Rope-Fixing Team Reaches the Summit of Mt. Everest

Rope-Fixing Team Reaches the Summit of Mt. Everest

It has been a long and challenging spring on the world’s highest peak. In addition to seeing the mountain all-but completely shut down due to the coronavirus, the past few weeks have seen two summit pushes turned back due to bad weather. But now, as the seasonal monsoon looms on the horizon and time is starting to run out, a team of rope-fixing Sherpas has reached the top of the mountain at long last, with two more teams expected to follow over the next day or two.

Today, at approximately 2:25 PM local time in Tibet, a group of six Tibetan climbers reached the top of Mount Everest 8848M installing fixed ropes along the way. That group included. According to The Himalayan Times the group included: “Dorjee Tsering, Tenzing Norbu, Dunpa, Tashi Gombu, Tsering Norbu and Dorjee.” Upon reaching the top, the group used the new 5G cellular service that was installed o the mountain a few weeks back to broadcast live from the summit.

Their successful completion of installing the fixed lines resulted in the first summits of the season, but others may soon follow. A team of surveyors that have been sent to Everest to remeasure the height of the mountain has reportedly reached Camp 1 after leaving Advanced Base Camp this morning. According to ExWeb, their goal is to depart from C1 directly for the summit tomorrow, although that seems like a rather ambitious goal all things considered. C1 is located at 7000 meters (22.965 ft), leaving more than 1800 meters (5905 ft) of vertical climbing to go. That seems highly unlikely to happen in a single day.

Queuing up behind the survey team, the lone commercial squad on Everest this year is waiting in the wings. This team, which has roughly 26 members, is led by an operator called Yarla Shampo. They’ll look to summit sometime in the next few days as well, provided the weather continues to cooperate.

Traditionally speaking, most of the summits on Everest have come somewhere around May 15 in recent years. Bad weather has delayed any real attempts on the summit this season however, which is why it is now May 26 and we’re just now seeing any success this spring. Usually, the monsoon arrives in early June, which will of course close things down once again. In other words, this is likely to be the final summit push of the spring—and possibly the year—on the mountain.

Stay tuned. We’ll bring further updates as we get them.

International travel may not return to normal until 2023, experts say

International travel may not return to normal until 2023, experts say

The international travel industry likely won’t return to normal for at least three years as it tries to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic, a major travel association says.

The slower-than-expected reopening of world economies coupled with continued travel restrictions and COVID-19 fears among travelers could ground most of the world’s passenger jets until 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said, Lonely Planet reported.

Air travelers are also being turned off by the inconvenience of flying during the pandemic. A recent survey found that 69 percent of travelers would rather stay home than face a 14-day quarantine when they arrive at their destination, the outlet said — something which the IATA is urging governments to reconsider.

“To protect aviation’s ability to be a catalyst for the economic recovery, we must not make that prognosis worse by making travel impracticable with quarantine measures,” Alexandre de Juniac, the association’s director and CEO, told Lonely Planet.

“We need a solution for safe travel that addresses those challenges,” de Juniac said. “It must give passengers the confidence to travel safely and without undue hassle, and it must give governments confidence that they are protected from importing the virus.”

Why the future of air travel post-coronavirus may include more private airlines

The association said it expects domestic travel will lead the way when the recovery does get going, but global passenger traffic isn’t likely to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023, they said. The group estimates international travel demand will be 24 percent below 2019 levels by next year.

In a release Tuesday, the IATA set out principles for a reopening of the airways, vowing to put safety first and to use new science and technology to make that happen.

However, recent reports have suggested that commercial air travel may never fully rebound, and private air carriers may see an uptick in business.

Major airlines have also come under fire during the coronavirus for continuing to pack planes despite social-distancing restrictions and promises by air carriers.

The international travel industry likely won’t return to normal for at least three years as it tries to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic, a major travel association says.

The slower-than-expected reopening of world economies coupled with continued travel restrictions and COVID-19 fears among travelers could ground most of the world’s passenger jets until 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said, Lonely Planet reported.

Air travelers are also being turned off by the inconvenience of flying during the pandemic. A recent survey found that 69 percent of travelers would rather stay home than face a 14-day quarantine when they arrive at their destination, the outlet said — something which the IATA is urging governments to reconsider.

“To protect aviation’s ability to be a catalyst for the economic recovery, we must not make that prognosis worse by making travel impracticable with quarantine measures,” Alexandre de Juniac, the association’s director and CEO, told Lonely Planet.

“We need a solution for safe travel that addresses those challenges,” de Juniac said. “It must give passengers the confidence to travel safely and without undue hassle, and it must give governments confidence that they are protected from importing the virus.”

Why the future of air travel post-coronavirus may include more private airlines

The association said it expects domestic travel will lead the way when the recovery does get going, but global passenger traffic isn’t likely to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023, they said. The group estimates international travel demand will be 24 percent below 2019 levels by next year.

In a release Tuesday, the IATA set out principles for a reopening of the airways, vowing to put safety first and to use new science and technology to make that happen.

However, recent reports have suggested that commercial air travel may never fully rebound, and private air carriers may see an uptick in business.

Major airlines have also come under fire during the coronavirus for continuing to pack planes despite social-distancing restrictions and promises by air carriers.

Please Sign Petition: Has Mount Everest Been Stolen? Google/Apple Must Rectify

Please Sign Petition: Has Mount Everest Been Stolen? Google/Apple Must Rectify

Photo: Mount Everest/Sagarmatha

Mt. Everest and its peak are located in Nepal. It is one of the most famous natural wonders on earth, so how has Apple Maps and Google Maps failed to identify its correct geographical location as Nepal? This mistake is more significant than a simple technological error – it has stripped the country of Nepal of its natural wonder, its national landmark, and a significant recognition point for their homeland.

Please click here to sign this petition – We request Google and Apple to fix their maps and label Mount Everest and its peak’s location correctly inside Nepal. 

On Top of the World

Bordering Nepal and Tibet Autonomous region of Asia sits a breathtaking mountain on the crest of the Great Himalayas. As the tallest mountain in the world, the peak of this beautiful mountain reaches an elevation of 29,035 feet. The Nepali name for this holy mountain is Sagarmatha, translating to “Peak of Heaven.” Sagarmatha is also known as Mount Everest and is revered by the Nepali people as a symbol of their identity, strength, and pride. Nepal may be small in terms of size, but the Nepali people have a powerful voice.  Regardless of the large size of the two countries bordering it, Nepal deserves the ability to celebrate its most recognizable asset. While this would seem obvious, the dignity of the country has been thwarted by Apple Maps and Google Maps.

The technological giants have stripped the country of their national treasure by identifying Mt. Everest as solely in China – the label MT. EVEREST appears in China – and that is factually wrong. Anyone with an inkling of general knowledge will let you know that Mount Everest is in Nepal. For many, Nepal and Mount Everest are synonymous with each other. So how did this mistake happen and when will it be rectified – this is an urgent question for Apple and Google? Click here to sign the petition

Subscribe to Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. 

Apple and Google’s Error in Locating Mount Everest?

The editorial team at Hollywood Insider had been working on a film project involving the seven natural wonders of the world. As they began researching each wonder and their locations, they noticed a significant error on iPhone maps and that error was Mount Everest being marked inside Tibet/China. To their shock, both Google maps and iPhone maps showed the same incorrect labeling. 

Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambrose remarks, “I was in the middle of breakfast and working from home on this project. I got quite the shocker. I made a few calls and the confusion continued. When my entire team confirmed that all of their devices showed the same error – it became important to help in rectifying it. Nepal and Mount Everest are synonymous with each other. Mount Everest and its peak is in Nepal and thus must be correctly labeled as such. Rather than being a political issue, this is a moral one. Mount Everest and its location being in Nepal are beyond a debate or ever-changing political ambitions. Nepal is a very small country in size but not in terms of influence and contribution on a global scale. Nepal may be small – but it has its very own distinct and strong identity. It is neither like India nor like China – their two large and ambitious expansionist neighbors. Nepal is simply its very own nation with a significant contribution to the world despite its small size. The Nepali are among the kindest and most compassionate. Never will you meet a person who has been to Nepal and does not talk about the extraordinary compassion and kindness of its people. A country that has never been conquered and has retained its sovereignty. A country that is home to a multitude of races, languages, and cultures – yet live harmoniously amongst each other. The country that is the home to Gurkha soldiers that served in both the World Wars. Mount Everest is a significant part of Nepal’s identity. It is our duty to protect the history of our world, and Mount Everest is a major part of it.” 

Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to Hollywood Insider, for substance and meaningful entertainment that is free of gossip and scandal, click here

Mount Everest – Apple and Google Error confirmed by map experts/surveyors

This fact that Apple Maps and Google Maps have gotten the placement wrong has been confirmed by Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, an internationally recognized and award-winning expert surveyor/maps researcher and also the Managing Director of a mapping company. He also noted the technical fact that the highest peak of the mountain with the sloping terraced portion definitely being within Nepal’s borders.  

https://www.everestexpeditionsnepal.com/package/mount-everest-expedition

20 Beautiful Places In Nepal That Will Leave You Wonderstruck

The landlocked country of Nepal despite being quite small is blessed with multiple beautiful places. It is home to eight of the world's fourteen eight-thousander mountain peaks, and has plenty of other splendid places including valleys, forests, lakes, caves, temples, monasteries and palaces that offer jaw-dropping sights! Each of these beautiful places in Nepal stands out in its unique way. Here's a list of the 20 most beautiful places in Nepal that you must visit. 

1. Everest Base Camp

Source

All of us knows that the highest mountain in the world - Mount Everest - lies in Nepal. While most of us can't summit the mighty peak, a lot of people (over 30,000 per year) trek and reach the Everest South Base Camp that lies in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Although the path is full of perils, once the Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 metres is reached, it offers astounding views of the magnificent Mount Everest and all the other adjoining mountains. No doubt it is one of the most sought-after treks by trekkers throughout the world despite being one of the most difficult. Kala Patthar, close to the base camp, is another famous viewpoint that offers similar views.

Read more about Everest North Base Camp

Location: Khumjung, Nepal
Best time to visit: March to May and September-October
Entry fee: The base camp lies inside the Sagarmatha National Park, and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area and entrance fees for both has to be paid. For the first one, it is NPR 1695 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 3390 for other foreigners (all inclusive of VAT), and for the second - NPR 226 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 2260 for other foreigners

2. Chitwan National Park

Source

Lying in the southern Terai plains, a visit to Chitwan National Park is recommended not only for animal lovers but for all people. The lush green forests, the lakes and the hundreds of species of animals and birds together combine to create a stunning landscape at this beautiful place In Nepal. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses critically endangered animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros and gharial crocodiles. Expect to get more close to nature in the form of elephant rides, bird watching, canoeing and jeep safaris that take you deep inside the jungle.

Location: Subarnapur, Nepal
Best time to visit: January to March
Entry fee: NPR 850 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 1700 for other foreigners

3. Phewa Lake

Source 

The second-largest freshwater lake in Nepal, Phewa Lake is top-rated among tourists. It is vast and breathtaking, surrounded by the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, forests on one side, and the Tal Barahi Temple which lies amidst the lake. Boating at Phewa Lake especially at sunsets is one of the must-do activities in Nepal, to witness the play of colours in the evening sky, the reflection of the mountains in the water and the lights of the numerous cafes and entertainment areas lining the lake, making for wonderful snapshots.

Location: Pokhara city, Kaski district, Nepal
Best time to visit: September to November
Entry fee: No entry fees, but rent has to be paid for hiring boats

4. Sarangkot

Source

A trip to Nepal is incomplete without watching the sunrise at Sarangkot, a village located at 1600 metres above sea level. It has a viewpoint that offers picture-perfect views over the city of Pokhara and Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri and Lamjung mountains that lie on all its sides. Good news for adrenaline junkies - paragliding opportunities are also available here!

Location: North-east of Pokhara, Kaski District
Best time to visit: Throughout the year at sunrise or sunset except for cloudy days
Entry fee: Around NPR 100

5. Sagarmatha National Park

Source

Sagarmatha National Park lies in the north-eastern part of Nepal. The prime feature of the park is that it covers a wide area with altitudes ranging from nearly 3000m to as high as 8000m. Thus, this beautiful park has varying forms of flora such as dense forests in the lower regions, mosses and lichens in the high altitudes and with zero vegetation in the highest areas. This beautiful place In Nepal is known as the home of some of the tallest peaks of the world, including Mount Everest. The Gokyo Lakes that lie inside the park at an altitude of around 5000m is believed to be the abode of Hindu God 'Nag Devata' making it a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Several species of animals and birds also live inside the park. A must-visit for its picturesque topography.

Location: Namche, Province No. 1, Nepal
Best time to visit: March to May and October-November
Entry fee: NPR 1695 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 3390 for other foreigners

6. Boudhanath

Source 

One of the biggest stupas in the world, Boudhanath has an aura and charm of its own. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus alike. The exterior with the solid white dome, golden spire and numerous prayer flags paint a pretty picture along with the vibrant interiors decorated with Thangka paintings and containing large golden statues of the Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas. Should be visited both for its beauty and spiritual significance.

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Best time to visit: During the Tibetan New Year - Lhosar in February, and at other times in the evenings.
Entry fee: NPR 100 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 400 for other foreigners

7. Barun Valley

Source

If you are in Barun Valley, you will see vast green meadows covered with flowers in a horde of colours on the one hand, while on the other, you will find mighty snow-dusted mountain peaks with numerous waterfalls. The place is so stunning it will leave you spellbound and make you feel like you are in paradise! Barun Valley even holds significance in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and has a National Park containing a diverse array of wildlife. The area around the incredible alley does not have any human habitation and is only visited by the few trekkers en route Makalu Base Camp.

Location: Koshi Zone, Sankhuwasabha district
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Entry fee: NPR 1695 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 3390 for other foreigners for entering the Makalu-Barun National Park.

8. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Source

When you are in Nepal, a visit to one of its Durbar Squares is a must. These are the public areas containing centuries-old royal palaces and adjoining temples, gardens and other monuments from the times when Nepal was three separate kingdoms. Unfortunately, most of these historical places have suffered a lot of damage in earthquakes, but due to reconstruction efforts, they are still worth visiting. This beautiful place In Nepal is a great place to visit if you have a penchant for history. The entire area consists of four main squares where you can spot temples dedicated to various Hindu deities like Bhairava, Pashupatinath, Krishna and Shiv-Parvati, gates like Lion Gate and Golden Gate, the 55 Window Palace, statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, and many such beautiful structures portraying the intricate artwork of the craftsmen back then. Old is gold, as they say!

Location: Bhaktapur, Nepal
Best time to visit: All times
Entry fee: NPR 500 for residents of China and SAARC countries, NPR 1500 for all other foreigners

9. Panch Pokhari

Source

Panch Pokhari translates to a group of five lakes, located close to each other at an altitude of 4100 metres. It is considered to be a consecrated place by both Buddhist and Hindu devotees who throng the lakes during Janai Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). The site is beautiful and offers a peaceful retreat, away from the bustling crowd of Kathmandu city nearby.

Location: Bhotang, Sindhupalchowk District
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

10. Annapurna Base Camp

Source

The Annapurna Base Camp, lying at an altitude of 4130m, gives you close enough views of the Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and many other mountain peaks without actually summiting them. The trek to the Annapurna Base camp is not easy. Still, throughout the path, you will be greeted with astonishing views that include everything from villages, paddy fields, beautiful rhododendron trees, dense subtropical to alpine forests, rivers and waterfalls and massive snow-covered mountains. The path passes through the Annapurna Sanctuary which is the abode of a zillion wildlife species. A lifetime experience indeed!

Location: Central area of Nepal, north of Pokhara
Best time to visit: October-November
Entry fee: NPR 226 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 2260 for other foreigners for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area

11. Lumbini

Source 

Lumbini is the place where Queen Maya gave birth to Lord Buddha and hence is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The prime attractions of the holy town include a temple dedicated to Mayadevi, a sacred pond, a Bodhi tree, a museum containing manuscripts from Buddha's times, a pillar to commemorate emperor Ashoka's visit to the place and several monasteries and temples. Over 100,000 visitors from all over the world visit Lumbini every year. The spiritual aura of this beautiful place In Nepal will rejuvenate your mind.

Location: Rupandehi District, Nepal
Best time to visit: During Buddha Jayanti in April-May
Entry fee: NPR 16 for Indians, NPR 100 for residents of other SAARC countries, NPR 200 for other foreigners. The museum has separate entry fees of NPR 50 for all foreigners.

12. Langtang National Park and Gosaikunda Lake

Source

Langtang National Park seems to be the closest area to Kathmandu that lets you see the unique Himalayan biodiversity from up close. Elevations vary to a great extent inside the park, thus enabling you to witness a diverse array of vegetation and wildlife. Think of pretty blooms such as rhododendrons, lush green areas of oak, sal and hemlock trees, grassy meadows and creatures like red pandas, leopards, and wild boars.

The Gosaikunda Lake inside the park holds extreme religious significance to the Hindus, so much so that the treacherous monsoon trails does not deter pilgrims from taking a dip in the lake in August during Janai Purnima. There are multiple myths and legends associated with the lake; for instance - the lake was formed when Lord Shiva hit the mountain with his Trishul for some drinking water after he had swallowed poison and became the Neelkanth! The lake remains frozen for a major part of the year, so chances are you might be able to walk on it!

Location: Helambu, Nepal
Best time to visit: September-October
Entry fee: NPR 1695 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 3390 for other foreigners

13. Upper Mustang

Source 

Upper Mustang lies north of the Himalayan mountain ranges, and you will find the culture here to be vastly different from the rest of Nepal. This is because the place was separated from the rest of the country and an independent kingdom until the 18th century. The place was even a part of an ancient trade route between India and Tibet. If you are lucky enough to get a chance to visit Upper Mustang (because the number of tourists are restricted), you will witness a lovely land with snowy mountains, hills in colours like yellow, orange and brown, numerous caves, the Gandaki river, the sacred Muktinath Temple. For people opposed to the idea of trekking, the place is accessible by jeep or flight. However, exploration of the kingdom has to be done on foot or mountain bikes.

Location: Dhawalagiri zone, northern Nepal
Best time to visit: June to September, as the place, lies in a rain shadow area
Entry fee: NPR 54,985 is the price of the permit that is required to visit Upper Mustang

14. Pashupatinath Temple

Source 

Pashupatinath is one of the best and holiest temples in the country, and this is evident from the plethora of tourists, as well as locals visiting it every day. The temple is the abode of the national deity of Nepal - Lord Pashupatinath (an avatar of Lord Shiva) and gives you a fine example of the pagoda style architecture. It is not a single temple but a cluster of as many as 518 temples, monuments and ashrams. The main temple is, however, accessible only to Hindus.

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Best time to visit: All months except on Shivaratri and Teej when it remains excessively crowded
Entry fee: Free for Indians, NPR 1000 for other foreigners

15. Siddha Gufa

Source

Unlike most of the places listed here that requires you to trek and reach high altitudes, Siddha Gufa requires you to go underground! The largest cave in Nepal, it can be reached either from Bandipur or from Bimalnagar, the former being more popular among tourists. Once you go inside the cave, you will see an amazing topography consisting of stalagmites, stalactites and limestone formations. It is dark inside with hardly any sunlight penetration, so you will require torches to look around. The entire unique experience in this beautiful place In Nepal will give you the feels of a real explorer!

Location: Bimalnagar, Tanahu District
Best time to visit: Any time
Entry fee: Around NPR 100

16. Tilicho Lake

Source

Another high altitude lake in Nepal, Tilicho Lake is mostly visited by trekkers trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp or Muktinath. Standing at an elevation of 4919m above sea level, the crystal-clear turquoise lake is surrounded by glaciers and mountains in colours of brown and white - Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Tilicho; it surely makes for a sight to behold! Tilicho Lake was even the site of a high-altitude scuba dive, but no living creature was detected inside the lake. It is. One of the largest ever lakes in the world situated at such an altitude.

Location: Annapurna, Manang District
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Entry fee: NPR 226 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 2260 for other foreigners for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area inside which falls the lake

17. Kopan Monastery

Source

Nepal has a zillion monasteries, and Kopan monastery is said to be one of the most beautiful. Lying on a hillock and in front of a large Bodhi tree, the place offers scenic views of Kathmandu city and the nearby mountains. It is also a great place for meditation and learning about the principles of Buddhism and life in a monastery. The courses are available to all people irrespective of race, caste or religion.

Location: Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu
Best time to visit: Any time of the year in the mornings

18. Rara Lake and National Park

Source

Rara National Park is the smallest in Nepal and quite contrastingly, borders the Rara Lake, which is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the country. Despite being small compared to other national parks, it houses over 1500 species of flora and fauna including indigenous Himalayan creatures like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Tahrs and Himalayan black bear. The place is hardly frequented by tourists, thus enabling it to retain its pristine state.

Location: Parts of Mugu and Jumla districts, Nepal
Best time to visit: April-May and September-October
Entry fee: NPR 1695 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 3390 for other foreigners 

19. Poon Hill

Source 

This one is for all of you inexperienced hikers as Poon Hill is also popular among those facing time shortage as the trek takes just 5 to 6 days. The highest elevation is 3210m at the summit of the hill and offers stupefying views of some of the highest Himalayan peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Apart from the mountains, on the path, you can expect to see Rhododendron trees, chirping birds, waterfalls and typical Nepali villages. The prime benefits are the availability of lodges throughout the path, and you won't have to deal with problems like altitude sickness due to the low elevation.

Location: Ghorepani, North-Central Nepal
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Entry fee: NPR 226 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 2260 for other foreigners for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area

20. Shey Phoksundo Lake

Source

A visit to Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's second deepest lake, will transport you to another world! The alpine lake is encircled by mountains in colours of green and white - some covered with forests, some with snow, and a Buddhist village named Ringmo lie on its southern side. Just as much as the site, the trail leading to it is equally amazing. Think about viewing rivers and steep waterfalls, rocky cliffs, juniper and pine forests and also animals like musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, etc., within the Shey Phoksundo National Park as it lies. You can even stay in accommodation in the village, from where you can wake up to a splendid sunrise atop the mountains! Besides, don't forget to go and explore the many monasteries and stupas in the area.

Location: Dolpo District, Nepal
Best time to visit: March to November
Entry fee: NPR 1695 for residents of SAARC countries, NPR 3390 for other foreigners

So, these were our choice of the top 20 beautiful places In Nepal (ranked in no particular order) that includes some of the best national parks, lakes, temples, palaces, etc. in the country, some well-known, some not so famous. This is not a comprehensive list, and the country has a lot more to offer. Choose according to your preferences and plan a trip; you will have memories to cherish for a lifetime!

Chinese Teams Launch Summit Bid on Everest

Chinese Teams Launch Summit Bid on Everest

The moment we’ve all been waiting for in this highly unusual 2020 Everest climbing season may finally be here. Today, the two teams on Everest have launched their summit pushes at long last, with an eye on topping out this coming Friday. This news comes after poor weather stymied their attempts last week, throwing the schedule into disarray and causing delays that have extended past the traditional weather window.

According to The Himalayan Times, the first group to go for the summit will be the rope-fixing team. This unit consists of seven very experienced Sherpas whose job it is to install the climbing ropes to the summit, allowing other mountaineers to follow. The team had hoped to complete that work last week, but high winds turned them back at 8600 meters. Since then, they’ve been waiting for conditions to improve before heading back up towards the summit. If all goes according to plan, they should open access to the top of the world’s highest peak by tomorrow or Wednesday.

Meanwhile, not far behind them will be a team of surveyors. With Everest closed down to everyone except Chinese nationals this year, China has taken advantage of the empty mountain in order to send a research team there. That squad is working on remeasuring the height of summit, promising to get the most accurate measurement of its altitude ever.

That team has actually been in Base Camp since late March and is now approaching the end of its second month on the mountain. That’s a long time to be waiting, but the group should finally get their crack at the summit in the next few days.

Finally, there is the lone commercial climbing team, which is organized and supported by an outfitter by the name of Yarla Shampo. This group consists of somewhere around 26 total climbers, all of whom completed an acclimatization climb on Lhakpa Ri last week, returning to BC on Everest last Friday. If they are rested and ready to go, they should be following not far behind the surveyors as well, potentially topping out on Friday too.

Right now, the weather window looks clear, calm, and long, which is exactly what these climbers want as they head up. Of course, over the next few days we’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress and will report on how events unfold. There won’t be many summits this season, but there will still be some worth noting for sure.

Good luck to all the climbers as they set out up the slopes of Everest. Go up safely, get down swiftly.

https://friendshipworldtrek.com/package/tibet-mt-everest-8848-mt/ 

Lone Everest Expedition Prepares for Summit Push

Lone Everest Expedition Prepares for Summit Push

News from the North Side of Everest has been difficult to come by this spring. Following the closure of the mountain due to the coronavirus, China announced that it would allow a team of Chinese nationals to attempt the mountain. From what we know, that squad has about 26 members, but how well the expedition has been progressing has largely remained a mystery. Updates have been few and far between, although we have had occasional new from the mountain. Now, we have more information at long last, and it looks like the group is now preparing for a summit push, which could come as early as this weekend.

According to Stephen Nestler’s Friendship World Trek, the team has now wrapped up its acclimatization efforts and is waiting for a proper weather window. According to Nestler, who has received his information from Mingma Gyalje Sherpa—who in turn has close ties with the expedition leader—the Chinese squad is currently in Base Camp resting up for their summit push. Originally, that was expected to begin in the next day or two, with potential summits coming on Sunday. Right now, however, the team is in standby while it waits to see if the weather will cooperate.

While we haven’t had good updates on the team’s progress at all this spring, we could make educated guesses as to when a summit push would get underway. In recent years, May 10-15 is pretty much when most climbers would top out on the world’s highest peak, although this year this team can afford to be patient. Since there won’t be any crowds on the route to the summit this year, the mountaineers who are there will not have to rush to take advantage of a narrow window. That said, they will need about four days of relatively good weather to get up and down the mountain safely, which means they will likely take the first good opportunity that comes their way.

In addition to this lone commercial team, which is led by a Chinese outfitter known as Yarla Shampo, we also know that there is a large contingent of climbers and surveyors who are on Everest to remeasure the height of the mountain. They will likely be launching their summit push around the same time. So while it won’t be nearly as busy as it is in a regular year, there will still be a reasonably sized group heading up the North Side sometime in the next few days.

Stay tuned for further updates. We should know more soon.

FAQs related to Arrival to Nepal?

FAQs related to Working Visa

1. What is the processing fee for Working Visa ?

​- 60 USD per month.

2. How much should I pay to get Dependent (Working Visa) for my spouse?

- 60 USD per month.

3. What additional document do I need to produce to get Dependent visa for my dependents?

- Recommendation letter from concerned line agency (Ministry of Nepal Government) asking DOI to issue Dependent Visa;

- The Recommendation letter should include details of each dependent (name/passport number/ relationship with the main applicant).

4. If I need to get working visa for 15 days, how much should I pay?

 - It is 30 USD for half a month (15 days). If it exceeds 15 days, it is 60 USD / month. However, number of Visa days depends upon labour permit issued by the Department of Labour. You can apply neither for more or less.

5. I have three children below 10 years as my Dependents. How much should I pay to get them Dependent (Working) Visa?

- Children below 10 years get Gratis Visa without any charges.

6. Is my spouse allowed to work?

- No. As a Dependent of Working Visa holder, your spouse is not eligible for taking up jobs. Employment is prohibited. He/she should get separate 'Working Visa' to be able to work.

FAQs related to Arrival to Nepal

1. How can I get On Arrival Visa?

- Visit the link for detail information Click here to Visit Visa on Arrival Page

 2. What are the different kinds of On Arrival Visa?

- All 'On Arrival Visas' are Tourist Visas. In other words, Tourist Visas are Entry Visas. If you are travelling to Nepal for purposes other than tourism (sightseeing, travelling, visiting friends and families), you will have to change your visa status. Contact Department of Immigration with necessary documents to change Visa category.

3. I am travelling to Nepal for a business meeting. What kind of visa should I get to enter Nepal?

- You have to get Tourist visa as a entry visa. You can get it either from Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad or On Arrival (if eligible, check our website for detail). If you are investing and running business in Nepal for long term, you might consider getting Business Visa.

4. I need Tourist Visa with Multiple Re entry facility. What can I do?

- All Tourists Visas issued by Nepalese diplomatic missions and 'On Arrival' at the Entry & Exit points including Immigration office, TIA bear multiple Re - entry facility.  Whereas, Tourist Visas  extended at DOI (Department of Immigration) and Pokhara Immigration Office comes with Multiple Re entry facility if you pay additional 20 US dollars.

5. I have children of 5 years and 6 years to they need a visa, Does he/she need a Visa?

- Yes, However, they get it for free. Minors below 10 years get Gratis visa.

 6. What is Gratis Visa?

- It is a kind of Visa that is issued for free.

 7. I am an Indian citizen? Can I travel to Nepal with my Aadhar card or driving license?

- No.  We need a document that exclusively proves your nationality. Hence, you need to produce either valid Indian Passport or Election Card (issued by Election Commission) to enter into Nepal.

8. I am an Indian passport holder. I am travelling to Nepal with two kids below 12 years. They do not have passport. What should I do?

- Minors of an Indian passport holder (if accompanied by their parents) can travel to Nepal with their Student Identity Card or Birth Certificate.

9. I am an NRN card holder. How many days Gratis visa do I get?

- Gratis visa to an NRN is issued for 30 days at the moment. It is subject to change as per directive issued by our line agencies (Department of Immigration and Ministry of Home Affairs)

 10. I want to bring a dog to Nepal. What should I do?

- Immigration and Customs are different entities in Nepal.  As it does not come under our jurisdiction, please contact (link of Department of customs) for necessary information.

11. I am an Afghan citizen. I learnt that I need Visa prior to my Arrival to Nepal. What should I do?

- Please contact your closest Nepalese diplomatic missions to obtain Visa. Make sure you have valid visa and passport before you board on plane.

12. I do not want to wait in queue for visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport? What can I do?

- You can get Pre Arrival Visa to Nepal from Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.

 13. How long does it take to get Visa On Arrival at the TIA?

- We have made things very simple and easy for travelers. Usually, you can get visas in less than an hour. Nevertheless, you can expect some delays and queues especially during the peak tourist season.

 14. What currency is accepted for payment of required visa fees?

- It is better to carry American dollars (in cash) for payment even though we accept other currencies too.

 15. Does my Visa/Maestro/American Express card work?

- Yes. But we advise you to carry cash (American dollars) as well at least to cover your Visa expenses.

 16. I have obtained visa from Nepalese Embassy in London (United Kingdom).  When should I enter Nepal?

- You should come to Nepal within 6 months (from the visa issued date).

FAQs related to trekking Permits

1. Can I apply for a trekking permit on my own?​

- No. Only authorized trekking agencies can apply for trekking permits. Contact the trekking agency for the permit.

      ​2. Should I carry my permit while I am on trek?

- Yes. Carry your passport and trekking permit throughout your trek. Make sure you take care of your valuable document like a passport.

3. Can I explore the route not included in my trekking permit?

- No. Deviation from prescribed routes of trekking permit is treated as violations of law.

4. Do I need to register at the Police checkpoints or Immigration Points?

- Yes, you should. It would be wise to register your trekking schedule and destination at your concerned embassy/consulate

FAQs relating to Study Visa

1. Can I take job or work if I hold Study Visa?

- No. You are not allowed to work –paid or unpaid—under your Student Visa. Student Visas are issued to students pursuing their academic and non academic courses in Nepal.

2. I would like to apply for Study Visa (Volunteer). What additional documents do I need to produce?
    You should produce following additional documents along with other documents needed for regular Study Visa:-

- Recommendation letter from Ministry of Education,

- Work Agreement from Ministry of Home Affairs,

- Recommendation letter from Institution receiving volunteer in Nepal.

- Also Labour Permit from the Department of Labour (only for paid volunteer work)

3. Do I need to show my bank statement even though I am here on fully funded student exchange program?​

- Yes. We need to make sure that you have a bank account with sufficient fund to cover your expenses during your stay in Nepal.

4. I would like to apply for Study Visa to work (Teaching). What are the required documents?​

- Recommendation letter from Ministry of Education

- Labour Permit issued by Department of Labour

- Work Agreement issued by Ministry of Home Affairs

- Other Documents (Appointment letter, tax clearance, copies of passport and Visa)

- Online form (Study)

​

      5. How much should I pay to get Study Visa (Teaching)?

- 40 USD per month.

      6. How is my Visa Fee determined for Study Visa (Teaching)?

- Total number of days is calculated by deducting end date of your Labour Permit (as mentioned in Work Permit issued by the Department of Labour) from visa issue date. Total numbers of days are then divided by 30. Half a month visa fee (i.e 20 USD) is charged for less than or equal to 15 days. A whole month fee (i.e 40 USD) is charged for any number of days exceeding 15 days.

7. What is the minimum amount of bank balance for Non Academic Program?​

- 1500 USD for six months /per individual.  Additional 1000 USD per dependent (spouse/children of 10 years and above)

8. What is the minimum balance for  Academic Program?​

- 3000 USD for six months /per individual per annum. Additional 2000 USD per dependent (spouse/children of 10 years and above)

9. Is it mandatory to produce my progress/Academic report card for the renewal or extension of my Study visa?​

- Yes. It is mandatory.

10. I have a Tourist Visa. What happens if I change my visa status to Study Visa before my Tourist visa expires?​

- Your Tourist Visa gets cancelled.  As you will have changed the category of your visa from Tourists to Non-Tourist, your new visa date starts from the day your Study visa is issued.

11. What determines the beginning date of a student Visa?​

- The beginning date of your Student Visa is the date specified in your Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.

12. How much should I pay for a Dependent Visa for my children below 10 years?​

- It is issued for free. Minor below 10 years gets Gratis visa.

13. What are the documents I need to produce for a regular (non volunteer non teaching) study visa?​

- Visit the link

14. What are the visa fees for a volunteer study visa?​

- 40 USD per month. It can be issued for free only if recommended to do so by concerned line Ministry (Ministry of Education) based on pre-existing agreement.

15. What are the visa fees for a regular (nonteaching non-volunteer study visa)?​

- It depends upon your academic program and your nationality. please visit the link for details.

FAQs related to Relation Visa

1. How broad is the relationship basis to get Relation Visa?

- You can establish your relationship with any of your kin related to you by blood (within your three generation) via Relationship Certificate (issued by the concerned Local Government Body)

2. How long is the Relation Visa?

- It is issued for maximum of one year.

3. How much should I pay for Relation Visa processing?

- It is 5 USD per month. Additional 60 USD if you need multiple Re entry facility.

     4. What is the minimum time period I can apply for Relation visa?

- You can get it for minimum of one month. Consider opting for tourist Visa if it is for shorter period.  These kinds of Non Tourist Visas are intended for foreign kins of Nepali citizen having to stay in Nepal for longer period of time.

     5. Do I get Relationship Visa at the airport?

- No. It is issued from the Department of Immigration only. You should get Tourist Visa from the airport as your Entry Visa.

     6. Can I get 15 days Tourist Visa at the airport and apply for Non Tourist (Relation Visa) at the Department of Immigration and get my visa extended for a month?

- Yes. You can absolutely do so. However, if you are visiting Nepal for shorter period of time, you can consider some other options such as getting Tourist visas for 90 days issued at airport "On Arrival". Relation Visa is meant for foreign passport holders related (by blood) to Nepali citizens who need to stay in Nepal for longer period of time for various reasons. We expect you to be considerate enough not to take this Visa option as means for saving some buck for you.

    7. I cannot bring my kin in person every time I need to renew my visa. What should I do?

- For renewal of Relation Visa (Non Tourist), physical presence of your kin (as mentioned in Relationship Certificate) is mandatory. If it is not possible, you always have options of extending Tourist Visa (if you have not exceeded 150 days limit of Tourist Visa) in a given visa year (January to December). Or you can also get Non Residential Nepali (NRN) card issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

      8. What should I do to get NRN card?

- Contact your closest Nepalese embassies/consulates/diplomatic mission to find out procedures to obtain NRN card.

     9. Am I allowed to work if I hold Relation Visa?

- No. You are allowed to work only after obtaining labour permit from Department of Labour. We at the Department of Immigration can facilitate the process by forwarding your labour permit application to our line ministry (Ministry of Home Affairs). Contact DOI (Non Tourist Visa Section) for details obout necessary documents. You will then have to go to Department of Labour and follow its procedures to obtain work/ Labor permit. 

    10. Can I apply for work/labour permit without having a job at hand?

- No. You can apply only after you are offered job by potential employer.

     11. Do I have to renew work permit every time I renew my Relation Visa?

- Yes, as of now you should renew both your Visas and Work/Labour permit if you work and stay in Nepal for extended period of time.

Arrival/Departure Information

• Other Information’s
• Arrival/Departure Information

Immigration Office, TIA is the key frontline office under the Department of Immigration assuming central role in regulating Arrival and Departure of Nepali and foreign nationals. It is based on only International Airport of Nepal, i.e. Tribhuvan International Airport. Therefore, it happens to be the only entry and exit point for 'By Air' passengers travelling to and from Nepal. 

It is committed to supporting border control and national security in addition to serving other national and international interests including tourism promotion, curbing cross border crimes such as trafficking in person and terrorism. Striking delicate balance between tourism promotion and border control is one of our primary goals.It operates through Arrival and Departure Zone at TIA. It screens on an average 10,000 passengers daily.

Visa on Arrival

We have been facilitating tourism promotion through "Visa on Arrival". We have made things easier for tourists visiting Nepal. Our On Arrival Visa Procedure is very simple. Before you board on the plane, make sure you are national eligible for Visa on Arrival. 

Steps to acquire "ON Arrival Visa"

1. Get your Arrival Card ready. Fill out all your details accurately.
2. Fill out Online ’Tourist Visa' form (It can be filled in prior to your arrival  visiting official website of Department of Immigration / by using Kiosk machines upon your arrival at the airport). You will get submission receipt (with barcode). Get the print out of receipt (if you filled it online from website). A kiosk machine however automatically produces small receipt with barcode.
3. Make payment  at the bank according to your visa requirement ( 15/30/90 Days)
4. Get the receipt 
5. Visa Fee Structure
    15 Days – 30 USD 
     30 Days – 50 USD
     90 Days – 125 USD
6. Proceed to the Appropriate Immigration (Visa) Desk with receipt of your online form, Arrival card payment receipts and your passport (with validity of minimum six months).
7. Hand in your documents to an immigration officer for visa processing.

Passport and Visa

Nepalese nationals travelling abroad require valid Nepali passport and visa for the destination country except in case of countries where "Visa on Arrival" is available.

Foreigners travelling to, within and from Nepal are required to hold a valid and genuine passport and visa. We do not accept handwritten Passport for your entry and departure. We refuse entry and deny departure if you are not travelling with valid Machine Readable Passport (MRP).

Nepali Citizens arriving from India: Passport /Citizenship Certificate

Indian Nationals arriving from India:  Passport/Election Card (Voter ID issued by Election Commission). 

Birth Certificates for minors below 18

Arrival to Nepal

Both domestic and foreign nationals should go through immigration checks after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport. Passport or any other valid travel documents along with properly filled in arrival card should be presented to an immigration officer at concerned Immigration Desk. If you are wearing sunglasses and hats, please take them off so that the immigration officer can see you clearly while verifying your travel documents. Immigration officers might ask you related questions while screening through your documents. Kindly cooperate by answering questions patiently.There are designated desks for different categories of passengers. Follow the directions and proceed to your respective queues.

Immigration Desks are categorized as follows:

1. Gratis
2. Tourist Visa (15 Days)
3. Tourist Visa (30  Days)
4. Tourist Visa (90  Days/ Transit)
5. Foreigner with Visa ( Foreigners who have already acquired visa )
6. Official/Diplomatic (Priority given to Official/Diplomatic Passport holders)
7. Crew (Exclusively for Crew Members. Crew members are required to produce General Declaration and Passport and their valid ID)
8. General Entry  (Nepali and Indian citizen / Passport holder)

Visa Waiver / Exemptions

Based on reciprocity, we have provision of visa waiver to certain nationality and official status. Indian nationals travelling to Nepal by land or air do not need a visa. However, they are required to produce passport/election card (Voter ID issued by Election Commission) sufficient enough to prove their Indian nationality. Similarly, Birth Certificates for minors and School Identity Card for children below 18 years (accompanied by parents) is required.

Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders of the following countries are exempted from the visa requirement to enter and stay in Nepal, exit from Nepal and transit through Nepal.

1. Thailand – Exemption up to 90 days
2. Russian Federation – Exemption up to 90 days
3. People’s Republic of China – Exemption up to 30 days
4. Federal Republic of Brazil – Exemption up to 90 days
5. Myanmar - Exemption up to 90 days   
6. Vietnam - Exemption up to 90 days
7. Cambodia - Exemption up to 30 days
8. Mongolia - Exemption up to 90 days
9. Jordan - Exemption up to 90 days

Gratis Visa (Tourist) Eligibility

1.  Minors under 10 years except U.S citizens as per visa reciprocity with United States of America
2. Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year
3. Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder issued by MoFA and Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad
4. Chinese Nationals

Departure

Both domestic and foreign nationals exiting out of Nepal from Tribhuvan International Airport should go through immigration checks. Valid travel document (Passport) and properly filled embarkation card should be presented to an immigration officer.

Desks are separated for different categories of passengers for quick and efficient immigration clearance. Identify your desk and proceed by following the signs placed for your convenience. Categories of Departure Desks are:

• Foreign employment
• Nepalese travelling on Student and Visit Visa
• Foreign nationals / Indians/ Diplomats

Crew Members should proceed to the crew desk for immigration checks with valid passport and ID. You are required to submit a General Declaration (as per I.C.A.O. Annex E 9 Appendix I ) of crew members from your airlines.

Nepalese citizens travelling on Tourist/Visit Visa should produce following evidences for Immigration clearance:

1. Valid passport and Visa clarifying the purpose of travel, 
2. Two-way air-ticket,
3. Hotel booking
4. A letter exhibiting details of the sponsor ( individual or institution)
5.  1000 dollars ( cash/dollar stamping)

Nepali Citizens Travelling For Institutional Purpose:

1. Invitation Letter
2. Two-way air ticket
3. A document showing institutional association

If you are travelling to visit your spouse (husband/wife) working in Gulf countries, you must produce recommendation letter issued by the concerned Nepalese Embassy verifying that you have been invited by your husband/wife.

Nepalese Citizens travelling for Foreign Employment

1. Valid passport and Visa
2. Boarding Pass to the final destination
3.  Labour Permit issued by Government of Nepal

After you are done with immigration checks at Departure, proceed to security checks. Make sure you have your departure certified in your boarding pass and travel document (Passport). 

Visa Exemption

• Rules & Regulation
• Visa Exemption

Visa Exemption for holders of Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport

Based on the reciprocal agreements between the two countries Nepali visa exemption facilities are available to the followings:

1. Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders of the following countries are exempted from the visa requirement to enter and stay in Nepal, exit from Nepal and transit through Nepal.

1.  Thailand – Exemption up to 90 days.
2.  Russian Federation – Exemption up to 90 days.
3.  People’s Republic of China – Exemption up to 30 days.
4.  Federal Republic of Brazil – Exemption up to 90 days.
5. Myanmar - Exemption up to 90 days   
6. Vietnam - Exemption up to 90 days
7. Cambodia - Exemption up to 30 days
8. Mongolia - Exemption up to 90 days
9. Jordan - Exemption up to 90 days

 However, they are subjected to visa regulation after the stipulated duration of exemption.

2. Diplomats and officials with Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport working at the following diplomatic mission in Nepal and their dependents with Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport, staying with them in Nepal are exempted from the visa requirement till the former’s tenure in Nepal.

 A) Russian Federation

 B) Peoples Republic of China

 C) Federal Republic of Brazil

3. Those Diplomatic and Official Passport holders are required to move through the following Immigration Posts:

 A) Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

 C) Kakarbhitta, Jhapa

 D) Birgunj, Parsa

 E) Belhia, Bhairahawa

 F) Nepalgunj, Bake

 G) Mohana, Kailali

 H) Gaddachwoki, Mahendranagar

 I) Kodari, Sindhupalchwok

 J) Rashuwagadi, Rashuwa

About Trekking Permit

• Trekking
• About Trekking Permit

Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. However, there are certain trekking regions known as 'Restricted Areas' that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal and hence FITs are strictly forbidden. Trekking in these areas is allowed only upon acquiring permit from the Department of Immigration. 

Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies who then can apply for permits (on behalf of trekkers) at the Department of Immigration fulfilling all the necessary formalities. Trekkers should be trekking in a group (of minimum two persons) accompanied by licensed trekking guide. Individual trekker cannot apply for the permit.

There are different rates (trekking Permit fees) applicable for different routes to acquire the Permits. Visit the link for detail. Permit fees are quoted in US dollars but payable in Nepali Rupees. Trekking permit is not issued beyond visa expiration date. Hence, trekkers must have valid visa for sufficient number of days covering their trekking schedule.

Conditions to be followed by Trekkers

1. Trekkers should respect local customs and traditions and must not indulge in any activity that goes against the established norms and culture of the society.
2. Individual trekking in Restricted Areas is strictly forbidden. There should be minimum two trekkers.
3. Daily remuneration, safety gears and appropriate clothes, Personal Accident insurance must be provided to Nepali citizen accompanying travel group as guide/porter/any other supporting roles.
4. Trekkers should trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change route. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.
5. Trekkers should comply with instructions given by authorized Officials in trekking zone (Restricted Area).
6. Mountaineers with expedition permit should get trekking permit as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for (Trekking) Permit.

Authorized agencies can apply for trekking permits along with following documents

1. Online application form (trekkers) Link to Trekking Permit Application
2. Copy of Passport
3. Copy of  valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
4. Name lists of trekkers
5. Program Schedule of trekking
6. Guarantee letter of Agency
7. Agreement with Agency
8. Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
9. Documents relating to insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
10. License issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
11. License  issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
12. Program schedule of trekking
13. Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
14. Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits

---