For Australians in Nepal, the flight is scheduled to leave Monday 30 March

Update from Australian Embassy

To Australians in Nepal

The Australian Embassy is in negotiations with a new air carrier on a revised commercial service to Australia.

The service will be a direct Kathmandu to Sydney flight.
Costs will be USD1800 for economy seating and will include a USD2300 option for business class travel.

While dates are yet to be confirmed, the Australian Embassy is working to a Wednesday 1 April departure.

All Australians who visited the Australian Embassy on Saturday, or who confirmed their interest with our travel provider Bon Travel are on our list of subscribed travellers.

There are 190 passengers currently subscribed for the flight and 75 seats remain available.

We currently have 407 Australians registered with the Australian Embassy as being in Nepal. We have a further 187 permanent residents. Based on these numbers, the flight will be over subscribed.

Australians interested in availing this service, and who haven’t already done so, should email Bon Travel as soon as possible. The formal booking process will commence Monday 30 March.

On social media there have been concerns expressed about cost. We appreciate where these expressions of frustration are coming from.

Many Australians have been stretched financially having paid for bookings that were subsequently cancelled. The disinclination of insurers to cover cancellations due to COVID-19 or reluctance of airlines to offer refunds in a timely manner is not helping.

In the event there are future flights, if there are future flights, they are only likely to be more expensive.

For those Australians disinclined to pay the airfare, or those who are too financially stretched despite their best efforts to seek support from friends and family in Australia, my only advice at this point would be to find a safe place to settle. This may have to be for an extended period.

There are reports that the Nepal Government will extend the current lock down to 14 April. There is prospect of further lock downs after 14 April.

This relates directly to Nepal Government efforts to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19.

Nepalis are among the most generous and resilient people I know. But there are very real fears within the community about the implications of a COVID-19 outbreak. Some have told me they fear the capacity of Nepal’s health system to cope if an outbreak occurs.

So what the Nepal Government is doing in terms of containment and restrictions on people movement is absolutely the right thing, and consistent with the advice of international health experts.

The Nepal Government wants international travellers in Nepal to be safe. The best way it can do that is to work with us to help you leave. It is trying to do this to the best of its limited capacity as a developing nation. I applaud these efforts.

At some point, the Nepal Government will have to focus entirely on the welfare of its own people, and to put Nepalis first.

Australians who decide to stay in Nepal must carefully consider what the implications of this shift will be for their own safety and security.

We are in the late stages of organising a flight. As Australian Ambassador I am offering priority to Australians.

If Australians choose not to take up this offer, I will extend it to our Kiwi friends, subject to New Zealand Government agreement.

If there are still spaces after that, I will be putting my wife on the plane, along with a valued member of my staff with her family. Take this as you will.

Source: Australian Embassy, Nepal

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For Australians in Nepal, the flight is scheduled to leave Monday 30 March with a special commercial flight from Kathmandu to Sydney with Qatar Airlines via Doha. They will be prioritizing Australian tourists, particularly the elderly and families with children.
There will be up to 300 seats available.
The cost will be around 3795 AUD p/p

Source : Nepal Tourism Board




Special hospital for COVID-19 treatment to come into operation within 72 hours

A special makeshift hospital designated for the treatment of COVID-19 patients is to be brought into operation in Chitwan district.

The hospital to be established at Chitwan Pradarshani Kendra in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-10 will have 70 beds including 10 beds each for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU).

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of concerned authorities. A 15-member task force was also formed to take measures to check the spread of the virus. A meeting of the task force, on Tuesday, decided to bring the special hospital into operation within the next 72 hours.

Different persons and organisations have been allocated the responsibility of running the hospital. In this regard, District Health Office, Chitwan will be responsible for screening people at Bharatpur Airport, among other places.

Source : THT

US Embassy to cancel visa services from Tuesday

Information for Visa Applicants Regarding CoVid-19

As of March 17, 2020, the United States Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal is cancelling routine Diversity Visa and nonimmigrant visa appointments. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. The MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at [email protected] to request an emergency appointment.

Please note there are travel restrictions for certain countries. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html and read the section “Presidential Proclamations Regarding Novel Coronavirus” for more information.

Source : https://np.usembassy.gov/




Nepal Now Amid Growing Concern of Corona Virus Outbreak

Here’s a short video by NTB where many visitors to Nepal have been asked how safe they feel in Nepal in respect to Coronavirus (COVID-19).




Notice regarding suspension of Trekking Permit

High Level Co-ordination Committee for Prevention and Control of COVID-19 has decided on 11th March 2020 to take necessary precautionary measures and preparations to prevent and control infection of COVID-19. As the precautionary measures the Department of Immigration has decided to suspend the issuance of Trekking Permit to the designated restricted areas of Nepal till 30th April 2020 to the foreigners who have arrived Nepal on 15th March 2020 and onward. This is notify that the Trekking Agencies in Nepal involved in operating Trekking to follow the decision accordingly.

Source  : http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/

Nepal government puts all tourist visas on hold and cancels all spring climbing expeditions

The visa suspension will begin March 14 and last until the end of April, depriving Nepal of millions in Everest climbing fees.

The Nepal government, late Thursday night, decided to temporarily stop issuing on-arrival tourist visas to all countries and has put an end to all spring mountaineering expeditions, including Everest ascents.


The decision comes a day after the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic and urged countries to take precautionary measures.

“The visa suspension, which excludes diplomatic and official visas, will come into effect on March 14 and last until April 30,” a government official told the Post on condition of anonymity.

A high-level coordination committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel took the decision to this effect on Thursday.

The meeting also decided to restrict traveller movement to and from India via land routes and adhere to strict quarantine measures at the border. No decision has been made to close down schools and colleges.

“In case of emergency, any foreigners wishing to come to Nepal will need to submit a medical certificate declaring that they are free of the coronavirus while applying at Nepal’s consulate in their respective countries,” the official said. “The government has also decided not to issue visas for tourists entering Nepal via land routes.”

According to the official, all spring expeditions, including Everest, have been cancelled.

The decision effectively puts an end to the lucrative spring climbing season, which is when most Everest attempts take place.

Mountaineers generally apply for Everest permits from the end of March. The spring season begins in early April as hordes of climbers start trekking for the Everest region. From hotels to restaurants, guides to potters, and airlines to helicopters, all eagerly await the spring climbing season as it generates much-needed income and jobs for the mountainous region.

The government alone earns around $4 million by issuing Everest climbing permits every year. The two-week summit window normally begins in the second week of May. Millions of dollars in income are expected to be wiped out from the market if the Spring ascents are called off.

In the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak, China has already cancelled all Everest expeditions from the Tibetan side.

The China Tibet Mountaineering Association, the body that issues climbing permits, notified expeditions on Wednesday that all Everest ascents from the northern side had been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier on Thursday, expedition operators told the Post that they were looking at an unusual situation.

“Cancellation of this year’s spring Everest expedition will mean a big blow to expedition operators,” said Mingma Sherpa, managing director of Seven Summit Treks.

Seven Summit Treks, the largest expedition operator in Nepal, said that 60 climbers have already registered with them to climb Everest. But on Thursday, six climbers cancelled their plans.

Meera Acharya, director at the Tourism Department which issues climbing permits, said that they had issued permits for five climbers for different mountains as of Thursday, but no one has applied for Everest as of now.

Countries across the world are stepping up measures and revising travel advisories to control the virus spread.

The United States has suspended all travel from Europe to the country for 30 days and India is temporarily suspending almost all travel visas starting Friday as part of its efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. India’s ban will be applicable until April 15.

Following China’s announcement, aspiring mountaineers from around the world were eagerly awaiting the Nepal government’s response.

In the last few years, it has mostly been Indians who’ve sought Everest climbing permits, followed by Chinese, Americans and the British. With China still battling Covid-19 and India reporting more and more cases by the day, things were not looking good for Nepal’s mountaineering season, said Rishi Bhandari, managing director of Satori Adventures.

Bhandari said that his company had cancelled seven expeditions on the Chinese side following Wednesday’s notification while seven others have registered with them to climb Everest from the Nepal side.

Last year, the department had issued permits for 1,024 climbers, including 382 foreigners. Among them, 644 climbers reached the top.

Source: The Kathmandu Post




Two nights and three days in Meghauli, Chitwan!

We would like to thank everyone for assisting us in creating this video.
Special thanks to Mr. Arjan Pradhan, Ms. Pooja Rijal, Ms. Sapana Timilsina, Nepal.Nature (@nepal.nature) and to all the staffs of Sarang Wildlife Sanctuary for their great hospitality !

Taking a break is always a great idea and when visit Nepal 2020 is coming soon it adds another reason to travel. Well that’s why we thought of escaping the city’s hustle and planned a trip to Chitwan, hoping to cherish the adventurous side of the place and experiencing a great holiday.

Whether it be flying, driving, riding, or catching on a local/tourist bus always have a different stories but it is fun in its own way. We decided Meghauli this time and drove approximately 185kms, few stops in between for some food and nature calls, of course! After about 5 hours’ drive we finally reached our destination – Sarang Wildlife Sanctuary; first time to Sarang but grateful that was a good choice.

It’s was scorching HOT in Chitwan or maybe it was the drive, not sure! But it felt like to jump in a pool and grab a drink – that did come eventually not then, though! Anyway, we were warmly greeted at the lodge, Sarang offered us a cool drink – that was surely relaxing! Our luggage were taken to our rooms; ‘thoughtful’ that the temperature of the rooms were made perfect – just as our bodies wanted to cool off!

Brief to the rooms, it was beautifully designed, cozy rooms with a wonderful balcony which has a view of Chitwan National Park. After a quick refreshment, we roamed around the lodge, and confirmed ourselves to swim in the evening enjoying a drink at the Swim-up bars; for the time being, however we stayed at the restaurant’s bar playing a bit of a snooker.

The evening was good, nice Tharu dance and great food. And there was Ghonghi – Has anyone tried it? At least was our first time, it was good to our taste buds but everyone has a different choice! Well then after a bit of dance with the Tharu dancers, the night came to an end with a dinner. Oh wait! The night begun with the pool actually; it was a nice relaxing plunge with a chilled drink – that’s what we call a holiday 😉

Next day was planned for an adventurous day – Safaris, canoe, day with an elephant and many more. For the best view we were advised for an early morning safaris but it rained so bad, we had to re-schedule the timings. But nevertheless, we did manage to carry all the activities!

After a quick breakfast we went to visit the elephants – where they were kept. They were happy looking elephants but as a massive being it had to be in their boundaries. Later that day we spent a time with those beautiful creatures in the water – playing with them, talking with them and even posing a photographs with them.

Chitwan and Safaris being a synonyms kind of, we had the option to go for a JEEP SAFARI – the real time to shoot animals with a camera ;). Rhinos, deer, birds, and many on sight, sadly, we couldn’t see a tiger.  However, the Good news is the tiger numbers are increasing – it’s always a matter of luck (or may be some good season) to witness the TIGER, unfortunately, our camera couldn’t get it this time.

Safari did make us tired and hungry, so it we came back to the lodge to grab our lunch. Reviewed our photo and played a bit of a snooker as we were called for a Canoe. The ride was with the crocs – I mean we could actually see them, sounded scary but it was interestingly fun. With around 40 minutes of canoeing, we stopped by and sat beside the Rapti and Narayani where a little surprise was awaiting for us. Sarang managed to set up a mini bar, and offer light snacks, out of nowhere, undoubtedly, we enjoyed the mesmerizing view of the Sunset.

We then came back to the lodge, got refreshed and were invited for a BBQ at the pool; Oh! What an end to a fantastic day.  Food, drinks, pool, music and good times.  Thanks Sarang, for making our trip memorable!

The final day was getting back to the city with all the memories captured.

So are you ready to go an adventure or a relaxing gateway? Chitwan indeed is a great place. For an adventurous mood, you can choose to safari in the nature, shoot animals and birds with a camera, play with elephants, and canoe with some crocs or chill by the sunset with your favorite drink.  And if you just want a calm night, you can always enjoy a local food, Tharu dance and plunge in a pool with a beer or anything you drink 😉 For us Sarang Wildlife Sanctuary offered it all; we had a great time there.

Thanks again Sarang, for every little gestures, it did make our trip wonderful!

FOR ANYONE INTERESTED, HERE’S A BRIEF INFO OF THE SARANG WITH FEW PHOTOGRAPHS

  • Location: Meghauli, Southern Nepal
  • Distance from the K-city: 175KM (approx.)
  • Rooms: 24 deluxe rooms
  • Activities: Jeep Safaris, Canoeing, Day with an Elephant, Tharu cultural Dance and many more
  • Tariff: Starting at Rs.5500 per couple per night [please get in touch with Sarang for exact rates]
  • Contact Numbers: 9808 63 1155
  • Website: www.sarangwildlife.com
  • Email: [email protected]

Nepal launches its first ever satellite this morning

Nepal has launched its first ever satellite on Thursday morning.The satellite called ‘NepaliSat-1’ was launched at 2:31 am Nepali time

Read more

Air Dynasty chopper carrying Tourism Minister, Yeti Airlines owner crashes in Taplejung


An Air Dynasty helicopter carrying including Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari, owner of Yeti Airlines and Air Helicopter Company Air Dynasty Ang Tshering Sherpa crashed at Pathivara in Taplejung on Wednesday afternoon.

Police informed that the helicopter went out of the contact while it was returning from Pathivara temple of Taplejung.

According to the sources at Nepal Police Headquarters, the police team including Chief District Officer Anuj Bhandari left for the incident site after the villagers informed them about the massive fire at Dorebhir of Taplejung.

Minister Adhikari who was accompanied by Sherpa reached Aathrai of Taplejung on Wednesday morning to inspect Tehrathum Airport. Police informed that they then reached Pathivara temple to worship.

There were at least seven people on board including Adhikari, Sherpa, pilot Prabhakar, deputy secretary of Prime Minister Office Yubaraj Dahal, Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Birendra Kumar Shrestha, and a security guard of Minister Adhikari, Arjun Ghimire.

Source: Setopati




Everest – The Summit Climb

Mt. Everest. Step by step, raw and unfiltered. Experience the final push to the top of the world.




An excerpt from the summit blog:

“The climb from the deceased climber at 8500m to the south summit is the most difficult section for me. I feel dead inside, lifeless from having witnessed such a tragedy. I allow myself to live emotionally in the moment for about 30 minutes before cutting it all off and reminding myself that I can end up like him if I don’t smarten up. So I continue climbing, struggling to pull my weight up the steep, jagged rocks beneath the south summit.

I can feel my body slowly shutting down. The weight of my tripod, two cameras, all of my batteries, including my oxygen, has taken its toll on me. I have been revving at 120% for the past 10 hours and I’m almost out of gas. I am the first to arrive to the south summit and recognize that we have the mountain to ourselves. I mentally devour the sheer beauty of the wind howling and racing across the summit. The tallest peak on Earth is but a few metres away. I am completely alone making my way toward the Hillary Step. I haul myself up with a 2400m drop beneath me, camera around my neck, oxygen tank flowing at four litres a minute and I wait for the team to arrive. So often dozens freeze and turn back and here I am just hanging out on top of the step waiting to capture this unique shot.”

Source: eliasaikaly