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When we started Himalayan Dreams, we understood that the backbone of any travel company is expertise and experience. Having understood that ideology we strived forward to gain all that. It was difficult in the beginning but because we love this industry and respect its privileges, we built up inch by inch to finally become a company that can proudly flaunt its expertise and experience. And today we have the experience of managing more than 3800 travelers from all around the world. We have a professional team to manage all tours. We believe that one can become a good tour operator only if you have experience by your side.  With over 10 years of experience organizing trips in the Himalayan Region; we have considerable experience and knowledge of local places. A good infrastructure always assists us in all our operations.

Himalayan Dreams primary purpose is to provide our clients with the optimum service, care and concern that we feel is obligatory for a first class, top-notch agency. We are extremely proud of our clients’ responses after we have prepared and followed through with a tour. Our attention to detail and our respect for our clients’ wishes makes us a unique travel agent in Nepal.

We pride ourselves on individualizing our tours to meet the interests, requests, and needs of our clients. Because of this high standard of operation we have an excellent reputation among agents worldwide and with our clients.

Treasures of Sikkim

The exotically green state of Sikkim is the kind of place that puts most botanists to a screeching stop. In the lower region of the Himalayas, Sikkim is rich in ecology and is just one of the three Eco regions in India. With abundant and diverse Flora and Fauna, Sikkim has been on the forefront destination for pleasure seekers, botanists and researchers. Due to its varied altitudes and climate that is tropical, temperate and alpine, the presence of the rarest species of plants, birds and animals is not much of a surprise.

Among a vast range of plants, the rhododendron come first in Sikkim, not just because it is a state plant, but also because different species of it is widely available in the northern parts of the state. About 36 types of Rhododendrons are found in Sikkim. Trekking in the eastern and northern parts of Sikkim inevitably takes you across at least one or two rhododendron forest. You also find about 515 rare species of Orchids. The official verification of Orchids found in Sikkim goes to about 450, but in recent years and after continuous research, more kinds of Orchids have been discovered. There are still a lot of unexplored places in Sikkim which are believed to be a haven for even more endangered species of Orchids. In the alpine zone of Sikkim, the most common ones you find are Cypripedium tibeticum, C. himalicum and C. elegance. Other common ones are C. Whiteana, C. chloroleuca, C. anganii. You also find 60 species of Primulas, 11 types of Oak, 23 bamboo variety, 16 conifer plants, 362 species of Fern and more than 400 kinds of medicinal herbs. Other than these you can easily find Juniper, Firs, Cypress, Maple, Birches, Alders, Chestnuts, and Magnolia abundantly.

Sikkim also provides refuge to a large number of wild animals. Since 80% of the state is covered by dense forests, it becomes a safe haven for many of the world’s most magnificent animals. There are among others, the Red Panda, Snow leopard, musk deer, Bhoral, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, barking Deer, Himalayan Black Beer, Tibetan Wolf, Civet, Marbled Cat, Clouded Leopard, Langur and the Marmot. The Yak in alpine zones is a domesticated animal. You can also find a large variety of birds in Sikkim. The horned pheasant, golden eagle, woodcock, quails, sandpipers, flycatchers, griffon vultures and the snow partridge all thrive in Sikkim. In total there are more than 500 species of birds in Sikkim.

Responsible Travel

A traveler must understand that the destination we travel to must benefit from our visit. Responsible travel doesn’t mean conciliation on the fun part of your trip or the superiority of your accommodation. What we must consider is if we can directly benefit the communities we visit and make this possible by sustainable tourism, ecology protection and projects (social). “Responsible travel” means assessing our impact on the environment and local cultures and economies - and acting to make that impact as positive as possible. This is therefore important to preserve cultural heritages that all travelers see and enjoy. It is a small way of giving back to the world from which we take such pleasure. Respecting the environment, local traditions and helping local economy are what every traveler must think of. Give below if the list of what you can do to be more responsible while traveling.

1. Collection Boxes: You can donate your left over currencies

2. Respect the Environment: Don’t litter around and use biodegradable soaps while camping

3. Respect local culture: Be respectful to even those cultures that you find strange

4. Begging: Please resist the pleadings of beggars. Don’t encourage begging.

5. Conserve: Save water, electricity. Turn off the AC when you don’t need it.

Remember that Travelers are the best ambassadors of peace and tolerance. Respect this privilege.

Sikkim’s Route to Salvation (Rumtek Monastery)

The Rumtek monastery is the largest in Sikkim. The rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage are performed at this monastery. This beautiful monastery is situated at a distance of about 24 km from Gangtok.  A drive of about 1 hour across the country side of Gangtok to the south east will take you to the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. The monastery was originally built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje but massive construction work began only in 1960. When the 16th Karmapa, Gyalwa Karmapa fled from Tibet after the Chinese Cultural Revolution, he stayed for sometime in Bhutan after finally being invited by the Choegyal (King), Tashi Namgyal to Sikkim. Gyalwa Karmapa, who was incidentally the 16th Karmapa, chose to reside at Rumtek. Hence the monastery was built in the style of the Kagyupa monastery in Tsurpu, Tibet.  The construction work took three years to complete. The monastery holds a lot of religious artifacts and scriptures. At short distance from the Dharma Chakra Centre, lies the old Rumtek monastery built by the 9th Karmapa in 1730.

Today the monastery hosts various rituals and events. The two most important among all are held during the summer and the winter. The first one is held in the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. This event can either be the Guru Rimpoche or the Vajrakilaya Drupchen (great sadhana practice retreat) take place. This event takes place for 10 days. The tenth day is marked by the Lama dance which depicts the eight representations of Guru Rimpoche (Saint Padmasambhava). During the end of the Lunar Year, the monastery hosts another 10 day ritual which is commemorated in praise of the Mahakala. The Rumtek monastery is a fine specimen of Tibetan architecture. It is composed of a meticulous work of wood and metal. The main building is a massive three storey structure which has a wide assembly hall laid out. Just above the assembly halls are designed the living quarters of the Karmapas, and the top floor has a small stupa.

However Rumtek is surrounded by a conspiracy that has baffled many Buddhists and political leaders. After the death of the 16th Karmapa, there remained a void as to who would be the head of this monastery. Today, there are two candidates for the title of 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje and Orgyen Trinley.

Buddhist Tours

Nepal is certainly the most melodiously positioned country in the world, but there’s more to Nepal that just the amazing landscape and scenery. It’s one of the world’s most spiritual countries, religious beyond measure. This is a country which contains within itself the very length and breadth of Buddhism and serves as the base of all its principles. Its monasteries range from small chortens to massive stupas that dominate the skyline and history in equal measure.  In any itinerary proposed to you by a travel agent, Buddhist circuit is one where you reach across monasteries to discover Buddhism’s vast significance on man’s soul and his deeds and how it has affected the very core of a nation. Nepal is a country which is filled with legends, relics, stories and monasteries that are associated to Buddhism. Whether it be around the Kathmandu valley or due north at Tengboche, Buddhism has always laid the foundations of Nepal’s overwhelming aura, its goodness and its people’s amazing lifestyle. Therefore a Buddhist tour around Nepal is an absolute must. It is a trip that would provide one with a great mix of spirituality and fun at the same time.

This trip will take you across places like Namobuddha; a place which is revered as a site where kindness and mercy were both personified by the Buddha by offering his body to be eaten by a hungry Tigress. The truth about this trip is that it demarcates the sweep of human history with that of its spiritual perfection; the perfection of nirvana which has been achieved in history by man. We begin this trip from Boudhanath and then we move to places like Namobuddha and then onwards to Pharping and then takes you to Swyambhunath up above the valley of Kathmandu. A lot of travelers who understand the values of Buddhism can’t stay away from the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha who later on became the Buddha (the enlightened one). There have been travelers right in the early ages beginning with Emperor Asoka himself who visited Lumbini. Then in the 5th century AD there was the Chinese traveler Fa Hein, who visited Lumbini and Huen Tsang in the 7th. The fascination for Lumbini lingers on. It is the place where the prince first discovered the four great truths and renounced his kingdom and later on enlightened the world. All of these places are incidentally not far to reach.

It’s that time again

Himalayan Dreams points the way to adventure with remarkable tours in

Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet!

Tours crafted by our staff of trained and talented men and women who are constantly searching the three countries for the truly unusual venues, experiences, and accommodations.

Now is the time to travel in this region. Prices are rising in India at a very rapid rate and in 2011 the Bhutanese government will also be raising the daily tourist rate.  In view of these continuing price hikes now is the right time to book your tour of a life time to the Himalayas.

Himalayan Dreams is just the company to partner with for your trip! Our staff will create a trip just for you. We take pride in designing a trip based on your interests and the needs of the group or individual.  March through May and October through December are ideal times to visit the towering mountains, meet the friendly people of these countries, view spectacular temples, and return home refreshed and invigorated by your journey.

Whether it is a spiritual trip to temples and monasteries, a walk through the past in palaces and ancient squares, or plunging into the world of para-sailing, hang-gliding, bungee jumping or white water rafting …come along with us and fulfill your Himalayan Dream! Unleash your spirit!

Life of a travel agent

..the challenges and privileges

The Privilege of Being a Travel Agent
The life of a travel agent is built on a set of ideas. Selling tours is just a small part. Countless hours are spent of strategizing, building and promoting a trip. And although the rewards are less, each effort is motivated by passion. Simply because understanding travel and its power to change the world is an overwhelming realization. When we comprehend that the strife that grips the world can be lessened or cured by appreciating the diversity of faiths, cultures and the world in general, creating journeys is an honor; a rare privilege that only a few enjoy. Having considered that greater vision which almost all travel agents live with, we do all we can to perfect this craft, simply because we love the very idea of travel.

Travel Agents are restless beings. We constantly look for new ways to develop our approach to tourism and to perfectly adapt to the huge amount of tourist influx all around the world. Sometimes it is a daunting job and endless hours are spent understanding and carving out every detail with precision.

This meticulous job gets to most of us sometimes. But the hard work pays off and our understanding of travel and the hard work it commands are overcome by a sense of respite as we see the spark and thrill among our travelers and realize how even by a small measure it has begun to change the world.
It is in such times, we often consider what makes a travel agent better to serve the greater purpose of creating journeys and understanding this great privilege more. There are among many trying qualities, a few which are worth dwelling upon.

Knowledge of Local Places

Knowledge of local places cannot be achieved without appreciating what is around you. One must understand the best thing about a destination. It varies with places but a greater understanding of local places is of utmost importance. This will immerse the traveler with sensitivity for different cultures. You haven’t traveled well if you haven’t understood the local culture and it’s enriching essence. That is why a good travel agent must be able to transfer the same sense of appreciation to a traveler. But this is a tedious process which involves research, constant updates and knowledge of cultures, anthropology, history and sometimes architecture too. However hard work pays off and this is evident on the faces of all the travelers who are in your hands. Traveling is all about seeing and learning and it’s a privilege to be the source of that enriching travel experience.
Personal Attention
Each traveler is special. He/she deserves that special attention and care. Like all businesses a travel operator must think of a client’s benefits before he can calculate his own profits. One must also understand the amount of planning, the funds, and the continuous desire that a traveler considers before embarking on a journey. And he/she travels miles to be in the place where he/she always wanted to be. Personal attention, a sense of care and an allowance for comfort cannot be undermined during a trip. These are traits of hospitality that says a lot about how much you appreciate travelers and this industry. It is in a profound way, a belief in care, understanding and the entire idea of travel. This is why you receive repeat travelers.

Experience
One cannot become a travel agent without some experience. Granted, everyone is a first timer once. But this is a job that requires time, patience and research. More travel agents have spent decades in this industry and know how to conduct tours like the back of their hands. And that is what travelers seek when they book a tour. Sometimes travel agents get a large group of travelers. Providing each one with personal attention and incase of problems during a trek or an expedition could prove to be hazardous. And unexpected occurrences cannot be overlooked. Political turmoil, flight delays, accidents etc could very well be part of travel. During such situations, one can count on nothing other than pure experience.

Infrastructure
Proper infrastructure is important to manage and organize holiday packages. Good Infrastructure is beneficial for strenuous tours which are sometimes very demanding especially in the Himalayas. Focus must be made on taking the hassles and tedium out of travelling for a traveler, so that he/she may enjoy everything around with a carefree mind. Right from Airport pickups to hotels, transports and until departures, travelers must be taken care of in a stress free environment. This can happen only when you have the right infrastructure. Developing infrastructure too, takes a lot of time and effort with careful planning. A travel agent is incomplete without proper infrastructure.

Expertise
Expertise comes from hiring the best staff and it also comes from experience in the field of travel. Expertise helps take out all the hassles of a journey from the mind of a traveler; simply because with expertise by the side of a travel agent, any problem and any hindrance can be solved immediately. Expertise also ensures the safety of a traveler which is imperative. One must have tour leaders who are all trained in first aid and crisis management. Whilst trekking food preparation and hygiene must be given top priority. Right from the initial correspondence, booking, conducting tours and departure, expertise will be appreciated and choosing the right personnel for the right job is key to the success of a travel agent.

Responsible Travel
Responsible Travel/Tourism comes from loving the idea of Travel and understanding its impact on nature, ecology and local people. It is about appreciating many different cultures and nature itself and how we owe something to the things that give us pleasure. A good travel agent always arranges for travelers to connect in a way with local people and make them understand the economy and the ecology surrounding them. In a way Travel Agents must seek to minimize negative impacts of the environment and society and think of ways to raise the economic benefits of the local communities. Travel agents must be culturally sensitive and respect the impacts of relations between the tourists and the locals.

Guided by Greater Vision
Words like excellence, comfortable, luxury, affordable and exclusive are thrown about by travel agents with reckless abandon. Not a lot of travel agents talk about the other benefits of travel. But a few understand that what one travels for makes all the difference. All travel agents and the work they do must be guided by a greater vision. Visions vary of course but they must be based on a set of principles and ethics. Creating journeys is the best way to bring people closer to each other and that privilege must always be appreciated. Most agents believe in the great, sometimes transformative, always educational value of travel. We must always understand that traveling is the only way to cure the world from the hatred and differences that dominate our relationships.

Passion
Travel agents are most passionate about creating journeys and providing more than what a traveler normally expects during a trip. During a trip, the travel agent manages the details so that one can relish all the experience without any hassles or the need to research. Because research and hassles are already considered by the travel agent, trips become easy and pleasurable.

Creative Approach
Almost all travel agents sell similar trips. Well, because the routes are the same! However there are some trips that are unique to each travel agent. These are the ones that are meticulously planned and researched so that travelers can find something different each time they journey a destination. While some believe in adventure and some in practices that show more of culture, the unique trips are something that is closer to the heart of a travel agent who creates them. This creative approach while crafting journeys take a longer time and much harder work. But while this virtue is rare among travel agents, it ensures quality and passion.

Best Itinerary for You-Not the one we want to sell
A travel agent must sell an Itinerary that is best suited to a traveler and not the one that he wants to desperately sell someone. Understanding the needs and requirements of a traveler are of utmost importance in this business. This is done with research and knowing where a particular travel will enjoy the most. A travel agent must always consider an enquiry with detail and offer the best choices.

We face these challenges because we respect this privilege

www.himalyandreamz.com

Mustang tiji festival 2010

Mustang tiji festival 2010

Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang known as ‘Roof of the world’ northern Nepal surrounded on three sides by Chinese held Tibet, one of the oldest civilizations on earth, mediaeval world uniquely preserved from modern technology.

A land covered with small villages, ancient monasteries, friendly people and breathtaking scenery. Mustang’s wealth was derived from being a major trading hub on the Kali Gandaki / Thak Khola trade route between Tibet and Nepal, w hich reflects the rich Buddhist culture, history, laws and customs.

The Tiji festival is a three-day ritual known as “The chasing of the Demons” and it is centered around the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land.

For more information Click here

NEPAL TOURISM YEAR 2011 !

nepal news and updates - Himalayan Dreams

Jet Airways to launch Kathmandu-Mumbai flights in December

NAC to fly to Lhasa in 2010

Tourist arrival up by 11 pc in Oct

Entry fee to Swoyambhunath Stupa revised

Jet Airways to launch Kathmandu-Mumbai flight in December.

India’s leading private sector airline Jet Airways is introducing daily flights from India’s commercial capital Mumbai to Kathmandu from December 2. The ariline will use Boeing 737 for Kathmandu-Mumbai flights.
Jet Airways currently operates 13 flights a week in Kathmandu-New Delhi sector. The airline will increase its flights on the Kathmandu-New Delhi sector to 14 flights a week effective from November 17.
“The Nepal-India sector is a very busy one, in terms of leisure and business air traffic. We are confident that our new daily services on the sector will be much appreciated,” Nikos Kardaiss, acting JEO, Jet Airways, stated in the company’s website.

NAC to fly to Lhasa in 2010

Nepali and Chinese officials have agreed to operate Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights by designated Nepali airlines. The agreement was raeached during the Third Joint Tourism Coordination Committee Meeting on November 9.
Joint secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Murari Bahadur Karki and Deputy Director General of the Tibet Tourism Administration Wang Songping signed the agreement.
Nepal Airlines Corporation will start the direct flight to Lhasa, while China Airlines will operate Canton-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights.
The meeting also decided to promote a joint rafting industry by the private sector of both sides, develop an action plan to establish a trekking route from Lomanthang of Nepal to Mansarovar of Tibet.
Meanwhile, officials of both the countries are making preparation to resume direct bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa. The bus service has remained defunct for the last three years.

Tourist arrival up by 11 pc in Oct

Tourist arrival to Nepal in the month of October has increased by 10.8 pc to 56,009 compared to arrival figure of same period last year. Nepal’s peak tourism season begins from October.

Growth in arrival in the month of October was contributed by robust growth in arrivals from India and China. Arrivals from India and China increased by 20.1 pc and 116.4 pc respectively. Similarly, arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) also recorded positive growth. Arrivals from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand increased by 10.7 pc, 55.8 pc, 127.8 pc, 4.3 pc and 3.6 pc respectively. Arrivals from the Asian segment recorded a positive growth of 41.2 pc.

In the SAARC region, arrivals from Pakistan and Sri Lanka increased by 177.4 pc and 106.3 pc respectively.

Arrival from the European market registered a growth of 9.9 pc in the period. The month saw the incrment of arrivals from UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands by 4.3 pc, 6.6 pc, 5.8 pc, 2.3 pc and 13.6 pc respectively. However, arrivals from Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium declined by 3.1 pc, 9.5 pc, and 15.5 pc respectively.

Travel theme and great ideas!

Enjoy the great opportunity of a lifetime! These treks will reward you with marvelous Himalayan vistas, panaromic views of the most gigantic mountains from Kalapathar, with a beautiful sunrise, through Mt Everest. Take a gentle trek through the Dudhkoshi river valley following beautiful terraces and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the culture of the Sherpas, visit ancient monasteries and learn how Lamaistic Buddhism influences Sherpa

life. Stop at any of the numerous teahouses, sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang (millet beer), and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas.

Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trailside, singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler !

Entry fee to Swoyambhunath Stupa revised

The Federation of Swoyambhunath Stupa Management and Conservation has revised entry fee for foreign visitors to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN), foreign visitors will have to pay Rs 200 to enter the Swoyambhunath area as entry fee effective from November 16. Earlier, the fee was Rs 100 per person.
Swoyambhunath Stupa is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.

SOURCE: TAAN E-News.

Best New Trips: Hiking Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail

BY http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com
As the sun warmed the valley, the memory of a subzero night faded. The golden barley mounds around us mimicked the forms of two peaks in the distance—snowy, arrowhead-shaped giants jutting literally miles into a deep-blue sky. I pictured a blindfolded person being flown around the world and deposited in this hidden valley. When the mask was removed, he would almost certainly guess where he was, for there was only one place on Earth this could be: the Himalaya. The world’s greatest mountain range. Nepal, where the modern adventure travel industry was born, and where its focus has newly returned.

Find out more

[published in NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM] sited on 29th oct, 2009

Glimpses of Patan and Living with the Gods!

Glimpses of Patan and Living with the Gods
By Pradeep Rai-www.ecs.com.np

If you subscribe to the myth that Patan is a small ancient place far from the allure that Kathmandu en joys, take a glance at the all the old yet beautiful monuments around it. Granted, some people don’t have a taste for history, nor architecture or spirituality, but most of us are enthralled and stimulated by the way this city was built. Its 2000 year old temples and medieval improvisations rouse an inherent curiosity within us. With its head in the busy streets of Lagankhel and its feet in main land Kathmandu, the precipitous ancient city of Patan has long been dubbed by illustrious connoisseurs or art as the most spectacular amalgamation of architectural finesse. Patan’s presence as a city alive with vibrant devotees to myriad Hindu and Buddhist temples has acted as a muse to incalculable artists and writers, and along with its narrow alleyways of ancient brick masonry connecting hill top villages and the flowing Bagmati River, it has also been successful at enticing a rather good flock of tourists for decades.

The ancient city of Patan, also called Lalitpur and Yala, lies five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Patan stretches across two intersecting axes—to the north stands Patan’s Durbar Square and the Golden and Kumbeshwar temples and to the west is the main city of Kathmandu. The bustling southern street runs past the Machhendranath temple and the Lagankhel bus park, while the eastern road skirts the Mahabuddha temple. There are four famous stupas built by the emperor Ashoka in 250 BC, one each at the four corners of the city. Often called the most Newari city in the whole Kathmandu Valley, Patan is a vibrant mélange of cultures, and with a host of funky little cafes and restaurants, it becomes perfect for creative ramblings. There is the Patan Palace, which was home to all the kings of Patan, now a museum displaying ancient artifacts and relics. The Patan Museum Board, established in 1996, is responsible for its maintenance.

Many scholars believe (and many disagree) that at the turn of the 2nd century AD, a Kirat king by the name of Yalamber built a palace in the then secluded small city of Patan on the bank of the sacred Bagmati, at the foot of the place where the Durbar square stands now. He transformed it into his capital and named it after him—Yala. About 400 years later when the Licchavis came into power, massive construction work began. The significant emergence of Patan as a city of commerce, ideas, and culture was undeniably the Licchavis’ supreme achievement. Patan remained a hugely important channel until the valley capital was shifted to Kathmandu with the arrival of King Prithivi Narayan Shah. As the new city of Kathmandu looks to the outside world and begins its historic reacquaintance, it falls a shade new for it never saw the historical glory days that Patan did.

For many, the road to Patan is recounting great history lesson, a persuasive crash course in culture and religion. Legend has it that an idol of the god Rato Machhendranath was brought to the Kathmandu valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, in Assam, India, by three people representing three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, in order to bring rainfall to overcome the worst drought affecting the valley. One of them, a devoted farmer named Lalit carried the idol all the way and established it near Patan. It is believed that Lalitpur was named after the farmer. And as it happens, for a daily fascination in the picturesque contrasts so cherished by snooping travelers, a little folklore adds more spice.

Patan derives its rich culture not from the temples but from the parade of regal powers who ruled its corners for the past two millennia. In Patan Durbar Square, the beautiful statue of King Yog Narendra Malla with a snake canopy and a golden bird on top still remains the underscore of Patan, mysteriously hiding a million stories and myths within it. Yog Narendra ruled Patan between 1684AD and 1705AD. During this period he added many structures to the city. He built the two sattals (rest places) just before the stone stairs leading to the stone water spouts (Manga Hiti), and also the Bhimsen temple.

The snake canopy statue of the king has an interesting story. During the reign of Yog Narendra, a farmer from Patan would go to the neighboring kingdom of Bhaktapur to sell vegetables. Out of pity for the farmer, the king of Bhaktapur bought all his vegetables thus becoming the regular daily customer. When the king of Patan heard about this, he conspired to use this to his advantage. He made a stone idol of ‘Ku Laxmi’, which would bring misfortune to Bhaktapur, and had it sold through the vegetable vendor.

The king of Bhaktapur now sought vengeance and asked the King of Patan if they could add a temple to the beautiful Patan Durbar Square. On receiving confirmation, the ‘Nisantaneshwor’ Mahadev Temple was built to make sure that Patan would not have an heir to the throne. As a result King Yog Narendra Malla had 30 wives but no son to succeed him. The Nisantaneshwor temple still stands in the Durbar Square, but it is never worshiped. Before Yog Narendra left his throne, he built a bronze statue and had a golden bird atop it. He told his people that they should believe that he lives, until the bird flies to heaven. One can still see the statue in Durbar Square standing magnificently as if to supervise a visit which some believe is no less than a divine coincidence.

In Patan’s Durbar Square, the early yet incessantly populated place is a city of its own, copiously bequeathed with superb temples, a palace of the Malla era, a giant bathhouse, and fine wooden carvings, a testament to the consummate dexterity of medieval Newari artisans. Within the vicinity of the square lies the beautiful Krishna Mandir. This three-storied stone temple was built by King Siddhi Narasingha Malla in the 16th century AD. Important scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics have been carved in its friezes and the temple houses 21 spires known as the Chyasin Deval. The main idol is on the first floor. In front of the Krishna temple, atop a high stone-pedestal, there is a gilded statue of Garuda, half man, half bird, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. His wings are slightly outspread and he kneels with hands folded as if in a prayer. The two wings signify truth and knowledge respectively meaning to say that God exists in the presence of truth and knowledge. One of the finest specimens of Nepalese temple craft, the Krishna Mandir lures one with unstinting splendor, minute carvings, and a sense of purity that has bent to many winds, yet has remained deeply and valiantly rooted. The Durbar Square is bejeweled by the Bhimsen Temple, Manga Hiti, Vishwanath Temple, Jagatnarayan Temple and the Golden Temple.

There isn’t a real religious center any more than there is a real hangout spot. But if there were, it would be in Patan. Relatively unperturbed by the waves of invasion that swept through and transformed Kathmandu, Patan is the depository of medieval culture that underlies the spiritual reality of Nepal. It hosts a classic collection of temples, a large ensemble of spectacular structures devoted to the gods, both in and around it. The Hiranya Varna Mahavibar is a three-storeyed golden pagoda temple built in the 12th century AD by King Bhaskar Varma. It stands just outside the vicinity of the Durbar square. A golden icon of Lord Buddha and a huge prayer wheel stand on the pedestal of the upper portion of the vihar and elaborate decorative patterns are engraved on its outer walls. Walking through shops with handicrafts on display, mysterious old brick houses with narrow doors, gracious old men sitting beside temples, takes you to a five-storied pagoda temple which at a moment makes one relish a culture on the upswing. This one is the Kumbeshwar temple built by King Jayasthiti Malla in 1422AD. The courtyard houses a natural spring that forms a large pond and is opened on the eve of Janai Poornima, the festival of the sacred thread on the full moon day of August, when ritual bathing takes place every year.

Another of the significant monuments in Patan is the Mahabuddha temple, a masterpiece of brick and tile. Built by Abhaya Raj, a priest of Patan, every single brick portrays a tiny icon of Buddha. There are an astonishing nine thousand bricks in total. There is also the temple of Machhendranath, which stands in the middle of a wide quadrangle at the outer perimeter of the market place.

These temples reserve their greatest secrets for those who attain an understanding and value of them. There is something divine and supremely pure about visiting them, a gift that will always remain. We will never find out descriptions of divine beauty, but Patan fills one with cerebral images of phenomenal monuments, nights ablaze with prayer chants, and an oceanic army of pigeons which could humble you before its majesty and noble splendor. These are the loftiest creations ever raised by the hands of man, the most intelligent monuments of the human spirit and a bold sink into irrelevance by comparison. There stands Patan on a par with the world’s best, with its astounding composition of temples, palaces, and traditional alleys, with elevated statues of gods rising above the dust and a long procession of emperors marching along through their histories.

New tourism policy Pragmatic approach counts.

Vijay Shrestha- The Himalayan Times Daily.
It is essential that we match resources with results, cost with revenues and efforts with outcomes.

The government has come up with a draft tourism policy. The new policy in the making is relevant in the context of the new governance environment of the country. Tourism objectives can be measurably related to GDP, total arrivals, international/regional or product wise market share, foreign exchange earning, employment generation, infrastructure development,
etc. But the final bottom line should be linked to the overall national goals. The draft has enumerated nine products for promotion and resource allocation. I have a firm view that our scarce resources should be allocated in high-return-oriented products in which we have comparative strengths.
For example, adventure tourism, culture and religious tourism, are our core strength areas, where allocating our resources should create more results than investing in educational tourism, or medical tourism. Any policy or strategy, however good, will not yield results unless they are effectively implemented. A strategy should have an appropriate organisational structure. For the effective implementation of the policy, it is imperative that there is a new responsibility management system. Hence, responsibility officers are to be named, responsibilities defined and the performance evaluation of the responsibility officers made on the basis of their performance.Various I/NGOs, have been involved in Nepal’s various development areas, such as poverty reduction, education, health, women development, empowerment of the underprivileged, and microfinance. The involvement of the organisations
at the grass roots level can do much to augment the tourism industry potential.
New products and market development will be critical factors for the achievement of the draft policy objectives. By developing new products, Nepali tourism can achieve greater volumes from the current tourism markets and effectively intrude new markets. It is important that the new policy in the making should address this issue by providing for incentives to tour operators for substantial product development and new marketing initiatives. When developing new products, it is important to ensure their effectiveness from customer perspective as well as from the local beneficiaries. For marketing purposes, e-initiatives can be particularly relevant for us.
Services of tourist service points such as airports, heritage sites, trekking sites, immigration points are critical for repeated visits. They should be best managed with service benchmarking. It is essential that we match resources with results, cost with revenues and efforts with outcomes.
For the target arrivals, we must have sufficient infrastructure in place. For development of new infrastructure, it is necessary to provide entrepreneurs with fiscal, monetary and process incentives. The government should also have the provision of maintaining and developing heritage sites regularly. Accommodation capacity has decreased in recent years with the closure of a number of hotels. Accommodation capacity will be a key constraint factor in the future.
To be competitive and to be in a position to achieve the policy objectives, it is also important for us to have productive human resources in all the related sub-sectors, including all tourist service points such as immigration, tour guiding, travel management, civil aviation, etc. On productive international sectors, there is a capacity crunch particularly during the high tourist season.
There is a need for a very liberal, continual policy of allowing international charter flights and flights under temporary operating permits. Similarly, the country must have a policy framework for air service agreement.
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in Nepal is possibly the most expensive in the whole world. The government must review the ATF pricing policy. ATF pricing for internal remote sector flights should be done for cost recovery only and VAT should be waived on the supply of ATF for such flights. For other domestic and international flights, ATF pricing has to be based on cost plus reasonable profit. This way, ATF prices will decrease substantially which will immensely contribute to the growth of international and internal air traffic due to consequential fare reduction. When there is a resource crunch, cooperation becomes important. We can collaborate with neighbouring countries as a move towards global marketing to promote tourism in our country.
Furthermore, the continuity of leadership is sine qua non for any organisation or a plan to be successful. For tourism to grow at a faster rate, we need leadership continuity in all related organisations in the sector, from the ministry to NAC, CAAN, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) for a strategic period of time. This enables the continuity of the pursuit of the purpose, strategic implementation and achievement of the purpose, goals and objectives.

Shrestha is president of Airline Operators Association of Nepal

Meeting the God Regularly

Meeting the God Regularly
By Ashesh Maharjan- www.ecs.com.np

It is not quite possible to avoid visiting temples often when you live in a city like Kathmandu, well known as the ‘City of Temples’. It is said that at one point in history temples outnumbered houses in this place. Though we no more have the luxury of this claim, the density of the temples still awes tourists and natives alike. There are votive shrines scattered throughout in the city. We can find one within a stone’s throw in every direction. What is even more amazing is that these temples are never unattended, they always have at least have a few if not many visitors throughout the day.

People in Kathmandu, whether they know or admit it or not, are religious (or some say superstitious). They thank god for a meritorious day, and regret the sight of an empty gagri (a narrow-necked water vessel) that morning for an unfortunate day. And feelings like these drive most of the people regularly to the temples, at least once a week or, at most, several times a day. They don’t even realize how religious they are because that’s what they have been taught since childhood; it’s their way of life.

Some temples are visited frequently and some are not. Banglamukhi Mandir is one of the temples which is almost always has many devotees; but on Thursdays, the place is teeming with people. Thursdays, for many residents, has become synonymous with Banglamukhi. They believe that worshiping and offering burning incense, flowers and fruits to Banglamukhi Mai every week will make their wishes come true. A local woman of Patan in her weekly darshan (to pay respect) to Banglamukhi temple says “Banglamukhi Mai really made my wishes come true, my son now holds a US visa and all the credit goes to Banglamukhi Mai and Manakamana Mai. I’m sure going to offer something big to Manakamana Mai this year.” God really made her happy. Manakamana is another major Nepalese Hindu temple of wishes.

“I used to go to the temples just for the sake of going, a year or so ago,” says Prabin Sijhapati, a local of Bhaisipati, “but since my mother got sick and lost one of her kidneys, I’ve started to visit temples with a deep sense of faith and hope that god will look upon her.” Prabin is a very playful and amusing person and a converstionist, so nobody, including his best friend, would guess the anxiety he is facing. But when he enters the premises of a temple, he is a different person, very grave and filled with hopes. “I no more go to temples with an intention of flirting with girls,” he says, ending the conversation on a humorous note.
Some less religious people, or those who claim themselves to be less religious, visit temples as well. But they have different reasons (or excuses) to go each morning. A young local Newar of Patan says: “I don’t really believe in miracles, but I do visit temples every now and then when I walk past one, and I do have faith.” For almost all, temple-going is a way of life. Some pay their respects to god by visiting temples during morning walks or on the way to or back from work or school.

As people here get old, they lean towards god even more and take on religious quests. They believe that this leads them to salvation. Some religious sites are as popular among youngsters as they are with the old folks. One of them is Krishna Mandir. Though this temple is mostly visited once a year during Krishnastami, the temple complex is always full of youngsters evenings and often until late at night. It’s their hang out. “After a day of college and work I come here with my friends to feel loosened,” one said. “And to have tea, chat with friend and just watch people passing by,” his friend interjected. The large number of white plastic tea cups scattered all around the place suggests the great popularity of the local tea shop. Basantapur is another similar place often crowded with people each evening; but by removing the itinerant street-vendors lately, it has become a bit less crowded.

The worship of one’s kul deuta (ancestral god) is considered important in Nepalese culture. This practice dates back to the Kirat Period (from about 900 .C to 300 AD). Kirat religion, based on fact, love, respect, appreciation and harmony, realized that all of these five principles of life were taught to them by their ancestors. This led them to start worshiping their ancestors, who for them were the greatest of gods. Each family in Kathmandu has their own ancestral god. They visit the temple of their kul deuta every year to pay respect to their patrilineal forebears. The day long ritual, called dewali, is like a family gathering and a picnic at the same time. “All the prosperity, status, fortune, health and all the good things that can happen to a family are believed to be the asirvad (blessings) of our kul deuta,” said an elderly local of Patan when asked about this ritual.

Pashupatinath, the most famous and most holy Hindu temple of all, is visited by people on religious pilgrimage from all over the Indian sub-continent. This holy place, an abode for long-haired sadhus and agile monkeys, is most visited during Maha Shivaratri in February. Swayambhunath, the biggest of all Buddhist shrines on top of a hill west of Kathmandu city, is also most visited once a year during Buddha Purnima in May/June. Another popular temple is Lord Ganesha in Chovar, where every year during a month long mela (festival) in November, thousands of devotees climb all the way up the hill of Chovar to worship Lord Ganesha. Temples like Suryavinayak, Karyavinayak and Dakchinkali are also visited at least once a year by the inhabitants of the valley, but they don’t have a fixed date on which they are worshiped.

Meeting god regularly is the way of life of the Nepalese in Kathmandu. They have reasons to visit temples every now and then all round a year. It gas shaped the history and culture and, not least, the daily lives of the people in this holy valley.

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