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Top 5 National Parks in Nepal to Spot Bengal Tigers

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Nepal, home to the majestic Bengal tiger , offers some of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in South Asia. The country’s diverse national parks provide wildlife enthusiasts with ample opportunities to witness these big cats in their natural habitats, alongside other iconic species like rhinos, elephants, and exotic birds. Here are the top 5 national parks in Nepal where you have the best chance to spot a Bengal tiger: 1. Chitwan National Park Located in the lowlands of southern Nepal, Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s most famous wildlife destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It offers the highest density of Bengal tigers in the country. Along with tiger sightings, visitors can spot one-horned rhinoceroses , elephants , and a wide range of bird species. Best Time to Visit : October to March 2. Bardia National Park Known for its remoteness and tranquility, Bardia National Park in western Nepal is a prime spot for tiger sightings. The park boasts a growing population of ...

Lumbini Province Aims for Self-Reliance Through Tourism on World Tourism Day

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 On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Lumbini Province government has introduced an ambitious plan to make the province self-reliant by harnessing the power of tourism. Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya shared his message of best wishes, emphasizing the province’s commitment to developing tourism as a means of boosting economic growth and improving the living standards of its citizens. 'Travel Lumbini' Concept for Self-Reliance At the heart of the province's strategy is the 'Travel Lumbini' concept, aimed at establishing Lumbini as a hub for income generation and sustainable development through tourism. Chief Minister Acharya highlighted that tourism is being positioned as a key pillar for economic self-reliance, with efforts focusing on creating job opportunities and uplifting the local population. Lumbini Tourism Circuit: Connecting 12 Districts The government is actively working on the development of the Lumbini Tourism Circuit , which aims to connect im...

Govt Honours Phunjo Lama, Fastest Female Everest Climber, on World Tourism Day

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 On the occasion of World Tourism Day , the government of Nepal honoured record-holding mountaineer Phunjo Jhangmu Lama for her incredible achievements in promoting adventure tourism on a global scale. At an event in Kathmandu, Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh felicitated Phunjo for her extraordinary feat of becoming the fastest woman to scale Mt. Everest , reaching the summit in just 14 hours and 31 minutes during the last spring season. Phunjo Lama, hailing from Chhokangpaaro village in Tsum Valley, Gorkha , is a true trailblazer in the world of mountaineering. Not only did she set the record for the fastest female ascent of Everest, but she also completed the round trip from Base Camp to Everest Summit and back in a remarkable 24 hours and 26 minutes . Her descent alone, from the summit to base camp, took just 9 hours and 18 minutes . Honoured for Outstanding Contributions to Nepal's Tourism The honouring ceremony, held on World Tourism Day , saw the participation o...

World Tourism Day 2024: Celebrating Tourism’s Role in Global Peace and Sustainability

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World Tourism Day 2024 is a global event that highlights the transformative power of tourism in promoting cultural exchange , economic growth , and social development . Celebrated annually on September 27 , this day serves as a reminder of how tourism fosters global peace and sustainability. The theme for World Tourism Day 2024 is "Tourism and Peace." This year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) emphasizes the role of tourism in enhancing global understanding , strengthening cross-cultural relationships , and supporting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both local economies and the environment. History of World Tourism Day World Tourism Day was first celebrated on September 27, 1980 , by the UNWTO to recognize tourism's ability to foster international connections. The date commemorates the adoption of the UNWTO statutes in 1975. Since 1997, a host country is chosen each year to spotlight different nations' contributions to global tour...

Gai Jatra: Nepal's Festival of Life and Death

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Gai Jatra, or the "Festival of Cows," is a vibrant and deeply cultural celebration held mainly in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. This unique festival, usually observed in August or September, blends mourning with joy as families honor their deceased loved ones. The festival dates back to the 17th century when King Pratap Malla initiated it to console his grieving queen. To help her cope with the loss of their son, the king organized a parade where families who had lost someone in the past year led a cow—a sacred animal in Hinduism—through the streets. This tradition continues today, with participants often substituting a cow with a young boy dressed as one, symbolizing the journey of the soul to the afterlife. During Gai Jatra, the streets of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur burst into life with processions, music, and satirical performances. The festival's unique blend of mourning and humor allows people to reflect on life and death while also addressing social and politic...

Exploring the Rich Cultural Heritage of Nepal

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Nepal, a land nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, but also a treasure trove of cultural heritage. The culture of Nepal is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of diverse ethnic, tribal, and social traditions. This multi-dimensional heritage finds expression in the nation's music and dance, art and craft, folklore and literature, languages and philosophy, festivals and celebrations, and even in its culinary traditions. Dance and Music: A Reflection of Nepal's Ancient Soul Dance and music are integral to the cultural fabric of Nepal, reflecting the country’s ancient traditions. Legends trace the origins of dance in the Indian subcontinent to the Himalayas, where Lord Shiva is said to have performed the cosmic dance, Tandava. The dances of Nepal vary in style and costume across different regions and ethnicities, but they all share a common thread of storytelling. For instance, the Dishka, a traditional dance performed...

Nag Panchami in Nepal: Tradition, Importance, and Significance

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Nag Panchami is a revered Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal, dedicated to the worship of serpents, or Nagas. Observed on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shrawan (July/August), this festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, reflecting Nepal’s rich heritage. The festival’s origins are rooted in ancient legends, particularly the story of the Kathmandu Valley, once a vast lake inhabited by Nagas. According to myth, the lake was drained by the Bodhisattva Manjushree, and in return for their disturbed habitat, the Nagas were appeased by an annual ritual, which evolved into Nag Panchami. This tale underscores the Nagas' role as guardians of water bodies and agricultural prosperity. Nag Panchami is crucial for both religious devotion and ecological awareness. In Hinduism, serpents symbolize fertility, protection, and prosperity. Worshiping them is believed to ensure good harvests, timely rains, and protection from snakebites, making the festival p...