Nepal welcomes New Constitution - A dream of decades

                                  Cost of New Constitution
A dream of every Nepali people. A labor state for 7 decades. Finally Nepal is promulgating New Constitution on September 20 with special ceremony all over Nepal. This is to noted that Nepal is one of the few countries to draft a constitution form constitution assembly elected by peoples' representatives. Furthermore, Nepal is also among countries to have been adopted a Federal Democratic Republic system in the world now.

Here are key points: 
1. Constitution drafted by people's elected representatives is our dream of 7 decades.

2. A agreement of drafting constitution via constitutional assembly ended 10 years of Maoist insurgency & civil var in 2006 . Afterwards, disarmament of Maoist military & weapon was facilitated by United Nations mission to Nepal with signing Comprehensive Peace Agreement between Seven party alliance & Communist party of Nepal Maoist. 

3. 1st constitutional assembly dissolved without drafting a constitution. A cost of 90 million dollars wasted. ( Largest party Maoist insisted to implement ethnicity based federalism & it created chaos & became reason for CA being dissolved)

4. Country moved in series of transition, instability & vicious circle of problems. 

5. 2nd election of constitutional assembly on late November 2014

6. Constitution making process geared up after massive earthquake. 


7. 40 people 9 police officers killed in recent episodes of protest. "Madeshi - Tharu community" protested  demanding they need their absolute ethnicity & majority based federal state in south of country. A Hindu majority country to secular state. 

8. Constitution to be promulgated on September 20. Many countries are welcoming this achievement including UK, USA, CHINA,. India our meaningful & important neighbor is constantly agitated & interfering in our politics & internal issues. 

9. A cost of 200+ Million dollars in our underdeveloped country. Decades of fighting for political rights, transformation of socio economic system, years of transition & backwardness. 

10. Madeshi - Tharu community form Terai region are in non stop protest & are not happy alleging that this constitution will safeguard their rights & identity. 

11 Finally a dream come true for Every Nepali people.

Appeal to help orphan, homeless and helpless children in Kathmandu

 A Initiation by SOCH - A New Beginning (Youth Activist Group)

  Feeding orphan, homeless & helpless children in 'Naya Nepal Samaj Kendra' New Baneshwor, Kathmandu

July 31, 2015, Kathmandu: This day translated as a day to have KHEER in Nepal (Kheer is a wholesome vegetarian meal i.e rice cooked with larger portion of milk added with some sugar, nuts and raisins). Mid of Shrawan or 15th of Shrawan (4th month of Nepali Calender) is a wonderful day where families all around Nepal prepare themselves to have Kheer together. 

Dissimilar to this day or any other festivals, orphan, homeless & helpless children are not able to savor this privilege. Everyday is like just another miserable day for them. Having realized this fact we youth activist group,  'SOCH - A New Beginning'  decided to provide Kheer with other meal for those children protected by Naya Nepal Samaj Kendra (a self funded orphanage) in center of Kathmandu. 

 SOCH - A New Beginning is youth activist group formed in 2015, after having realized importance of youth's initiation to bring positive change in all walk of life.  At present we have representation of youngsters ranging form age of 18-25. Feeding those orphan happens to be first program of our youth association where we collected funds and resources form ourselves and feed those 70 children who were of age form 3-15. It was such a moment of pleasure and profound bliss that we were able to bring precious smiles to those wonderful children and they were corresponding their exhilaration too.

Children eating their meal happily

Sad but true those children are living in a miserable condition in a self funded orphanage. Being in capital city and 12 minutes form Parliament building where nation building nation building policies are intensely discussed, condition of these children resembles metaphor as 'Darkness below light bulb'. Around 60-70 children are living in 10 small rooms made form cement block roofed with zinc sheets which is not good enough to prevent form scorching heat or pouring rain. What we observed was in a faded and congested room up to 12 children were living in a miserable condition. When we entered inside there was fungus and pungent smell form the drops of water entering inside form the roof. In addition, toilets were unhygienic with unavailability of basic amenity like soap, hand wash, pure water.  

Deepak 12 year old boy had heart wrenching reply when we asked what did he need the most? He was on his bare food in a gloomy and drizzling day and he had no spare cloths to change and in winter he had no blankets or quilts to keep warm. Deepak further explained with fortitude that they all needed proper sanitation, better living conditions, clothes, hygienic utensils. While talking with other children we found that they even had to go to toilets but with no slippers on because they did not have any. Thus we counselled them about hygiene and sanitation. They were distributed hand wash and soaps we brought, explaining the benefits and ways of hand washing.  All the details left us with obvious conclusion that they were living in miserable and basic condition. One thing that intrigued our thoughts was with mushrooming of NGOs and INGOs funded project for children, how these orphanage could get bypassed in their priority. 

So we talked to Prem Bahadur Gurung who is operating this orphanage with this own finance. He explained that he had not received any funds for children. According to him, some the bigger shops, catering organizations and some private offices are used to provide them food item monthly. This does not  always happen he has to collect monthly stock of rice and food items by asking door to door in locality. On the contrary, it was encouraging that some private schools had provided scholarship and sponsorship to provide education for some of the children. However, they were lacking stationery items like pencils, pens, ink, books, copies and book shelves. Furthermore, it was explained to us that some private offices were used to provide cash and non cash assistance occasionally, which was the main source for operating orphanage. 

We spent whole day with children entertaining them with songs, dance, health and sanitation advice. Those lovely and innocent children were capsizing their adversities with genuine smiles and laughter. With uncertain future hovering around them, they did not have bigger dreams than getting wholesome meal daily and sleeping comfortably. They are asking for help, support and assistance so that they can live a better life. Bearing this fact, we youth activists of SOCH group  have taken this initiation to help these children. You can reach them directly on following their address 10, Sangam Chowck, New Baneshowor, Kathmandu, Nepal. Interested volunteer, groups or child activists may approach us for informational purpose. www.facebok.com/soch-a-new-beginning 

Children of 'Naya Nepal Samaj Kendra' orphanage excited to have their photographs taken. They were really pleased  that we talked, embraced and entertained them. Whenever we took  mobile phones to take photos they would exclaim with joy 'mine please' ' mine please' . 

Visit Nepal .

Why Go To Nepal?

(Amidst of earthquake & destruction)

Nepal is a celebrated tourist destination because of spectacular geography, rich cultural landscape, astonishing diversity of sight-seeing and adventure opportunities found nowhere on earth. With scenic natural beauties, climate and culture, Nepal can compete in tourists’ list of destination. The exotic scenery, a mild climate, mountain and a friendly welcoming ambiance have made Nepal successful destination. Mighty snow clad mountains, lofty hills, dancing rivers, greenness & wilderness enchanting the myths of peace & harmony are seducing to people around the world. We are beholder of highest mountain in Earth ‘Mount & Everest’ & birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Travel and Tourism Impact 2013 report published by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) explains that tourism industry contributes 8.8 % of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) turnover of 145.3 billion dollar in Nepal. Nepal is ranked 30^th best tourist destination in the world. Forbes Magazine report 2014,    explained that Nepal is world’s top 10 cheapest tourist destinations. Similarly WTTC report gives the insights that it was possible provide direct and indirect employment to 504,000 people which cover 3.2 % of total employment generation. It further says that 796,000 people visited Nepal which helped to collect revenue of 0.42 billion dollar. Domestic travel spending is 71.1 billion dollar and government and private sector has invested 14.6 billion dollar in tourism sector.

There are still mesmerizing & wonderful places to visit, interesting thing to do & have time of your life in Nepal despite April 25 & May 12 Earthquake that created Nepal. Rumors keep coming that Nepal is under rubles & ashes which is not true with the fact that only 13 out 75 districts are affected by earthquake. We have to go to detail. Tourism is a composite of product involving transport, accommodation, catering, natural resources, entertainments, and other facilities and services, such as shops banks, travel agents and tour operators.

According to Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal major highways are not destroyed, damaged or blocked by earthquake. They are seen to have performed very well with abundant number of buses & vehicles in major routes as usual days. Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) representative organization for all after hotels, restaurants & accommodation related services releases official report that 90 % of the hotels are safe & providing services smoothly. All of the domestic airlines & helicopter companies are carrying locals & tourists regularly are hassle free. Nepal Airlines with 4 International Airplanes is having regular flights in major destinations of Asia according to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Tribhuwan International Airport is operating without any hurdles. Nepalese hotel, restaurant, catering & accommodation service providers have proven capacity to serve tourists at any given time & any occasion. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal has assured that trekking & tour operators are back on track with their operations along with sound availability competent tourism sector manpower. Government has opened cultural heritage sites. All banking & financial institutions are providing services of deposit lending, swift, wire transfer, ATMs, currency exchange. Central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank confirms that there is no liquidity crisis amidst of disaster. Shops, restaurants, shopping malls are already open to fulfill basic, comfort to luxurious needs regarding touring, travelling, food, beverage, materials, equipment’s, supplies & needed resources. Furthermore, there hasn’t been any problem with Internet service providers says Internet service provider association of Nepal. Besides these local Nepalese have local knowledge & expertise with heartwarming hospitality will never let you down. These all facts leave us to a conclusion that there is not going to be problem with travelling & touring.

 Nepal is almost into the phase of reconstruction & rehabilitation. Let’s not be discouraged with the fact that only 13 out of 75 district are found to be affected. Country, business, economy is still alive. Government & its organs, functional, administrative bodies are running with full democratic values. We Nepalese have mental strength & courage of bounce back again & we are inspired to start anew fresh.

For those who want to visit Nepal for their next holidays, leisure & vacation & those who are staying in Nepal should not be discouraged. There are many tourist destinations which aren't affected by Earthquake & you have many reasons to come for. Some of the notable places & activities I would like to explain with details. It's encouraging that there has been significant number of tourist arrival. 

Besides these, one of the finest trekking destinations in the world 'Annapurna Conservation Area or Annapurna Circuit' and 'Khumbu Circuit' are declared safe by both national and international delegation. These are one of the monumental trekking destinations for tourists over many years.  In addition, Kathmandu, the capital is safe, sound and already into booming business as usual. 

Below mentioned are the notable destinations, you can make up your mind.

Destination	Feature & Activities
Illam	Picturesque tea garden, sunrise view
Kanchanjunga Conservation Area	World’s 3rd highest peak, observe bio diversity while hiking, trekking.
Koshi Tappu Wild Life Reserve	Home to variety of spices of animals & bird watching.
Janaki Temple	Ancient & monumental hindu temple
Chitwan National Park	Famous for rarest 1horned Rhino, spotted tiger, crocodile, snakes and lot of animals.  Experience elephant safari, jeep safari, rafting, canoeing, jungle safari. Enjoy scene of dense rain forest grasslands. UNESCO world heritage site.
Parsa Wild Life Reserve	Embrace equatorial climate & sightseeing of variety animals, birds.
Lumbini	Birth place of Lord Buddha. Founder of Buddhism in world. UNESCO world heritage site.
BouddhaNath (Katmandu)	UNESO world heritage sight
Pokhara	Most beautiful, picturesque & most visited place in Nepal. Amazingly beautiful landscape, boating, sightseeing, paragliding, mountain flight
Mustang , Jomsong	Raw & wilderness of Nature, tranquil
Dhorpatan Hunting & game reserve	Hunting of animals with permission
PasupatiNath Temple Katmandu	Holiest religious shrine for hindu community
Rara National Park	Biggest lake of Nepal. Challenge yourself with one of the wildest adventurous landscape on planet earth, virgin lands, beautiful rara lake, amazing peaks, land with snows most of the time
Bunge Jumping	Worlds 2nd highest altitude to jump & bungee swing
Shey Phoksundo national Park	Deepest Lake of Nepal. Wildest, untouched, tranquil landscape, biggest lake shey phoksundo, coldest climate,

 

Best in the world trekking route "Annapurna" and 'Khumbu' are evaluated as safe by both national & international delegations and already open to tourists.

WHAT PLACES YOU CAN STILL VISIT IN NEPAL?

Illam Team Garden: (Eastern package)

Loation	Illam District
How to reach	Regular buses available form Kathmandu which takes up to 16 hours. Or take 40 mins flight to Biratnager & then travel 2 hours in Bus.
Things to do	Embrace yourself with one of the famous appealing tea gardens of Nepal & refresh yourself with morning sunrise. Visit very sacred Hindu temple Pathivara and have home-stay around there.  Recommended to visit in winter
Accommodation	Living & food in standard hotels, lodges in economy rate
Cost	Total cost for 2 days US$ 53

Pic :Beautiful Illam Tea Garden

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Location	Sunsari District
How to reach	Buses form Kathmandu will take 14 hours or take flight for 40 mins to Biratnagar
Things to Do	Enjoy various spices of reptiles, wild animal mammals, and bird watchers paradise. It has wetland eco system.
Accommodation	Plan your trip with Illam & Koshi Tappu Wild Life reserve package. Visit wildlife reserve & get back to hotel or lodge
Cost	Food, hotel expenses, travelling in a day $15-20

Pic: Birds flying in Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve - wetland eco system

Janaki Temple

Location	Dhanusha District
How To Reach	Deluxe buses form Katmandu, takes around 10 hours
Things to Do	Visit monumental, religious, antique heritage Janaki temple of high artistic, archeological & cultural value
Accommodation	Reasonably good hotels. Food, living, travelling expenses for a day around $ 10

Pic: Historic & Artistic Janaki Temple

Chitwan National Park (UNESCO world heritage site)

Location	Chitwan District
How to reach	Take buses or any private vehicles to chitwan. It may take up to 5 hours
Things to Do	Most visited place for jungle safari, elephant safari,  jeep safari, sightseeing, sunset-sunrise view,  rafting, cannoing, , famous for rarest one horned rhinos, spotted tigers birds, reptiles, crocodiles, tallest grass, grasslands, vegetation, dense forest. Rarest sport in world Elephant polo world championship played annually.
Accommodation	Economy to deluxe class hotel available.
Cost	2 way travelling, food, living, recreation 165$

Pic: setting sun in horizon in chitwan national park

 Pic: sunrise view form one of the lakes in chitwan national park

Lumbini

Location	KapilBastu District
How to reach	8 hours Bus form Kathmandu
Things to Do	Birthplace of Lord Buddha who founded Buddhism. Holy shrine to Buddhist community. Maya Devi temple, ruins of Lord Buddha’s palace. Peace flame. Buddhist shrines, stupas, flags, music, peaceful ambience.
Accomodation	Hotels & lodges abundant
Cost	15 $ a day. Travelling fare 2 way 15 $ from Kathmandu

Pic: Hoistoric Maya Devi temple holy shine for Buddhist community all around the world. Birth place of Lord Buddha

 Pic: Eaternal Peace flame in around Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha

Pokhara

Location	Kaski District
How to reach	A lot of buses & vehicles available form Katmandu. 4 hour by bus or travel in airplae 30 mins. 10$ by bus & 50$ by airplane
Things to do	Said as most beautiful place in Nepal. Picturesque & unprecedented scene of white mountains, lakes, George, caves, rivers. Splendid & gorgeously awesome place. Travel, hike, bike, boat unleash yourself with nature. Famous for boating, do paragliding & take glide to have unparalleled scenic view for snow white mountains, villages, green forest, crystal clear lakes. Go cycling, hiking, trekking
Accommodation	Economy lodges to star hotels available
Cost	Entire average cost for week package may cost $200-$500

Pic: Beautiful place of Nepal, Pokhara. Phewa Lake & reflection of mount MacchaPuchre, Annapurna Mountain Range

 

Pic: Paragliding paradise Pokhara

Jomsong Muktinath

Location	Mustang District
How to reach	Buses form Katmandu to Mgagdi district, then take reserved vehicle for Mgagdi to Muktinath. Or Fly upto Pokhara then take bus. The Roads are bewildering & narrow in mountains. Or trek form Mgagdi as most of people do
Things to do	Raw, wildest form of nature to adventure. Offers all panoramic mountain view trekking through Himalayas. Unbelievable treeless landscape of upper mustang valley, kaligandaki river, lomanthanka palace. Holy Muktinath temple. Having alpine climate it never receives any rain. Best to visit before start of winter. Dare to thrill?
Accomodation	Limited hotels. Tents, food & essentials be carried
Cost	Expensive but gives once in a life time experience. May cost upto 500$ for total package

Pic: Valley of Mustang & its wilderness

Pic: Awe-enchanting desert like valley of Kagbeni Mustang

Pic: You can bike, tike or trek in these breathe taking teaarin.

Pic: Try horse riding in this sandy valley. 

Pic: peace & serenity defining holy Muktinath Temple.

Rara National Park

Location	Mugu District
How to reach	Occasioinal flight available form Katmandu-Nepaljung-Jumla. May charter Helicopter but who dare to adventure choose 10-20 days Jumla Mugu trekking
Things to do	Embrace wild, adventurous, unimaginable alpine climate. Beautiful untouched virgin Freshwater alpine lake rara, largest lake in Nepal at 3000m form sea level. Trek for 20 days rocky, fragile, treeless, snow covered land,  explore unimaginable landscape & challenge yourself with wilderness & tranquil place with Buddhist monasteries, stupas, culture
Accommodation	Hard to find hotels. Homestays available. Better to carry food, tents, medicine, supplies, equipment. Recommended to travel with experts only.
Cost	25000$ + if charted helicopter , less of trekked or used airplane

Pic: Nepal’s biggest lake Rara & its unprecedented scenic beauty

    Pic: fresh deep blue rara lake with welcoming mountains & treeless naked hills

Pic: Hills wearing blanket of cloud. One of the trekking routes to Rara Lake

Se Phoksundo National Park & upper Dolpa

Location	Dolpa District
How to reach	Only way is reach is to charter helicopter. Wildest, remotest & unexplored beautiful place.
Things to do	Those who dare to challenge limits of wilderness & adventure visit this. View of Nepal’s deepest lake Se Phoksundo, alpine freshwater lake. Landscape covered with snow; explore the lifestyle of one of the remotest places to be in planet earth. View of mountains & mountain range. Upper dolpa is tranquil. Trekking advised for 10-15 days peaceful, naked raw land, human less topography, find Buddhist shrines.  Rarest Blues sheep, Himalaya black beer, snow leopard are found here. Adventure wilderness is redefined by this this place.
Accommodation	Few homestays available. Better to carry supplies, medicine, and trekking equipment.
Cost	Expensive of all destinations in Nepal 30000+ if helicopter used, less if prefered trekking & airplane

Pic: Unbeatable wilderness of upper Dolpa

Pic: This is heaven, typical winter setting in dolpa covered with snow

Pic: Nepal’s deepest lake Se-Phoksundo which redefines adventure & wilderness.

Khaptad National Park en route SK wildlife reserve & Bardia National Park (Far West Package)

Location	Bajhang, Bajura, Doti en route KanchanPur & Bardia District
How to reach	Katmandu to Dhangadi 24 hours by bus. 45 minute by plane. 300$ by bus & 1000$ by plane. From dhangadi take buses or hire vehicles any of mentioned districts. Can use same bus for Wildlife reserve & national park
Things to do	Hike trek in one of the amazing grassland in Nepal with beautiful appealing green forest.  Enjoy typical far western culture. Feel tranquil with fresh deep green lakes with soothing landscape. Visit celebrated Khaptad Baba Ashram. Trek is recommended just about start of winter & make package to visit Suklaphata wildlife reserve & Bardia National Park, hot grassy land of variety of animals, dense forest. Homestay with typical Tharu community, culture & cuisine.
Accommodation	Few hotels for Khaptad national park visit. Carry own essentials. Better food & lodging available for wildlife reserve & national park visit along with homestays.
Cost	500$+ for whole package

Pic: Beautiful eye catching khaptad lake & greenery.         

Pic: Plain grassy land of SuklaPhata Wildlife reserve, feel yourself you’re in Africa

Pic: Grassland, greenery & dense forest in Bardia National Park.        

Katmandu package

Location	Katmandu, Bungee jumping with rafting, kayaking  – Sindupalchok,
How to reach	Bus form Katmandu to Sindupalcok in major highway upto Nepal-China border
Things to do	Visit UNESCO world heritage site, Buddhist shirne BouddhaNath Stupa, largest in the world in Katmandu along with ancient religious temple Pasupatinath. Take mountain flight to see world’s highest peak Mount Everest once in a life time experience.  Bunjee jumping from world’s 2nd highest altitude to jump 160 meters above a tropical George. Feel thrill & wildest adventure for life time. You can still visit Nagarkot(Bhaktapur) coolest hill station for sunrise view or stay in exotic hotel/resort around Dhulikhel (Kavre), for peaceful setting & typical Nepalese cuisine  for a morning sunrise view, best experienced in winter. Even try rafting, kayaking in BhoteKoshi and sunkoshi river for extreme thrill.
Accommodation	Best in world hotel services available any time

Pic: Thrill & adrenaline rush form rafting in Sunkoshi River

Pic: Brace yourself for Rafting - excitement, thrill & advendure

Pic: Hiking trails like stairway to heaven

Pic: Extereme sport Bunjee jumping in BhoteKoshi River.

Pic: UNESCO world heritage site Bouddha Nath Supa. Buddhist Shrine

 (Disclaimer: all pictures except mine are used form wiki & internet for noble cause of supporting tourism during Nepal Quake Relief)

Organizations related to Tourism sector in Nepal

1.     Nepal Tourism Board (www.welcomenepal.com)

2.     Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (www.tourism.gov.np)

3.     Hotel Association of Nepal (www.han.com.np)

4.     Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (www.taan.org.np)

5.     Nepal Mountaineering Association (www.nma.com.np)

6.     Nepal Association of Tour Operators.

7.     Pacific Aisa TravelAssociation (PATA) Nepal Chapter (www.patanepal.org)

8.     Society of Travel & Tours Operators Nepal (www.sottonepal.org)

9.     Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (www.caan.gov.np)

10.                Tribhuwan International Airport (www.tiairport.com.np)

MY FINAL WORDS

Every dark cloud has silver linings. These tourist destinations I mention are not affected by Earthquake. We felt earthquake but we are not shaken & broken. Significant number of tourist arrival will contribute to revive tourism & help to bounce back economy. People are ready are to provide you warm hospitality as always. Tourism related organizations are ready to serve at your beck & call. In addition, you are expected to get handsome & desirable incentive as those concerns have promised. We still expect around Two hundred thousand people to visit Nepal with contribution of around 40Bn$. At this moment I also give pledge to my nation that, I will host you in my house for free if you are willing to visit Nepal in days to come. On the other hand, you are guaranteed that you will be benefitted from my expertise in local knowledge, culture, language & lifestyle. I can be reached in any social networks i.e. Facebook, twitter, Skype, what’s app, viber, couch surfing for further information.