As part of its efforts to revitalize adventure tourism in Nepal, His Majesty's Government has offered a very attractive travel incentive to mountaineers who wish to climb Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchanjungha. The Government has announced the 50% waiver of mountaineering royalty of Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchanjungha on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the first ascent on both the mountains.
Expedition teams coming to scale the mountains from March to June this year will be given 50% exemption on royalty, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation issued on February 21, 2005. As per the new decision, a team of seven members needs to pay a royalty of US $5,000. The Golden Jubilee of Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchanjungha will be observed on May 15 and 25 respectively
Furthermore, regular flights from more than 20 destinations have made Nepal an international hub for tourists going to Tibet, Bhutan, Malaysia and Middle East countries. Air China has recently announced to operate 4 flights a week from Lhasa and Chendu from March, 2004 as per its plan to expand air service to Nepal. Complementing the effort made by Nepalese Tourism industry, Phuket Air has now geared up to have its maiden flight from March 9, 2005 connecting Kathmandu with Bangkok and Dubai thrice a week. As part of its efforts to upgrade its facilities to the passengers, the Tribhuvan International Airport has recently introduced the computerized flight information system for all international flights which provides detail information about arrival and departure of international flights.
The State run Radio Nepal in its news bulletin in the morning reported that Pokhara, Chitwan and Bhairawa bound vehicles have been running smoothly without facing any problem. Moreover, it is specially advised to book holiday tours in Nepal through registered travel/tour operators.
In order to better facilitate tourists, the Tourism Crisis Response Action Unit at Nepal Tourism Board responds to the queries and facilitates or takes necessary initiatives. This operation has been supported by Media Center of Nepal Tourism Board. The staff on duty is available at number 977-1-4227381. The telephone number of Media Center is 977-1-4225709.
