News & Events
Visitor Arrivals in December 2008 (by air only)
The total number of visitors in 2008 has reached to 374,661, representing an increase of 4% in comparison to the year 2007. The figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal that arrival figures in the month of December 2008, compared to the same month last year, have increased by 0.6% to 30,062.
The entire South Asian region has gained overall positive growth except for arrivals from Sri Lanka. Bangladesh and Pakistan have registered robust growth of 37 % and 23.4% respectively. India, the largest market for Nepal, witnessed positive growth of 1.9% in December.
As compare to 2007, the total visitor arrivals from South Asian countries registered positive growth except India.
European countries such as UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden have also maintained the increasing trend in the arrival figures in the month of December 2008, compared to the same month last year. Also UK, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, France and Denmark have registered positive growth in total comparison to the year 2007. Arrivals from the United States of America, Australia and Canada have also increased in December in comparison to the same month last year. Similarly total arrivals in 2008 from the United States of America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have also increased in comparison to 2007. However France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland have registered negative growth in the current month.
Other Asian countries do not show healthy trend. Malaysia has maintained the upward trend with 21.9% of growth. Arrivals from China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, witnessed negative growth in the arrival figures by 25.9%, 3.6%, 2.8% and 9.5% respectively in the month of December. Arrival figures for year 2008 show upward trend.
A total of 33,554 foreign tourists departed from TIA in December 2008 while the total number of international visitor departure till December 2008 reached 405,223, representing an increase of 11.24% over 2007. The number of Nepalese arrivals stood at 41,333 while 48,982 Nepalese departed from TIA in December 2008.
Since August as global economy faced meltdown following the hike in oil prices and the consequent cuts in airline capacity and increasing transport cost travelers trim down their length of stay and their consumption in terms of type of accommodation and other activities. Against continuing downward revisions in macro-economic expectations overall 4% growth in international tourist arrivals in 2008 as compared for the full of 2007 can be considered as healthy increment.
Source : NTB
Tourist Visa Rules in Nepal (Effective from 16 July 2008)
Tourists who visit Nepal must hold valid passport and visa.
Entry
Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal:
- Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
- Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
- Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
- Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
- Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
- Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
- Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Tourist Visa
Visa Facility |
Duration |
Fee |
Multiple entry |
15 days |
US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency |
Multiple entry |
30 days |
US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency |
Multiple entry |
90 days |
US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency |
Tourist Visa Extension
- Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
- Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
Gratis (Free) Visa
- Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.
- Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
Transit Visa
Transit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent convertible currency.
For further information, please contact:
Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmand
Tel:00977-1-4221996 / 4223590 / 4222453
web site: www.immi.gov.np
Source : NTB
Sir Edmund Hillary will always live in Nepali hearts
A condolence meeting was organized on January 15, 2008 in memory of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first summiteer of Mt. Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary passed away at a hospital in Auckland, New Zealand on January 10, 2008, at the age of 88. Prayers were performed as per the Buddhist and Hindus tradition where Lamas and Batuks chanted sacred Mantras for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung, Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation committed that he would take proposal to the Cabinet Meeting to name Lukla Airport as Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Mr. Jyoti Adhikari, President of Trekking Agents' Association of Nepal proposed for the different awards in the memory of Tenzing and Hillary and requested tourism industry and the ministry for the approval.
Miss Elizabeth Hawley, Executive Director of Himalayan Trust sending her message to the condolence meeting said that the loss of Sir Edmund Hillary would be felt all over the world.
Source : NTB
Visitors Arrival in 2007 shows 27.1% growth (by air only)
December 2007 registered a growth of 13 % in the international visitor's arrival to Nepal by air route. The total visitor arrivals reached 29895, up by 3433 compared to the same month last year, according to the data released by Immigration Office Tribhuvan International Airport. A growth of 25 % has been recorded in the visitor arrivals from Europe, US and other non-Indian Asian tourist generating countries while Indian arrivals has been fallen down by 8.5% during this month.
The key contributors to the arrivals from Asian market were China and Singapore which showed an exceptional growth during this month with gains of 114.6 %, 92 % respectively. The East Asian markets Japan (-12.3%), S. Korea (-9.4%) Malaysia (-22.9 %), however showed some decline.
The European markets have too recorded an encouraging growth (19.8%) during the month with arrival numbers increasing from almost all the markets excepting a few. Growth was observed from Switzerland ( 97.8%). UK (21%), France (33.4%), Belgium (56.1%) ,Denmark (34.5%) Spain (41.9%) and Germany (19.6%),. The Dutch arrivals have too increased by 26.7%. The only markets to come down were Austria (-22.2 %), Israel (-8.1%) and Italy (-4.2%).
The Americans market has too registered a growth of 33.7% while Australian arrivals have gone up extremely well up by 41.4%.
The total non-Indian visitors, which contributed 70.1%, share in overall December arrivals registering a 25 % growth indicates the growing consumer confidence and interest towards Nepal from the long haul markets.
Analyzing the growth trend of 2007, it has been recorded 27.1% growth over 2006 with the arrival figure reaching 360,350 all time high since 2000 against 283,516 in 2006. In 2000, the number of visitors arriving Nepal by air was 376914. Since then, it has continued to plummet due to various socio-political reasons. One of the main reasons for inspiring growth in 2007 in tourist arrivals is the ongoing peace process and political stability in the county. Another reason is the good air connectivity with many destinations ushered in by the operation of 9 new international airlines to Nepal in 2007. 2008 seems to be very promising year for Nepalese travel trade as more new airlines are coming and existing airlines are also extending their flight frequency to Nepal.
Source : NTB
EBC of Nepal tops Asia's first 11 tourist destinations
Venture Magazine published by a UK Based Kumuka Worldwide, a leading company specialising in worldwide adventure tours for more than 23 years has enlisted Everest Base Camp (EBC) of Nepal in top of their list of Asia's First 11 tourist destinations. EBC, Nepal, precedes other destinations such as Lhasa(Tibet). The Taj Mahal(India), Kettuvalom Cruising(India), Benotta Beach( Sri Lanka) and The Great Wall of China which are respectively on the list in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th spots.
Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp, offers a unique vacation, also Listed in UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, home of Sherpa Peoples and Stunning Mountain Views, the region boasts some of the most extraordinary high mountain scenery on earth.
Venture Magazine writes about Everest Base Camp, "Trekking to Everest isn't just for mountaineers: the fit will find it a life-changing experience. Kumuka's 'Base Camp Trek' puts the world's greatest mountain in perspective, exploring Kathmandu and taking the time to meander through the Sherpa people's homeland, with porters to take the strain of heavy luggage and simple, atmospheric tea-house accommodation. Three weeks on the 'Roof of the World' finishes all-too-quickly, with a spectacular flight from Lukla.
Commenting on Asia's first 11, the Venture Magazine says," Asia has a wealth of riches, among them the world's highest mountains, the oldest civilizations and an unsurpassed biodiversity. From such abundance we have picked a team of attractions that should make it on every traveller's wishlist. We cn take you to all of them. But how many have you seen?"
Venture Magazine was distributed in Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show (ATS) held in Olympia, London from 12 to 14th January 2007.
Prior to this accolade Nepal is also honored by Wanderlust Travel Award 2001, UK. It has kept Nepal in Second Position in the Top Country Category. Similarly, Modern Maturity (Sep/Oct 2001), America's largest circulated magazine has declared The Annapurna Trail-one of the best 12 walks in the world; Observer Travel Award 2002, UK has declared Nepal Favorite Long Haul Destination; Lonely Planet has pictured Nepal as the country with some of the best walking trails on earth and BBC Holidays has kept Nepal in the list of 50 places to see before you die.
Source : NTB
Situation Update
Nepal has witnessed 35% growth in arrival of the tourists in last seven months in 2007. This growth in tourist arrivals has been possible due to cooperation from Nepal loving tourists and ongoing peace process ratified by major political parties started since last year.
Unfortunately an isolated incidence took place in Kathmandu on September 2, 2007 where three bomb blasts killed two innocent Nepalis. All these places are within Kathmandu city where the normalcy has returned and people of Nepal are trying to overcome from this tragic incident.
We are confident that such acts of terror are deplorable irrespective of the claim by the splinter political group, hitherto not popular in Nepal's political spectrum. This kind of sporadic incident happens everywhere in the world and should not impede the general movement of human being in general and tourism activities in particular. As we all know that no untoward incident has taken place aiming at the tourists in the past.
The Government of Nepal has also assured the industry that it would not leave any stone unturned at this stage to provide appropriate security. In order to orchestrate the sentiment in reciprocation, the entrepreneurs have shown great enthusiasm to give the tourists best time in Nepal with all possible hospitality and humility.
All the tourism establishments are hence, running in complete normalcy. We would like to welcome all tourists in Nepal in this autumn season in view of overwhelming bookings received so far known through private sectors.
Source : NTB
Visitors Arrival in July 2007 (by air only)
The total visitor arrival figures in July 2007 grew by 25 percent culminating the figure to 26078, according to the data released by TIA, Office. The European market as a whole has shown a healthy growth of 45 percent with encouraging figures from major tourist generating individual countries. The UK market with the largest share of the total European arrivals has increased by 30.8 percent. Germany (33.4%), France (65.7%), Spain (65.8%), Netherlands (21.6%) and Belgium (75.1%) also registered very healthy growth this month compared to the corresponding month of last year. The arrivals from the Australian and American markets are also very encouraging with 53.9 % and 82.9 % growth respectively. Arrivals from Austria and Norway are down by 34.2% and 21.2 percent respectively.
Some regional and emerging markets like Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand are pro-actively depicting a upward growth trend instilling a sense of hope amongst the travel trade. Korean and Chinese markets grew by staggering 180.4% and 90% establishing their prominence with 4% and 3.8% respectively in total arrivals. It is very worth noting that Korea and China are in the same range of contributing more than 3 percent in the total arrivals till July. Only UK, USA, France, Germany, Japan, Korea and China are such countries, excluding India in the count.
The arrival figures from some neighboring countries have not gained the momentum and hence not encouraging as yet. Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan arrivals are down by 4.4%, 7.6% and 8.8% respectively. The Bangladesh market nevertheless grew by 94.8%.
The total arrivals till July increased by 35.6 % with total 193211 numbers of tourists till the month of July. The situation manifests that not a single country records negative growth in its total arrivals till July. Which means, the prospect and the trend of tourist arriving is on the rise for the days to come. NTB presumes we all should collectively engross more for fetching more number of tourists capitalizing the peace and stability in line with the promotional efforts of all.
Source : NTB
Appa atop for countdown no 17
Nepal's celebrated mountaineer Appa Sherpa scaled the world's highest peak Mount Everest for a record 17th time on Wednesday, May 16, 2007.
Appa, 47, who was leading a 7-member team of Sherpas on a charity climb to raise education funds for children of mountain guides -- reached the summit at 8:45 on May 17 morning.
Appa and his team member of the Super Sherpa expedition Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa shot a video for a documentary and took some pictures on the top of the world.
The footages of the climb will be made into a charity documentary, the money raised from which will go towards providing better education and health care for children in the Sherpa community in the mountainous regions.
World record holder with 17 summits, four without oxygen on Mt. Everest, Appa, married with four children, reached the top of the world in the spring of 1990 for the first time.
Meanwhile, television journalist Kami Sherpa also scaled Mount Everest.
Source : NTB
EBC of Nepal tops Asia's first 11 tourist destinations
Venture Magazine published by a UK Based Kumuka Worldwide, a leading company specialising in worldwide adventure tours for more than 23 years has enlisted Everest Base Camp (EBC) of Nepal in top of their list of Asia's First 11 tourist destinations. EBC, Nepal, precedes other destinations such as Lhasa(Tibet). The Taj Mahal(India), Kettuvalom Cruising(India), Benotta Beach( Sri Lanka) and The Great Wall of China which are respectively on the list in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th spots.
Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp, offers a unique vacation, also Listed in UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, home of Sherpa Peoples and Stunning Mountain Views, the region boasts some of the most extraordinary high mountain scenery on earth.
Venture Magazine writes about Everest Base Camp, "Trekking to Everest isn't just for mountaineers: the fit will find it a life-changing experience. Kumuka's 'Base Camp Trek' puts the world's greatest mountain in perspective, exploring Kathmandu and taking the time to meander through the Sherpa people's homeland, with porters to take the strain of heavy luggage and simple, atmospheric tea-house accommodation. Three weeks on the 'Roof of the World' finishes all-too-quickly, with a spectacular flight from Lukla.
Commenting on Asia's first 11, the Venture Magazine says," Asia has a wealth of riches, among them the world's highest mountains, the oldest civilizations and an unsurpassed biodiversity. From such abundance we have picked a team of attractions that should make it on every traveller's wishlist. We cn take you to all of them. But how many have you seen?"
Venture Magazine was distributed in Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show (ATS) held in Olympia, London from 12 to 14th January 2007.
Prior to this accolade Nepal is also honored by Wanderlust Travel Award 2001, UK. It has kept Nepal in Second Position in the Top Country Category. Similarly, Modern Maturity (Sep/Oct 2001), America's largest circulated magazine has declared The Annapurna Trail-one of the best 12 walks in the world; Observer Travel Award 2002, UK has declared Nepal Favorite Long Haul Destination; Lonely Planet has pictured Nepal as the country with some of the best walking trails on earth and BBC Holidays has kept Nepal in the list of 50 places to see before you die.
Source : NTB
News & Events 
