Liberty Holidays News & Updates

Direct Flights Now Connecting Nepal's Pokhara to China's Chengdu

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:23:05 GMT

Inaugural Direct Flights Between Chengdu, China and Pokhara, Nepal Announced

As global travel continues to gain momentum, Pokhara — Nepal’s picturesque lake city — is poised for a significant influx of visitors from China. The recent announcement about an increase in charter flights highlights the growing interest in this breathtaking destination, known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Authorities in the tourism sector have confirmed multiple charter flights are set to commence from various cities in China to Pokhara, fostering deeper connections between these regions. This initiative not only aims to boost local economies but also supports the recovery of Nepal’s tourism industry post-pandemic.

With its tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring mountains, and diverse adventure activities, Pokhara attracts adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados alike. This surge in flights will facilitate easier access for travelers, allowing them to explore everything from trekking routes in the Annapurna region to the vibrant culture of Lakeside.

Tourism stakeholders believe the increase in flights will generate employment opportunities and elevate the local hospitality industry. Moreover, enhanced connectivity can lead to cross-cultural exchanges, enriching the experiences for visitors and residents alike.

Liberty Holidays, we are committed to guiding our clients in discovering the beauty and adventure that Nepal has to offer. With the anticipated increase in flights, we encourage travelers to seize this golden opportunity and delve into the magic of Pokhara. Join us on this journey as we craft unforgettable memories together in one of Nepal's most stunning locations.

Birthplace of Lord Buddha: Lumbini, Nepal’s Spiritual Gem in the New York Times’ 2025 Travel List

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 02:58:41 GMT

Discover the ancient wonders and serene beauty of Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage site inviting spiritual seekers and cultural explorers alike.

Nepal has been prominently featured in the New York Times’ annual list of "52 Places to Go in 2025," highlighting the enchanting destination of Lumbini. A place steeped in history, spirituality, and cultural significance, Lumbini warmly invites travelers to immerse themselves in its unique offerings.

The New York Times covers Lumbini in its article on 9. Lumbini, Nepal:

52 Places to Go in 2025: Lumbini, Nepal
Visit new temples and meditation centers at an ancient pilgrimage site

Millenniums ago, a queen named Maya Devi is said to have entered the Gardens of Lumbini and given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Lumbini, in present-day Nepal, has since become a pilgrimage site filled with ancient ruins and contemporary Buddhist centers. Ten years after a devastating earthquake rattled the country, new temples and meditation centers are opening. Inaugurated in November, the Thousand Buddha Temple is a three-level, Tibetan-style structure adorned with three 16-foot golden Buddha statues and over 1,000 other Buddha statues. This year, the city will welcome the India International Center for Buddhist Culture and Heritage, a carbon-neutral, lotus-shaped building featuring meditation and exhibition rooms. Renovation work is also set to begin on the Ramagrama Stupa, a UNESCO-listed temple site from the sixth century B.C., located about 30 miles from Lumbini. The Italian architect Stefano Boeri has provided the restoration design plan.
— Seth Sherwood

At Liberty Holidays, we are excited to present this beautiful destination that promises a transformative experience for visitors. Lumbini’s historical importance and serene environment make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore spirituality and culture. We are here to assist and arrange your spiritual holidays to Lumbini, tailored to your desires.

Source: New York Times

Global tourism set for full recovery by end of the year with spending growing faster than arrivals

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:56:52 GMT

Boosting Economic Resilience: A Surge in Tourism Spending Outpaces Visitor Arrivals as Industry Rebounds

Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.

Four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers in the period January to September 2024. The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most destinations with available data posting double-digit growth compared to 2019.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world. The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies.”

The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies

Tourism performance by region

International tourist arrivals grew strongly in the first nine months of 2024, driven by strong post-pandemic demand in Europe and robust performance from large source markets globally, as well as the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and visa facilitation also supported international travel.

The Middle East (+29% compared to 2019) continued to enjoy record growth this nine-month period, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels.
The Americas recovered 97% of its pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% over 2019).
Asia and the Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels as compared to a 66% recovery in 2023. Asia and the Pacific has experienced a gradual though uneven rebound in arrivals since the region reopened to international travel in 2023.

The summer season in the Northern Hemisphere was generally strong, with arrivals worldwide reaching 99% of pre-pandemic values in Q3 2024.

A total of 60 out of 111 destinations surpassed 2019 arrival numbers in the first eight to nine months of 2024. Some of the strongest performers in arrivals during this period were Qatar (+141% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), Colombia and Andorra (both +36%).

Tourism receipts show extraordinary growth

A total of 35 out of 43 countries with available data on receipts exceeded pre-pandemic values in the first eight to nine months of 2024, many reporting double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies), well above inflation in most cases.

Among the best performers in terms of earnings were Serbia (+99%) where receipts almost doubled (compared to the same months of 2019), as well as Pakistan (+64%), Romania (+61%), Japan (+59%), Portugal (+51%), Nicaragua and Tanzania (both 50%).

Among the world’s top earners, Japan (+59%), Türkiye (+41%) and France (+27%) all recorded double-digit growth through September 2024. Spain (+36%) and Italy (+26%) also reported strong visitor receipts, through August. The United Kingdom recorded 43% higher earnings, Canada 35%, and Australia 18%, all through June 2024. As for the United States, the world’s top tourism earner, it reported 7% growth through September.

Data on international tourism expenditure reflects the same trend, especially among large source markets such as Germany (+35% compared to 2019), the United States (+33%) and France (+11%).

Strong expenditure growth was also reported by the United Kingdom (+46%) Australia (+34%), Canada (+28%) and Italy (+26%), all through June 2024. Available data for India shows a surge in outbound spending from this increasingly important market, with 81% growth through June 2024 (versus 2019).

On track for full recovery by the end of 2024

International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 2019 levels in 2024. International tourism receipts had already virtually achieved pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

While a large number of destinations already exceeded pre-pandemic arrival numbers in 2023, or have done so in 2024, there is still room for recovery across several subregions and destinations. A slower rebound in parts of North-East Asia and Central Eastern Europe contrasts with strong results in all other European subregions, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean, where arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic values.

As in 2023, the year 2024 has seen strong export revenues from international tourism, due to higher average spending per trip (excluding the effects of inflation), partly the result of longer periods of stay.

Challenges remain

Despite the generally strong results, several economic, geopolitical and climate challenges remain. The tourism sector is still facing inflation in travel and tourism, namely high transport and accommodation prices, as well as volatile oil prices. Major conflicts and tensions around the world continue to impact consumer confidence, while extreme weather events and staff shortages are also critical challenges for tourism performance.

Source: UNTourism

Discover the Sweet Delights of Apitourism in Nepal: A Journey Through the World of Bees

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:50:47 GMT

Discover the Sweet Delights of Apitourism in Nepal

Nepal, a country known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, is also home to a thriving apitourism industry. Apitourism is a unique form of tourism that revolves around beekeeping, honey production, and the fascinating world of bees. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey to explore the wonders of apitourism in Nepal.

A Brief History of Beekeeping in Nepal

Beekeeping has a long history in Nepal, dating back to ancient times when bees were an essential part of daily life. The country's unique geography and climate make it an ideal location for beekeeping, with a wide range of flora and fauna that provide a perfect environment for bees to thrive. Over the years, beekeeping has evolved from traditional log hives to modern hives, and today, Nepal is home to over 5,700 commercial beekeepers who manage around 55,000 hives.

The Art of Beekeeping in Nepal

Nepalese beekeepers are skilled artisans who have mastered the art of beekeeping. They use traditional methods passed down through generations to extract honey from the beehives, using minimal equipment and manual labor. The result is high-quality honey that is prized for its purity and medicinal value. From the Himalayas to the Terai region, beekeepers can be found in almost every part of the country, working tirelessly to produce this golden nectar.

Honey Hunting: A Thrilling Adventure

But apitourism in Nepal is not just about beekeeping; it's also about the thrilling adventure of honey hunting. In this ancient tradition, brave individuals climb high cliffs and rocky surfaces to extract honey from wild bee nests. The Gurung tribesmen are master honey hunters, risking their lives to collect honeycomb in the foothills of the Himalayas. The process involves using bamboo ladders or ropes to climb the rock and collect honey from the beehives.

Safety Precautions for Honey Hunting

For those who are interested in trying honey hunting, safety precautions are essential. Protective gear such as bee suits, gloves, and veils should be worn at all times. Climbing equipment such as ropes and harnesses should be secure and well-anchored. Timing and weather conditions should be taken into account, with early morning and dry weather preferred. Bee behavior awareness and communication are crucial for a safe honey hunting experience.

Join Our Apiexperience Tour

If you're interested in experiencing apitourism firsthand, join our Apiexperience Tour! This 10-day tour takes you on a journey through Nepal's most beautiful landscapes, visiting various bee farms and experiencing the art of beekeeping firsthand. You'll learn about the different methods of beekeeping used in Nepal, taste some of the finest honey produced in the country, and even get to participate in a honey hunting expedition.

Tour Highlights:

Visit various bee farms and learn about the art of beekeeping
Taste some of the finest honey produced in Nepal
Participate in a honey hunting expedition
Explore Nepal's beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna
Learn about the importance of apitourism in Nepalese culture

Book Your Spot Now!

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the sweet delights of apitourism in Nepal! Book your spot on our "Explore the Bee’s Farm Tours in Nepal: Api Experience'' Tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will take you on a journey through the world of bees!

Experience the Best of Nepal at Hilton Kathmandu, the Tallest Hotel in the City

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:06:59 GMT

Discover the perfect blend of Nepali culture and modern luxury at this iconic hotel, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled service

Located in the heart of Kathmandu Valley, Hilton Kathmandu is a stunning blend of Nepal's rich heritage and contemporary design. As the tallest hotel in Kathmandu and the only one with a glass façade representing prayer flags, it offers rooms ranging from elegant abodes to spacious presidential suites, all with breathtaking views of the Langtang Valley's mountain ranges.

The hotel's striking design features vertical glass fins that change color with the light, while intricate patterns of traditional Nepali Dhaka fabric adorn staff uniforms, lobby, and other guest areas. The building's award-winning architectural features, including a cantilevered entrance, temperature-controlled rooftop pool, and all-day dining outlet, provide panoramic vistas of Nepal's natural landscapes and cityscape.

"We are proud to introduce Hilton Kathmandu as a landmark for city's discerning guests," said Alexandra Jaritz, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. "Every aspect of the hotel has been meticulously crafted to immerse guests in this unique destination and allow them to experience Nepal's rich history and culture against the dramatic backdrop of the Langtang mountains."

Hilton Kathmandu is strategically located near Tribhuvan International Airport and Thamel district, offering easy access to cafes, pubs, gaming hubs, and entertainment venues. The hotel is also close to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and Durbar Marg, allowing guests to easily explore Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage.

The hotel offers a range of personalized experiences for guests, including tailored concierge services, once-in-a-lifetime adventures curated with Sherpas, and personalized wellness programs at the spa. Guests can also enjoy flexible check-in/out times, room and service upgrades, and adaptable indoor or outdoor banquet spaces.

"We are committed to delivering unparalleled experiences that merge the essence of Nepali hospitality with Hilton's world-class standards," said Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Country Head, South Asia, Hilton.

Hilton Kathmandu offers five unique dining venues, each providing an exceptional culinary experience that showcases a blend of international and local flavors. The hotel also incorporates eco-friendly practices, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint while delivering thoughtful guest experiences.

The hotel is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 24 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay.

Book now with Liberty Holidays at the best reasonable price! To book your stay at Hilton Kathmandu or learn more about the hotel's offerings, please contact us at sales@libertyholidays.com.

10 Safest Places To Retire In Asia For Less Than $2K A Month

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:08:27 GMT

Nepal ranks best in places to retire in Asia for under US$2k a month

Retiring in Asia offers a unique blend of affordability, safety, and cultural richness. With a budget of less than $2,000 a month, retirees can enjoy a high quality of life in some of the world’s most stunning and welcoming destinations.

This article explores ten of Asia’s safest and most affordable retirement places, each offering distinct charm and benefits.

1. Malaysia: Affordable Living And Excellent Healthcare

Malaysia consistently ranks as one of Asia’s safest and most affordable retirement places. With a low cost of living and affordable housing options, retirees can stretch their budget further in popular spots like George Town and Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia’s excellent healthcare system is another major draw, offering quality care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. The country’s vibrant expat community and friendly locals make it easy for retirees to integrate into Malaysian society and feel at home.

2. Thailand: Low Cost Of Living And Vibrant Culture

Thailand’s low cost of living allows retirees to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Cities like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Bangkok offer various cultural experiences and attractions, from ancient temples to modern shopping malls.

The country’s friendly locals and thriving expat communities make it easy for retirees to make new friends and find a sense of belonging. With its delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and laid-back lifestyle, Thailand is a top choice for retirees seeking an affordable and vibrant destination.

3. Vietnam: Scenic Beauty And Rich Heritage

Vietnam boasts some of Asia’s most stunning natural landscapes, from the lush rice terraces of the north to the beautiful beaches of the south.

Cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang offer retirees a mix of scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites and traditional villages to explore.

The country’s affordable cost of living and growing expat communities make it an increasingly popular choice for retirees looking for a unique and rewarding experience.

4. Bali, Indonesia: Tropical Paradise On A Budget

Bali, Indonesia, is a tropical paradise that offers retirees a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability. With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and scenic rice terraces, Bali is a feast for the senses.

The island’s affordable cost of living and wide range of housing options allow retirees to enjoy a high quality of life on a budget. Bali’s rich cultural traditions and welcoming local community add to its appeal, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for retirees.

5. Cambodia: Emerging Retirement Hotspot

Cambodia is quickly becoming a popular retirement destination thanks to its low cost of living and easy visa processes. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a mix of modern amenities and cultural experiences, from bustling markets to ancient temples.

Cambodia’s growing expat community and increasing safety measures make it an attractive option for retirees seeking an affordable and adventurous lifestyle in Southeast Asia.

6. Philippines: Friendly Communities And Beautiful Beaches

The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. Popular retirement spots like Cebu and Dumaguete offer retirees a chance to enjoy a laid-back tropical lifestyle without sacrificing modern comforts.

The widespread use of English in the Philippines makes it easier for retirees to navigate daily life and connect with local communities. With its welcoming atmosphere and thriving expat scene, the Philippines is a top choice for retirees seeking a friendly and affordable destination.

7. Nepal: Tranquility And Adventure In The Himalayas

Nepal is a hidden gem for retirees seeking a peaceful and affordable lifestyle in a stunning natural setting. With its majestic Himalayan mountains and lush valleys, Nepal offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The country’s low cost of living and laid-back lifestyle make it possible for retirees to enjoy a high quality of life on a modest budget. Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and opportunities for adventure activities like hiking and trekking add to its appeal for retirees seeking a unique and fulfilling experience.

8. Oman: Safe Haven With Stunning Landscapes

Oman is a safe and stable destination that offers retirees a chance to experience the beauty and hospitality of the Middle East. With its stunning mountains, vast deserts, and pristine coastline, Oman is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored.

The country’s friendly local culture and traditional Omani hospitality make it easy for retirees to feel welcome and at home. Oman’s affordable cost of living and growing expat community make it an increasingly popular choice for retirees seeking a unique and enriching lifestyle.

9. Cyprus: Mediterranean Charm At An Affordable Price

Cyprus, while geographically part of Europe, is often included in lists of Asian retirement destinations due to its proximity and cultural ties to the region. The island’s beautiful beaches, Mediterranean climate, and affordable cost of living make it a top choice for retirees seeking sun and relaxation.

With various housing options available, retirees can find the perfect home base for exploring Cyprus’s rich history and cultural attractions. The island’s strategic location makes traveling to other European and Middle Eastern destinations easy.

10. Jordan: Historical Wonders And Welcoming Locals

Jordan is a fascinating destination that offers retirees a chance to experience the rich history and culture of the Middle East. With its ancient ruins, including the iconic city of Petra, and natural wonders like the Dead Sea, Jordan is a treasure trove of unique experiences.

The country’s affordable cost of living and welcoming local community make it an attractive option for retirees seeking a safe and enriching lifestyle. Jordan’s strategic location also makes it an excellent base for exploring other parts of the Middle East.

Conclusion

Retiring in Asia offers possibilities for those seeking affordability, safety, and cultural richness. From the tropical beaches of Bali to the historical wonders of Jordan, these ten destinations offer retirees a chance to enjoy a high quality of life on a budget of less than $2,000 a month.

Retirees can embark on an exciting new chapter in one of the world’s most vibrant and welcoming regions by exploring these options and finding the perfect fit for their lifestyle and interests.

Source: New Trader U

Don't Trust Your Travels to an Instagram Influencer

info@libertyholidays.com (Ram Bahadur Ghale) — Mon, 20 May 2024 12:36:35 GMT

Don't Trust Your Travels to an Instagram Influencer

In the age of social media, with wanderlust-inducing Instagram feeds and YouTube vlogs abound, travelers have more options than ever before to plan their dream vacations. Two prevalent choices for organizing group trips have emerged: working with a professional travel advisor or opting to sign up for a hosted group trip by a travel influencer. But are these two paths truly equivalent in terms of service and value? As the travel industry continues to evolve, the distinction between a travel influencer and travel advisor needs to be made.

1. Expertise vs. Aspiration

Travel advisors are seasoned experts with training, industry connections, destination knowledge, and a commitment to fulfilling your unique preferences. Whereas travel influencers often bring aspirational content, they may lack professional expertise to know how to handle a situation when things don’t go according to plan.

2. Personalization vs. Pre-packaged Experiences

Travel advisors craft tailor-made itineraries, addressing individual preferences and ensuring a trip is precisely customized to your desires. Influencers typically offer pre-packaged trips designed to suit a wider audience, limiting opportunities for customization.

3. Reliability vs. Popularity

Travel Advisors have a reputation built on trust, with accountability to clients, a code of ethics, and professional standards. Advisors prioritize travelers' safety and will always remain up to date on the latest rules and restrictions of a country their client is traveling to. Influencers may prioritize their personal brand and online presence, which could impact their dedication to group trip participants or in a worst-case scenario, compromise the welfare of travelers.

Helen Maley, Owner of Promal Vacations LLC, had an unfortunate experience when she attended a FAM (familiarization) trip with an influencer at a resort that she says was "barely three-stars." After a few drinks, Maley said the influencer announced to the rest of the advisors that she had to say the resort was wonderful since she wasn’t paying for her stay, when in fact, she didn't like it at all.

A travel advisor offers candid and unbiased assessments of hotels, resorts, or ships, providing an honest evaluation, while influencers typically lean towards predominantly positive reviews, seldom expressing negative opinions.

Source: ASTA

What are the reasons for travel to Nepal?

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 17:22:13 GMT

Traveling to Nepal offers a multitude of unique experiences and attractions that draw visitors from around the world.

Nepal, a country nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, to the ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, there’s a wealth of sights to behold. Experience the warmth of the Nepalese people, their unique traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking thrill in trekking, white-water rafting, and wildlife safaris, or a peace-seeker drawn to meditation and yoga retreats, Nepal caters to all. Discover Nepal, where every path leads to a story worth telling. Here are some compelling reasons to travel to Nepal:

1. Spectacular Landscapes: Nepal is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayas, lush forests, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you're trekking in the Himalayas or simply enjoying the views from a peaceful village, Nepal's landscapes are sure to leave you in awe.

2. Mount Everest: As the world's highest peak, Mount Everest is a major draw for adventurers and mountaineers. Even if you're not scaling the summit, you can still experience the awe-inspiring presence of Everest by trekking to Everest Base Camp or enjoying panoramic views from nearby viewpoints.

3. Cultural Diversity: Nepal is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the remote villages of the Himalayas, you'll encounter a diverse array of ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, festivals, and heritage.

4. Ancient History and Architecture: Nepal boasts a wealth of ancient temples, palaces, and monasteries, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur, marvel at the architectural wonders of Patan Durbar Square, or immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

5. Adventure Activities: Nepal is a paradise for adventure seekers, offering a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities such as trekking, mountaineering, white-water rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping. Whether you're an experienced thrill-seeker or a first-time adventurer, Nepal has something for everyone.

6. Warm Hospitality: Nepalese people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and friendliness towards visitors. You'll often find yourself welcomed with open arms and genuine smiles, whether you're staying in a family-run guesthouse or dining at a local eatery.

7. Yoga and Meditation: Nepal is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and wellness enthusiasts, with numerous yoga retreats and meditation centers offering opportunities for relaxation, self-discovery, and inner peace amidst tranquil natural surroundings.

8. Affordability: Compared to many other travel destinations, Nepal offers excellent value for money, with affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options available to suit every budget.

9. Wildlife Watching:** Nepal is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and snow leopards. Embark on a safari in Chitwan or Bardia National Park for a chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

10. Philanthropic Opportunities: Many travelers are drawn to Nepal's opportunities for volunteer work and philanthropy, whether it's teaching English in rural schools, supporting community development projects, or volunteering with environmental conservation initiatives.

11. Taste of Nepal: Delight in Nepalese Cuisine: Where adventure meets serenity, culture embraces you warmly, and the majestic Himalayas beckon. Savor the flavors of Nepal with its culinary treasures ; from the hearty Dal Bhat to the savory Momo dumplings, and the sweet Sel Roti . Discover the land of mystique, from Everest’s towering peaks to the spiritual tranquility of Lumbini. Taste the adventure, live the legends, and indulge in the gastronomic bliss of Nepal.

Overall, Nepal offers a truly unforgettable travel experience, combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure in a way that few other destinations can match.

These are just a few highlights of what makes Nepal a dream destination for many travelers. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or simply a place to unwind amidst nature, Nepal has something for everyone.

Happy Ghode Jatra: A Unique Horse Racing Festival in Nepal

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:41:23 GMT

Ghode Jatra , a distinctive festival celebrated in Nepal, combines the elegance of horse racing with vibrant parades.

Festivals play a vital role and hold immense significance within a nation. They serve as bridges, connecting people, and provide a welcoming platform for both locals and tourists. These vibrant celebrations preserve cultural traditions, acting as anchors that keep a nation’s identity intact. Indeed, festivals are the very essence of what makes a country unique and memorable on the global stage.

In Nepal, a land rich in cultural diversity, we are fortunate to have a plethora of festivals. Among these, Ghode Jatra stands out as a particularly captivating event. This festival, celebrated with grace and enthusiasm, involves our equine companions. The sight of majestic horses parading through the heart of Kathmandu during Ghode Jatra is truly a spectacle to behold.

Ghode Jatra, also known as Horse Racing Day; a unique festival of horse racing celebrated in Nepal.”Ghode” means horse and “Jatra” means parade. The festival falls on the month of Chaitra i.e. between March and April. The government has granted a public holiday on the occasion within the Valley. Let us share some fascinating details about this celebration:

Date and Location:

Ghode Jatra takes place annually on the New Moon day of mid-March or early April (This year marked on Apr 08, 2024).
The festival’s main event occurs in Tundikhel, a spacious parade ground in the heart of Kathmandu.

The Horse Parade:

The highlight of Ghode Jatra is the grand horse parade organized by the Nepal Army.
During this parade, skilled riders from the cavalry team perform artistic stunts while riding their horses.
The parade is carried out in the presence of heads of state, adding to its significance.

Historical Origins:

The festival’s roots trace back to ancient times. When children mysteriously disappeared in the inner city of Kathmandu, people believed that demons or cannibals were responsible.
To ward off these malevolent spirits, campers with horses were asked to run them around Tudikhel, creating a protective barrier.
People also gathered to feed the demons near a tree that still stands in the middle of Tudikhel.
Over time, this ritual transformed into the vibrant Ghode Jatra festival we celebrate today.

Feasting and Traditions:

Kathmandu’s native Newar community marks Ghode Jatra with a festive feast.
On this day, there is a public holiday in Kathmandu, allowing everyone to participate in the festivities.

The horse parade, religiously known as Aswa Yatra, is also organized to welcome the New Year.

“Wishing you a joyous Ghode Jatra filled with the spirit of unity, prosperity, and cultural richness. May the vibrant spirit of Ghode Jatra bring blessings, sound health, prosperity, and happiness to you and your family.”

The beautiful little country that's only one in world with flag that doesn't have 4 sides

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:32:55 GMT

There is only one country in the world that has a flag without four sides, and it is also home to Mount Everest.

A beautiful little country in Asia is the only one in the world that has a flag with more than four sides. Nepal is a 750-mile-long landlocked state between China and India. It is most known for being the home to the world’s tallest mountain, Everest.

It has been called a “trekkers’ paradise” by Lonely Planet, with “Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife” to explore.

Mainly situated in the Himalayas, the small country is often called one of the world’s “greatest travel destinations” with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To visit in Nepal are the Sagarmatha National Park, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and more.

It is also the birthplace of the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Guatama. The Buddha was born in Lumbini around 500BC, the site has become a place of pilgrimage.

Nepal is unique from the rest of the world in its flag. Most countries have adopted the European tradition of a four-sided square or rectangle flag but Nepal is the only one in the world that has not.

It has five to maintain its ancient tradition, with the flag made up of two pennons. For ease, it is often printed on a rectangular white flag for events like the Olympics.

It is red with a blue border and depicts a rhododendron, a sun and a crescent moon. Red is Nepal’s national colour and stands for bravery with the blue symbolising peace and harmony.

Rhododendrons are Nepal’s national flower, the sun represents the country’s heat and the moon its people’s calm demeanour.

Reviewers on Tripadvisor called the country "breathtaking" and that the view of the Himalayas made every step of the hike "worthwhile". Another said that it was an "experience (they) will never forget" and that Nepal would "always have (their) heart".

One reviewer said they "couldn't stop talking about Kathmandu" due to its unspoiled sites and history, they added that "no adjectives could describe how beautiful it is".

Those wishing to visit Nepal can get there via indirect flights to Kathmandu from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are many places to stay in the country including hostels, hotels and holiday lets.

China announces visa-free policy for 6 European countries: FM

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:52:42 GMT

Update: China extends visa-free policy to more nations, improves payment services for foreigners, in bid to boost inbound travel

BEIJING, March 7- China will adopt a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis, starting March 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday.

"We hope more countries will also offer Chinese citizens visa facilitation and work with us to build fast-track networks for cross-border travels and encourage speedy resumption of international passenger flights," Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

This will make it more convenient for Chinese citizens to travel abroad, and make foreign friends feel at home in China, he said.

Wang pledged cooperation with relevant authorities to promote the signing of more high-standard free trade agreements, expand the globally oriented network of free trade areas, and keep global industrial, supply, and data chains stable and unimpeded.

He stated China's readiness to well develop international cooperation platforms including the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and optimize its business environment that is based on market principles, governed by law and up to international standards to provide more stable expectations and long-term benefits for investors and partners from around the world.

Source: (Xinhua)

Nepal Trekking Permit Now Digital and Hassle Free

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:02:51 GMT

Foreigners seeking permits to hike in restricted areas will now need to pay the fee through Nepali online payment systems as the government doesn’t have a dollar account.

After over seven decades since Nepal started issuing trekking permits to foreigners, the government has finally ended the paper-based permit issuing system. This comes weeks after the Nepali visa application system went online.

The Department of Immigration started the online system for trekkers on February 23.

Foreign trekkers are no longer required to be present at the immigration office to obtain the permits to hike in restricted areas, said Prem Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson at the department.

“The online application system will save time. Trekkers will no longer be required to stand in queues at banks to pay the fees.”

However, the payment should be made only through Nepali payment channels including Nepali mobile banking apps, and payment platforms like Connect IPS, E-sewa and Khalti.

According to Dhakal, as the Nepal government doesn’t have a dollar account, currently, it is not possible for foreigners to pay the fee in US dollars or other foreign currencies, to get trekking permits.

“This issue should be addressed through the Financial Act.”

Immigration officials said they are well prepared to fully implement the system or enable prospective trekkers to pay the fees from their foreign bank accounts, once the government allows payment through foreign currencies.

Similarly, as foreigners are banned from trekking without a guide except in the Everest region, the permits, however, should be issued only through tour operators.

This gives trekking and tour operators an exclusive right to handle trekkers.

Nepal has put an end to the manual system of issuing permits nearly seven and a half decades after the country started issuing such permits to foreign trekkers.

“This is good news for all tour and trekking operators,” said Nilhari Bastola, president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. “While it might take time for us to be familiar with the new system, it will drastically cut the bureaucratic red tape.”

On February 9, the government implemented the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system in Nepal, the latest initiative to facilitate the entry of foreign visitors into the country.

“We [travel agencies and tour operators] can now pay the visa fee on behalf of our foreign clients and obtain visas for them through copies of their passports. After obtaining visa numbers from the immigration department, we can get trekking permits for our clients for both restricted as well as non-restricted areas,” said Bastola. The entire process can be completed from the comfort of our home or office.

“Earlier, both the visa and trekking permit issuance processes were tardy. While foreigners were forced to stand in a queue at the airport to obtain visas, the process of obtaining trekking permits was as time-consuming.”

“Thankfully, the manual system has ended.”

For now, payment for an e-visa can be done only by using Nepali payment channels including mobile banking apps, Connect IPS, E-sewa and Khalti.

“The process will be further simplified if the government adopts a dollar payment system,” said Bastola.

Trekking permits for unrestricted areas or the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), which are issued jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, which came into effect on January 1, 2008 went online on April 1 last year.

Apart from dozens of unrestricted trekking areas, there are certain trekking regions known as 'restricted areas' that are highly regulated by the government where free independent trekkers are strictly forbidden.

Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Rasuwa, Gorkha, upper Mustang, Manang, upper Dolpa, lower Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Bajhang, and Darchula districts that border Tibet were declared out of bounds for foreign visitors in the 1970s.

Foreigners are required to obtain special permits from the Department of Immigration to travel to these areas. Also, permits are not given to individual trekkers. Only those travelling in a group through a government authorised trekking agency can apply for such permits.

Permit fees range from $10 a week to $500 for 10 days, depending on the area.

In the 1970s, the government imposed restrictions on the movement of foreigners in several northern villages bordering Tibet as Khampa rebels were found to be using the Nepali territory to mount raids into China. In 1974, the Nepal Army succeeded in completely disarming the Khampa rebels, but the travel restrictions remained.

The official history of trekking in Nepal started in 1949 when the country opened its doors to the outside world after centuries of isolation.

British diplomat and mountaineer Lieutenant Colonel James Owen Merion Roberts is credited with organising the first commercial trek in Nepal in 1950.

Trekking agencies and tour operators have been lobbying with the government to open up such areas that have an immense potential to contribute to the country’s tourism as well as the local economy.

Trekking in some restricted areas is costlier.

According to the immigration department, trekking the restricted areas in Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa costs $500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 per person per day beyond 10 days.

In the restricted Gorkha-Manaslu area, and Manang and Mugu, in autumn (September-November), foreign trekkers have to pay $100 per person per week and $15 per person per day beyond a week. In the December-August period, which is considered off-season for trekking, it costs $75 a person per week and $10 a person per day beyond a week.

In Bajhang and Darchula, the government charges $90 per person per week for the first week and $15 per person per day beyond a week.

In the restricted areas in Humla, trekkers are charged $50 per person per week and $10 per person per day beyond a week.

Trekkers visiting restricted areas of Gorkha Tsum Valley are charged $40 per person per week and $7 per person per day beyond a week during the autumn season. For the period December-August, the fee is $30 per person per week and $7 per person per day beyond a week.

Likewise, restricted areas in Taplejung, lower Dolpa, Dolakha, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu and Rasuwa are charged $20 per person per week.

In 2022, according to government statistics, the restricted areas received 15,781 foreign trekkers, mostly in Manaslu and upper Mustang.

Now, trekkers can apply from the comfort of their homes through a dedicated online platform .

We're Global Rescue Safe Travel Partners

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:04:02 GMT

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Mustang secures a spot in New York Times' top 52 destinations to visit in 2024

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 16:15:45 GMT

A remote citadel of Tibetan culture cracks open the gate

T he New York Times has included Nepal's Mustang in the list of 37 destinations in the world to visit in 2024.

In the list of 52 destinations published by New York Times, Mustang has been placed at number 37 in tourist places to visit in 2024, giving a brief description of its natural beauty and historical importance.

Known as the district across the Himalayas, Mustang is located between two high peaks, Dhawalagiri and Nilgiri. According to excavations, more than 3,000 years ago, Mustang was the main trade route between Nepal and Tibet.

Lo Manthang Historical Palace, Lo Manthang, Muktinath, Tukuche Nilgiri Mountain, Mt Dhawalagiri, Tilicho Peak, Yakkawa Peak, Tukuche Dhampus Peak are some major tourist spots in Mustang.

Likewise, this district is also important in terms of religion as it is home to temples and srines including the Muktinath Temple, Damodar Kund, Kagbeni, Shivalaya Temple (Puthang), Ganesha Temple (Jomsom), Tukuche Gompa Kobang, Tukuche Gompsamp, Tukuche Makal Gompa, Tukuche Rani Gompa, and Marfa Gompa.

To the north from the headquarters, Jomsom, Bhote, Gurung, Bista, and Thakuri castes predominate, while to the south, there are other castes including Thakali.

In the list published by the New York Times, North America is at the top position, while Florida is at the 52nd position.
The articles:

MustangNepal

A remote citadel of Tibetan culture cracks open the gate

N estled high on the Tibetan plateau in the northern reaches of Nepal, the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Mustang is a bastion of traditional Tibetan culture, preserved for centuries by its remoteness. Now, a new 183-mile road linking the region to China as well as the gleaming but debt-saddled and increasingly contentious international airport in Pokhara — both projects backed by Beijing — will give travelers easier access to sites like the well-preserved medieval fortress of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, which was a restricted area for tourists until the early 1990s.

Wilderness treks through the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges traverse river gorges, glacial lakes and rugged trails dotted with yaks and sheep. While budget-friendly hotels abound, the new, luxury Shinta Mani Mustang makes Nepal’s new trekking rules , which require hikers to use a local licensed guide or porter, easier to follow by offering a range of tours with certified guides.

Source: New York Times

#New_York_Times # Mustang

China and Thailand agree on permanent visa waiver from March; eases visa rules for US tourists.

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:54:47 GMT

C hina and T hailand agree on permanent visa waiver from March; eases visa rules for US tourists.

Y ou know China is serious about boosting inbound tourism when in a span of less than two months the country has announced visa waivers for 8 countries.

China will now be entering into a reciprocal agreement with Thailand for permanent waiver of visa requirements for citizens of the two countries from March onwards.

Announcing this, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday, the arrangement would serve to upgrade the relationship between the two countries.

Thailand had earlier waived off entry requirements for Chinese tourists until February this year, allowing Chinese tourists to stay in the country visa free for 30 days. China had so far not reciprocated the favor until today’s announcement.

On Tuesday, Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, stated that the two countries are in discussion regarding the details of mutually exempting visa requirements for their citizens.

2023 for Thailand Tourism

For Thailand, which welcomed almost 28 million foreign tourists in 2023, slightly above its target, this could be a game-changer.

With 3.5 million arrivals, Chinese tourists were the second largest visitors into Thailand, after Malaysia. In 2019, China was the biggest inbound market for Thailand with 10 million tourists.

Thailand aims to generate tourism revenue worth 3.5 trillion baht ($100 billion) in 2024.

On Tuesday, the country also announced its plan to simplify the process for foreign tourists to obtain value-added tax refunds on items bought in Thailand.

Tourists purchasing goods up to 20,000 baht ($585) will no longer be required to present them to customs officials during the refund process, a notable increase from the previous limit of 5,000 baht ($146).

China’s Inbound Focus

China recently implemented a policy for visa-free travel for five European countries and Malaysia, following a trial period. Effective from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, this policy enables ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa.

Around 214,000 people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia entered the country in December 2023, an increase of 28.5 percent compared with November, according to the latest data from National Immigration Administration.

“Of these inbound trips, 118,000 were made by ordinary passport holders without a visa, accounting for 55% of all inbound trips from the six countries during this period. Around 91,000 visa-free entries were made for travel and business,” the government announced on Tuesday.

Additionally, China has also agreed on a reciprocal visa-free agreement with Singapore allowing 30 days of visa-free travel between citizens of the two countries.

Commencing this Monday, China has also streamlined entry regulations for U.S. citizens traveling on tourist visas. Tourist visa applicants from the U.S. will no longer need to provide evidence of round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, itinerary, or an invitation letter.

Source: Skift

Liberty Holidays featured in Kayak’s City Guide to New Delhi India.

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:37:52 GMT

Liberty Holidays featured in Kayak’s City Guide to New Delhi India.

We are happy to share that Kayak have featured us in their City Guide to New Delhi India!

Click on the image bellow for their full guide to the city for inspiration.

Japan to welcome back tourists after 2-year pandemic shutdown

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 07:05:13 GMT

Starting June 10, Americans and many other foreign visitors can travel to Japan on guided tours

After closing to foreign tourists for more than two years, Japan will allow a wide range of leisure travelers back in next month — with conditions.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Thursday that starting June 10, the nation will welcome visitors on guided package tours, which include transportation and accommodations. Tourists from 98 countries with low coronavirus infection rates will be permitted; the United States is in that group. June’s larger reopening follows a small trial that allowed about 50 people on organized tours to visit 12 prefectures, starting this week.

“Step by step we will aim to accept [tourists] as we did in normal times, taking into consideration the status of infections,” he said.

Visitors from the low-risk countries will not have to show proof of vaccination and will not need to isolate or test on arrival regardless of their vaccination status. According to a checklist published by Japan’s National Tourism Organization, travelers must show proof of a negative test within 72 hours of departure for the country.

The number of people allowed to enter the country daily will increase to 20,000 from the current cap of 10,000. The current number includes business travelers, foreign workers and students but not tourists.

Japan has tightly controlled its borders throughout the pandemic and continued to ban tourists even after many other Asian destinations started welcoming visitors back. With leisure travelers prohibited, just 250,000 visited the country last year, compared to more than 30 million annually before the pandemic.

The country’s tourism agency estimated that a little more than 100,000 people visited the country between January and March compared to more than 8 million people during the same period in 2019.

Seino Satoshi, president of Japan National Tourism Organization, said in a statement that the group is working with local governments, destination marketing organizations, travel agencies at home and abroad, airlines and others to prepare for inbound travel to start again.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the accelerating pace at which the international community is preparing for the recovery of travel for tourism purposes,” he said. “The government has announced a policy on Japan initiating action to join that effort. I take this as a first step toward the recovery of inbound tourism to Japan.”

Peggy Goldman, president and co-owner of tour operator Friendly Planet Travel, said Friday that her company has been preparing to bring tourists back to Japan. Given the limits on how many people can come to the country, she expects the return to roll out slowly.

“Honestly, I don’t believe that we’re going to be able to actually start a robust touring program before next spring,” she said.

“There is demand,” she said. “We’ll be able to evaluate how much demand we have once we tell people that we’re beginning to take reservations.”

Source: WashingtonPost

You might interested in Japan Tour Packages

Tourist activity slowly picking up in Nepal as Covid restrictions are eased

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 02:44:50 GMT

Nepal Tourism is reviving!

Tourist footfalls are gradually increasing in Nepal as the coronavirus-related restrictions are eased with fewer daily cases and a low transmission rate in the last few months.

The tourism sector, the backbone of the Nepalese economy, came to a griding halt in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said on Saturday.

However, now the sector is picking up steam with the total number of active COVID-19 cases dropping to less than 700 across the country.

This is in stark contrast to May 2021 when over 9,000 cases were reported daily.

In March this year, Nepal received 42,006 tourists via flights, according to the Department of Immigration here, of whom 15,013 tourists were from India followed by 4,029 tourists from the United Kingdom and 4,896 from the United States.

Last year in the same period, only 14,977 foreign tourists visited Nepal .

The Department of Tourism, Nepal, said the country received 78,747 foreign tourists from January to March end this year.

Nepal on Saturday recorded 13 new cases of COVID-19 along with 44 recoveries and zero deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.

There are currently 649 active cases of COVID-19 across the country.

Nepal reopens all border points enabling foreigners to visit through land routes

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 03:20:06 GMT

Nepal is now open !

Namaste and warm Greetings from Naturally Nepal!

We are happy to inform that Nepal is now open for travelling. The Nepali government has decided to reopen all the border crossings for the movement of Nepali and foreign nationals, as the South Asian country has been reporting fewer COVID-19 cases in recent days, a Nepali minister said Wednesday.

The move ended a months-long ban on foreigners visiting Nepal through land routes that was imposed after the second wave of the coronavirus hit the country in April.

Following the cabinet decision on Tuesday evening, “fully vaccinated foreigners can travel in Nepal after being tested negative for coronavirus either through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen tests,” .

The decision came at a time when new COVID-19 cases in Nepal have come down to less than 2,000 per day in recent days from a record high of 9,317 on May 11.

On Tuesday, the country logged 1,036 new infections and five deaths, taking the total cases to 786,577 and the death toll to 11,053.

Nepal has a total of 35 border crossings with India and two border points with China.

On June 21, Nepal’s Health Ministry imposed a blanket ban on foreign nationals visiting the country through land routes.

Shrestha said the decision to relax the cross-border movement of foreigners was taken to give a boost to the country’s tourism which has been hit hard amid the pandemic. “We can attract vaccinated Indian tourists through the land routes,” he said.

Indian nationals have been allowed into Nepal in the past days despite the blanket ban still in place.

“Due to cross-border family, social and cultural relations, we have been allowing Indian nationals to visit Nepal if they are fully vaccinated or they could produce PCR negative for coronavirus,” said Phanindramani Pokharel, spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Please find the latest update on the travel protocols to be followed while entering Nepal.

1. There is no quarantine rule for fully vaccinated travelers, but they need to make sure that they have received their last dose at least 14 days before they enter Nepal.

2. On arrival visa service has resumed for fully vaccinated travelers. They need to present the following documents at immigration:

• Vaccination Certificate with proof of 14 days after the last dose

• RT-PCR negative test issued within 72 hours or less before first flight

• Proof of hotel booking

• Print copy of filled International Online Arrival Form available at CCMC website ( https://ccmc.gov.np/arms/person_add_en.php )

• Permit copy of mountaineering or trekking

3. There is no on arrival visa provision for non-vaccinated travelers. They need to have prior visa from Nepalese Diplomatic missions in their respective countries.

4. Non-vaccinated travelers need to stay 10 days in quarantine at their own cost in the hotels designated by Nepal Government. https://www.tourismdepartment.gov.np/pages/notices/+977 14511001

5. Upon arrival, non-vaccinated travelers need to present all the documents specified in no. 2 (except vaccination certificate), plus proof of quarantine hotel booking

6. All travelers should have rapid antigen test while entering Nepal. If found positive, they should be in quarantine at the hospitals or isolation centers designated by Nepal Government.

Though, there are some travel restrictions, if you abide by the rules, travelling in Nepal will not be a hassle. With the Government’s aggressive inoculation campaign, more than 19% of the total population is fully vaccinated and more than 21% has already received their first dose. As tourism professionals belong to the prioritized frontline groups, above 95% of the tourism workers have been fully vaccinated by now (97% in Khumbu and Mustang region).

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Regards,
Liberty Holidays Team

WTTC says ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ could unlock the door to international travel

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 08:31:43 GMT

WTTC welcomes the agreement reached on the EU Digital COVID Certificate

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC said: “WTTC welcomes the agreement reached on the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which has now been given the green light by all member states. This new certificate could be the key to unlocking international travel and save thousands of businesses and millions of jobs across Europe and beyond.

“It will see all 27 member states welcoming vaccinated travellers and those with proof of a negative test or a positive antibody test in time for the peak summer season, which will provide a massive and much-needed boost to economies. We call on all Member States to have the certificate up and running by July 1 with no extra restrictions.

“The European Commission must be applauded for its incredible efforts in launching this major initiative, which could be the driving force behind the resurrection of Travel & Tourism.

“For more than a year, the Travel & Tourism sector has suffered like never before, with 62 million people around the world losing their jobs. But this initiative will aid the restoration of safe international travel.”

Nepal: No Quarantine for Vaccinated Tourists and resume the on-arrival visa at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 04:06:51 GMT

Nepal’s government has finally reacted to petitions from the tourism industry and lifted the quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors.

Nepal has removed quarantine requirements for visitors who have got both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, a move aimed at boosting pandemic-depressed travel and tourism business.

Tourism Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal told the Post on Friday that the decision to remove quarantine requirements for such foreign tourists was taken by Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.

“The new guideline to visit Nepal will be implemented soon,” said Dhakal.

Last week, the Tourism Ministry had proposed removing quarantine requirements for travellers who have received both doses of the vaccine and resume the on-arrival visa at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

It is, however, not clear whether the Cabinet has approved the ministry’s plan to resume issuing on-arrival visas at the airport.

Taranath Adhikari, spokesperson for the Tourism Ministry, said that they were yet to receive a copy of the Cabinet decision.

“We will make the details public once we receive the copy of the decision,” Adhikari told the Post. “As per the proposal, tourists coming to Nepal have to submit documentation or cards as proof that they have been vaccinated.

Many countries have termed documents of immunisation against Covid-19 as vaccine passports. Some countries have rolled out digital passports as well so as to facilitate travelling.

The trade group for global airlines, the International Air Transport Association, is testing a version it calls Travel Pass. IBM has already developed a Digital Health Pass that is being trialled in the US as a health passport, capturing Covid-19 test results, temperature scans and vaccine records.

There are several other private-sector initiatives globally to launch vaccine passports to provide a safe way for people to travel.

Spokesperson and joint-secretary Adhikari said that non-vaccinated tourists entering Nepal have to submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) report. The report must show the test was conducted 72 hours prior to their departure from the country of origin.

As per the proposal, visitors have to do another PCR test after arrival, and before heading to their respective destinations in Nepal.

Presently, as per the Department of Tourism, prior approval documents required for entry to Nepal are a negative PCR report taken less than 72 hours before departure, hotel booking for at least seven days' quarantine in Nepal and insurance of at least $5,000, per person, against Covid-19.

Tourists must go into hotel quarantine for a minimum of seven days upon their arrival in Nepal.

Tourists are also required to take a PCR test on the fifth day of hotel quarantine at their own expense, and they will be allowed to go on their expedition or trek if they test negative.

Dhananjay Regmi, chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board, said that removal of quarantine requirements is, actually, an announcement that Nepal is open and normal now.

“The experience of some of the countries shows that the risk of infection from vaccinated individuals is very small or negligible. We have been through a lot of pressure in the past 12 months, and we are all hoping for a safe resumption of travel in Nepal.”

According to Regmi, the Tourism Board is participating at the 28th edition of South Asian Trade and Travel Exchange Expo (SATTE), one of the largest travel trade shows in the subcontinent, that will be held at India Expo Mart, Delhi on March 24. This is the first travel event to be held after a year.

“We have started formal promotional activities abroad after nearly a year,” he said.

Nepal’s heavily tourism-based economy struggled in 2020 as the country saw a massive revenue fall. The pandemic resulted in tens of thousands of jobs lost as well.

According to the statistics of the Department of Immigration, only 230,085 foreign tourists visited Nepal last year, about the same number that came in 1986. Most of them arrived before the country imposed entry restrictions on March 20.

The year 2021 started on a disappointing note. Nepal received less than 9,000 foreign visitors in January. The disappointment continued in February with 9,146 arrivals, a steep 87.6 percent year-on-year drop, battering the local economy.

Nepal hopes to see travellers return to the country this spring that runs from March to May-end and is considered the peak tourist season. It is the only time when there is a window to climb Everest, the world’s tallest mountain.

Nepal open for trekking from 17 October

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 01:37:42 GMT

Domestic flights, hotels, restaurants, intercity buses also allowed from 17 September

As a part of its gradual opening up after a six-month Covid-19 lockdown, Nepal’s Cabinet decided to allow domestic flights, intercity buses, hotels and restaurants to reopen from Thursday.

Trekking and mountaineering groups will also be allowed to take foreign clients up to the mountains from 17 October, government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali told a briefing. The decisions were taken on Monday’s Cabinet meeting on the recommendation of the Covid-19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC).

The government had relaxed the lockdown from 13 September in Kathmandu Valley, allowing shops to reopen for limited times, and on certain days of the week. Public transport, taxis and private vehicles were also allowed on odd-even days.

From 1 September, limited regular international flights were also allowed as long as the total number of arriving passengers daily did not exceed 800. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Yogesh Bhattarai hinted last week that up to 3,000 passengers a day may soon be allowed to land.

However, foreigners are still not allowed to travel to Nepal, and all passengers must have RT PCR negative reports done 72 hours before departure. Despite this, inbound passengers have complained about unnecessarily long waits at holding centres in Kathmandu on arrival.

The decision will come as welcome relief to Nepal’s domestic airlines which have had most of their planes and helicopters grounded for the past six months. Hotels had been allowed to reopen after 21 July, but were closed again on 20 August when Covid-19 cases began to rise.

The relaxation of restrictions come even as the number of confirmed cases in Nepal has been rising at between 1,000-1,500 every day, with more than half of them in Kathmandu Valley. On Tuesday, there were 1,451 new cases nationwide, bringing the total to 56,778.

Eleven more patients died from Covid-19 on 15 September, and the total now stands at 371. More than 40,000 have recovered, and there are 15,779 active cases of which 8,139 are symptomatic and are in hospital isolation wards.

Foreign Minister Gyawali said that although travel restrictions were being eased, planes, hotels and restaurants will have to observe strict protocols on separation and masks. Long-distance buses will only be allowed to carry half the number of passengers, and everyone has to follow the protocols. Domestic airlines will have to follow strict hygiene rules on check-in, ramp buses, and on-board aircraft.

Hotels have had almost no income since March, and have laid off a quarter of their staff, with others taking pay cuts. Nearly 1.2 million tourists visited Nepal in 2019, and this year the government was promoting Visit Nepal Year with a target of reaching 2 million.

Tourism brought in $700 million in +977 14511001, and makes up 8% of Nepal’s GDP. Nearly half-a-million Nepalis are directly employed in the trekking and mountaineering sector, with 2 million others benefiting indirectly from tourism.

The government was also beginning to feel the pinch from the drop in revenue from taxes on hotels, restaurants and also fees from trekking and climbing permits.

Even prior to this announcement, two expeditions had been granted permission to climb in Nepal. One was a special permit for an all-Nepali expedition to Mt Baruntse which has already left for base camp, and the other to a 15-member Bahraini military expedition to Mt Manaslu that includes three Britons. The Bahrainis are arriving in Kathmandu on a charter flight on Wednesday.

Book Now Travel Later- 20% Discount Offer

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 03:46:15 GMT

Book Now Travel Later- 20% Discount Offer

Book Now, Travel later

With rising cases of Corona Virus, the world, as we know it, has come to a standstill. Everyone’s working from home, practising social distancing, staying indoors, basically, taking their lives slow. The biggest drawback? Everyone has been forced to put their travel plans on hold. Gone are those fantastically planned itineraries, gone are those quick getaways and gone are those exotic vacations you had invested in. But who says you can’t plan for the future? Liberty Holidays offers some fantastic deals at great prices that you can just book now and travel later, whenever you are ready. Most of the deals from Liberty Holidays come with a travel validity of a year or sometimes even more, just so that you don’t miss out on the deal of a lifetime.

But savvy travellers know that in every crisis comes an opportunity to snag the deal of a lifetime. Hotels that are suddenly offering massively discounted packages due to low occupancies. You won't find these discounted packages anywhere else, but Liberty Holidays makes sure you can BOOK NOW, TRAVEL LATER on your suite time schedule once the crisis is behind us when you can travel safely. Make sure to buy them now when the opportunity still exists, since such discounts won't be available afterwards. Most of our deals have a travel validity of a year or more so you have plenty of time to decide when it’s safe to travel:

Terms & Conditions:

Validity Destination and Date: Nepal Vacation Packages - Valid for travel until 31st December 2021 (bookings must be made Between 28th July 2020 To 31st December 2020)

Promo code: BNTL2020

Happy Travels (Later)

Liberty Holidays

World Travel & Tourism Council rolls out global safety and hygiene stamp to help people travel safely

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:07:24 GMT

The World Travel & Tourism Council launched the world’s first-ever safety and hygiene stamp

(TAN): The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has introduced a global safety and hygiene stamp to help tourists travel safely around the world.

The stamp, claimed to be the “world’s first ever”, will enable travellers to identify governments and businesses that have implemented “global standardised protocols” for health and hygiene. Businesses that will be able to use the stamp include hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports.

WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer Gloria Guevara said past crises have taught “global standard protocols and consistency” gives confidence to travellers, and that their new safety stamp intended to “rebuild” customer’s confidence all over the world.

“Now travellers will be able to recognise the businesses and destinations worldwide which have adopted the new set of global protocols that will encourage the return of ‘Safe Travels’ around the world. It will, in turn, help the Travel & Tourism sector to reopen for business and move in a coordinated approach,” WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer Gloria Guevara said.

“For the first time ever, the global private sector has rallied around Safe Travels protocols which will create consistency across the sector. Implementation by governments around the world will restore much-needed confidence in order to restart the Travel & Tourism industry,” she added.

Over 200 Chief Executive Officers including some of the biggest tourism groups from around the world have backed the step that was taken to aid in recovery of the global travel sector.

“We are excited that Saudi Arabia, which is Chair of the G20 tourism group, as well as popular destinations such as Cancun, one of the biggest destinations in the world, Portugal, one of the fastest growing countries in Europe and the holiday cities of Barcelona and Seville, amongst others, are among the first destinations to back the stamp and implement global standard protocols to recover faster,” Guevara said.

The move has earned the support of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

“We are delighted that UNWTO are supporting the private sector global protocols and our efforts as public-private collaboration is critical to ensure a faster recovery,” WTTC President said.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the move, saying it will help restore confidence in the sector.

“Public and private sector collaboration are of the essence here and we are happy to be working together with WTTC on the post COVID-19 recovery, and value their contribution to UNWTOs Global Crisis Committee, where we gather other leading private sector bodies, our members and key UN agencies. We are united in the common goal of tourism’s come-back to generate benefits going far beyond our sector. Trust and tourism will catalyse consumer demand, investments and jobs, thus generating opportunities for all,” he added.

#SafeTravels

'Safe Travels': Global Protocols & Stamp

Letter from – ASTA Nepal Chapter President & Liberty Holidays CEO on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 09:11:49 GMT

Stay Safe Today, We will travel again!

Dear Valued Customers and Business Partners,

We hope you, your families & friends are keeping safe and healthy!

Yes, we know you must be wondering, how we are in this current environment?

The tourism industry has been completely put down by the corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak. One of the largest travel and tourism markets in the world remains literally at a stand-still condition. In addition, airline companies and hotels have incurred heavy financial losses as tens of thousands of flights and hotel bookings have been cancelled across the world as the outbreak worsened, with Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific being the most impacted. One such South Asian nation that enjoys a rich tourism potential and often called as the ‘abode of tourism’ is ‘Nepal’ and Tourism is the word that connects the world!

Government of Nepal has been running it’s special tourism campaigns in the form of 'national tourism year' campaign with the sole goal 'Visit Nepal 2020’ target to bring in two million tourists in Nepal but it had been also stopped by the COVID-19.

Our planet is currently experiencing an unprecedented phenomenon. The outbreak of Corona virus is spreading rapidly and the death toll is rising day by day.

Its impact is being felt across the globe, travellers included. We feel alarmed, confused, and overwhelmed. We’re uncertain on how our travel plans will be impacted, but on top of this, lies the question of how the lives of ourselves and our loved ones will be impacted.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the corona virus (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

"WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction" stated the WHO Director-General at a media briefing.

“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.”

Liberty Holidays has the safety and well-being of our guests, employees, travel industry partners and crew as our highest concern during this challenging time.

Like all businesses we have been watching the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the impact it is having not only on our travel industry, but all industries, communities and people across the world.

As we are in the industry for more than 25 years of history, we have overcome major challenges in our time, but this is unlike anything we have seen before.

Our focus has always been and continues to be on our valued guests, partners and employees, who are the heart of our businesses. We are saddened to see our people, along with our industry and all of Nepal struggling at this time of uncertainty.

I’d like to thank our wonderful team of employees across the business who has been working tirelessly over these past months in what are very challenging circumstances. Thank you also to our loyal customers and travel partners, who continue to show their commitment and support of our longstanding businesses.

The world will be there for us to explore when the time is right to travel again. So until then, we encourage everyone to do their best to stay healthy and protect one another by practicing social distancing and other safety measures to break the chain of this corona virus pandemic.

We all will recover and people will be able to travel again. It is an enriching part of all our lives, and we will be here to present you when that time comes.

On behalf of ASTA Chapter President Nepal and Liberty Holidays team and my family, we wish you and your family health and well-being at this time.

Wash your hands, cover your mouth, and avoid contact with anyone who is sick. Educate and inform yourself, remain open minded and receptive.

Stay Safe Today, We will travel again!

Kindest regards,

Ram Bahadur Ghale,

ASTA Chapter President – NEPAL

CEO – Liberty Holidays Inc

Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh arrives in Nepal

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:51:53 GMT

Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh arrives in Nepal

KATHMANDU: Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica arrived on a three-day visit to Nepal on Thursday. After a successful visit in seven countries since the coronation, She arrived in Nepal in support of Anushka Shrestha Miss World Nepal 2019’s Beauty with a Purpose project.

Anushka Shrestha was the winner of Beauty with a Purpose award at Miss World 2019 last year. She will visit Helambhu of Sindhupalchowk and Makawanpur.

Toni comes to Nepal along with Miss World Organization chairperson Julia Morley. Along with Anushka, Toni-Ann Singh will also be there to support Miss World Nepal 2018 Shrinkhala Khatiwada’s BWAP project as she was the winner of Miss World 2018 BWAP award.

The seven countries that Toni-Ann has visited before her upcoming journey are the United Kingdom, Jamaica for her homecoming. She then visited South Africa as a special guest of Chief Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s eldest grandson, to celebrate his mother’s 70th birthday in Mvezo and donate 1,300 pairs of shoes as part of ‘Beauty With A Purpose continued support of local schools and children.

Toni then visited Mauritius as a part of the promotion of Mauritius as a tourist destination. She also visited La Gaulette primary government school before visiting Terres de Sept Couleurs in Chamarel and Le Morne. Toni next visited Indonesia for Miss World Indonesia 2020 coronation night and went on to USA, Chicago for interviews and personal appearances.

Nepal has definitely proven to be a powerhouse in Miss World as the country consecutively won the Beauty with a Purpose award at Miss World 2018 and Miss World 2019 under Shrinkhala Khatiwada and Anushka Shrestha’s delegation.

Donald and Melania Trump visited the Taj Mahal, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, during their journey in India

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 01:10:01 GMT

Donald and Melania Trump visited the Taj Mahal, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, during their journey in India

US President Donald Trump used to own the Taj Mahal, a casino in the United States, and now for the first time he has been able to see the real Wonder itself in Agra, India, as part of his official visit to the world’s largest democracy this week.

The trip, Trump’s first to India, gave the President his biggest live audience when he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive at Sardar Patel Stadium, the country’s new and world’s biggest cricket grounds: the stadium in Ahmedabad holds over 100,000 spectators.

The President and First Lady Melania Trump were accompanied by his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law and Presidential Advisor Jared Kushner, all of whom engaged in endless photographic and selfies at the temple symbolising true love and one of the world’s most iconic voted New 7 Wonders.