of devastating earthquakes, hoping to lure back foreign tourists.

The April 25 and May 12 quakes killed more than 8,700 people and damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings in Nepal, including old temples, palaces and other historical structures that are popular with tourists.

Six of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites closed after the quakes were reopened Monday, Tourism Minister Kripasur Sherpa said.

"We are urging people to come to Nepal for holiday to help Nepal rebuild," Sherpa said in Bhaktapur, a city outside of Kathmandu filled with ancient temples, and which is among the reopened heritage sites.

The sites were closed due to the damage from the quakes, but also over concerns about the safety of tourists.

Bhesh Narayan Dahal, chief of Nepal's Department of Archaeology, said that measures have been taken to ensure that tourists are safe, and that there are plans to provide safety helmets for visitors in some places.

Some 741 heritage structures were damaged in the quakes, and it will take at least $18 million to rebuild and restore them, Dahal said.

Nepal is hosting an international donors' meeting next week in Kathmandu, the capital, to seek money to help rebuild the Himalayan country following the quakes.

About 800,000 foreign tourists visit Nepal every year and the government is worried that a fear of earthquakes will stop many from visiting.

UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural heritage organization, had raised concerns last week about the reopening of the heritage sites, urging tourists to be extra cautious and reconsider visiting them.

The agency also asked the government to restrict tourists' access to locations where structures had collapsed and that were still considered unsafe.

Contributed by BINAJ GURUBACHARYA

Another Major Earthquake In Nepal: What To expect - How To Help?

There have been no flights in or out of Kathmandu since the earthquake. Thai Airways TH320 is reported still sitting on the runway, ready to take off for Bangkok.

Nepal police are reporting over 200 dead or injured.

Older homes that tilted two weeks ago are crumbling in Lalitpur countryside, a local radio station says.

BBC Media Action staff in Nepal who were in the office are safe. BBC is trying to reach to staff who were in field.

eTN Ambassador Pankaj Pradhananga and his family is safe waiting out the situation outside his home in Nepal.

Many people are trapped under ruble in Gongabu & Machchhapokhari.
In an initial report, some buildings collapsed in Kathmandu's Naya Bazar and Buspark area.

The biggest casualties from last month's earthquake were to the east of Kathmandu - which is where today's quake has struck.

"The shaking seemed to go on and on," told Rose Foley, a UNICEF official based in Kathmandu to AP. "It felt like being on a boat in rough seas."

Norwegian Red Cross says some were killed and there are many casualties following the Nepal earthquake. It includes casualties in the Norwegian Red Cross field hospital in Nepal.

Earthquake: Tremors halt Metro Services in Delhi, Kolkata: Delhi's Metro service was halted at 12.38 pm but is back in service

Indian home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India would provide all the support required to Nepal, which was once again jolted by a major earthquake.

"India is ready to provide all the support which Nepal would require," the minister told reporters.
The Indian Embassy Helpline numbers in Nepal:
(+977) 9851107021 (+977) 9851135141

Nepal earthquake survivors need more help
So far more than eight million people have been affected by the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Water, food and shelter are in short supply and today it's been revealed nearly a million children.

The U.S. Embassy has compiled the following list of useful resources and frequently asked questions for use after the Nepal Earthquake.  We have not been able to verify the authenticity of all the groups or resources listed.  This list is intended only as a guide to information currently being shared online.

If you have updated or new information, please send to usembktm@state.gov and we will do our best to include it here.

HOW TO HELP

1)    If you are outside Nepal, the best way to help is by donating money to an established relief agency which has been working on the ground in Nepal and you trust. Two sites where you can find links to trustworthy organizations working on the ground in Nepal are here:
http://www.cidi.org/nepalrelief/#.VUnst_mg0k0http://www.usaid.gov/nepal-earthquake

2)    If you want to read more about smart compassion and why donating money (and not collecting goods for instance) is the best way to help the relief effort in Nepal, read this:
http://www.cidi.org/how-disaster-relief-works/guidelines-for-giving/#.VUnr8fmg0k0

3)    Our partners at @Teach4Nepal have organized a charity to help some of the most affected areas:
http://www.sarvodayausa.org/

4)    Government has asked for contributions to PM relief fund:
https://twitter.com/Nepal_PM_Fundhttps://twitter.com/kathmandupost/status/592260119716503552

5)    Please DO NOT collect in-kind contributions from overseas as they are very ineffective and expensive to ship. LOCALLY purchased supplies are far more efficient and help local economy. 

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Outside Nepal

1)    If you are outside Nepal, read this helpful informative piece on what to think about before you volunteer and the best way to go about it:
http://www.cidi.org/how-disaster-relief-works/guidelines-for-giving/#.VUnr8fmg0k0

2)    A great way to volunteer from abroad is to host a mapathon. Learn more here:
http://mapgive.state.gov/why-map/

Contact our Nepali partners:
http://hotosm.org/

Inside Nepal

1)    Fill out this form and we will try to match your abilities with organizations in need:
https://docs.google.com/a/america.gov/forms/d/1H7rBMnRJijAZq4RPRZxrksLD7vphmsByMOIvhtq_E5M/viewform

2)    Kathmandu Municipality seeking volunteers for earthquake-related Need Assessment Survey in various localities:
https://www.facebook.com/kanak.m.dixit/posts/814023405341221?notif_t=like

3)    Volunteers to help doctors in Gorkha:
https://twitter.com/RaviNepal/status/593070677718077440

4)    Relief operations outside Kathmandu Valley Coordinating Secretaries (Government of Nepal):
https://twitter.com/Nepal_PM_Fund/status/593004843528114176

5)    Contact information of CDOs of affected districts and secretaries assigned for relief operations:
https://twitter.com/Nepal_PM_Fund/status/593012866904494080

6)    Photocircle:   9741311750 or mail@photocircle.com.np 

FAMILY AND FRIENDS LOOKING FOR U.S. CITIZENS IN NEPAL
We encourage people in the United States to contact the State Department atNepalEmergencyUSC@state.gov or 1-888-407-4747 to provide us with information about U.S. citizens in Nepal who may be in need of assistance. Please see our Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens which gives more details: http://nepal.usembassy.gov/wm-04-27-2015.html

FAMILY AND FRIENDS LOOKING FOR SOME IN NEPAL (ALL NATIONALITIES)

Google has set up an online person finder tool: 
https://google.org/personfinder/2015-nepal-earthquake 

U.S. CITIZENS CURRENTLY IN NEPAL 

If you are a U.S. Citizen currently in Nepal, we are doing accountability checks for concerned friends and family.  Please let us know you are safe: (+977 1) 423-4068, 423-4120, 423-4494, 423-4269, 423-4340, 423-4542, & 423-4144 

If you are a U.S. Citizen currently in Nepal and are in need of assistance, please call the above numbers.  The U.S. Embassy is also open to U.S. Citizens in need of shelter. 

NEPALI EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
Important phone numbers of Nepalese Emergency Association:
https://twitter.com/kantipuronline/status/593007059085369344 

REQUESTS FOR HELP
For all earthquake-related concerns, #Nepal government hotline is 97714200258 + 97714200105. For Everest queries, contact +9779852827777.

Important phone numbers of Nepalese Emergency Association:
https://twitter.com/kantipuronline/status/593007059085369344

Here is a-list of places to get food and shelter in and around Kathmandu:
https://twitter.com/RaviNepal/status/592602282522443776

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VonkJXSTYcyKttyhux8_
L6sGhviGwK79bNRYIqycRiY/mobilebasic?pli=1

Relief operations outside Kathmandu Valley Coordinating Secretaries (Government of Nepal):
https://twitter.com/Nepal_PM_Fund/status/593004843528114176

Contact information of CDOs of affected districts and secretaries assigned for relief operations:
https://twitter.com/Nepal_PM_Fund/status/593012866904494080

Government of Nepal Secretary responsibilities:
https://twitter.com/AnupKaphle/status/592900698989277184 

FAQs 

I am booked to come to Nepal for a vacation.  What should I do?

Please see our travel alert: We recommend that U.S. citizens defer nonessential travel to Nepal.http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/nepal-travel-alert.html 

I have visited Nepal before and love the country.  I want to come and help.  What should I do?

Thank you for your offer.  Please see our travel alert:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/nepal-travel-alert.html

We recommend that U.S. citizens defer nonessential travel to Nepal.  At this time the most valuable support would be a financial donation to a relief organization.  For more information and a list of supporting NGOs, please visit cidi.org/Nepal  Consider doing a fund drive in your country. 

I have specific medical, disaster relief, mountain rescue skills and would like to help.

Thank you.  We are working at connecting skilled personal with coordinators in Nepal.  Please contact the Embassy via email at NepalEQAssist@usaid.gov telling us your skills, current location and contact information. 

I am in Nepal and would like to volunteer:

See above for volunteering opportunities inside and outside Nepal.

Google Person Finder is available for those affected by latest quake (click here)

Flights To Kathmandu Resume

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Flight operations to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport have resumed after Saturday’s devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that flattened buildings and monuments in Nepal, with the official death toll crossing 2,000.

Flight operations from the UAE were also affected, with flydubai confirming four flights were cancelled on Saturday.

Passengers wait to go inside the Kathmandu international airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal

Operations on Sunday have resumed with the carrier, with the airline confirming in a statement, saying: "flydubai flight FZ 577 from Dubai to Kathmandu departed Dubai this morning at 7.27am. The estimated arrival time in Kathmandu is 13:30 (Kathmandu local time).

"We are expecting to operate four flights to and from Kathmandu today. However due to congestion at Kathmandu airport there may be delays."

The airline further stated the situation in Kathmandu prompted flydubai to cancel flights FZ8571/2 and FZ573/4 on Saturday.

Flydubai further added:"Passengers have been giving the option of full refund or rebook at different dates. Passengers wishing to rebook are advised to contact their travel agent or the flydubai contact center."

Meanwhile, Jet Airways has also confirmed that it will waive off all cancellation charges and issue refunds or reissue dates on confirmed tickets issued for travel to and from Kathmandu between 25 April and May 1, 2015

The Indian carrier, which is an alliance partner with the Abu Dhabi-based Eithad Airways, further stated: "All our flights to Kathmandu are operating as per schedule. We will add additional flights to Kathmandu as required."

The Sharjah-based Air Arabia has also resumed operations to the Nepal capital, with flights G9539 and G9531D both landing in Kathmandu earlier today.

Air Arabia also flies to Kathmandu from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Indian carriers such as SpiceJet, Air India and IndiGo have also confirmed they are waiving cancellation charges to the Nepal capital this week.

President Aditya Ghosh stated on his official Twitter account: "We have waived the cancellation charges on IndiGo flights to Kathmandu for a week."

In wake of the Nepal earthquake, the three carriers are also shuttling relief material free of cost to Kathmandu.