Sustained growth in International tourist arrivals continues The upward trend which is already seen in January 2011 continues in the fourth month of the year 2011 showing clearly the rising

King Jigmey Gesar Wangchuk, 31, of Bhutan announced his marriage with Jetsun Pema, 21, a student of Regents College, London, UK.As per Kuenselonline.com, the king made this announcement on Friday.

China Daily, giving reference of Xinhua News Agency writes that Air China is expected to start daily international service between Lhasa in the Tibet autonomous region and Katmandu, Nepal.

Bhutan's online news Kuenselonline reports that Bhutan's lesser known Haa Valley will soon be ready to welcome the foreign travelers to stay in their private farmhouses.

Aiming the increasing number of tourists from Hong Kong to Nepal and Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Dragon air is set to operate a daily flight between Hong Kong and Kathmandu.

Drukair will fly to Singapore twice a week beginning March next year.

Nepal has been recommended one of the "Top Ten Travel Recommendations for 2010" by news.scotsman.com. For more information please click the below link
http://news.scotsman.com/spectrum/Travel-Top-ten-travel-recommendations.5969809.jp

The cabinet meeting of Nepal Government issued a 10-point Everest Declaration at Kala Patthar, 18,192 feet above sea level and near the base camp of world´s highest peak Mt Everest, on December 4, 2009

Prime Minister Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal along with 23 ministers, some of them with oxygen masks, held the meeting at the Kala Patthar plateau to raise awareness about melting Himalaya due to climate change.

With the Everest Declaration, the government has committed to increase the conservation areas in the country from 20 per cent to 25 per cent and consolidating 40 per cent forest area. It also focuses in raising awareness on climate change issues and seeking international commitment and support to address the issues.

At the beginning of the cabinet meeting, PM Nepal briefed ministers about the motive of the meeting. "Climate change is not only issue of the mountainous nations or nations at the sea level, it´s a common issue of all," he said.

"To save the earth, the biggest sacrifice is needed from the nations producing large amount of carbon," he added.

Annual tourism promotional event Pokhara New Year Festival concluded in the lake city on January 1.

The event has been organizing since the last eleven years to commemorate New Year and promote Pokhara as a New Year destination for both domestic and international visitors. The event was organized by Pokhara chapter of Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN).

About 80 restaurants in the Lakeside served their guests on the street throughout the festival. The organizers also blocked traffic on the 3 km stretch from Fishtail Gate to Dihikopatan for the celebration.

Apart from food and cultural programs, interesting sporting events like Tourist Race, Kayak Race, Tug of War, Waiter Race and food eating competitions were also organized. The event also saw cultural attractions like Chyaju dance of Gurungs, Selo of Tamangs, Kaura dance of Magars, stick dance of Tharus and cultural procession of Kirant and Newar people.

Elephant Festival concludes in Chitwan

The 6th Elephant Festival organized by Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, concluded on December 28 at the ground of Baghmara Community Forest in Sauraha of Chitwan. The festival is organised every year to promote Sauraha as New Year destination.

A total of 22 organizations sponsored elephants in the unique Elephant Race. The elephants covered a distance of 400 meters. Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal has been taking part in the Elephant Race ever since its inception. Apart from the Elephant Race, the other main attraction of the festival was the Elephant Football competition. The event also saw bullock cart race and horse cart race.

The event saw encouraging participation of both domestic and international visitors.

Tourists can now easily buy a Nepal Telecom's Namaste Prepaid SIM Card at Tribhuvan Int'l Airport and get connected as soon as you land.

SIM Cards are in distribution from December 13, 2009 and for Tourists only.

The charge for SIM Card is NRs. 1135/- which includes talk value worth NRs. 500/-

Available at HAN Counter (TIA)
Tribhuvan Int'l Airport. Another private mobile company Mero Mobile SIM card easily available.