KATHMANDU, Nepal - Hong Kong-based airline Dragon Air was set to resume flights to Nepal's capital Kathmandu Sunday, showing the nation's renewed popularity as a tourist destination, a statement said.

The airline belonging to Cathay Pacific in 2001 halted services to Nepal, then racked by a bloody Maoist insurgency, citing commercial reasons.

"We will operate our flights between Kathmandu and Hong Kong four times a week from December 2," Tom Wright, Cathay Pacific general manager for India, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan said in the airline's statement.

Dragon Air serves niche markets in Asia in addition to its core mainland China market.

Nepal's tourist trade is reviving after the Maoists ended their bloody insurgency with a peace deal signed with mainstream parties late last year.

"As Nepal continues to grow in popularity with travellers from around the world, we have decided this is the right time to resume services to this fascinating country," airline chief executive Kenny Tang said in the statement.

The airline first started flying to Nepal in 1989.

The number of tourist arrivals in Nepal by air has shot up by more than 30 percent in the past 10 months to 295,855 compared with the same period a year earlier.

The move by Dragon Air comes after at least six international airlines have launched services to Nepal in the past year, tourism officials say.

However, tour organizers say there are not enough airline seats to serve the growing number of people who want to visit Nepal.

Annual foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal -- an essential stop on the famed "hippie trail" and a paradise for trekkers -- peaked at nearly 500,000 in 1999, but slumped to 283,000 in 2006 when the country's civil war reached a climax.

Nepal is a paradise for backpackers, hippies, trekkers, mountaineers and other adventure tourists. The tourism sector accounts for at least four percent of GDP and provides around 300,000 jobs.

The country has two tourist seasons annually -- one in spring, which ends around June with the onset of the monsoon, and another that begins in October, the prime season for trekking amid the country's majestic Himalayan peaks.

More than 20 years after mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner became the butt of ridicule for saying he had sighted the legendary yeti in eastern Tibet, an American channel says it has come across extraordinary footsteps in north Nepal that could belong to the elusive beast.

American Sci-Fi Channel, which produces 'Destination Truth' - a programme that goes on the trail of fabled birds, beasts and other creatures - returned to Kathmandu Friday after its quest for the yeti resulted in the discovery of three footprints in a river bed in Solukhumbu, the district known as the gateway to Mt Everest.

'We had been setting up infra-red cameras in different locations for three days when Tul Bahadur Rai (the crew's liaison officer) spotted the footprints,' Brad Kuhlman, executive producer of the show, told IANS.

'My first reaction was, oh boy! I was amazed at coming across the pristine steps. It was like finding a needle in a haystack.'

Embedded in the sandy bed of river Monju, at a height of nearly 3,000 metres, were three footprints measuring about 15 inches. The prints had five toes, in contradiction of a local legend that attributes the animal with only four toes.

'There were two rights prints and a left,' Kuhlman said. 'One right print is very clean with the heel dug into the ground. It was as if the animal that made the prints had jumped from the boulders surrounding the sand.'

The triumphant explorers have made casts of the prints, which will be now taken to experts in the US to study and indicate what could have made them.

'We are not sure of anything,' Kuhlman said when asked if he believed the prints were incontrovertible evidence that the yeti existed.

'We are only sure that what we found would be impossible to be made by humans. Though the prints do not definitively prove the existence of the yeti, they will at least raise questions and awareness,' he added.

Four years ago, yeti believers were aghast when Japanese climber Makoto Nebuka triggered a fierce debate saying he had researched the yeti for 12 years and concluded that it was actually the endangered Himalayan brown bear or meti.

Messner, the daredevil Austrian mountaineer who has climbed all the 14 highest peaks in the world, however, is a champion of the yeti's existence and claims he has encountered the creature four times, once including a mother and child.

The yeti legend became known in the nineteenth century when the Sherpas' belief in an ape-like gentle creature that walked erect like man and lived in solitude among mountains reached the outside world.

The first search expeditions for the yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman and Banmanchhe - meaning creature of the jungles in Nepali - started in the 1920s but none could ferret anything more than footprints.

The American team that could have made one of the most sensational discoveries of the year now heads for Zanzibar to track down the popabowa, a vampire like bat that is believed to come out at night and attack people.

Nepal is fast turning into a hot destination for international airlines while the national flag carrier is reeling under lack of aircraft.

According to The Kathmandu Post Sunday's report, three foreign airlines are on the verge of beginning operations, while five more already operating in Nepal are planning to increase frequency.

Orient Thai Airlines, a Thailand based airline, is preparing to fly between Kathmandu and Bangkok from Aug. 19.

Etihad Airlines, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Silk Air, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines have already announced commencement of flights to Kathmandu from October.

"We have received an application from Orient Thai asking schedule approval for thrice-a-week flights on the Kathmandu- Bangkok route from Aug. 19," said an official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The airline will soon get the green signal.

With 140-seater Airbus 320 aircraft, Silk Air is scheduled to operate thrice-a-week flights on the Kathmandu-Singapore route. Etihad will operate four-days-a-week flights on the Kathmandu-Abu Dhabi sector.

Etihad will use Airbus A330-200 configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 business and 240 economy class seats.

Thai Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Southern, Air Arabia, and Korean Air are planning to increase flight frequency to Nepal.

With robust growth in tourist arrivals to Nepal and more Nepalis traveling abroad, foreign airlines are jockeying to tap this market.

According to the daily, tourist arrivals grew by a staggering 35.6 percent to 193,211 in the first seven months this year. Nepalis working abroad are also on a steady rise, with around 200, 000 leaving for foreign employment last year alone. A decade ago only around 3,000 Nepalis left for jobs abroad.

Thai Airways plans to add three flights a week and is awaiting the green signal from the Nepali authorities. Qatar Airways has been requesting the government to allow it to run seven extra flights per week between Doha and Kathmandu.

Korean Air also has requested the CAAN to let it operate an additional flight. Air Arabia, which runs four flights a week on the Sharjah-Kathmandu sector, is seeking a green signal to operate four additional flights.

China Southern is also mulling a flight increment on the Guangzhou-Kathmandu route. "We are going to use bigger aircraft, Boeing-757 from September end, instead of current 128-seater aircraft. Then, we will take a decision whether to add a flight or two, depending on the response," said Deepak Bhatt, chairman of Gorkha Travels, general sales agent of the airline in Nepal.

Sri Lankan Airlines has also shown interest to fly to Nepal since the last year but the Nepal government is yet to respond.

Operation of new airlines and increment in frequency of flights have come as good news for the tourism industry at a time when all airlines flying to Nepal are packed, causing a number of tourists to cancel their travel plans.

Over the year, four airlines -- Bangladesh, Air Arabia, Korean Air, and China Southern -- began flights to Nepal.

Nepal Blog Fancy standing on the top of Mount Everest?

If you have previous high-mountain experience, an understanding boss and about $40,000 to spare, Russell Brice, a New Zealander and leading Himalayan expedition organisers, can probably help.

First conquered in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the 8,848-metre peak has since been scaled around 3,000 times, and this spring season was a record breaker with around 530 people getting to the top. Despite the growing number of climbers jockeying for space on the small summit, climbing Everest is still an incredibly demanding and potentially fatal challenge.

"It's not just about fitness. You have to be physically fit, you also have to be mentally fit," Brice said. "You need to be able to have determination, to know your own body and ability, how far you can go before you have to turn around, how far you can go before you fall over and die," said the 55-year-old. Seven people died on the mountain this spring, and last year 11 perished.

Costs charged by commercial operators vary widely - a bare-bones climb with minimal support costs around $7,500 on the cheaper northern approach from Tibet.

"A medium priced expedition on the north side is around $30,000 and on the south side it costs around 10,000-12,000 more. I am at $42,000 and an expensive expedition on the south side will be $65,000-70,000," he said.

To take a stab at the mountain, you'll also need just over two months, with acclimatisation and training climbs taking most of the time prior to a five-day summit push.

The trip starts in Kathmandu, from where Brice's clients are flown to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, then trucked to Everest base camp on the Tibetan side.

In a country where the culture is to revere guests as gods, Nepal is an ideal family holiday destination. Nepal is synonymous with its mighty Himalaya, ever smiling hospitable and friendly people, family values, rich flora and fauna, unique culture and tradition. With the restoration of democracy and the end of Maoist's insurgency, Nepal has once again become a safer place to travel. One can travel to every corners of Nepal expecting the same hospitality and people eager to go out their way to make tourists feel at home.

An affordable, safe and multi-faceted family holiday options are available in Nepal; trekking, hiking, rafting, canoeing, boating, sightseeing, cultural tour, bird watching, mountain biking, jungle safari, helitrekking, helisightseeing, mountain flight and many such multi-activity are especially tailor-made for family. Family gets plenty of opportunity to participate, enjoy and indulge quality time with each other. Family holidays are devised keeping the children interest at heart without exhausting them and ensuring that family gets comfortable accommodations, relaxation and good meals. One can choose from 1 day to 20 day tour or more led by tour leader. All sorts of fun and entertaining holiday activities are available for kids; cycling along countryside, nature walk, canoeing, elephant safari in Royal Chitwan National Park, cultural tour, boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, rafting along gentle rapids of rivers, trekking, educational tour and many more. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are the most popular destinations. In the recent time Annapurna region has also topped the family preference list.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the wonderful choice to introduce youngsters and adults to the ancient history of Nepal, the urban lifestyle and cultural heritages. From hotels, guest houses to bed and breakfast, one can have the best child-friendly accommodations in Kathmandu very much suited for family. Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu can be very insightful for both parents and children; visits to Basantapur museum, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath stupa, Patan and Bhaktapur provide a closer glimpse of Nepal's unique arts, craftsmanship, culture, tradition and custom. Children will especially find the sights of mischievous monkeys very amusing and interesting in Pashupatinath temple and Swayambhunath stupa.

Nagarkot is another spectacular site which is just 35 km away from Kathmandu and is most popular for its sunset and sunrise views and beautiful resorts making it an absolute delight for family. Equally enchanting is Dhulikhel situated at a distance of 30 km from Kathmandu.  While embarking on cultural exploration and nature tour around this place, family get to interact with local people and this can be very educational for both children and parents as they learn new culture and different perspectives.

Pokhara, 210 km away from Kathmandu, confines family to wider selections of activities and excursions that are not strenuous, physically easy and are very insightful with a right balance between adventure and comfort. Some of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed by children in Pokhara are:

1. Boating on Phewa lake/ Rupa lake/Begnas lake
2. Cycling down the Lakeside area
3. Educational tour to museums and local villages
4. Sightseeing tour around temples and cultural heritages
5. Bird watching
6. Mountain flight
7. Nature walk
8. Exploration of cave Mahendra Gupha

So welcoming is the atmosphere of Pokhara that both parents and children will feel instantly at home amidst the ambience of surrounding Himalayan panorama. When it comes to trekking, the best, easy and safe way to begin a trek from Pokhara is foremost driving to Phedi and thereon following the route to Dhampus[1700m], Landruk[1550m], Ghandruk[1940m], Ghorapani[2775m], Birethanti[1050m] and Naya Pool[1340 m] on foot. En route, trekkers will encounter friendly, helpful and innocent people of Gurung village. Moreover, this trek also gives a chance to view Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3193 meters.

A visit to Royal Chitwan National Park is a very worthwhile excursion, either directly from Kathmandu or as an extension to a trekking or rafting trip. Chitwan is situated in the tropical Terai region, close to the borders with India, and provides a total contrast to the environment of snow-capped Himalaya. Being the home to several rare species, in particular, one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, deer, bison, Royal Bengal tiger and abundant flora, the park exudes a special charm and excitement in children to explore more. Visit to elephant breeding center is another childrens' most sought after trip. So is a canoe along Narayani River that accommodates Gharial crocodile and Gangetic river dolphin.  A day long jungle safari on an elephant concludes superbly with a cultural programme performed by local villages, followed by a hearty dinner. This can give family a fun and interactive insight into life in Chitwan.

Further 303 km from Kathmandu is Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha. This place is the most sacred place for Buddhists for it is regarded as the place from where Buddhism originated. A tour around the monasteries and temples of Lumbini stimulates both child and adults alike. This fun adventure evokes a sense of exploration and discovery.

Family can experience the exotism of Himalayas on a child-friendly low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills. In the most relaxed manner family get to tread along the easy trails that wend past alpine meadows, lush forests of oak and rhododendrons, river valley, stone staircases, rice paddies and pristine hamlets. Ample opportunity is there to interact with local people at the camp sites and learn more about local culture and custom.

Holidaying in Nepal is a rare blend of safety, comfort, relaxation, adventure, discovery, excitement, challenge, interest and fun for both children and parents. Whether it is rafting along the gentle rapids of Trisuli River or engaging in a multiple activity that involves trekking, jungle safari, nature walk, cultural tour etc, Nepal gives family a rare travel experience and a chance to gain a deeper understanding of people, culture and true essence of Nepal.

Nepal have announced an 18-member squad for a preparatory camp ahead of the the ACC women's tournament in Malaysia starting July 11. Nepal had organised their first-ever national championship in June in a bid to pick a team for the tournament. Four teams - Baitadi, Nepalganj, Bhairahawa and Kathmandu - competed in the championship.

Eight players from Nepalganj, the strongest side in the domestic circuit, four from Bhairahawa and three each from Baitadi and Kathmandu made it to the camp. What is unique about these sides is that many of their players are national-level athletes in other sports.

Nary Thapa, the Nepalganj captain, is also the national badminton captain. Keshari Chaudhary, who has broken national records in high jump and triple jump, is also part of the Nepalganj side while Madhu Thapa, a Bhairahawa player, has played football for Nepal at the U-19 Asian Championship Qualifying Round.

Last year Nepal, along with Singapore, won the ICC Global Development Award and Nepalganj received recognition for its initiative for women's cricket. According to the ACC website, currently 1000 schoolgirls are registered to play cricket in the region.

Arun Aryal, the Nepal chief coach, is optimistic about his team's chances at the ACC tournament. "All the nations have just started women's cricket, so I think all are at the same level," Aryal told The Kathmandu Post. "It won't be surprising if we win the event."

Hong Kong, China, UAE, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Singapore and Thailand are also part of the tournament. Nepal's first game - 30-over per side - is against Thailand on July 12.

Association of river rafting operators along with tourism board is organizing its 18th rafting festival from may 26 to 28 in Trishuli with an aim of promoting tourism in the region as well as to boost the popularity of this second most popular adventure sports of Nepal.

Trishuli river is the most popular choice for river rafting in Nepal. Its easy to get to and provides easy rides yet offers unique atmosphere for rafters wanting to see beautiful valleys and river-sides.

Nepal Blog

Kathmandu, Nepal (AHN) - A Nepalese Sherpa guide scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, for a record 17th time on Wednesday.

The guide, who goes by the name Appa, was leading a seven-member team of Sherpas on a charity climb to raise education funds for the children of mountain guides.

The Sherpa are an ethnic group from a region of Nepal high in the Himalaya mountains. The men often earn their income by working as porters or guides for mountaineering expeditions and are esteemed for their knowledge of mountaineering and their local terrain as well as their strong physical endurance.

Officials at Nepal's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation said a documentary will be made out of the footage of the climb, which was completed at 8:45 am. Money raised by the documentary's screenings will go toward education and health care for children in the Sherpa community.