Editorial Board Romnath Gyawali Contents Co-ordinator & Editor
Ang Norbu Sherpa Introduction 7 Member Nepal Mountain Academy 7 Bachelor Program in 11 Uttam Babu Bhattarai Mountaineering Studies (BMS) 11 Member Secretary Tourism Education and NMA 15 Aaditi Khanal Politics, Economics... 21 Associate Editor Mountain Economics 34 Becoming a Trekking Guide... 39 Er. Sampurna Acharya Under a Female Leadership 48 Management Understanding the Mountains 50 Samip Mainaly The Mystic Mountains of Nepal 52 Cover Picture Mountaineering Training in Nepal 54 (Pharilapcha Peak (6017m.) and it's The Sherpa 56 reflection on Gokyo Lake) To the Prospective Students 58 Layout / Printed at When in Poland… 60 Speedline Printers Pvt. Ltd. The Rock Climbing Experiecne 62 Samakhusi, Kathmandu Embellishing the Career... 67 Tourism as a Profession in Nepal 69 Publisher Study on Search and Rescue... 71 Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture Bhrikuti Peak (Sail) 6361m. 113 Tourism & Civil Aviation Feasibility Study 113 Nepal Mountain Academy Activities 128 Tutepani, Lalitpur, Nepal Faculty 131 Tel.: 977-1-5151915, 5151904 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.man.gov.np Message From the Executive Director
academy as the chief hub for conducting search and rescue operations. At present, the academy has been operational for some of the imperative projects and programs that are all directed towards the furtherance of the mountain and tourism sector. The course titled 'Bachelors in Romnath Gyawali Mountaineering Studies', a first of its kind Executive Director & Editor in the world has been started by the Academy in which 23 students are enrolled With the vision to create a niche for in the first cohort. Similarly, the Academy production of skillful and capable human is also in the progression to coordinate resource in the field of mountain and with Tribhuvan Univerisity for the adventure tourism, tourism based commencement of 'Masters in Adventure education and research, Nepal Mountain Tourism Studies' which will be another Academy (NMA) has been conducting milestone for Nepal in the global arena in various short and long-term programs/ the pitch of mountain based tourism. courses in order to develop, expand and Along with this, workings are at promote the notion of mountaineering headway as per the Master plan approved based tourism and adventure sports. by the Government of Nepal to establish To accomplish this grand foresight, the college and related set-ups at Dudhkunda major goal to undertake for the academy is Municipality-7 of Solukhumbu with a to endorse Nepal as a destination for premise of around 3000 Ropani of land. mountain based studies by founding the Likewise, with a view to minimalize the long worked upon concept of the mountaineering and trekking related 'Mountaineering University' which will mishaps, NMA in the deficiency of any pertain the capacity to deliver the such appliance to forecast the weather, has educational programs, trainings and taken the initiative to make available a research center of an international well-timed and detailed information of the standard. weather to the concerned authorities Another crucial aim in this regards for through SMS from the mobile phones and the academy is to promote ski in particular email. So as to fluently carry forward this as an adventure sport and develop the initiation in the upcoming days, the
4 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Academy plans to technologically enhance Academy shall always be dedicated the capacities to deliver better and faster towards exploring novel prospects along information. with expanding its prevailing horizons. With the realization of a genuine gap in The future also holds a lot of scope for gender, particularly the lack of involvement the academy in terms of internationalizing of females as professionals in this field, the the academic courses of both Bachelors Academy has initiated the Female Trekking and Masters level, execution of the Guide Training since 2014 with a very approved Master plans, establishing Nepal subsidized training charges for as a 'High Altitude Ski Destination' for economically empowering the females to development of the Ski based tourism, pursue trekking guide as a profession that institutionalization of the mountaineering helps them become self-dependent. Nepal research center of international standard does not only have potentials in and excellence, environmental sensitization mountaineering but ski is also an equally for the sustainable development of alluring prospect. To promote ski in Nepal, mountain tourism, formation of policies to NMA has actuated a 3-leveled ski training comply with the provincial model of Nepal. and till date has produced 30 skilled In these reputes, NMA absolutely and personnel. positively seeks cooperation and The academy has its associations at collaboration from the associated France and Swiss to provide the level 2 governmental and non-governmental and level 3 training after the completion of organizations. Hence, while being at the basic level training in Nepal. Along with leading position for the institute, I am very this, NMA has been enthusiastically much dedicated to out-and-out justify my engaging in research based studies to responsibilities and accountabilities to establish level 3 ski based spots here in craft an institutional arrangement that can Nepal itself. greatly partake in the heightening of One more very recent and prominent Nepal's persona as a destination for accomplishment for the academy is the Mountain tourism, studies and research. approval of the Mountaineering Studies as an optional course for 10+2 level all over Nepal under the stream of Management and Humanities which was commenced as a result of the leadership of NMA and advocated by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. All these ingenious and resourceful programs have been effective in esteeming the tourism sector and Nepal Mountain
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 5 6 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Introduction Nepal Mountain Academy
General Background all the required services. Human relation with mountains is as old as Importance of Mountain and the history of mankind itself. Low and mid- Mountaineering Studies hills and high mountains have been the sources Studying about the mountains is a unique of livelihood and safe haven for the human interdisciplinary field of study that aims to beings since time immemorial. In this long promote dialogue about how mountains are course of time, man has shown never ending understood physically, as ecosystems, in fascination towards mountains. The awe- human history, and as part of world cultures. inspiring great and majestic snow-capped Mountain and mountaineering studies is the Himalayan peaks and the lovely yet challenging modern field of advanced studies that responds big mountains have always allured human to the need and arena of interdependence minds to be a part of nature's own integral between man and the mountains. Mountain system. Human beings have accepted all these study is integral to the technical aspects ranging situations and have lived in harmony as well from the mountain climbing to the formulation but the modern mankind have moved quite of policies and decisions about the local ahead and have been trying to not only explore inhabitants and natural resource management. further but also to study in depth the The studies caters the following aspects. interdependence of both parties for their roles. The roles and fascination now have turned in to • Our knowledge of High Mountain and the form of adventure loving nature which has Himalayan life depends in large part on transformed the human attitude towards the what we have learned from mountain high mountains and their special form of life. environments, as does scientific They care, respect, use, and entertain advancement in the area of global warming themselves in various ways. In this perspective • Especially in high mountains and high mountains in Nepal also receive human Himalayan life, mountain study is steps for several purposes. Cultural and foundational to our understanding of how adventure tourism are some of them. leisure and recreational activities, like Nepal's high mountains and especially the alpine skiing, paragliding, sky diving, Himalayan ranges are of immense bungee jumping, canoeing, white water importancefor all those who are concerned rafting, trekking, rock climbing, hiking, with this sector. Ever since Mt. Everest has and mountaineering, intersect with park been scaled by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing management principles, and with the rights Norgey in 1953, the interest of mountaineering and prerogatives of indigenous enthusiasts from all over the world has been communities. attracted to the Nepalese mountains. This • World religions revere mountain regions phenomenon has carved a very special niche in for their proximity to the sacred entities. the field of adventure tourism. Hence, at present As such, Mountain and Mountaineering it is a matter of realization that there is a need Studies proposes to a systematic and scientific of scientific understanding and approach to study of these concerns which need an study this sector so that both the mountains and academic discipline that leads to higher studies people may get maximum benefits. In this of university level education. Nepal is thus the connection, the necessity has been felt to most appropriate place for such kind of higher establish an academic institution that can serve educational programs since the necessary steps
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 7 to run such programs are just ripened enough. The cover all value of international tourism The needed physical environment and technical market is between USD 140 and 188 billion per expertise are both abundantly available backed year and employees between 25-47 million. by local and international supports. The demand for trekking, hiking, camping, Mountain and Mountaineering Studies mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain education has a broader scope. It is a composite biking, wildlife viewing, triathlon, skiing, education of inter-disciplinary academic mountain flight, paragliding, canyoning, subjects ranging from Mountain and skydiving, whitewater river rafting, zip flyer, Mountaineering studies, Sociology, Cultural kayaking, canoeing and other forms of non- Anthropology, heritage, Environment, Ecology, consumptive adventure tourism and mountain Geography, Tourism, Hospitality, Economics, based tourism activities is ever increasing Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Mathematics, leading to the rapid expansion of the mountain Statistics, Computer Sciences, Research adventure tourism and recreation market. Methodology, Intercultural Communications, It is believed that adventure activities are Safety and Security and many more practical both enjoyable and beneficial. Therefore, it is aspects of this subject. Because of its immense recognized as 'Golden Age of Adventure'; the scope, this education will become very popular human race finally overcame many of the in Nepal and abroad too. The popularity is natural challenges that it had faced, such as mainly due to both theoretical and the pragmatic summiting the Mt. Everest (8848m) and the nature of the courses. first non-stop circumnavigation of the world. Being a mountainous and developing It has also been recognized thatthe country, yet to be industrialized, there is greater adventure is currently used to attain a diversity need of competent graduates in this sector. But, of learning outcomes. Experiential learning is as experienced, many organizations that like a black box, where people are displayed in announce the vacancies for such requirements one end and they come out better at the other receive less number of academically and end. Though it is not really known what practically proven competent human capital in happens inside the box but it works. The idea almost all the departments of this area. There is that an adventure experience is like a journey a considerably wide gap in the supply and through a mystical box is a useful starting point demand of such proficient human capital in the for describing many of the ways in which fields of mountain studies related organizations. adventure facilitation have changed over the This fact clearly depicts the scope and need of past few decades. In this postmodern world, the quality Mountain and Mountaineering Studies 'Golden Age' of travel has been shifted to education in Nepal current consumer -driven by the market place, Rationale of Mountain Studies: Global where adventure opportunities are abundant. and National Perspectives Modern people live in exciting times. Mountains are important assets for the As tourism industry is expanding tourism industry. With their clean air and cool tremendously in the world, mountain based climates, awe-inspiring landscapes and peaks, adventure tourism has become one of the most and rich natural and cultural heritage, important subfields of tourism. mountains are attractive as places of escape The Himalayas contain the largest from our stressful, urban world. After coastal mountains in the world; these attract climbers region, mountains are second most popular as from all over the world. The main climbing tourist destinations. It is estimated that countries with Himalaya are Nepal, India, mountains account for roughly 15-20 percent Pakistan and Tibet. It is estimated that more of the global tourism market, generating than fifteen million people visit the mountains between 70 and 90 billion US dollar per year. each year.
8 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Tourism in Nepal has already passed Association, through three important historical phases Chairman of Trekking Agents Association of known as advocacy platform (tourism Nepal, development and promotion led 1960s), Chairman of Nepal National Mountain Guide cautionary platform (warned against the Association, consequences of tourism led 1970s), adaptation platform (alternative form of tourism led Three renowned persons having experience in 1980s) and has now entered into knowledge mountain tourism to be nominated by based platform (deeper understanding of Governmentof Nepal as Members, tourism led 1990s onward). This latest platform Executive director of academy appointed by mainly focuses on tourism education, research, the Government of Nepal. - Member secretary. seminar, conference, research paper writing, NMA aims: publishing, discussion on tourism. a. To conduct training education and Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) programs related to mountain tourism. Nepal Parbatiya Praschichhyan Pratisthan, b. To study and to research in order to produce Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA), which was necessary manpower for development, established on 16 Jestha, 2059 (May 30, 2002), expansion and promotion of mountain has been renamed as Nepal Mountain Academy. tourism. The academy (NMA) is an independent, not- c. To provide consultancy and technical for-profit mountain research and educational services in the field of mountain tourism. institution. It is an English medium co- educational institution. The promoting team of d. To formulate and implement short term the academy consists of academicians, and long term plans related to mountain researchers, and professionals,extensively tourism. renowned both at home and outside in the e. To prepare curriculums for training, mountain and mountaineering field. The education and programs in the field of academy is at Tutepani (Near Satdobato), mountain tourism and ascertain the Chapagaon Road, Lalitpur Ring Road at qualification of the persons taking part in current but soon plans to shift inside Kathmandu such training, education and programs. city. f. To give necessary advice to the Government The Govt. of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, of Nepal in the field of mountain tourism. Tourism and Civil Aviation has formed a g. To develop necessary infrastructure for governing body to carry out the programs of mountain tourism. the academy. The governing body structure is h. To establish educational or training formed with the following 13 member- institutions for mountain tourism. dignitaries: i. To translate one of the goals to establish an Chair person who is a renowned person academic institution, having experience in mountain tourism nominated by the Government of Nepal. At the present Nepal Mountain Academy has been carrying out all the aims mentioned Representatives above. As stated in the official web site www. Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation, man.gov.np, the establishment of a university Ministry of Finance, in this field of mountaineering education is the Ministry of Education, ultimate goal and for the materialization of this very goal, the academy is successfully running Ministry of Environment, an undergraduate program titled as Bachelor of Secretariat of National Planning Commission, Mountaineering Studies (BMS) and has Chairman of Nepal Mountaineering proposed to soon launch Masters of Adventures
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 9 Tourism (MATS) program with the affiliation community together through the study of from the Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan mountains and its allied services. University. In pursuit to achieve these practical goals Philosophy the academy aims: NMA develops science that people can use • To develop mountaineers, mountaineering to address the mountain related educational managers, tourism entrepreneurs and perspectives such as adventure and market leaders through market-friendly, environmental issues. It conducts and facilitates accessible, flexible and innovative research, provides educational opportunities academic programs; and internships, and conducts environmental • To develop graduates of mountains and the monitoring. This will connect scientists and mountaineering studies who would be able stakeholders across the world mountain regions to grasp local, national and international to go beyond scientific inquiry to the meaningful needs and serve accordingly; and application of knowledge that makes a • To develop graduates who would be difference for the quality of the environment excellent researchers, managers and and the global and local communities. entrepreneurs and also be socially very Vision responsible mountain friendly citizens. NMA eventually envisions to be a Objectives University for mountain and mountaineering In accordance to cater the purposes studies that promotes, coordinates, and envisioned as the mission and goals, the conducts academic activities and carries out academy has set the following objectives: research from across the disciplines on mountain places, peoples and practices, and • To develop graduates of mountain and advances both theoretical and experiential mountaineering studies education at learning on campus and in mountain various levels with sound management environments in future. Presently, the main knowledge in the proposed sectors, skills vision of this academy is to be a nationally and and values along with positive leadership internationally reputed learning center, qualities; recognized for academic and practical • To motivate students in a caring and excellence in teaching and research in Mountain conducive learning environment to bring and Mountaineering Studies education in out the best in them; Nepal. • To instill creativity and innovativeness in Mission the students through motivational approaches of personalized nurturing The academy seeks to make mountain guidance; studies part of the core identity of the University by building on the academy's existing world- • To motivate the students to be involved in class strength in research and teaching on the research oriented learning activities; mountains and the mountaineering studies. • To make learning and living at the academy Goals / college a wonderfully practicable, pleasant experience for all, and develop a The academy is dedicated with special strong yet tender bond of friendship and focus towards: fraternity; and 1. Understanding mountains and • To establish relations with universities and environments, mountain cultures, and similar institutes of Nepal and abroad for mountain activities in relation to one program enhancement. another, and 2. Bringing students, faculty members, and
10 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Bachelor Program in Mountaineering Studies (BMS)
About us tourism studies. Situated inside the Kathmandu Valley, Vision Nepal’s central stunning natural landscape, NMA eventually envisions to establish the Nepal Mountain Academy (estd. 2002) is a University for mountain and mountaineering place where top-tier students, educators and studies for promoting, coordinating, and researchers from across the country and around conducting academic activities and carrying the globe come and thrive. out research from across the disciplines on The academy’s programs are academically mountain places, peoples and practices, and divided into two phases: first is the beginners’ advance both theoretical and experiential theoretical courses that will be conducted in learning on campus and in mountain Kathmandu and the second phase will take the environments in the future. Presently, the main students to the Solukhumbu campus located in vision of this academy is to be a nationally and Garma, an hour walk from Sallery, in its own internationally reputed learning center, spacious premises specially built for technical recognized for academic and practical and practical mountain studies program. excellence in teaching and research in More than 200 students will be attending mountaineering studies education in Nepal. the academy for their undergraduate program Mission where they receive a world-class education in a The academy seeks to make mountaineering broad range of subjects that include the most studies part of the core identity of the University awaited mountain studies in truly desired by building on the academy’s existing world- locations of Nepal and along with mountain class strength in research and teaching on the trades and allied courses of mountain and mountains and the mountaineering studies.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 11 Goals Teaching Methods Understanding mountains & environments, mountain cultures, and mountain activities in • Lecture and interactions relation to one another for bringing students, • Individual and group presentations faculty members, and community together • Case studies, Audio and visual through the study of mountains and its allied presentations services. • Project works and field trips About the Program • Review work, Books/Journals In Nepal, a substantive number of students • Guest lectures are going abroad for higher education seeking better quality and relevance in their career • Practical demonstrations of village prospect. This new program has been designed studies, rock climbing, trekking, peak to minimize the trend of migration among the climbing and mountaineering. youths and develop professional and technical expertise within the country itself. for lifelong learning of the mountain education. The curricula of the Bachelors in The program tries to develop core competencies, Mountaineering Studies (BMS) program have subject specific, interdisciplinary, and been academically designed by leading methodological competencies that comprise professors of different disciplines and faculties with practical and applied competencies based on the wisdom of the past (history of (phronesis and praxis). The entire course mountain tourism and mountaineering) with an focuses on inculcating Ethics, Stewardship, eye for the future. The academy envisions to Knowledge, Professionalism and Mutuality run Master Program in Adventure Tourism between the Stakeholders (TEFI). Studies (MATS). The required curricula designing and approach to the concerned university have been completed and related progressions have been in the pipeline. The bachelors program aims to prepare graduates who will possess a set of skills, attributes, and values that will equip them to become constructive and contributing leaders in an increasingly globalized field of mountain and mountaineering tourism. The syllabus for BMS and MATS have been developed by following international standards in a way to cater the needs of rapidly developing tourism and hospitality industry in the globel and in Nepal as well. It comprises of foundation courses of management studies, mountaineering and tourism core courses, elective and project works culminating in thesis writing representing both sectors of management, mountain tourism and mountaineering. This academic program primarily follows the three pronged approach: professional, vocational, and entrepreneurial with an aptitude
12 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Course Structure SUBJECTS CREDIT SUBJECTS CREDIT
FIRST SEMESTER Practical Training Trip - 4 (PTT-4) Principles of Management 3 Trekking Peak Climbing for 2 weeks with reporting E-Tourism 3 successful climbing weight age 50%, Business Statistics and Mathematics 3 trip reflection report 50% 3 English 3 Himalayan Heritage 3 FIFTH SEMESTER Practical Training Trip - 1 (PTT-1) French Language-I 3 Rock Climbing for a week days with report 1 Mountain Environment and Tourism 3 Safety and Security Operation 3 SECOND SEMESTER Entrepreneurship 3 Fundamentals of Financial Management 3 Mountaineering: Fundamentals of Climbing 3 Anthropology and Sociology of Mountaineering 3 Business Communication 3 SIXTH SEMESTER Geography of Nepal Himalaya 3 Tourism Policy and Planning 3 Tourism in Nepal 3 French Language-II 3 Practical Training Trip - 2 (PTT-2) Tourism Law 3 Cultural Tour for a week with report 1 Conflict Management 3 Mountaineering Planning 3 THIRD SEMESTER Human Resource Management 3 Management Accounting 3 Cross Cultural Behavior in Tourism 3 SEVENTH SEMESTER Himalayan Climate and Climate Change 3 Practical Training Trip - 5 (PTT-5) Research Methodology 3 Mountain Climbing 6000m (45 days) with reporting 6 Trekking and Peak Climbing Operation 3 Mountaineering : International Mountains 3 Practical Training Trip - 3 (PTT-3) Mountain Resource Management 3 Trekking Trip up to Base Camp (up to 10 days) 1 High Altitude Hospitality (Elective-I) 3
FOURTH SEMESTER EIGHTH SEMESTER Tourism and Hospitality Marketing 3 Practical Training Trip - 6 (PTT-6) Biodiversity, Conservation and Mountain Tourism 3 Mountain Climbing (7000m, 45 days) with reporting 6 Nepalese Society and Culture 3 Service Quality Management (Elective-II) 3 Economics of Tourism 3 Thesis 6 Himalayan Geology 3
Admission Procedures
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ADMISSION TEST Candidates seeking admission to the BMS The applicants will be required to sit for an course should apply in the prescribed form for admission test designed to judge their ability entrance test within the stipulated time. The and aptitude for the program in the following applicants should enclose with the application areas: form, attested copies of: • I.Q. Test • Certificates and testimonials of all • Aptitude Test examinations passed • General Knowledge • Equivalency, Transfer and Character • English Language Certificates • Group Discussion • Two recent passport size photographs • Personal Interview12 • Must have secured 40% marks in CMAT conducted by T.U.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 13 ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION SEMINAR/ MEETING HALL The candidates applying for admission to The academy will furnish a seminar hall of the BMS program must have: the capacity of 150 persons fully equipped with Successfully completed 10+2 or equivalent audio and visual equipments. The hall will be examination in any academic stream with a well-carpeted, well-decorated with comfortable minimum of 45% aggregate marks from a and luxurious furniture. The hall will be Secondary Education Board or any other board equipped by stereo sound system, computer recognized by Tribhuvan University with and multimedia facilities. English as a compulsory subject. LIBRARY Reasons to Join NMA Library facility at the academy will be A national course with international gratitude! highly valuable asset for higher studies. The academy will have a well-resourced library Our dedication to students’ success and a section with peaceful study environment. The dynamic learning environment prepare you to library will comprise of Reading Section, Text be a positive force in a changing world. The Book Section, Issuing Counter, Journal, academic experience at NMA will challenge Newspaper Section and Property Counter. your mind and bring your dreams to life. Our Currently, there are about 1,500 hard physical diverse array of educational and academic books related to mountains, mountaineering, programs allow you the flexibility to explore social sciences, management and other your interests and find a course of study that disciplines supported by 500 books and other suits your unique strengths. materials. In addition, there are e-books and in Services and Facilities the process of initiating e-library by which COMPUTER LABORATORY students have an access to the library 24/7 from their convenience. Number of journals and There will be a well equipped computer magazines about adventure tourism and lab with 65 latest branded computers with LCD mountaineering studies are readily available in monitors. Each computer will be accessed by the library and, accordingly, more books and networks and unlimited internet facility will be resources in proportion to programs and available on all weekdays. number of users will be further added in the SPORTS library. Indoor and outdoor sports activities will be arranged as required.
14 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Tourism Education and Nepal MountainAcademy:A Critical Debate
Prof. Ramesh Bajracharya, Ph.D.*
experience paved the path for the establishment of proper academic institutions for higher level academic graduates who could run the industries professionally with an international flavor of competency. The result in these two decades’ rigorous works in the field is the flourishing tourism education in Nepal. Many universities like Tribhuvan University, Purwanchal University and Pokhara University have academic programs up to master’s level. In this respect Nepal Mountain Academy in affiliation with Tribhuvan University has been Abstract running academic course on mountaineering Two and half decade long tourism studies since 2017. Nepal Government’s education in Nepalese academia may not be a concerned ministry is running the academy considerable force of academic training in with a noble perspective to create competent context to world tourism academics but it has mountaineering graduates at the undergraduate certainly garnered a place in its respective field. level and soon to launch the master level This paper tries to explore the academia and program as well. the tourism industry interrelationship Tourism is much more than an economic particularly after the establishment of the only sector, it is also a social, cultural, political, and academic institution in the mountaineering environmental force that drives societal studies field in Nepal. It also brings a few change. Understanding, responding to, and regional and international experiences that managing this change will inevitably require have pertinent implications in this field of knowledge among the workers who are able to studies. address a range of problems associated with Key Words tourism, travel, hospitality, and the increasingly Tourism, tourism education, inter- complex operating environment within which intrarelationship, mountaineering tourism they exist. In this very context, NMA’s education conception in Nepalese tourism academia stands significantly to contribute in all possible Nepalese tourism education got its aspects but more particularly in mountaineering headlong start with a positive motive to and adventure studies programs. enhance the tourism industry by developing appropriately trained academic tourism human Despite the fact that the necessity had capital. Initially the Nepal government’s given the birth of tourism sector academic initiative step came forward by running a well activities the relationship between tourism facilitated training institute that prepared a education and the tourism industry is middle ranged technical man power in hotel historically a complex one which has been and travel and tourism industries. This characterized by a lack of trust (Rahimi, Roya
* (Prof. Dr. Ramesh Bajracharya is the senior faculty and an expert resource person for Nepal Mountain Academy)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 15 et. al, 2018).In deed this aspect can be seen and of knowledge and the enhancing of technical felt across all over other academic fields most competency outside of classroom environment. notably in Nepalese management education Educational institutions at home or abroad are where the required skills for the industry has the ambassadors to sustainable development fallen short as per the sharp observation made programs for they can easily promote the by the stakeholders. Increasingly, however, concept once students move out of their usual both education and industry are recognizing classroom activities. In educational tourism, the mutual benefits of developing a more co- the main focus of the tour or leisure activity operative relationship and the importance of includes visiting another country to learn about narrowing the divide which has traditionally the culture, study tours, or to work and apply existed between them. The need to satisfy both skills learned inside the classroom in a different academic and the industry stakeholders does environment, such as in the international have special implications for the delivery of practicum training program. tourism education, as opposed to more The academy in this light of its academic traditional subject areas such as language and training programs can achieve studies, culture, geography or history. This commendable results in short period once its paper explores the relationship between programs come to the floor. Many observable education and industry and outlines the factors indicate that resources may not be a particular responses of tourism educators to stagnant condition since expertise gathered and come to terms with the relationship. developed at different location and time look This study further tries to seek a better forward to be of some use for good and when understanding of the industries and investigate opportunities are ready knocking at doorstep the driving forces that bring students and there are people in this sector extending their industries together. Nepal Mountain Academy friendly hands. The academy has a very (NMA) has an ambition to be an institution of conducive environment to get going its tailored international reputation for its sheer academic programs and produce results. excellence in the mountaineering and adventure The positive situation of Nepalese tourism education. With all stakeholders education sectors has arisen back again right working to achieve the goals will surely put after the end of conflicts between political NMA to its desired position. In this respect parties ensuring constitutional strength some basics of tourism education discourse regained by the republican political system in demands our attention for better comprehension Nepal. The combination of a crippling debt of the issues involved. burden, political instability, civil wars and Educational Tourism falling export prices and rising commodity Nepal Mountain Academy has all possible prices is that living standards are lower today means to develop its tailored programs that can in the Indian sub-continentis what we read practically entice international students to be in everyday in the national dailies. But attempts the place where mountaineering education can are being made and continued to be made by in essence impart truly professional education leaders in the sub-region to alleviatethese of high academic importance. This paves the conditions. Promotion of mass tourism is one path to educational tourism. It can be a strong of several strategies that has been tried. partner to the concept of sustainable This paper suggests education tourism as development through educational tourism. an alternative strategy to the mass tourism Medical sciences and engineering studies development efforts. It calls for a coordinated, programs have already been into this framework sustained and organized approach to education and now mountaineering education is going to tourism to realize its social and economic be sure shot as well. It is developed because of potential. the growing popularity of teaching and learning What is Education Tourism? The term
16 VOICE OF HIMALAYA education tourism or edu-tourism refers to any include : ancient Arya, Hindu and Buddhist “program in which participants travel to a studies, arts and crafts, architecture, language, location as a group with the primary purpose of archaeological sites, music, dance, etc. engaging in a learning experience directly Markets for Education Tourism related to the location” (Bodger, 1998, p. 28) (qtd. in Paul K. Ankomah and friends). It is The size of the word market for comprised of several sub-types including international education travel is estimated to ecotourism, heritage tourism, ruraltourism, have increased from 4.8 million trips in 1985 to mountaineering and adventure tourism, and almost 8 million trips in 1996 (Smith & Jenner, student exchanges between educational 1997). This figure represents a time period institutions. In Nepalese context, the notion for which when we compare with the first and educational purposes travelling has been quite second decades of the twenty first century is an old one for there has been historical records not that significant at present for this situation and accounts of international students visiting has gone into massive changes. Today the Nepal for Buddhist studies and Nepalese going USA, England, Australia, China and India are abroad for various educational purposes. The some of the countries which enjoy a significant notion of traveling for educational purposes is state of importance in the tourism education not new (Gibson, 1998; Holdnak & Holland, field. Hundreds of thousands of international 1996; Kalinowski & Weiler, 1992) and its students choose these and some other European popularity in the tourism market is only destinations for higher education and trainings expected to increase (Gibson, 1998; Holdnak in this field of education. No exact data are & Holland, 1996). Asian countries can increase available but the number and spending capacity their tourism earnings by tapping into this have gone to be staggering figures. If just India growing market phenomenon. is considered for Nepalese students’ educational destination in almost all fields except Resource Base for Education Tourism mountaineering studies even then this field of The South Asian sub-region is endowed edu-tourism is much more lucrative from with abundant tourism resources that could Indian perspectives. In this regard a limited serve as the basis for education tourism. These study of students choosing England for their resources may be categorized into the following education in tourism indicate that behind Asian dimensions: mountaineering and adventure, students studying tourism and hospitality in the cultural/historical, ecotourism/nature-based United Kingdom point at 3 stages: (a) choosing tourism/rural tourism, and study abroad a foreign country, (b) selecting the United programs. Examples of themes that may be Kingdom as the host country, and (c) used for education tourism include: mountain undertaking tourism and hospitality courses of studies, Himalayan people and ecological saleable value in the international job markets. studies, studying dolphins in Nepali snow-fed This study also reveals that seeking a better rivers to discover their ecological limits; life, the nature of the program, and external monitoring trans-Siberian bird migration to influences significantly impact students’ restore declining populations and manage movements. habitat change; tracking the habitats of rare When countries like Nepal come to be endemic carnivores; measuring the impact of considered then these countries in the sub- public health education and clinical testing of region cannot expect to develop a sustainable intestinal parasites of remote Asian and edu-tourism based solely on foreign tourists. SAARC villages; surveying traditional These countries need to build and nurture the herbalists to preserve indigenous knowledge; domestic capacity critical for the long-term finding the connection between global warming success of edu-tourism. Education policies and decreasing snow level in the should be revamped to incorporate edu-tourism Himalaya,cultural and historical themes programs in school curricula to college levels.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 17 Students in these institutions should not only SAARC and Himalayan studies. Promotional learn about these attractions/resources in their efforts and direct contacts will have to be made courses, but they also should be actively with these entities to stimulate and tap into encouraged and required to make field trips to these latent markets currently underexploited these sites. This is particularly important by the SAARC and Himalayan countries. because research suggests that interest in the Nepal Mountain Academy can now explore activities that most people engage in as adults the areas of mutual cooperation in and among were first developed during childhood and SAARC and all other countries that have adolescence (Mcguire, Dottavio & O'Leary, shown and participated in the mountaineering 1987) Consequently, by encouraging the and adventure activities. involvement of school children in their For many in the world of education, the formative and impressionable years, the months of May and June represent the end of Himalayan countries will be creating a cadre of the academic year and the start of tourism’s future clients to sustain edu-tourism. high season. Thus, from the perspective of the The second edu-tourism market results tourism industry as the academic year wanes, from intra-regional travels. Countries within new tourism educational opportunities begin to the sub-region can tap into this vast potential wax. Educational tourism is one of the fastest market via education tourism. To stimulate growing areas of the travel and tourism and one intra-regional edu-tourism travel, member that is too often overlooked by tourism countries can overhaul and strengthen existing professionals and marketers is “educational travel and immigration protocols of their tourism.” For example, many meetings and respective regional blocs to facilitate easy conventions have either an educational movement among nationals within the sub- component to them or serve their members by region. Furthermore, conscious promotional being educational instruments. Often efforts will have to be undertaken within the educational tourism is called by other names, sub-region to heighten public awareness of such as career enhancement, job development available edu- tourism opportunities and their or self-actualization experiences. Educational accessibility. In addition, national tourism tourism then comes in a wide variety of organizations and universities will need to formats, yet despite the differences all forms of work in a coordinated manner to design and educational tourism have a number of points in create edu-tourism programs that engender common. Among these are, the idea that travel interests of nationals of the sub-region. is as much about self-improvement as it is The third edu-tourism market is represented about relaxation, that learning can be fun, and by the European Union (EU). This region is a that learning is for people of all ages. Here are large tourist- generating market in world just some of the opportunities location to attract tourism sectors. Most of the countries –India, educational tourism income. Sri Lanka, and Pakistan - in the sub-region still School Trips have strong ties to these former colonial powers. Education tourism could benefit from It may pay our community to create this market through several bi-lateral and reasons for school children to visit. While these technical agreements. SAARCand the trips rarely translate directly into overnight Himalayan countries can negotiate with stays, they can help promote tourism products European institutions of higher learning to in two ways: (1) children may bring their encourage European students to travel to the parents back for a longer visit and (2) they help sub-region. the local restaurant business. The fourth market is the North American Alternative ‘spring break” travel market. It comprises of universities and experiences. institutions offering area studies relating to This form of educational travel may be a
18 VOICE OF HIMALAYA useful form, but some may argue that Summer/ Educational Cruises Winter/Spring Break travel has nothing to do These cruises combine all of the fun of a with education. This form of travel only works cruise with lectures on specific subjects. when we have a geography that lends itself, be Educational cruises have the advantage that it snow covered mountains or beaches with people who take them tend to have a common palm trees. interest and therefore have a greater possibility Study Abroad Experiences of making new friends while acquiring new Most major universities around the world knowledge. promote some form of foreign travel for their Educational tourism offers another major students. Study abroad experiences provide advantage. It does not need to be weather students with anything from 6-week intensive dependent, a community does not need special study sessions to a full year of cultural and geography and usually most of the needed linguistic immersion. US universities that have infrastructure is already in place. In order to long seen themselves as student-exporters have take advantage of these educational tourism now come to realize that non-English speaking products consider students seek US study abroad adventures too. Develop a Tourism Educational Inventory Students often travel not only within their Work with local schools and universities to destination country of choice but throughout know what is of educational interest to visitors. that county and even to neighboring lands. The While historical sites are an important part of goal here is to widen the educational experience educational tourism, do not neglect other so that university students do not only know aspects. For example, can you incorporate a their own culture but also that of at least one local science lab into your list of educational other nation. Some SAARC countries have offerings? Is there a way to work with a local started such students exchange programs but to school in order to teach an athletic skill? For have a mass is still a far cry. example, Portugal’s Pierre de Coubertin Soccer Seminar and Vacations Academy, located just outside of Oporto will These types of travel experience especially teach individual how to incorporate the art of appeal to those organizations which have a soccer into a person’s business life. While these large coverage in profit earning areas for they adult students can learn soccer, get in shape, encourage their dealers and stakeholders to be sample Portuguese wine, and visit Portugal’s able to participate in such programs. Hundreds grape and wine country. These skill and thousands travel abroad through such enhancement trips are a great way for working opportunities. Besides countries in high income people to de-stress while learning a new skill or range also send their employees outside for perfecting an older one. some time with full expenses. Closely related Find local people who would be willing to to seminar vacations are “hands-on enhanced teach others a skill or impart some form of experience” vacations. For example, each year knowledge. These people become local thousands of people travel to Israel to learn attractions and the tourism industry can help something about an archeological dig and then them to earn extra money at the same time. pay to participate on such a dig. Make sure that conference planners know Skill Enhancement Vacations that you can offer local educational experiences These are trips that range from learning as a way to enhance their conference. Offer how to build houses to how to protect the local experiences to conferences and seminars ecology. Nations such as Costa Rica have been that add both professional knowledge and extremely successful with eco-tourism in personal growth. Indicate that you are willing which they combine lessons on how to protect to include family members who may also be the world’s ecology with the travel experience. attending the conference. (qtd. in
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 19 tourismandmore...) 11-28. Be careful of who works in educational Ankomah, P. (1991) “Tourism skilled tourism. Often tour guides and other educational labour: The case of sub-Saharan Africa”. tourism staff members forget that educational Annals of Tourism Research, 18, 433-442. tourism is based around people on vacation. Bodger, D. (1998) “Leisure, learning, and These people do not want to be treated as travel”. Journal of Phvsical Education. children. Never forget that they are paying Recreation & Dance, 69(4),28-31. guests. “Educational Tourism”. (2010) Retrieved Establish regional tourism study groups. on 16 July 2018.
20 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Politics, Economics and Leadership in Tourism: An Analysis for Vision 2020 and 2030
As such, by the year 2020, the government intends to develop the tourism aiming 2 million annual arrivals. The Tourism Vision 2020 states that, “Tourism is valued as a major contributor to a sustainable Nepal economy, having developed as an attractive, safe, exciting and unique destination through conservation and promotion leading to equitable distribution of tourism benefits and greater harmony in the society”. To achieve this vision, the major goals that have been set are: * Gyaneshwar Mahato & Aaditi Khanal • Increase annual international tourist arrival to Nepal to 2 million by 2020 and 5 million Tourism in Nepal: A General by 2030. Background • Augment economic opportunities and Tourism in Nepal is a highly prioritized increase employment to tourism sector to 2 industry mostly because of the world’s highest million. summit, Mt. Everest and other highest To attain this sort of highly ambitious mountains and peaks along with the diversity figures, rigorous scrutiny of the various factors in culture, religion and ethnic practices found and components of tourism industry is in Nepal. Tourism actually is a relatively new necessary. So, this article aims to analyze some phenomenon as the country was opened to the of the most imperious dynamics in this regards Western world only in the early 1960s (Thapa, considering the statistical facts of the tourism 2003, p. 117). Hence, the tourism related industry of Nepal available at current. practices are still comparatively fresh in the Nepalese context that includes activities such Tourist Arrival in Nepal as trekking, hiking, mountaineering, jungle The latest statistical data provided by the safari, rafting, tours amongst others that serve Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil as a source of attraction for the tourists. The Aviation, Government of Nepal surely indicates development of tourism sector is highly a double digit growth rate in the number of associated with the economic development of tourists’ arrival in Nepal in the past year of the nation and hence has been considered by 2017. However, the quandary remains that is the Government of Nepal as the priority the growth rate of 25% as compared to that of economic sectors and a major source of earning 40% in the year 2016 that clearly reflects a foreign currency through the expansion of deficit of 15% within a period of last one year a employment opportunities. merry situation while discussing the strategies to promote and upgrade the industry to meet * Mr. Gyaneshwar Mahato is the current CEO Hotel the vision of Visit 2020 to welcome 2 million Association of Nepal. He is also an expert researcher tourists within the time period of less than 2 and advisor in the field of tourism. years now? If we go by the numbers, then the * Ms. Aaditi Khanal is the Assistant Academic target that was set to meet the number of 1 Coordinator of Nepal Mountain Academy
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 21 Figure 1: Comparative Analysis of the Annual Number and Growth Rate of Tourist Arrival in Nepal (Source: GON, MOCTCA, 2018). million tourists’ arrival by the year 2017 has understand that if we go beyond the earthquake been dipped down by almost six hundred then the tourist arrival in Nepal has not been so thousand (600,000) as the total number of significantly changed in terms of number as it tourist arrival was estimated to be 940,218 in was definitely more in the years 2012, 2013 2017. and 2014 even after the slow growth and Presented below, is the comparative negative growth rates in these years. Hence, statistical table of the arrival of tourists in the these data clearly reflect that the growth rate of past seven years which further will provide a 25% in the year 2017 is definitely not a highly clearer notion to the context of tourists’ arrival impressive number considering the overall to Nepal and its trend: scenario and since the last seven years at least, the tourist arrival to Nepal has been deeply and It is not difficult to understand as such that negatively impacted due to various reasons out since 2012, there has been significant downfall of which the 2015 earthquake being the most in tourist arrival to Nepal which was further significant one in the tourism history of Nepal. deeply impacted by the devastating earthquake of 2015. As a result, the growth rate of 40% in Now looking at the future demands to the year 2016 might look very significant at accommodate the 2 million and 5 million first but a comparative study helps the analyst tourists in the year 2020 and 2030 respectively,
S.N. Particulars 2016 2017 2020 2030 1 Total number of tourist 753,002 940,218 2,000,000 5,000,000 arrival (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) 2 By Air 572,563 760,577 1,617,800 4,044,500 (76.03%) (80.89%) (80.89%) (80.89%) 3 By Land 180,439 179,641 382,200 955,500 (23.96%) (19.11%) (19.11%) (19.11%)
Table 1: Typology of Tourist Arrival by Land and Air (Source: GON, MoCTCA, 2018).
22 VOICE OF HIMALAYA a segregation of the tourists’ arrival by land and Country Specific Tourists air could be helpful. Further, according to National Tourism From the above table, it is clear that the Statistics 2017, out of the total tourist arrivals, number of tourist arriving from air is much five countries occupy more than 50 percent more in comparison to that by land and also, which has been depicted as follows: the number of tourist arrival by air has increased It is now clear that the maximum number as the number of tourist arrival by land has of tourists arriving to Nepal are of Indian decreased. Now, considering all the other nationalities followed by China, USA, UK and factors as constant and going by the percentage then Sri Lanka. From this, it highlights the of 2017, by the end of 2020 the total number of need to focus on these specific nationalities and tourist arrival by air tends to become 1,617,800 their specific touristic preferences while and that by the end of 2030 becomes 4,044,500. visiting Nepal in order to attract more tourist. As these numbers are calculated considering In this manner, very specific strategies related the percentage to be constant, however the to marketing and promotion can be formulated trend shows that the number of tourist arrival to attract more number of tourists from these via air is increasing every year, as such the countries that can ultimately play a great part in projected number for tourist arrival through air the visions set. by 2020 and 2030 are bound to thus increase. Furthermore, the following table adapted Hence, these projected numbers can be from the Nepal Tourism Statistics 2017 clearly considered as the minimum number of tourists depicts a comparative statistical analysis of the to arrive to Nepal by air at the end of 2020 and number of tourists' arrival in Nepal from the 2030. Keeping these figures in mind, it makes a top 10 countries since the past 7 years. lot of sense to put in effort from the state level to expand the facilities to attract more number Average Length of Stay of tourist to reach the desired goal and realize Another important aspect that determines the vision of 2020 and 2030 respectively. the economic rise through tourism as a driving
Figure 2: Comparative Analysis of the Number of Tourist Arrival in Nepal from the Top 5 Nationalities (Source: GON, MOCTCA, 2018).
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 23 Rank 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 1 India India India India India India India India 120,898 149,504 165,815 180,974 135,343 75,124 118,249 160,832 2 China China China China China China China China 46,360 61,917 71,861 113,173 123,805 64,675 104,005 104,664 3 Srilanka Srilanka Srilanka USA USA USA Srilanka USA 45,531 59,884 69,476 47,355 49,830 53,897 57,521 79,146 4 USA USA USA Thailand Srilanka Srilanka USA UK 36,425 42,875 48,985 40,969 37,546 43,117 53,645 51,058 5 UK UK UK UK UK Thailand UK Srilanka 35,425 39,091 41,294 35,668 36,759 32,338 46,295 45,361 6 France Germany Germany Srilanka Thailand UK Thailand Thailand 24,550 37,472 30,409 32,736 33,422 204,469 26,722 39,134 7 Japan France France Japan Japan S. Korea Myanmar S.Korea 23,332 26,720 28,805 26,694 25,829 18,112 25,796 34,301 8 Germany Japan Japan Bangladesh Australia Bangladesh Australia Australia 22,583 26,283 28,642 22,410 24,516 14,831 25,507 33,371 9 Australia Australia Australia Germany France Japan S.Korea Myanmar 16,243 19,824 22,030 22,263 24,097 14,465 25,171 30,852 10 Spain 16,836 Netherlands France S.Korea Germany Germany Germany 13,712 15445 21,842 23,205 12,216 23,812 29,918 Table 2: Comparative statistical analysis of the tourists' arrival from top 10 countries in 7 years (Source: GON, MoCTCA, 2017). force is the length of stay of the tourists in tourists tend to spend in Nepal and the more is Nepal after their arrival. It is easily relatable the income. So, the average length of stay is that the longer the length of stay, the more the directly proportional to the income generation
Figure 3: Comparative Analysis of the Average Length of Stay by Tourists in Nepal (Source: Department of Immigration; In GON, MOCTCA, 2018).
24 VOICE OF HIMALAYA by the Tourism industry of Nepal. The three- market economy accordingly. The analysis of year development plan (2017-2018) aimed to the various purposes for the visit can also be increase the length of stay to 14 days by 2017. helpful to invest in those sectors in which the In 2016, the average length of stay was 13.4 tourists are more engaged which can lead to days which has come down to 12.6 days in the increase the average length of stay as discussed year 2017. Further, a comparative data through above. The data gathered in the year 2017 the past 7 years has been depicted as follows: shows that higher proportion (70%) visited So, even if the number of tourist arrival in Nepal for Holiday purpose and pleasure the year 2017 has increased, the average length followed by pilgrimage (15%), adventure (8%) of stay has drastically decreased which and other purpose (7%) (MoCTCA, 2018, p. indicates that there is the urgent need for Nepal 39). It should also be noted that the number of to come up with activities and events that the tourist arriving to Nepal for the purpose of tourists would want to engage themselves in adventure i.e. trekking and mountaineering has more once they come to Nepal for a visit so that been decreased as compared to 2016 which they plan for a longer trip and increase the was 8.83% which has been significantly length of their stay. decreasing from the past years that can be visualized as follows: Purpose of the Visit Hence, a realization of the verity that Similarly, another important factor that Nepal is losing its adventure tourists in the needs to be considered is the purpose of the present milieu is imperative. Targeted visit by the tourists which is a major indicator promotions and advertising campaigns in these of the tourism sector output. This indicator is sectors might be a bliss. deemed to be very useful for evaluation of characteristics, type and economic and social Tourism in Nepal: Evaluation and contributions made by tourists and to further Analysis in Global context plan and manage infrastructure, services and Therefore, in order to ensure that the goals
Figure 4: Comparative Analysis of the Tourist Arrival for the Purpose of Trekking and Mountaineering (Source: Department of Immigration; In GON, MOCTCA, 2018).
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 25 that have been set for the 2020 and 2030 are NPR48.6bn (USD449.8mn), 17.7% of attained, a critical evaluation of what actually total exports in 2016. This is forecast to is the present context of tourism in Nepal grow by 9.0% in 2017, and grow by 6.8% should be understood. Only then can a clearer pa, from 2017-2027, to NPR102.1bn perspective regarding what should be the (USD945.0mn) in 2027, 25.9% of total. strategies to move forward can be realized. In • Travel & Tourism investment in 2016 was this regards, presented below are some of the NPR16.5bn, 3.0% of total investment factual information provided by the World (USD0.2bn). It should rise by 0.3% in Travel and Tourism Council in the report titled 2017, and rise by 5.5% pa over the next ten Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2017 years to NPR28.3bn (USD0.3bn) in 2027, Nepal can prove to be reassuring: 3.6% of total. • Out of the 185 countries, Nepal ranks Similarly, presented below is the travel and 123rd in the relative importance of Travel tourism competitiveness index by the World and Tourism's total contribution to the Economic Forum for the year 2017: GDP. From the above table, the factual setting of • The direct contribution of Travel & Nepal in terms of tourism at a global platform Tourism to GDP was NPR 85.2bn can be readily examined. It is clearly understood (USD0.8bn), 3.6% of total GDP in 2016 that in order to improvise the tourists’ flow and and is forecast to rise by 6.8% in 2017, and to rise by 4.3% pa, S.No. The Travel & Tourism Rank (out Score from 2017-2027, Competitiveness Index of 136) (1–7) • The total contribution of Travel Travel & Tourism Com- 103 & Tourism to GDP was petitiveness Index NPR177.9bn (USD1.6bn), 7.5% 1 Business Environment 108 4.1 of GDP in 2016, and is forecast 2 Safety and Security 100 4.8 to rise by 6.2% in 2017, and to 3 Health and Hygiene 85 5.0 rise by 4.3% pa to NPR287.6bn (USD2.7bn), 8.3% of GDP in 4 Human Resources and 99 4.2 2027. Labor Market • In 2016 Travel & Tourism 5 ICT Readiness 124 2.6 directly supported 427,000 jobs 6 Prioritization of Travel & 51 4.8 (2.9% of total employment). Tourism This is expected to rise by 6.0% 7 International Openness 87 2.8 in 2017 and rise by 2.9% pa to 8 Price Competitiveness 19 4.6 604,000 jobs (3.2% of total employment) in 2027. 9 Environmental Sustain- 126 3.4 ability • In 2016, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to 10 Air Transport Infrastruc- 105 2.0 employment, including jobs ture indirectly supported by the 11 Ground and Port Infra- 135 1.9 industry was 6.4% of total structure employment (945,000 jobs). 12 Tourist Service Infra- 124 2.3 This is expected to rise by 5.4% structure in 2017 to 996,000 jobs and rise 13 Natural Resources 27 4.2 by 2.9% pa to 1,325,000 jobs in 2027 (7.1% of total). 14 Cultural Resources and 117 1.3 Business Travel • Visitor exports generated Source: The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017
26 VOICE OF HIMALAYA their experiences in Nepal, there is a need to The SWOT Analysis adopt better information and communication As per the SWOT analysis of Vision 2020, technology strategies along with the following are the major weaknesses of the development of the ground and port Nepalese Tourism Industry: infrastructures which includes hotels and • Insufficient infrastructures lodges, airports, vehicles for transport and other related tourist service infrastructures. • Inadequate investment in tourism sector Similarly, Nepal ranks very low in terms of the • Limited air connectivity and weak national cultural resources and business travel which carrier should also be taken into consideration as • Poor coordination among government because Nepal as a nation is rich in cultural as agencies well as natural resources along with various • Weak public-private partnership business related opportunities that can actually help the economy of the country to boom. • Scarcity of resources for aggressive Along with this, another zone of vulnerability publicity and consumer promotion for Nepal lies in terms of environmental • Tourism patterns limited to only in a few sensitization and sustainability. So, it definitely geographic areas a huge challenge for Nepal to protect the The Hotels and Hoteliers environment while at the same time working towards development of the infrastructures It is also to be noted that the number of which categorically demands for compromise hotels that have been legally registered and with the environment. Hence, the above functioning in Nepal varies dramatically as per mentioned areas are to be worked upon different sources. immediately for promotion and development For instance, according the Company of the tourism sector in the country. In the long Registration Office’s latest data, the total run however, other areas of the index such as number of hotels are 3,682 and the total number business environment, safety and security, of beds are 97,573 whereas the study by Nepal health and hygiene, human resources and labor Rastra Bank in 2016 indicates the total number market, price competitiveness and natural of hotel to be 2,450 and the total number of resources should be considered as the overall beds to be 67,489 with an average occupancy ranking and status of Nepal in the global of 70%. Similarly, there are just 2,090 hotels context is evidently not very palpable. who are the members of the Hotel Association
Total Bed Average Bed/ S.N. Source Total Hotel Total Bed Nights Hotel 1 Company Registration Office 3,682 97,573 35,614,145 27 (BS. 2073) 2 Registered at Department of 1,102 39,833 14,539,045 36 Tourism (BS 2075) 3 Study conducted by NTB 2,604 69,040 25,199,600 27 4 Study by Nepal Rastra Bank 2,450 67,489 24,633,485 28 (BS 2074) 5 Member hotels of Hotel As- 2,090 55,385 20,215,525 27 sociation Nepal
Table 3: Comparative Analysis of the total hotels, beds, bed nights and average bed/hotel (Source: Company Registration Office, 2073; Department of Tourism, 2075 Nepal Tourism Board; Nepal Rastra Bank, 2074 and Hotel Association of Nepal)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 27 of Nepal and as per the study conducted by that have been set for Visit 2020 and 2030 Nepal Tourism Board, the total number of respectively. Therefore, this should definitely hotels are 2,604 and the total number of beds be considered as an alarm for the nation to are 69,040. The most alarming aspect is the maintain a transparent system of registering the number of hotels registered under department available hotel based resources for of tourism (1102 hotels with 39833 beds only). accommodating the desired number of tourists. This shows more than 150% of the hotels are Accommodation Requirements for 2 not registered with department of tourism. Million Tourists in 2020 and 5 Million Hence, this sort of variation in data by 2030 regarding the number of available hotels and The total number of tourist arrival in the beds in the country can be detrimental towards year 2017 was 940,218 with average length of the formation of related strategies and their stay of 12.6 days occupying 11,846,747 bed implementation with the aim to meet the targets Project to manage 2.0 Million Tourists Average Total Bed Total Bed Average No Of Total Bed / Nights Occupied Occu- Remarks Hotels Beds Hotel Available Nights pancy % Projection 2,450 67,489 28 24,633,485 11,846,747 0.48 based on NRB Projection to 2,450 67,489 28 24,633,485 17,243,440 0.70 1,368,527 70% occu- pancy To accommo- 3,814 104,892 28 38,285,714 26,800,000 0.70 2,000,000 date 2.0 Mil- lion tourists by 2020 Increased % 55.7 55.4 Times incre- 1.6 1.6 ment Table 4: Accommodation Requirements for 2 million tourists in 2020 (Source: Nepal Rastra Bank, 2074) Project to manage 5.0 Million Tourists Average Total Bed Total Bed Average No Of Total Bed / Nights Occupied Occu- Remarks Hotels Beds Hotel Available Nights pancy % Projection 2,450 67,489 28 24,633,485 11,846,747 0.48 1 million based on NRB arrival + upcoming in 2017 hotels (NTB) To accommo- 8,806 246,575 28 90,000,000 63,000,000 0.70 5,000,000 date 5 Million tourists by 2030 Increased % 259.4 265.4
Table 5: Accommodation Requirements for 5 million tourists in 2030 (Source: Nepal Rastra Bank, 2074)
28 VOICE OF HIMALAYA nights in 2017. The occupancy rate seems very as much as up to the increment till 80% low of 48.1% which does not seems realistic. considering the seasonality of the tourism The private sector hoteliers suggest the industry in Nepal. occupancy percentage is around 70%. The Airlines and Airports main reason for this is a large number of tourists around 13% travel for trekking and Similarly, in order to increase the number mountaineering who stay in tented camps and of tourists, the number of airlines flying into tea houses along the trails. The other reason is Nepal should go up than the existing conditions. there are number of hotels which are not As per the latest data included in the Nepal registered with department of Tourism as well Tourism Statistics (2017, p. 89), out of 56 as homestays are also accommodating tourists. airports in Nepal, 32 airports are in operations. As the occupancy rates are very low we can 29 airports run in all seasons. 7 airports are easily increase hotels’ occupancy to absorb under construction and 18 are as non-functional. demand to 1368527 tourists annually based on Analyzing the Current Travel Trends of number of beds available currently. Nepal’s Market From the available data, in order to Similarly, 39 international airlines carried accommodate 2 million tourists by 2020 as per 38,87,845 passengers transiting 10,651 the projection based on NRB, the increment in passengers per day: out of which 20, 83,150 the number of hotels and beds has to be more which is 54 % of total travel (125 passengers / than 55.7% which is 1.6 times the number of flight) were outbound and 18, 04,695 which is hotels we currently have with the average 46 % of total travel (108 passengers/flight) in- length of stay to be set as 12.6 days and the bound by 27,118 flights. average occupancy being 70%. This data Similarly, 39 international airlines carried should further be increased by 259.4 % which 38, 87,845 passengers transiting 10,651 is 3.6 times the number of hotels we currently passengers per day: out of which 20, 83,150 have to meet the target of bringing in 5 million which is 54 % of total travel (125 passengers / tourists by 2030 again only after maintaining flight) were outbound and 18, 04,695 which is 70% occupancy and 12.6 days as the average 46 % of total travel (108 passengers/flight) in- length of stay. This shows we need to construct bound by 27,118 flights. additional 1364 hotels by 2020 and 6356 hotels Understanding the share of tourist markets with average 28 beds per hotel. against the local markets as shown in the data So, Nepal as a tourism oriented nation for above shows of total arrivals 58% were meeting the targets set must take great leaps domestic market and only 42% was forwards in terms of constructing, managing international tourists’ arrivals. The total tourists and systematically registering the available arrivals in 2017 was 9, 40,218; of which 7, hotels and related other facilities. However, it 60,577 which is 81 % air and rest by land. This is also a matter of concern that upon the means the airlines market is still dominated by informal discussions with the hoteliers, it has the local markets probably the labor markets been conceded by the hoteliers that they can go and tourists travelling by air. The number of
Airlines capacity No of People Average/ Passengers 2020 2030 to handle tourists Flights travel Flight ratio Inbound 16681 1,804,695 108 46% 2,664,118 4,914,581 Outbound 16682 2,083,150 125 54% 3,075,177 5,478,391 Total Arrival 33363 3,887,845 117 5,481,084 10224485 Total Arrival 33363 3,887,845 117 5,481,084 10224485 Table 6: Airline Capacity to Handle Tourists (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 29 Percentage Total Inbound Tourist National International Total Travels % Share of Travels Arrival Travelers Tourists Tourists 3,887,845 1,804,695 940218 1,044,118 760,577 81% 100% 46% of total travel 58% of travel 42% of travel 940218 1,044,118 760,577 81% 100% 46% of total travel 58% of travel 42% of travel Table7: Total travels by tourists (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017) countries having civil aviation contract reached in order to facilitate the travel of the 2 million to 38 and there are 20 airlines for domestic by 2020 the number of airlines has to increase movement. to 46,847 flights per year which is 40% increase Analysis of Air Seat Capacity Needs for in flights and 113% increase in tourists arrivals 2020 and 2030 keeping the national travel around same ( national travel and labor market travels kept Now, if we are to go by the numbers then,
Projection of Airlines seat required for 2.0 Million Tourists by 2020 Total Total Average/ Total Interna- Airlines inbound Domestic flights flight Travels tional travels Existing 39 33,363 117 3,887,845 1,804,695 1,044,118 760,577 Capacity Projection for 46,847 117 5,481,085 2,664,118 1,044,118 1,620,000 2020 Increased % 40.42 113.00 Times 1.40 Increment Table 8: Projection of Airlines Seats Required for 2 Million Tourists by 2020 (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017)
Projection of Airlines seat required for 5.0 Million Tourists by 2030 Total Total Average/ Total Interna- Airlines inbound Domestic flights flight Travels tional travels Existing 39 33,363 117 3,887,845 1,804,695 1,044,118 760,577 Capacity Percentage % 58% 42% Projection for 87,389 117 10224485.5 5,094,118 1,044,118 4,050,000 2030 Increased % 161.93 432.49 Times 2.62 2.82 5.32 Increment Table 9:Projection of Airlines Seats Required for 5 Million Tourists by 2030 (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017)
30 VOICE OF HIMALAYA constant); and 5 million tourists till 2030 the additional international airport soon. number of airlines has to increase to 87,389 Considering the expected targets of 5 flights per year which is 161% increase in million the terminal capacity has to increase by flights and 432% increase in tourists arrivals 291% managing 28012 tourists per days; which keeping the national travel around same means we need at least 3 airports to manage it. (National travel and labor market travels kept Hence, this further indicates that there is a constant). serious need of more number of international Analysis of Terminal Capacity airports that can accommodate the smooth The data below shows the current terminal functioning of more international airlines here capacity of TIA is 32000 sq. M. handling 9,616 in Nepal as the only international airport of travelers per day with an average of 3.33 sq. M. Nepal at the present seems to be completely per traveler. exhausted and burdened. Projecting the terminal capacity to manage Tourism Based Employment tourists’ arrival of 2 million inbound and Likewise, it will also be productive to national travel the total travel projected would know that as per the data of 2016, the from the be 5,481,084 (inbound and outbound); which total tourist arrival, the direct employment will require 15,016 travel per day. This shows generated is 0.6% per tourist whereas the the terminal capacity has to increase by 56.2% induced employment counts to 0.7% per tourist or 1.6 times the current capacity of TIA. and the total average employment per tourist Discussion with officials and private sectors it thus generated is merely 1.3% i.e. 950,000 is felt the TIA is currently not in a position to million individuals are directly or indirectly expand its capacity as it has to cover domestic employed. flight as well. This means in order to expand It clearly therefore, indicates that tourism the terminal capacity there is a dire need of an sector has not been able to really contribute
Terminal area processing projection for 2020 Available Traveler’s Average Average Space Area in sq. M Handled Travel/Day per Tourist Sq. M Existing Capacity of TIA 32000 3,510,000 9,616 3.33 projection for 2.0 million 49970.0 5,481,084 15,016 tourists Increased % 56.2 56.2 Times increment 1.6 1.6 Table 10: Projection of Terminal Area Processing for 2020 (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017) Terminal area processing projection for 2030 Available Traveler’s Average Average Space
Area in sq. M Handled Travel/Day per Tourist Sq. M Existing Capacity of TIA 32000 3,510,000 9,616 3.33 projection for 5.0 million 93215 10224485 28,012 tourists Increased % 291% Times increment 2.91 Table 11: Projection of Terminal Area Processing for 2030 (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 31 towards the economy of the nation. In the Nepal can be considered as these that follow: longer run therefore, the number of employment • As per the Leiper Model of tourism generated by the tourism industry in 2020 with development the challenges are in four 2million tourists would be 2.5 million and the major categories; a. the destination b. the 5 million tourists by 2030 will amount to origin, c. the transit and d. enabling around 6.2 million than suggests and increment environment (PEST)
Human Resource Requirements Projection for 2020 Total Tourist Direct Induced Total
Arrival Employment Employment Employment Employment in 2016 753,002 427,000 518,000 945,000 Average employment per tourist 0.6 0.7 1.3 Projection for 2020 reaching 2.0 2,000,000 1,134,127 1,375,826 2,509,953 Million tourists Increased % 166 Times increment 2.66 Table 12: Projection of Human Resource Requirement for 2020 (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017)
Human Resource Requirements Projection for 2030 Total Tourist Direct Induced Total
Arrival Employment Employment Employment Employment in 2016 753,002 427,000 518,000 945,000 Average employment per tourist 0.6 0.7 1.3 Projection for 2030 reaching 5 5,000,000 2,835,318 3,439,566 6,274,884 Million tourists Increased % 564 Times increment 6.64 Table 13: Projection of Human Resource Requirement for 2030 (Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2017) of employment by 564% approximately which • The challenges Lack of political will, means an increment by more than 6 times than commitment and focused leadership the present context. These numbers thus backed up by financial resources in order expressed appear to be highly ambitious and to meet the targets. exceeding. Is it possible to attain such result in verity? This is a pertaining question in the face • Sustained political stability and the peace of the tourism industry of Nepal. that obstruct the day to day tourism based activities. (Bandhs and strikes) Major Challenges • The new tourism policy rolled out by the From the above data looking at the present Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil ranking of the tourism industry of Nepal, the Aviation needs to be translated into laws, projections that have been made for the future rules and regulation sin order to implement with specialized targets of 2020 and 2030 and the policies. the available means and resources, some of the major challenges of the tourism industry in • Weak monitoring an evaluation
32 VOICE OF HIMALAYA components in the Nepalese context which ahead, accomplishing the targets of Visit Nepal is the great challenge for the government Year 2018 and the Vision 2020 and 2030 even if the plans and policies are sounds very idealistic and full of wish full implemented to meet the target. thinking. It is going to be a miracle in the • Lack of proper plans based on research Nepalese tourism industry if the targets are out findings and market intelligence to produce rightly met. However, the tasks that have been plans, strategies and activities to meet the given are not impossible but it should be targets. realized that it requires all of the tourism stakeholders and the government to fire in all • From the above data analysis, meeting the the cylinders. For this, a greater political projected demands of airlines and airport commitment, focused leadership and better related infrastructures and the coordination among the tourism stakeholders accommodation is a huge challenge. with the strategic marketing plan is the key to • Fulfilling the human resource need for the achieve the target of bringing in and managing industry also seems very challenging. 2 million international tourists. Therefore, we • As the data on the investment for need to amalgamate Political, Economic and infrastructural development has not been Ethical Leadership to empower tourism analyzed in this study, our assumption is development to meet the targets. that in order to meet the targets, it will be a challenge to fulfill all the infrastructural need of airports, airlines, ;road transport, References communication etc. to meet the need of Crotti, R., & Misrahi, T. (Eds.). (2-17). The tourism industry. Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 (pp. 1-387, Rep.). Geneva: World Steps Ahead Economic Forum. doi:http://www3.weforum. With the objective of developing and org/docs/WEF_TTCR_2017_web_0401.pdf diversifying the tourist destinations to provide Thapa, B. (2003). Tourism in Nepal. quality services and facilities to maximize Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing. 15, satisfaction for tourists and economic benefit to pp. 117-138. local community, strategies should be formulated in the manner for destination Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Nepal development and management. Some of the 2017 (pp. 1-24, Rep.). (n.d.). London: World important steps thus could be: Travel and Tourism Council. doi:https://www. wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic- • Building tourism integrated development impact-research/countries-2017/nepal2017.pdf plan Nepal Tourism Statistics 2017 (pp. 1-109, • Sound guiding policies backed by laws, Rep.). (2017). Kathmandu: Ministry of Culture, rules, regulations for national tourism Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of industry development and management. Nepal. • Developing Tourism Master Plan and regional plans. • Developing short, mid and long term plans for destination development. • Integrated destination development backed up by resourced in partnership with different stakeholders. Conclusion Looking at the projections and challenges
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 33 Mountain Economics
Pramod Nepal*
peaks in 2014. Among the newly opened peaks, nine are above 7,000m, ninety are above 6,000m and four are above 5,000m (Mountaineering in Nepal: Facts and Figure; Department of Tourism, 2017). In its documentof May 2014, TAANclaims that Nepal has a total of 3,310 peaks including 1,913 climbing peaks. Likewise, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is operating 27 mountains below 7000m heights (Department of Tourism). Introduction Effective from January 1, 2015, Department An opening line of H.W. Tilman’s classic of Tourism (DoT), Ministry of Culture, Tourism book entitled ‘Nepal Himalaya’ (1952)—there and Civil Aviation charges USD 11,000 royalty can be no other country so rich in mountains as per person for Mt. Everest Normal route, which Nepal—is enough to introduce Nepal as a is the South-East ridge of the mountain for the mountainous country. Sandwiched between Spring Season; the charge is half of it for two giant countries—India and China, Nepal is Autumn Season. For other route of the Mt. synonymous to mountains. Mystic mountains Everest, expedition royalty per person for never fail to entice tourists. Standing as last Spring and Autumn season is USD 10,000 and frontier of Nepal’s territory in northern side, USD 5,000 respectively. Likewise, expedition mountains are unmoved markings of Nepal’s fee for other mountains of more than 8000 border with China. Ever since Tenzing Norgey meters is USD 1800 for Spring and 900 for Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary from Autumn season. The rate is even low for 7501 New Zealand became the first people to scale meter to 7999 meter mountains—USD 600 for on the top of the world on May 29, 1953, it has Spring Season and USD 300 for Autumn become the symbol of pride, courage and Season. The above mentioned charges are determination for mountaineers. Mountaineers different for Nepali climbers. from all over the world visit to Nepal with the Out of total area of Nepal (1, 41,181 sq. aim to conquer Mt. Everest. People shed the km) approximately 83% of land mass is tears of happiness while glimpsing mountains covered with mountain landscapes including particularly Mt. Everest. Himalayas, however, attributed with pristine Nepalopened mountains for climbing in nature and culture(CBS, 2006). Out of more 1949 AD. Since then, mountaineering has been than 3,500 km. vast extensions of the highest the most promising tourism activity and is Himalayas termed as Hindu Kush – Himalaya considered as prolific sector in terms of revenue ranging from Afghanistan in the north-west to generation of the country. Therefore, the Myanmar in the south-east, Nepal Himalaya Government has opened 414 peaks for has covered approx. 800 sq. km. beginning mountaineering activities by adding 104 new from Byasrishi Himal in Darchula in the west
* Mr. Pramod Nepal is the Under Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal.
34 VOICE OF HIMALAYA to Kanchejunga in the east (Upadhayaya & Microeconomics focuses on the actions of Upreti, 2008) individual agents within the economy, like A range of different communities inhabits households, workers, and businesses. the four ranges of mountains covering Sivalik, Therefore, microeconomics of mountains Mahabharat, Mid Hill and high Himalayas with surrounds around guide, porters and workers as valleys in between. The communities are a well as agencies carrying out expedition and mixture of various castes, ethnic people, and trekking. indigenous groups from Tibeto Mongoloid and The direct contribution of Travel & Indo Aryans races with their age-old rich Tourism to GDP was NPR85.2billion (USD0.8 cultures and traditions.Mountain regions are billion), 3.6% of total GDP in 2016 and is generally characterized by irregular & steep raised by 6.8% in 2017, and to rise by 4.3% per relief of land/surface, deep gorges, low annum, from 2017-2027, to NPR138.9 billion temperature, fragile ecology, poorly developed (USD1.3 billion), 4.0% of total GDP in 2027. soil, limited choice of crops, remote isolated Similarly, in 2016 Travel & Tourism directly villages, low oxygen pressure, and low supported 427,000 jobs (2.9% of total humidity of air (Upadhayaya, 2006). employment). This figure is increased by 6.0% Tourism Act, 2035 (1978 AD), in 2017 and to rise by 2.9% per annum to Mountaineering Expedition Regulation, 2059 604,000 jobs (3.2% of total employment) in (2002), Tourism Policy 2065, Mountaineering 2027 (Tourism and Travel: Economic Impact Royalty Allocation and Mobilization 2017, Nepal; World Travel and Tourism Directives, 2070 BS, National Natural Council). Resources and Fiscal Commission, 2074 Even though mountains are considered as (2017), Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangements backbone of Nepal’s tourism, its overall Act, 2074 are some of the legal instruments contribution to national economy is largely that govern mountaineering. Likewise, unaccounted.Owing to lack of satellite account Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil of tourism sector, the actual contribution of Aviation, Ministry of Finance, NNRFC, tourism sector still is underestimated. While Department of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, computing the contribution of mountain sectors Nepal Mountaineering Association, Trekking in GDP, royalty generated from mountaineering Agencies’ Association of Nepal are some expeditionsand household incomes were taken governmental as well as non governmental into consideration. entities responsible for mountaineering. Limitation of the Study Besides expeditions, trekking, sight- The study is mainly based on secondary seeing, skiing, hotels, restaurants and tea shops, data. Tourism is the crosscutting issue, so is the rescuing are some of the services and activities mountain tourism. Various components of that are carried out in mountain regions. While mountain-based-tourism need to be analyzed to talking about the economics of mountains, it accurately determine its the exact contribution. connotes two aspects, namely, macroeconomics Unfortunately, prevalence of informal and microeconomics. economy, unaccounted transactions and Since the macroeconomics deals with four multiple crosscutting sectors being out of areasrelated to output, employment, prices and government’s purview made the study quite foreign sector (Samuelson and Nordhaus, complicated. Unavailability of data made the Economics, Twelfth edition), for this study study complicated. The study is focus on purpose, the focus is in output (GDP) aspect royalties received from mountains; crosscutting only. Therefore,macroeconomics of mountains issues are mountain economics are not here is its contribution to national economy, considered because of the time and other more particularly on GDP. resource constraints.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 35 Review of Literature the year 2015 whereas lowest is in the year Mountains are sources of freshwater, raw 2014. materials, are locus of significant biological (A) Revenue Received by Department of diversity and are attractive tourist destinations. Tourism Mountain ecosystem plays vital role in the Total Royalty lives of upstream and downstream populations S.N. Year (Ariz et al 2013). Every year thousands of Members (in USD) tourists flock in mountains with the purpose of 1 2011 1937 3,141,575 climbing them or seeing them close by. 2 2012 2216 4,160,675 Thousands of people are relying on mountains 3 2013 2273 3,904,825 for their livelihoods. Economic activities thus developed in mountain region have not only 4 2014 1536 330,340 generated revenues from the government, the 5 2015 2763 3,334,162 movement of tourists in the mountains region 6 2016 1946 2,380,802 also equally benefits people. Employment 7 2017 2277 3,885,758 opportunities are available in the region. Owing to tourism value of mountains, the lives of (Source: Department of Tourism) people residing in the mountains are becoming The phenomenal decrease in revenue from less miserable (NMA reports). USD 3,904,825 in year 2013 to USD 330,340 in the year 2014 is the consequences of Hud- Mountaineering expedition is among the Hud avalanche, which was occurred in main facets of mountain tourism. Every year Annapurana region. The aftermath of hundreds of climber visit Nepal with purpose devastated earthquake too has some effect in of climbing mountains. Associated with mountaineering. In the year 2016, there was expedition, various economic activities and significant decrease in number of climbers and products namely porter, insurance, helicopters corresponding revenues. services, hotels and tea-shops, foodstuffs, helping people, mountain guides are operated (Mountain Tourism in Nepal, Shrestha, H.P). Alas, climate change coupled with unsustainable tourism activities in mountains has threatened the mountains. Rise in temperatures has resulted in melting of snow from the mountains. If the course is not corrected, it shall further complicate the lives of mountains and will disturb mountains’ ecosystem(ICIMOD, 2016). While there was notable decrease in Contribution of Mountaineering number of climber and revenue in 2014 on Royalty to GDP government-operating mountains, the NMA- As a simple rule of thumb, the Ministry of operated-mountains had almost no impact of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation manages that avalanche. But, it seems that earthquake 8000m and 7000m peaks while NMA manages affected to the climbing of mountains managed the 33 peaks ranging from 5587m to 6654m. by NMA. Fundamentally, young enthusiastic The revenue generated from mountaineering climber, adventure lovers, trainees are attracted activities, particularly expedition royalty is towards NMA-managed mountains, which are enlisted below. The statistics of mountaineering relatively easier to climb and less expensive. from 2011 to 2017 reveals inconsistence In NMA-managed mountains, year 2015 pattern. The number of climbers is highest in witnessed lowest number of climbers and
36 VOICE OF HIMALAYA associated royalty. In 2012, there was all time (C) Mountain Revenue to GDP (GDP in high of climbers but on revenue front year $ Billion and Mountain Revenue in $) 2017 stood first, generating to almost one The total contribution of tourism sector to million USD. GDP was USD 1.6 billion, 7.5% of GDP in (B) Royalty Received by Nepal 2016, USD 1.919 billion, 7.8% in 2017 and is Mountaineering Association forecast to rise by 5.2% in 2018 (WTTC, 2018). The figure is still low, around 3% according to S.N Year Members Royalty (In USD) national statistics of Nepal. Tourism sector, 1 2011 4266 368,330 which has transformative power to bring Nepal 2 2012 6486 560,175 in the path of prosperity, is struggling to attract 3 2013 6153 537,850 even one million tourists and create forward and backward linkages in the economy. People 4 2014 6059 515,645 are not being able to get benefit from the 5 2015 2506 463,145 tourism. 6 2016 4822 751,535 Around the world, Nepal is known for its 7 2017 5920 999,850 mountains. Unfortunately, its contribution to (Source: Nepal Mountaineering Association) national economy is very insignificant. The The clustered column of revenues collected data below shows the pity condition of by Department of Tourism and Nepal mountain sectors. The direct revenue collected Mountaineering Association is given below. from mountains is very low, far below 1% of The revenue collected by DOT is shown in red GDP. Statistics shows that, even though Nepal color and that of NMA is shown in orange has more than eight mountains having more color. In comparison to revenue collected by than 8 thousand meter height, only Mt. Everest DOT, the royalty received by NMA is generates significant amount of revenue insignificant. Unlike uneven pattern of (DOT).Nepal has not put its all efforts to revenues collected by DOT, the royalty promote mountains and allure climbers to collected by NMA is gradually increasing over climb mountains of Nepal. Political instability, the years. lack of clarity in policiesand regulation, natural calamities, unethical practices in mountain tourism and lack of proper regulatory and facilitative support have marred the growth of mountain tourism. Owing to lack of tourism satellite account, the actual contribution of tourism sector in national economy is unaccounted, so is the mountain sector. Revenue from Mountain(Revenue of both S.N Year GDP Revenue to GDP DoT and NMA) 1 2011 3,509,905 18.914 0.0185 2 2012 4,720,850 18.852 0.025 3 2013 4,442,675 19.271 0.023 4 2014 845,985 20.003 0.00422 5 2015 3,797,307 21.411 0.0177 6 2016 3,132,337 21.132 0.01480 7 2017 4,885,608 24.472 0.02 (Source: World Bank and Economic Survey)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 37 Employment Generation very ambitious target. It demands massive There is no official data regarding transformation in existing scenarios including employment supported by mountain tourism. mountain tourism. Government must provision Prevalence of unregistered agencies and agents all necessary assistance stand-by in basecamp is significantly high. Besides climbing, there to facilitate expedition. Sherpas, who are the are plenty of jobs in expedition but backbone of mountain tourism, should be undocumented. Similarly, mountain-tourism- motivated to carry out ethical practices in dependent teashops, restaurants, and hotels and mountains. Government should provision human resources working in those places are adequate insurance for high risk Sherpa out of government purview. Therefore, it is climber. Technical skill development training quite difficult to estimate the status of related to mountaineering should be provided employment supported and/or created by to all Sherpa climber and assistance climber. mountaineering. Nevertheless, providing basic amenities in According to World Travel and Tourism mountain region to facilitate expedition Council, in 2017, Travel and Tourism directly activities is central to attract tourists for supported 497,500 jobs in Nepal (3.2 % of total mountain activities. Every stakeholder should employment). This is expected to rise by 3.9% work in tandem to develop mountain tourism in 2018. Nevertheless, these data too does not and thus mountain economics. differentiate the contribution of different sectors within Travel and Tourism. References Summary and Conclusion Ariza, C, Maselli, D., Kohler, T. 2013: A Tourism is an important sector to earn global synthesis based on 10 regional reports. foreign currency and maintain balance of Department of Tourism, Mountaineering payment. It demands coordinated actions of all in Nepal: Facts and Figure, 2017 stakeholders, as it is a cross-cutting sector. Gurung, H. (2005): Mountain Reflections: Government has accorded tourism sectors, Pattern and Development, Mandala Publication. among other, high priority to fulfill national dream of prosperity. For this the government Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil machineries in tandem with private sectors Aviation, Tourism Statistics of Nepal, 2017, must develop tourist friendly policies, Kathmandu infrastructures, human resources and soft Ministry of Finance, Economic Survey, skills. Government must ensure that people 2017/18, Kathmandu residing in far-flunked areas have also received Upadhaya, P.K, Upreti, B.R., Enhancing dividends of tourism development. Women’s Participation in Mountain Tourism, Mystic mountains are fundamentals of Prospects and Challenges (as read in http://lib. Nepalese tourism. Every year hundreds of icimod.org/record/13555/files/1265.pdf ) thousands tourists visit Nepal either to see Various reports of Nepal Mountaineering mountains or climb these. Trekking, Association. mountaineering, heli safari, mountain flights, World Travel and Tourism Council, skiing and other adventure undertakings are so Tourism and Travel: Economic Impact 2017, of the activities associated with mountains. Nepal; Various governmental as well as non- governmental and private sectors are working http://www.nepalmountaineering.org/ on mountain tourism, yet its growth is crawling. http://www.taan.org.np/ Recently, honorable tourism minister has vowed to increase the contribution of tourism sector to 25% in the national economy. This is
38 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Becoming a Trekking Guide in Nepal Past and Present
Ian Wall*
In a bye-gone era visitors, trekkers and mountaineers visiting Nepal would expect to experience pristine nature, crystal glittering mountains, and medieval Nepali villages, rich cultures, customs and festivals and be more than happy with that. Back then within the trekking and mountaineering sector, foreign visitors were generallymountain lovers, they had possibly climbed and trekked in the Alps but in the main Nepal has always prided itself on being the they had trekking or mountain walking/ Premier Destination for Adventure Mountain climbing experience and had acquired the large Tourism. This accolade was gained at a time armoury of skills and mountain knowledge when there were few other mountainous required to undertake a safe passage through a destinations accessible to tourists and Nepal possibly hostile and technical mountain had the monopoly of pristine high mountains, a environment. clean unpolluted environment and a national They were adventure seekers with possibly community virtually untouched by the modern a higher tolerance for the ‘less luxurious life world and commercialism. Today everything is style’ and they possibly had more time to different and some of the challenges facing our undertake their expeditions away from the trekking guides are coming from the most ‘office’, flexibility up to a point was the name unexpected quarters. of the game. To understand the challenges of the future The ‘adventure’ came in the form of being we must learn about the situations experienced unsure of the outcome of their travel plans and from the past. objectives and, to a certain extent, was also
The first sun rays of the day kissing the summit of Annapurna 1 in the distance © Ian Wall
* (Mr. Ian Wall is the co-founder of Off the Wall Trekking and an expert resource person for Nepal Mountain Academy)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 39 based on a lack of good risk assessment and, or, lack of planning, as a result of the lack of detailed information. At that time, information was scarce and out of ignorance of issues like altitude sickness, which was also a major unknown factor, it created a real ‘unpredictable’ outcome scenario. Lodges did not exist so essential detailed planning, as much as was possible, back home was essential so as to be able to deal with all possible eventualities that might be met along the way once in Nepal. There were very few high mountain airstrips and most people started their adventures trekking from Kathmandu although a little later Pokhara developed as the second centre for tourism. Equipment was heavy and unsophisticated and the tents, with, in general, no sewn in groundsheets, were cold and draughty and ‘campers’ needed a good ‘level of outdoor skills’ to exist for the duration of a trek in relative comfort. Light- weight down clothing was expensive and in of motorable roads outside of the Valley. The general only available to the top end ‘tourists’. first car in Kathmandu was given as a gift to At that time very little was known about KingTribhuvan by Adolf Hitler, the latter’s Nepal other than the romantic image of the own personal 1938 model Mercedes Benz, high white mountains, remote and ethnically which was the first car ever seen in Nepal. In diverse communities and pristine environments. 1940 it was carried to the capital by an army of There were no trekking agents, no trained porters. mountain or trekking guides and no other form To gain knowledge about Nepal prospective of ‘adventure tourism’ other than that of just travellers had to read expedition reports or talk ‘travelling’ through the country. The journey to to someone who had been to Nepal, there were arrive in Nepal was long and expensive and virtually no maps, no guide books and the included several long weeks at sea and then Boris Lisanevich obtained the visas for the first overland from Calcutta, an adventure in itself. group of tourists to visit Nepal trekking routes The in-country road system was poor and were along simple ‘local’ trails. Even the local vehicular movement was restricted not only by people had little idea of the greater geography the shortage of vehicles but also due to the lack of their own region. And above all there was no
40 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Toni Hagen was one of the earliest geologists to visit Nepal and he went on to write ‘Toni Hagen's Nepal’, a travelinspiration for many. Courtesy Toni Hagen Foundation. internet! Himalayan Tours which would help with the Although there were no trekking agents as logistics and generally handle all the such there was an in country facilitator, Tek administration required within Nepal at that Pokhrel who ran a company called Trans time.
Boris Lisanevich obtained the visas for the first Ed Hillary instigator of Lukla Airport group of tourists to visit Nepal
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 41 In the early 1960s Boris Lisanevich (1905- 1985) a Russian ballet dancer, ahotelier and restaurateur helped pave the way for tourism in Nepal, when he opened the country's first Rob Hall and Gary Ball after their first guided Lt Col Jimmy Roberts hotel, the Hotel ascent of Everest 1992 Mountain Travel, the first Royal, and later building Lukla airport which opened to flights trekking company in Nepal when he created in 1964. the Yak & Yeti Hotel and Restaurant. Nepal had never been considered a tourist destination Then came Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy but Boris saw a potential and persuaded the Roberts (1916– 1997) he was one of the King to provide visas for an elite group of greatest Himalayan mountaineer-explorers of tourists that Boris had cultivated through his the twentieth century; a highly decorated Club 300 in Calcutta. British Army officer who achieved his greatest accolade as "the father of commercial trekking" The tourism industry was born. in Nepal. Roberts was posted to Kathmandu in Ed Hillary, who along with Tenzing 1958 as military attaché. He retired from the Norgay, were the first to climb Everest, was British Army in 1962 but by then he had also instrumental in opening up the Everest region seen a potential market for wealthy clients to to trekkers when he set about funding and then visit the country to enjoy the wonders that
Source : Nepal Rastra Bank (2017). Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation-Nepali (Based on Annual Data of 2073/74). Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank
42 VOICE OF HIMALAYA shortages of foreign organisations and local Nepali agents prepared to help those clients spend their hard earned cash to reach the Himalayan heights. New commercial expeditions while still offering opportunities to those people with money, time and a sense of adventure were basically changing the game. In the early stages of ‘adventure tourism’ in Nepal the mountaineers would work as a team with their Nepalese staff, route and rope fixing was a joint effort and all would share the good and bad experiences. Trekkers would accept what they were faced with while far away from Kathmandu, the expectation was for ‘enjoyment’, ‘adventure’ and ‘experience’. Today the term ‘customer-care’ is a significant element of life in Base Camp for the expedition make up Nepal. In 1965 he registered the first leaders and senior staff and also for trek leaders. trekking and mountaineeringcompany in Sadly, there are situations at the moment in Nepal, Mountain Travel Nepal and developed the adventure and tourism sector that result in the concept and standards of ‘adventure Nepal being caught between a rock and a hard tourism’, an industry that has since evolved place. Nepal is to a certain extent still regarded worldwide. The first batch of trekkers consisted by many travellers as being a ‘less expensive’ of three ladies who went for a trek to the tourist destination, whereas we know Everest Base Camp. Kathmandu is now rated, as I believe, the By the mid-1970s Nepalese mountain second most expensive city in SE Asia and that workers associated with the Nepal in 2016 Nepal experienced an inflation rate of Mountaineering Association had been trained 10.5%, a lot higher than many of our Himalayan in technical climbing so that they could neighbours. The unexpected cost of living continue to support foreign expeditions when means trekkers often arrive in Kathmandu stay their attention refocused on the large more one night then set off on trek and often in an technical faces of the Himalayan peaks. ill-prepared state. Up to 1990 Nepal progressed in much the Kathmandu also holds a reputation that all same way as it had in the preceding 50 years, tourist-related commodities are up to be development was slow and confined mainly to ‘bartered’ for, of no fixed price. There is a good the Kathmandu Valley. Then as a result of reason why shop-keepers in Thamel do not political pressure the political landscape price their goods! This situation and the changed and some would say that for a while misconceptions held by many tourists are the development of Nepal went into decline or compounded by the lack of transparency. at least stood still. Outside Nepal, the world Over the last 30 years several trekking and was also facing political and financial changes. adventure editors have published trekking During 1991 the first commercial guides, trekking maps have also been published mountaineering expedition was introduced into to accompany the guide books. There are no the mix of adventure opportunities on offer. end of shop keepers in Thamel, hoteliers and Some people increasingly had a certain amount other related tourist personnel all offering of disposable income and high ambitions. advice on trekking routes in Nepal, some are Advertising hit the media and there were no easy, some are very serious undertakings, some
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 43 advice is sound while others are just anecdotal. Camp, 'Everest ER' has established the medical However, there are still many trekkers lulled post which had, by early April 2018 into a false sense of security because of the administered assistance to 21 patients but once proliferation of all this advisory and informative the season gets really underway and the material. Add to this the information available expeditions get into full swing then these on the internet and Google Earth and you have numbers will increase multiple times. a potential recipe for disaster. The many publications, maps and guide Either in an effort to save money, reduce books as well as the internet are now playing a the overall costs of the ‘Nepal Experience’ or huge role in not only informing prospective because people think they will be safe and trekkers and mountaineers of their options but don’t require a guide they travel alone. In the in providing a false sense of security as well as majority of cases they complete their journey providing technical knowledge on routes, safely. Along the way those with a guide will lodge accommodation and of course the hundreds of Agencies based in Nepal and all fighting for the same clients. Now if wifi is not available in the chosen lodge trekkers will demand ‘move onto the next wifi connected lodge’. This has created a certain connectivity ‘dependency’. Already this season there have been occasions when the weather and other issues have prevented some trekkers reporting into their families back home and this lack of communication has raised un-necessary safety concerns and anxiety levels for home based family and friends. chat to those without and the conversation will The options for people to come to Nepal often follow the line of ‘what have I got from and do a trek or climb a mountain are endless the additional cost of hiring a guide?’ Trekkers and providing they have the money it now still set off solo fashion unaware of their seems they don’t necessarily need to have the vulnerability if things go wrong. experience. Many visitors are looking for Many trekking areas now boast first aid something different and those people now and health posts and those at the honeypot undertaking treks, trekking peaks and even areas have medical posts specifically providing Everest often have little in terms of mountain support for trekkers and run by the Himalayan experience or understanding, the Himalaya are Rescue Association (HRA). At Everest Base not the European Alps. With many foreign
44 VOICE OF HIMALAYA expedition leaders spending most of their escape the poverty situation by ‘leading’ ‘mountain time’ trying to please their clients tourists in the mountains, the trekkers, with and at the same time telling them how good little information on Nepal were happy with their operation is and how successful it’s been that. However we should now consider the fact in getting people on ‘the summit’ they pamper that despite all the information on the trekking to the clients, the very people who keep the routes clients engage a guide because either, expeditions and companies functioning. But they want to learn more about Nepal, they the expeditions would not function without the don’t know what they are doing, they don’t porters and other mountain staff and Nepalese have the skills or the time to put their own trip guides. It now appears to be a situation together or because by Nepalese law (restricted unfortunately of ‘us’ and ‘them’ the continental areas) they have to have a guide. element of an expedition and the Nepali How does the wealth of information found element, not in all cases but in many the joint in printed matter, on the internet and on social ‘team approach’ is not what is used to be. media all impact on the future challenges So where does that leave the trekking facing trekking guides of the future? guides today? We have considered the It is all about EXPECTATIONS, not only situations of the past when mountain trekkers of the clients but also of all the other people had experience, understand and a certain level involved in mountain tourism. of expectation. We have reviewed the issues of In the 1960s mountain guides received the present where trekkers have first rate technical training to help them meet the equipment, technical navigational equipment expectations of future technical climbing as well as fully illustrated guide books and expeditions venturing onto the high mountains other reference material, but often little of Nepal. In the same way today we have to knowledge or experience in the mountains. focus on providing specific training for trekking What do we need to do to be mindful of, and to guides in readiness for leading already well meet the challenges for the future? prepared, fit and informed trekkers but often In past generations local Nepalese people who have little real mountain experience. saw an opportunity to earn money to help them Client expectations vary according to the trek they have chosen, however there are common expectations that all clients have. • Value for money • A knowledgeable guide • Safety While the value for money element sits primarily with the agent every other aspect of the trek is the responsibility of the guide. For many clients a trek in Nepal will have been a long held ambition and they will want to get the maximum from it. They will have, in many cases, trained hard for their trek putting in the miles back home and maybe spent time on walks carrying a heavy rucksack. Our guides need to keep fit and ready to hit the start of the season in the height of personal fitness or they will be walked into the ground by the trekker clients.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 45 Many clients would require more than basic accommodation Above all the clients will want information, Despite the fact that until the time the who was the first person to climb the main clients arrive in Nepal they will have dealt with mountain around which the trek is based, by the local Agents once on trek it is the guide which route, how long did it take and when. who becomes the face of the company and They will want the names of other geographical represents that company. Any slight failure to features within the valley/area, the peaks and meet client expectations will result in a rivers and information about communities, dissatisfied client. As part of the Agent’s risk ethnic groups, customs and cultures. assessment there should be the question, ‘Is the There is a whole list of issues the trekking guide knowledgeable about this area’, not just guides should now be trained in. It might even simply ‘does he know the way and is he or she be worth considering a ‘specialism’ for the safe?’ guides to study, for example to gain in depth Training guides in historical, geographical knowledge about the 8000m peak treks, and local cultural and ethnic knowledge is not Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Everest and the the final solution. At the moment the local Khumbu peaks, Manaslu, Annapurna and communities, realising the short fall of their Dhaulagiri, flora and fauna. Clients will not be situation, are taking matters into their own happy to hear such things as ‘it’s not my job’ or hands from opening new routes to building ‘I don’t know’. This will only cause new lodges. Sadly a lot of the new development dissatisfaction in the client is not architecturally in keeping with local In my opinion the Nepalese trekking culture. Many of the new lodges would not guides have great strength of knowledge when it comes to the mountain safety issues but their general knowledge of the trekking districts is, in general, weak compared to client expectations. A trekking guide is no longer just a leader, he or she is a ‘tour guide of the mountains’ and as such should have a good command of all the relevant facts related to the trekking area in which they are to operate. Many lodges rebuilt after the earthquake have up-graded their facilities
46 VOICE OF HIMALAYA look out of place in foreign resorts. Another ‘x’ customer or clients, they do not keep producing against client’s list of expectations! the same old machine and train to the same old The government should, as a matter of standards and simply tell the customers they today urgency, devise a plan to audit all the need to readjust to that old technology. trekking areas and then to ensure new To summarise, I think the Nepal construction is in keeping with local traditions Government, the Ministry, the training and continually monitor the situation. institutes and the NTB should focus on the The responsibility for the future following issues:- development of adventure tourism does not 1. Fully understand why tourists in all sectors depend solely on infrastructure and training. visit Nepal and what their expectations are. With so many freelance trekking leaders and 2. Devise a new Tourism Development Plan trekking agents it is increasingly difficult for that not only addresses visitor expectations clients to distinguish between those leaders and but also plugs the gaps that already exist in agents of quality as opposed to the rest. One the existing plan. bad apple and the box will soon become rotten. 3. Implement the Plan with appropriate Alongside all the marketing Nepal needs to support and monitoring at all levels to develop a quality standard for providers. All avoid any existing weak links. agents should be legally required to sign up to 4. Work closely with the local administration a national quality organisation that then to ensure that local and appropriate regularly monitors the agents to ensure they development meets the needs and operate in a transparent manner. All trek leaders expectations of the visitors as well as should also belong to their own association, an conforming to Government policies organization that provides training, assessment and on-going professional development leading 5. Strengthen the role and position of the to a national Nepal Trekking Guides Award. Ministry in monitoring trekking agents and withdraw operating licenses if bad and There are several national training bodies corrupt practices are uncovered. in Nepal and many private ones, and in the main, they are all following a similar training 6. Develop a national advanced trek leader syllabus, however Nepal has failed to structure award to a nationally agreed safety a National Trek Leaders/Guide Award. To standard organise this would be simple if the interest 7. Implement the policy that all trek leaders bodies would only be prepared to cooperate. In should hold this award before going above all other adventure destination around the 3500m or into remote areas. world there is a national safety benchmark, a 8. Broaden and deepen trek leader training to line that foreigners accept as being a include more local, geographical, and professional and safe standard. By general knowledge of specific trekking implementing this Nepal could reinforce its areas. focus on safety, virtually shut down all 9. Market a ‘quality national training scheme’ unscrupulous traders and so called trek leaders and its associated members. and generally raise the standard of service in the trekking sector. 10. Creating a totally transparent tourism system so as to develop trust and confidence There needs to be a total overhaul of in the Nepal Tourism industry. Tourism thinking and maybe, just maybe the new ‘think tank’ will come up with the goods. In industry a new machine will be designed and the training of manpower will take place to meet the modern needs and requirements of the
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 47 Under a Female Leadership
Lakpa Phuti Sherpa*
3000 ropani of land is one amongst them. Similarly, the development of syllabus for 10+2 with academic focus towards mountaineering which has now become a reality is also equally distinct. The development of syllabus of Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies (BMS) was then felt as necessary to start an academic background in the field of mountaineering as I strongly feel and advocate that Nepal is the accurate domicile for such studies. With this focus in mind, various Dream becomes reality if we put our hearts consultations with experts of the respective and minds to it and NMA is that dream for me! fields to develop the syllabus of BMS were My journey at the Nepal Mountain held. Formulating the syllabus was not enough. Academy (NMA) commenced as a member for Creating an institution with authorized licensed 2 years. I didn’t get major prospect to program was felt. So, the thought of initiating remarkably contribute then. It was only when I the academy as an educational institute was took up the position of the Executive Director generated. at the academy, the genuine deal began for me. For this purpose, NMA formed To take up the position was not an collaboration with the Education Ministry and accomplishment in itself but to make the most a relevant committee was created upon the of it was. With a lot of familiarity and request of the institution and affiliation from experience in the mountaineering sector, I had Tribhuvan University was acquired. These my specific visions and apparitions but to lead process while describing is very fluent and a government institution was novel for me. smooth but in reality it was the supreme So, I had to firstly, craft a structure for the challenge for me as the Executive Director. smooth execution of the organization and it Different levels of lobbying with several was a learning by doing course. I was agencies and concerned authorities for this determined to take up the leadership even more purpose was done by me and the team which so as a woman. Due to the instable political was obviously physically, mentally and situation, there were hardships to build a emotionally straining. quality network and give a good impression in Regardless of the challenges, I knew that if the mountaineering sector for NMA back then. we don’t start now, some other country might As time passed by, me and my team commenced take the initiation of starting mountaineering edifying the institution brick by brick. education before us as I really felt that it was The various projects that were initiated the right provided to us by our nature. Hence, I during my tenure were and still are very special intensely pursued the vision to take NMA to me. The Master Plan for the construction of forward academically and for scholastic Mountaineering campus at Garma of Solu in advancement. Various international experts in
* Ms. Lakhpa Phuti Sherpa is the former Executive Director of Nepal Mountain Academy. At current, she is the Managing Director of Adventure Sisters Trekking and Expedition.
48 VOICE OF HIMALAYA this regards gave their constructive feedbacks Adventure Tourism. This is probably one of a and many universities had reflected their keen kind in the world for which I as a part of the interest to provide affiliation to the program. institution and former Executive Director take However, we were determined to take the tremendous pride in. The stable political affiliation from the Tribhuvan University under situation has also opened up a lot of possibilities the School of Management. So in this way, a for the academic development of the scientific syllabus was developed which took Mountaineering sector under the initiative of almost 2 years to get the affiliation from the NMA. University after the completion of all the So, my gratitude and thankfulness progressions. categorically goes to all who have abetted me Another such explicit initiative is the Ski to accomplish my visions in these reputes. training with international collaboration from Such has been an enriching journey for me Swiss and France. I myself have many years of personally and also for the institution. I was experience of skiing at different mountains and am still focused towards development of around the world. Therefore, I have seen academic platform of national value, pride and immense prospects in the Western Himalayas importance. of Nepal. At that time, it was a perilous attempt Therefore, the focus of the institution now but it seems all worthwhile at present-day. should be towards mounting and also upholding Female Trekking Guide training is also one an international eminence. Though I am not of the imperious endeavor for me as it has physically present at the institution at current, I enabled a lot of young women to pursue shall persistently be committed towards sustainable career in tourism and trekking. Not uplifting this institution even externally. I am just delivering the training, but NMA also very much gratified with the progress of NMA acquired the authority of issuing license to the which is an upshot of solidarity of those who trainees. Mountaineering orientation and have been involved. Engendering skilled and conflict management training is another academic human resource is subsequently large milestone with a syllabus of 8 days. Weather facet for the academy that the adjoining future forecast has been successfully run that has holds. My best wishes are forever with the added one more feather to the cap of NMA. NMA team and kudos to the prodigious journey Now, I have high hopes for the Masters in that the academy has been pursuing.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 49 Understanding the Mountains
Pemba Gyalje Sherpa*
joyous scenario as upholding of high standards is still a gigantic morsel to master. Having said that, the prominence of mountaineering has been deliberately comprehended as it has become technologically advanced, accessed by road transportation. Minimization of human fatalities in such areas and air rescue service have come to the highlight. But once again, I would like to remark the fact that upholding of culture with proper governance should be in place. Hence, it can be implicitly understood Mountaineering in Nepal is a cosmic that there are a lot of things happening in this playground with prodigious scope that has sector but without a resilient system. appealed global curiosity. However, if we start The role of youth in this regards is from the foundation, the exploration and imperious. Nepalese youth have realized the analysis of this sector has not been adequate value and prospects of mountain tourism to a due to varied factors such as marketing and great extent. They are certainly aware about it promotion, political instability, infrastructure but they are still not confident to pursue it as a development, quality workforce and human career because of various lagging elements that resource, lack of implementation and well- I have mentioned earlier. Mountaineering timed revision of the rules, regulations and therefore, should fall under national priority policies in our country. Further, it can also not and national investment with correct strategies. be denied that lack of proper ethics, unhealthy This shall be the stepping stone towards competition, and political influence in eradicating the skeptical nature of youth mountaineering are other domineering towards this sector in terms of future and dynamics. As a result, the mountaineering security. Nevertheless, till date there has been a sector has sometimes been disparaged by notable partaking of the young people with media worldwide. Therefore, for a better and huge interest. This year itself, 17 young Nepali steady future, good planning and stronger women successfully climbed the Everest. This profile-raising approaches along with sort of participation is extremely reassuring. governmental stability and stouter guidelines is The academic induction of mountaineering vital. studies is a moral initiative and a major While talking about my professional requisite of today. Academy aimed towards experience, I have seen a lot of alterations developing mountaineering as the chief product within the time frame of around 25 years. Some of tourism is crucial as much of the classical major amongst them are opening of many and traditional style are slowly becoming peaks, commercialization of mountaineering superseded. Research based findings should be related products and services, rise in the encouraged to bring new and ground-breaking number of professionals. Yet, this is not a transformations in order to make sure to not
* Mr. Pemba Gyalje Sherpa is an international mountaineer and an expert resource person for practical courses of Nepal Mountain Academy.
50 VOICE OF HIMALAYA paralyze the industry. Mountaineering is not program is undeniably obligatory. Our people only ascending and descending but also about are going around the world such as the Rocky culture, environment, physiology, lifestyles mountain of America and Swiss mountains for and economy of different areas, therefore, learning only because we lack capacity and academic knowledge is a must. resources. Geographically and culturally our Consequently, a decent educational model mountains are unique, varied and rich. for mountaineering will ensure excellence in Outsiders have researched Nepal’s mountain human resource and mountain tourism and have acquired academic merits. Knowledge entrepreneurs with largescale scope. Our production therefore is important for us. mountains are our playground and we should Overall the mountaineering sector should be develop them as research centers for the developed not just as a business but also upcoming scholars and researchers to develop academically and rationally. the national expertise. As a country with the best and tallest mountains, a standardized
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 51 The Mystic Mountains of Nepal
Yubaraj Nayaghare*
to be mysterious and challenging terrains to ascertain. As mountains are considered to be the adverts where gods and goddesses reside, many people are still of the belief that mountains should not be climbed or stepped up on by the humans. Reversely, in regions like Europe, America and other places of world the snowcapped mountains and their challenging geographical features are used as a very good source of income generation. In the context of Nepal, Mountains are the priceless creation of the there are significant mountains ranging from nature. Mt. Kanchanjunga to Mt. Api Saipal. However, Especially for Nepal, mountains are highly still research and study in the field of the imperative resources. Due to this inimitable geographical, cultural and environmental resource, Nepal is identified as a unique, aspects are in deficient and there are no exclusive and distinctive country in the globe. substantial measures that have been taken. Mountains essentially are the blessings for Our thought about the mountains is very Nepal as they have inordinate value and one dimensional. We perceive them as snow importance and are special in numerous laden and tall structures. The Nepali society respect. 8 out of 10 highest peaks in the world and Nepal as a nation is still unaware about so lies within the boundary of Nepal. many dimensions associated with the Mountains are not merely related to the mountains and its glory. People are so snow and the land but it is connected with emotionally connected to the mountains that many other aspects of the nature. Not just they are yet to realize its importance, study geographically and topographically about its sustainable utilization. indispensable, the mountains of Nepal also The mountains of Karnali region are still identify themselves as one of the most under the shadow. They are mostly perceived important constituent of the world environment as the mountains located in the rural most parts and the nature. and are inconvenient to be accessed. There are The mountains of Nepal are mostly known very limited mountains that have been to be magnificently tall, adventurous and highlighted in the forefront due to promotion audacious. Along with it, mountains are also and marketing. There are many mountains that the domicile for other living creatures, are yet to be discovered and explored in Nepal. vegetation and environmental possessions. The nation therefore, must be thoughtful about Along with these, the mountains of Nepal are such a tragic situation. also emphasized from the cultural, religious The mountains of Nepal are the providers and social respect. and origin to many rivers, lakes and rivulets. In the past, the mountains were considered These resources have a lot to contribute to the * Mr. Yubaraj Nayaghare is a freelance Nepali writer and author. He is also an expert resource person for Nepal Mountain Academy.
52 VOICE OF HIMALAYA daily lives of the people from the Terai, Hills to environmental studies and researches should the high Himalayas. These resources are also also be considered. It has been heard that other the home to many living and non-living countries have established different equipment organisms which still have not been deliberately around the Everest region to learn and gather considered as a subject of research. and sell the information the climatic conditions Mountains in Nepalese context are known and the weather. As such are we truly lacking as Himalayas. Literally, "Him" means snow the interest and concern towards our own and "Alaya" means home in Nepali. Therefore, mountains? mountains are understood as the place of snow Our mountains are awake for 6 months and or where snow is found. This sort of asleep from another 6 months every year. understanding about the mountains is very During the active periods, many climbers and narrow, insufficient and constricted. tourists visit our mountains which also Mountains are a different world in contribute greatly to our national economy. But themselves altogether. We can learn, take and during the period of off season, we neglect our absorb many things from our mountains. mountains. Mountains are synonymously used as the We consider our rivers as our gold but our professional field of Sherpa community in mountains are also white gold for us. To utilize Nepal. It is true that the contribution of the such precious resource proper policies, visions Sherpa community is immense for the and strategies should be formulated and development and promotion of our mountains. implemented. However, there is a serious need of opening of As such, the mountains of Nepal are very the prospects related with them to the rest of valuable which should be extracted socially, the people of Nepal. practically and economically which will also Most of the lively mountains which are lead towards the prosperity of the nation with accessed for climbing and other related sustainability at the core of everything else. purposes lie in the Khumbu region including Therefore, awareness regarding the the Mt. Everest and others. Due to the climatic importance and the scope of our mountains harshness, such as avalanches, storm and heavy amongst the general people is the need of the snowfall, people are unable to sufficiently day. Behind every mountains be it utilize even these accessible peaks and Kanchanjunga, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh or mountains at present. Annapurna, there are a lot of knowledge, facts The cultural, social and traditional aspects and verities that are yet to be explored. Hence, of our mountains are extraordinary. If we the upcoming generation should gain this sort develop our capacity to keenly scrutinize these of knowledge that has ample amount of scope aspects, we can attract many international in the field of Mountaineering studies and tourists to visit our mountains and create great adventure tourism. possibilities then after. Along with these, the
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 53 Mountaineering Training in Nepal Nepal Mountain Academy came in to existence to fill the gap between training and academic valuation
Vinaya Shakya*
Days back in the history of mountaineering started then has been continued till date. In in Nepal, Nepalese climbers were not aware 1981, two years later after the beginning of that they need training techniques to climb the basic mountaineering training, NMA got mountains. They assumed, they were climbers another support from French Alpine Club to by birth. They can climb any mountain if it had initiate an advance mountaineering training in not been for religious values. Nepal. It was in 1979 that Nepal Mountaineering As both trainings had foreign instructors, Association (NMA) established a Nepalese climbers got the opportunities to mountaineering school in Manang, Nepal. In exchange the technologies from their countries the beginning, NMA invited trainee climbers and experiences. They were able to get latest from its registered member trekking agencies knowledge on mountain gears and equipment. and it was free of cost for Nepalese climbers The trainees were able to lead the group and a nominal cost was charged for foreign with confident after they got the training from beginners. Only 20 trainees took part in the first NMA. Furthermore, these trained climbers and training of mountaineering. mountaineers were also eligible for further Most of the instructors were from former advanced training as mountain leaders, aspirant Yugoslavia at that time who had contributed mountain guide and further for Instructor financial support to establish the mountaineering trainings depending upon their interest and training school in Nepal. The training that was passion towards the profession. Otherwise,
* Mr. Vinaya Shakya is a tourism administration expert and travel consultant at Tripitak Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
54 VOICE OF HIMALAYA they also have the option to opt for the international mountain guide training. NMA runs various trainings such as Basic Rock Training, Advance Rock Training, Trek Tour Leader Training, Junior Basic Training, Mountain Rescue Training, Female Training, Instructors' Upgrade Refreshment Course, PETZL Training(Mountain Leader Course), Aspirant Guide Training, Mountain Guide Training, Ice Climbing Training, Heli Marshalling and the list goes on. Though there were various trainings in Nepal, they had no academic valuation. That was the main problem faced by the Nepalese climbers and mountaineers. Now, Nepal Mountain Academy has come in order to existence to fill the gap between training and academic prosperity of the field. Hence, the academy has just started Bachelors in Mountaineering and is now preparing up with Master in Adventure Tourism. This is the first of its kind in mountaineering history of the world's mountaineering activities. Till today, mountaineering has been constrained only as an adventure sport. In a time span of few years, it will have academic essence with the benevolent effort from Nepal Mountain Academy.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 55 The Sherpa
Uttam Bhattrai*
Hillary. Since that time, it was the efforts of a Sherpa due to the assistance of whom, Hillary was able to successfully climb the Everest for the very first time. Similarly, it was only after 1949 that the Government of Nepal opened up 414 mountains and peaks for climbing purposes. However, not all the peaks have still beeen ascended by the climbers. The Himalayan region of Nepal consists of beautiful landscape. The Nepalese residing in such areas are courageous and also popular for With the intent of entertaining 20 lakhs climbing the mountain both nationally and tourists in the year 2020, the government of internationally. To climb mountains and peaks Nepal has designated the year as Visit Nepal is definitely a mighty as well as a risky 2020. According to the data provided by the undertaking. The Sherpa people from the United Nations World Tourism Organization Himalayas climb the steeps and slopes like (UNWTO), it definitely comes as a huge terrains with snow and rocks. The weather and challenge for Nepal to ensure the increment of climatic conditions in the region is also gross domestic product by the tourism industry extremely perplexing and it is very cold from 7.5% to 25% along with an increase in the especially in the mornings and the evenings. number of tourists by three times by the end of 2020. In order to celebrate 2020 as the Visit Therefore, to climb the mountains is a Nepal, the year 2019 has been nominated as the challenging tasks but even more responsibility campaigning year for which various activities comes when one has to assist and guide others and events have also been set up. to climb the mountains. The scorching heat during the afternoons and extreme cold during In this regards, the role of the Sherpa the mornings and evenings make the challenge community and especially those who have even more precarious. In such unpredictable embraced tourism based professions is huge weather conditions and the geographical and their contribution is colossal for the extremities, high chances of missing out on the preservation and promotion of the tourism ways and being lost in the mountains lies as a sector of Nepal. It is a well-known verity that huge possibility. the Sherpas are known all over the world due to their bravery and honesty. The risk of tripping and falling into the crevasses is equally terrifying. Along with the The world's tallest mountain, Sagarmatha damage and casualties that can occur due to the with a height of 8848 meters from the sea level occurrence of avalanches, mudslide, occasional is the jewel for our nation. It had gained its hurricane level winds and many other popularity as a field of study and as a mountaineering related disasters add up to the challenging mountaineering destination since risk level. As such, it is the Sherpa climbers the 19th century after being successfully who can and display the will to risk their own ascended for the first time on May 19, 1953 by lives in order to fulfill their responsibilities of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund guiding his/her member to climb the mountain.
* Mr. Uttam Bhattrai is the Admin Officer at Nepal Mountain Academy.
56 VOICE OF HIMALAYA They reflect extreme discipline and self- of the Sherpas may be, a serious issue to ponder restraint while at the field with their family in upon is that are we giving due credits to their their heart and their professional responsibilities efforts and efficiency? Or are the Sherpas being up on their shoulders. In this manner, the appreciated enough for the kind of work that Sherpa climbers have been at all times they have been doing to in fact uplift the maintaining and upholding the prestige of the tourism sector of the country at an international nation through their benevolence. level? They consider the mountains to be holy It is also a fact that due to the risks that and only climb the mountains after their sacred pertains in the climbing sector, many climbers rituals and proceedings with holy leader have lost significant parts of their bodies such Padhmasambhava Guru Rinpoche in their as the hands, legs and eyes. Some even have hearts. So, climbing a mountain to the Sherpas lost their lives. Bearing in mind for this fact, it is much more than technically climbing as it is can be said that the life of a Sherpa is definitely associated very strongly with the cultural and not an easy and a relaxed one. In case of such religious beliefs in the community. This is why, mishaps and casualties, their family members the Sherpas are dedicated from their body and have to suffer and many of them have also not also from the soul to make every climb a been able to receive the necessary assistance successful one. Every time after a successful making their livelihood a problematic one. climb, they thank their holy deities. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity to Because of such sentiments, they risk their rightfully honor the contributions of the Sherpa own lives to make every climb by guiding their guides in the mountains and provide the members a efficacious one. During the journey, assurance to uplift and secure their and their sometimes they have to encourage their families' livelihood from the community, state members, sometimes they have to provide and national level. To make these professionals them courage to not give up and sometimes and future generations skilled and educated is they also have to guide them and protect them the need of the present in order to produce like a guardian. While performing all such better and efficient human resource in this varied roles, they also have to ensure the sector. An environment that is conducive for comfort of the members as in the Himalayas it them to work, earn and live a respectful life is is very difficult to obtain good food and other very much important. This will also ultimately basic necessities are in scarcity. They are at all help in achieving the goals that have been set times concerned about the conditions of their for the year 2020 and 2030. The Sherpas are members, their appetite, their stamina and their the ambassadors of tourism sector in Nepal and strength to name a vital few. Hence, the effort they have been promoting this sector at various that the Sherpas out at the field put continuously platforms nationally as well as internationally. is a prodigious deal which is somehow also Salute to their never ending will and synonymous to the role of an army officer in courage for uplifting the mountain tourism in the battlefield considering the difficulties and Nepal! hitches throughout their journey. However great the efforts and contributions
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 57 Students' Corner To the Prospective Students
Ashok Nepal*
in order for him/her to make a solid career based choice. Like every student who wants to pursue a good career option, I was also seeking for a similar opportunity. Because I have always been interested in adventure and adventure based activities, I wanted to pursue a tourism related course. However, one big question that was hovering in my mind was as to what kind of course will help me fulfill my wishes of pursing an adventure based career in tourism? I knew about some of the institutions that have the courses on Travel, Tourism and Hospitality but I also discerned that these courses will not lead in the direction of my passion towards adventure. This was a huge dilemma for me to come over with. One day it so happened that I was scrolling through some social media page and in the newsfeed read about the Bachelor in Mountaineering Studies (BMS). Upon exploring it better, I realized that it was shared by my teacher of travel and tourism from +2 and it was then that I came to know that the course had been newly launched by the Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA). After reading the contents displayed, I went through the official website thoroughly and called my teacher for further information. He then recommended me to consult with the academic advisor of NMA. I was definitely excited about the subjects that are incorporated in the course along with the practical trips in each semester. By that time, I had finally decided to take up Bachelors in Mountaineering as the subject of my choice. To After completing my +2 exam, I took a get the admission and fulfill the criteria, I filled break for quite some time before deciding on up the CMAT form from the college and the course to join for my Bachelors as it is the subsequently passed the test. CMAT test was major turning point for any student at that stage followed by a round of interview after which
* Mr. Ashok Nepal is a student of Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies at the Nepal Mountain Academy. He is currently pursuing his second semester at the academy.
58 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Students' Corner the final results for the admission was published course is unique in design which provides a in which I found my name. platform to study, observe, learn and experience I was quite clear in my mind that the main the very genuine facts about the mountain objective of mine to study the BMS course is to tourism and its possibilities in the national as become an academically sound professional well as the global context. At this point, I am mountain expert as I know that in our country content and gratified that Nepal Mountain Nepal, there are very less number of Academy is the first educational institution in professional mountaineers, mountain guides the world for the Mountaineering studies and I and mountain experts. As such, the country is consider myself to be very fortunate to be the in the need of more qualified human resource part of Nepal Mountain Academy. for mountaineering. Therefore, I want to be an I also believe that the scope of this course academically trained expert in the field of is wide stretched as even though Nepal being Mountaineering and Adventure. one of the best adventure seekers' destination At current, I am in the second semester and in the whole world, the country has been my experience till this time has been fairly lagging behind in the global tourism map good. The course has been steered as per my because of domination of the experience based expectation and anticipation. As the course is industry. affiliated with the Faculty of Management of As the first course, there are many loops in the Tribhuvan University, subjects like English, management that can still be worked upon. It is Principal of Management, Business Statistics also quite a challenge to run such a course. For and Maths, etc. are widely incorporated. These instance, the time management to keep a subjects sometimes tend to become challenging balance between the lecture sessions and the nevertheless shall be the foundation for our practical sessions, the climatic adversities, the tourism based entrepreneurial skills in the days availability of qualified instructors are some of to come. The faculty members are also very them. Similarly, infrastructural limitations is welcoming and approachable. They are the persistent at the present for the Academy as a highly reputed lectures and professors of result of which it is soon to be shifted to a tourism in Nepal. suitable location. Recently, we completed a 7 days Finally, in the current situation of Nepal introductory rock climbing training session as where the educational intuitions are mostly a requirement of the practical training trip for centralized to Kathmandu valley, Nepal the first semester. This particular session was Mountain Academy is distinctive as it has very exhilarating for all the students as we categorically initiated to lay its college's setup learned many techniques, ideas, knowledge also in the lap of Himalayas in the beautiful and useful gears about climbing. This training village of Garma, Solukhumbu where it aims to has strongly made me feel that doing practical deliver various essential academic and and trainings along with the classroom lectures technical knowledge based activities to provide is the best way of experiential learning. quality mountaineering and professional The superlative part of this course is that it learning experiences to the scholars, academics has been designed to deliver quality knowledge and students. Therefore, I would like to express to the students about tourism, mountaineering my sincere appreciativeness towards the and academia. I have found this course to be Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation very practical and realistic. Not only the of the Nepal Government for equipping Nepal efficiency in terms of teaching and learning, Mountain Academy to run Bachelors in but the students by the end of the course Mountaineering Studies followed by soon to be become real mountaineers as the final few launched, Masters in Adventure Tourism. practical requirements include climbing mountains of 6000-7000 meters. Hence, this
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 59 Students' Corner When in Poland…
Pasang Nuru Sherpa*
such, I had a very less time to organize everything so I started collecting all related documents. I had a flight around 9 pm from Kathmandu I checked in at the airport and received my boarding pass from the airlines and headed towards immigration section, I was asked many questions by the immigration officer about my travelling to Poland. They literally had me held for about 30 mins and also informed me that they need to talk with the head of the department about my departure. The head then had a good look at my passport and remarked, “Let him go, he is a Sherpa, he will return to Nepal”. At that moment, I was impressed and proud to be a Sherpa and of course it was the best part of the entire travel. The flight from Kathmandu to Doha and then Doha to Warsaw was 12 hours of tiring journey.After a safe and happy landing at Warsaw I was welcomed by the perfect warm sunny day. In my mind, I thought it was the perfect time to travel to Poland. I was picked up from airport by my Polish friend and he dropped me to the railway station where I took a train to Zdansk city which was one of the best Traveling abroad for professionally was city with many historical site of world war II. I one of the great learning opportunity for me as checked in to my hotel and got some much I recently got an amazing prospect to take on needed rest for the event the next day. for a business trip from the trekking and The main purpose of my visit to Poland expedition organizing company that I am was to promote Nepalese tourism in the Polish associated with. Further, academically, I knew market, to get more polish people to visit Nepal it would be an educationally knowledge laden and experience the hospitality of Nepal and one for me as a student of Bachelor in Mountain Nepalese. The event helps polish tour operator studies (BMS) at the Nepal Mountain Academy. and incentive agencies like us to meet tourist The event was held in 2 different cities of companies from around the world. I did realize Poland: Zdansk and Lodz on 27thMay and 28 that the people of Poland do not know much May 2018. Therefore, I was informed on 17th about Nepal that it is one of the most diverse of May to apply for the Poland visa asap. As countries on earth.
* Mr. Pasang Nuru Sherpa is a student of Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies at the Nepal Mountain Academy. He is currently pursuing his second semester at the academy.
60 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Students' Corner
I am very content that I was also capable of appearance. It was also once more successful halting the allegory that Nepal is a country of to draw the attention of the whole world, as it mountains only. I did give an in depth has become a synonym for the liberation information about the Terai region that it’s aspirations of Poles and a very magnificent diversity in over 100 languages, countless touristic destination. spiritual traditions, and many different kinds of My 5 days’ trip was very efficacious in landscapes from mountains to jungles to terms of learning, business as well as self- lowlands. I also highlighted upon the element refreshment in Poland and good for me that my of the existence of many different species of company has already started getting inquiries animals and plants in the Nepalese land. I was from Poland. also able to explain that Nepal is not a poor The success and final upshots from this trip country, instead it is rich of the natural beauty, did require a lot of guidance and support from fertile soil, resources and cultural heritages and many people and I am extremely privileged to its prospect for tourism. have got it all till the very end of my trip. After the event I decided to take a round Hence, I would like to thank my company and around the Zdansk City. The city is famous and also my sponsor for the trip, Expedition rich in history of Europe. During the 10th Himalaya. Many thanks to my friend Peter who century, it was colonized by Nazis. I saw many picked me up from the airport at Warsaw, pictures of theold city after the war which was thanks to Mr. Gilberto for assisting me during completely devastated and only few monuments the event sharing his experience and knowledge later persisted. After comparing the pictures of regarding tourism activities and acknowledges the old cities with the new one, I was actually to Miss Ewa for organizing a great event. surprised and impressed to know how the Lastly, my heartfelt gratitude towards the Polish people where dedicated to reconstruct Nepal Mountain Academy for providing me the city again. The city of Zdansk, its people with a very genuine recommendation and and the Government I felt has so much to teach granting me the leave days to avail this to everyone around the world and particularly wonderful experiential learning and sharing the Nepalese. Gdańsk, once again became the opportunity. biggest Baltic port and regained its former
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 61 Students' Corner The Rock Climbing Experiecne
Pranjal Pokharel*
increasing proficiency, and contact with natural grandeur. Knowingly or unknowingly people used to climb the rocks in the past. Some peoples used rock climbing as a way to show ones daring ambitions by climbing difficult peaks. according to Hindu mythology the wind god Pawan stands up on a tall cliff and blows everywhere from there, the Hindus climb off a tall cliff to see and vow or pay homage to the rising sun, the sun god. Honey hunting is one of the best ways to show rock climbing applications. Either as fun or work or even for war, people used to climb rock. By the late 1880s climbing began to evolve into its very own sport. This age old practice has now taken form of an essential and vital sport for one's physical, mental and social wellbeing. Rock climbing is a unique sport that has grown in popularity in recent years due to a combination of advances in climbing equipment and techniques, changes in consumer behavior, the increasing trend towards activity holidays and the arrival of new climbing destinations around the world. Today rock climbing is considered as one of the most important and adventurous sport throughout the world and is growing rapidly. I t is estimated that Tokyo Olympics 2020 will Climbing mountains embodies the thrills officially introduce rock climbing as an produced by testing one’s courage, Olympics sport for the very first time. resourcefulness, cunning, strength, ability, and stamina to the utmost in a situation of inherent Rock climbing may be natural rock or cliff risk. So, Mountaineering, to a greater degree ascending or artificial wall ascending. Wall than other sports, is a group activity, with each climbing is the first step to rock climbing. One member both supporting and supported by the cannot start from an unknown natural rock. He/ group’s achievement at every stage. For most she should learn and start from the basics which climbers, the pleasures of mountaineering lie is provided by artificial wall. not only in the “conquest” of a peak but also in A combination of developments the physical and spiritual satisfactions brought accelerated the growth of the sport during the about through intense personal effort, ever- 1960s, such as the introduction of lightweight
* Mr. Pranjal Pokharel is a student of Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies at the Nepal Mountain Academy. He is currently pursuing his second semester at the academy.
62 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Students' Corner climbing boots, better equipment design and Three points of contact with the rock are artificial climbing aids. There are many peoples usually kept, either two hands and a foot or two who contributed in the development of rock feet and a hand. Jumping for holds is extremely climbing. In 1950, John Gill led the dangerous because it allows no safety factor. development of Bouldering for which he is Rhythmic climbing may be slow or fast cited as the father of Bouldering. The first according to the difficulty of the pitch. Rhythm ascent of Mont Blanc is often regarded as the is not easily mastered and, when achieved, start of modern mountaineering era but it took becomes the mark of the truly fine climber. another century for the adequate use of bolts, The harder the climb, the more the hands rappels and slings properly. Likewise are used for support. They are used differently The first solo attempt of Napes Niddle by in different situations. In a chimney, a pipe line, Walter Perry Haskett Smith is considered as the nearly cylindrical vertical shaft, they press on major benchmark of rock climbing history. opposite sides in opposition to each other. On And after the invention and development of slabs, the pressure of the palms of the hand on modern gears, rock climbing grabbed the smooth rock may provide the necessary friction attention from all over the world and grew up for the hold. as an individual sport. Climbing down steep rock is usually harder But in context to Nepal, there was not than going up, because of the difficulty in much popularity of rock climbing since the seeing holds from above and the normal 2000s. It doesn’t means that there was nothing reluctance of climbers to reach down and work related to climbing in the past because we have their hands low enough as they descend. The evidences of the honey hunters who used to quick way down is via the doubled rope in the climb many technically difficult peaks for technique called rappelling. Rope handling is a collecting honey of wild honeybees. Religious fine art that is equally essential on snow, ice, sites locally named Devithan are still situated and rock. Sufficient rope for the pitch to be away from the residential areas which involve climbed and of sufficient length for rappelling some kind of climbing to reach and pay homage is needed. As a lifeline, the rope receives the to goddess. This proves climbing was practiced greatest care and respect. A good rope handler somehow in Nepal as well but it wasn’t is a valued person on the climb. The techniques identified as an sport for decades. There were involved are not easily learned and are mastered not much natural and artificial climbing sites primarily through experience. Rope handling is before 2000s but today Kathmandu especially a fine art that is equally essential on snow, ice, Thamel has become a major natural rock and and rock. Sufficient rope for the pitch to be artificial climbing hub for national and climbed and of sufficient length for rappelling international climbers. is needed. As a lifeline, the rope receives the Rock climbing, like hiking, is a widely greatest care and respect. A good rope handler practiced sport in its own right. It is widely is a valued person on the climb. The techniques growing famous adventurous outdoor sports. involved are not easily learned and are mastered However, it is today becoming popular indoor primarily through experience. – outdoor sports. The essentials of rock This sports develops endurance, builds climbing are often learned on local cliffs, where self-confidence, increases concentration power, the teamwork of mountaineering, the use of the as well as efficiency in working with the team. rope, and the coordinated prerequisites of As a sport that is still evolving, rock climbing control and rhythm are mastered. The rope, the deeply connects people to nature allowing artificial anchor, and carabineer (or snap link, a them to learn and upgrade modern techniques metal loop or ring that can be snapped into an and sense required in challenging vertical anchor and through which the rope may be terrain, interact and experience local culture passed) are used primarily as safety factors. and form bonds with fellow compatriots.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 63 Students' Corner
Various rock climbing events at regional and French, Yosemite decimal system and UK global level are held annually and it has been system but among them the most famous incorporated as a competitive event in summer system used for rating of rock is French system Olympics of 2020. which starts from 1 to 9b+. Basically, rock Rock climbing is open to all age group and climbing starts from the rating of 6 which is gender and participants can enjoy climbing termed to be the easiest of rock climbing simultaneously. The sport is proper norms and whereas 9b+ is the hardest one. However, in regulations since the athletes directly interact context to Nepal we have only up to 7c+. with the nature. It is one of the best exercises to It is very essential to have technical remain physically, technically and mentally fit knowledge of how to climb on a rock before while enjoying the nature for a gratifying climbing on it. Basically, it is hard to overstate experience. the good techniques but the following technical However, rock climbing can be a dangerous knowledge is helpful for the climbers, they are: activity and knowledge or proper climbing 1. Always Warm Up and Stretch before techniques and use of specialized climbing climbing. gear is crucial for safe completion of routes. 2. Get in the habit of previewing and learning Rock climbing has been separated into to read the route before you climb it. several styles and sub disciplines. Today, rock Developing this skill will help us to get in climbing has been gained significant the right position to make moves at the mainstream attention crux. There is various rock climbing sites in 3. Use only the degree of strength on a grip as Nepal. Among them some of the major rocks necessary to steady balance. As grip is climbing sites are Balaju Rock Climbing Site often the first to go, save forearm strength (Nagarjun Forest), Hattiban Rock Climbing as much as possible. Site, Thame Rock Climbing Site, Bimal Nagar 4. A finely developed sense of balance will Rock Climbing Site,Kakani and Nagarkot. help to make difficult static and dynamic These sites have their own features and moves. climbing routes so on this basis the fee structure 5. By keeping body close to the wall and is determined for those who wants to train keeping center of balance over center of themselves and for enhancing one’s own mass and relieve pressure on the grip is knowledge in the arena of mountaineering. helpful. Whereas, Bouldering, Aid climbing, Free 6. Use of legs to hold weight, not your arms climbing, Solo climbing, Lead climbing, Top because legs are much stronger and will rope climbing, and Speed climbing are the carry further. various types of rock climbing that are being in practice. 7. Use arms for balance and shifting weight, not holding weight. When doing moves There are various equipment needed while and sequences that require a great deal of climbing on a rock for the safety and protection upper body strength, move quickly through of the climbers. Among them the essentials the sequence. equipment needed while climbing are: Rock climbing helmet, Harness, Rock climbing 8. Developing the technique of dynamic shoes, Carabineer, Climbing rope, sling, Belay movement should be done by using device (Reverso, Grigri ), Chalk powder, Quick momentum to peak at the dead point. draw, First aid kit, Pitons, Spring loaded 9. Combining both static and dynamic camming device, Hex, Bolt elements of climbing technique will There are various statistical rating for the determine the speed of climbing. analysis of rock like of Australian, Brazilian, 10. The right rock climbing techniques
64 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Students' Corner
combined with building the right muscles a) Leave no trace : After session check the give a climber a huge advantage. surrounding for trash and spread a few 11. Developing a skill at finding rest handfuls of pine needles, rocks, leaves, opportunities while climbing which will twigs etc over the landing area to restore a greatly extend endurance of the climbers. natural look. 12. Taking a fall correctly is one of the most b) Remove your chalk : With toothbrush and important techniques to learn how to do water you need to leave he rock in natural safely, which will build a confidence to way as it was before use. push climbers in a limit. c) Encourage vegetation : Leave the saws Finally, watch and learn from other good and pruning shears at home and bring some climbers. Practice good rock climbing duct tape or string instead. Flexible shrubs technique every that will enhance and improve and small tree or tree limbs can be climbing performance. temporarily taped or tied out of the way to enlarge the landing zone. Team work is one of the essential parts of climbing. One can be belayer or climber and d) Be few : Limit your group size and “zone support your partner or team. A person can be of impact” and around boulders. Keep volunteer and can motivate the team. your gear together and, where possible, place it on hard surface. Injuries in rock climbing are mainly sports injuries that occur due to falls or overuse. e) Show respect : Never boulder on, or near, Injuries due to falls are relatively uncommon. cultural resources such as pictographs, Most affected body parts are fingers, elbows, petro glyphs, milling surface and historical and shoulders. structures. Safety measure- Accident can be Firstly with the walk of about 20 minute of minimized by using such types of safety uphill though despite of tiredness I felt really measures: very good and all those tiredness changed into energy when I see the climbing site. I had that a) Update checking harness compassion, aim and confidence on me that I b) Always check knot can climb that tall mighty rock. After a while, I c) Always wear a climbing helmet started wearing the gear of safety like: harness, d) Always climb with the rope over your rope helmet etc and started to study the routes to reach to the top of the rock. Before I started to e) Always properly clip the rope climb I have consulted with my instructors and f) Always use safe anchor friends about some tips for climbing routes. The climbing community was once a But when I started climbing the things doesn’t small, esoteric group, free to do as they pleased go well. I was not able to find the actual route because the general public brushed them off as to reach up to the destination. By that time I a bunch of crazies. Today this has been changed was getting more nervous and afraid but my with the significant growth of climbing gyms instructor and friends motivate and encourage and celebrity climber during the past decade, me not to fall down as I can do with this I the mainstream has noticed out impact. What gained little of confidence and I tried my best we do individually reflects on climber as a and again started to climb. Finally that dreams group. So, we need to lead by example and of mine come true I succeed to reach the point educate our rank if we want to continue to where I aimed at. I was really very happy and enjoy our current level of freedom and maintain proud of being myself at that time. I stayed for the quiet calm of outdoor climbing. So, the few minutes on the top of the rock and satisfied following are the best rock climbing ethics and from my own achievements because it was the practices: first experience I have got in my life as his was
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 65 Students' Corner possible only after studying the course of Despite this fact Global warming causes Mountaineering. Then after, I said my belayer thawing of permafrost and retreat of glaciers to “lower me down” so that I can land safely on and snowfields. More rocks get exposed to the the ground. air, reducing their stability and increasing the So, it was really a good experience and at chance of rolling or falling. After, permafrost the same time it was a very good way of degrades, freezing and thawing in cracks and learning about climbing on rocks that I have crevices start to alternate. Every time water gained it through practical way. And I come to freezes, it expands and lets the cracks grow know that nothing is impossible when you slowly until the rock breaks. Higher desire to learn something new. temperatures lead to more instable rocks, increasing the risk of falling. So we need to be In conclusion rock climbing is one good aware about the problems that might occurs outdoor sport that develops the muscles even it and various measures while climbing need to is dangerous. It gives benefits like fat burnings, be taken to avoid such risk. muscles developments, and survival skills as well as helps in mental fitness. Rock climbing For enhancing the sectoral development of can also teach us some survival skills. Skills the rock climbing sites as well as being the learned after practicing this sport could help in student of mountaineering studies for real situations. For instance, Imagine yourself broadening one’s own knowledge the following in a situation where there is no food and you recommendation is made: have to climb a mountain where there is some • It would be more fruitful, if the various food, and you know how to rock climb, then studies / previous studies discussion were you start to climb and food is easy to get. conducted on how to climb on the rock, So, Rock climbing is a physically and difficulties to be faced. Although it was mentally demanding sport, one that often tests practical for us but theoretically if we were a climber's strength, endurance, agility and made clear on the viability, economic balance along with mental control. It can be a status of that site it would be more dangerous activity and knowledge of proper beneficial for us. climbing techniques and use of specialized • Secondly, for the development of this site equipments crucial for the safe completion of as a tourism area, infrastructural routes. Because of the wide range and variety development and such road and to maintain of rock formations around the world, rock hygiene toilets should be made. Also the climbing has been separated into several proper resources of drinkable water should different styles and sub-disciplines. be provided
66 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Students' Corner Embellishing the Career: Female Trekking Guides
Sahara Mishra*
impression was the addition of another career option because of the license. The fourth was seeing the efforts of our government to empower women. Hence, these impressions increased my interest in this training and enthusiasm in grasping the necessary knowledge as much I can. Thirty dynamic ladies hunted down from the selection process of interview, we, all were determined to be labelled as a “Licensed Female Trekking Guide”. The cohort had been A regular, round the dock calendar of 10-5 the mixture of different backgrounds. Some schedule is autonomous and hectic for all. were marathon runners, tough like Mira Rai, However, this is what generates the daily bread. some were the conservationists, some were Now, how about spicing your life up with a students, some were fresh graduates, some little bit of adventure, friendship, exposure to were the admin personnel of travel and tours, the pristine Nepali nature and culture? My some already a trekking leader but without the Answer: Sure! But my pocket is not loaded. So, license and some had trekking as their family how about you do all these for free and in rooted businesses. The heterogeneity in the addition, you have your pocket filled and cohort had made the journey of 35 days really international exposure as well? My Answer: exciting and full of fun. Struggling to wake up What!! It’s Super Awesome! early to attend the class at 6:30 AM from That was my first impression after I joined Godavari to Nepal Tourism Board has been one the class of 5th cohort of female trekking guide of the memorable parts of this journey for me. training from NMA. The second being that I I presume I was the only one travelling from will surely learn a lot from this training for the that far in this cohort. I was always in a Zombie mentors were the experts of tourism. The third mode en route to NTB and then the tired mode
* Ms. Sahara Mishra is the trainee of 5th Female Trekking Guide Training of Nepal Mountain Academy.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 67 Students' Corner in the class but with active senses. the geography, wildlife, history, culture, Whenever I looked around in the class, I lifestyle of Nepal but also to read and use the used to feel bad for my friends who looked map correctly, usage of compass, life-saving nice, fresh and even used to have make ups on approaches through basic first aid knowledge, but literally, I looked like deforested land. Even sanitation, conflict management, use of Gamow one of the “deedees” from the cohort managed Bag, wall climbing and much more. The to ask me, “Why you don’t come smart? You training has not only given me the knowledge are young.” It was an awkward and on the aforementioned list but also has unexplainable situation for me to tell her that identified my strengths and weaknesses. I am I’m a sleeping machine and I struggle to wake delighted for I am aware of them so I can polish up at 4:30 AM to catch the bus at 5:30 AM and my strengths and improve my weaknesses. I attend the class at 6:30 AM, daily. am privileged to find a group of humble and cool friends from the corners of Nepal. I am Being an avid mountain lover, passionate sure that this training will have a good outcome photographer, researcher and trained in in each of our lives. Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for 11 months (2017/18) at Not necessarily, we all might be a trekking UNDP, while I filled the form for this training, guide in future after the training but I am I had already conceived my career approach in confident that all of us trainees can be the tourism linking with the Climate Change and ambassador to the world from our own Disaster Risk Management. So, in this training, professional pathways, with the knowledge I’ve been a fan of one of the mentors, whose and skills we have gained. Surely, we shall be classes were always interesting to me because contributing to the nation in some way as it has of the style of their deliverance and expertise. I invested in us through our skill development had a breakthrough of ideas and questions and enhancement. It is a matter of pride for me spinning in my head as I am an Environment that the Government of Nepal is thoughtful and graduate… are using the best resource persons so that the aspiring Nepali women can extract best from We thirties were very different, with varied them and implement in our profession and lifestyle, background, culture and most contribute to the nation. I am cordially thankful importantly, the physical fitness and stamina. to Nepal Government, Ministry of Culture, However, all of us also successfully completed Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal the 7 days practical trekking trip to Ghorepani- Mountain Academy for this wonderful Poonhill. opportunity. In this training, we did not just learn about
68 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Students' Corner Tourism as a Profession in Nepal
Nimlekee Sherpa*
Tourism profession is a prestigious job but it has been slowly realized and in some parts, yet to be realized. There is a definite absence of proper governing and managing system which has generated a lot of clutter within this industry and profession. There also exists a huge gap between the formulation of tourism related policies and its implementation to a large extent. Regardless of everything mentioned prior to this, it is also a verity that the condition of the tourism industry has been progressively In general Nepal is considered as a poor, improving. underdeveloped and land locked country. I personally feel that this sort of definition fits There exists many unique and rich those who don't dare to explore Nepal and its destinations in Nepal. In order to peddle such scenic beauty through its geographical, uniqueness and to generate a sustaining cultural, social and ethnic diveristy. If we go livelihood out of it, professionalism is very through the reality and talk about Nepal, it has significant. Firstly, it should be assured that the always been a unique and rich country to those tourists arriving to Nepalat all timed abide by who travel anywhere around the country. the rules and regulations of the country to avoid Despite of the fact that Nepal has been listed any sort of mishaps that can otherwise have a asone amongst the least developed country, it negatively ripple effect towards the entire cannot be denied that Nepal is very unique in tourism industry in the international arena. In the world. However, very few people consent the context of Nepal, tourism industry has to this fact in order to turn it into reality. So, reconnoitered Trekking, mountaineering, with regards to this unique reality, tourism as rafting, jungle safari, Elephant safari, city an industry is diverse than othersin the context sightseeing, cycling, jeep tour, heritage site of Nepal. It has its own unique featuresand tour, mountain flight, paragliding and so on. sorts for the overview which helps people to Due to these reasons, Nepal is one of the have a vigorous and a life time experience. popular tourism destinations for the tourists
* Ms. Nimlekee Sherpa is the trainee of 5th Female Trekking Guide Training of Nepal Mountain Academy.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 69 Students' Corner who want to have a range of experience within Square, Changunarayan, Sagaramatha National a short span of time, absolutely favored by the park and Chitwan national park. The existence dramatic variations of weather, climate and of such richness and diversified man made as geography. The Topographical settings, well as natural resources clearly indicate the climatic conditions, historical and cultural wide range of scope that tourism possesses. factors ensure a significant locus with amazing Therefore, even though small in the size, features that definitely holds a lot of prospect Nepal is definitely a beautiful destination to the for the professionals who want to pursue their people who want to make their trip very career in tourism. memorable. Nepal is also known as an open Nepal is landlocked country. It lies in south museum for the people are inquisitive to know Asia at the lap of central Himalaya. It has been about culture, religion, geography, flora and divided into three major physiographic fauna, mountains, vegetation to name a few divisions on the basis of topographic altitude: touristic components. The Himalaya region, The Hilly Region and With such established memos, the tourism The Tarai Region. It is land of the Lord profession is undeniably challenging as well as Buddha’s birth birth place and the highest enriching, not just only in the front line but also mountain Mt. Everest, the biggest white at organizational, entrepreneurial, regional as mountain Mt. Daulagiri and deepestgorge well as national level. This field has the capacity Kaligandaki , Highest place lake Tilicho and is to generate competitive human resource with also renowned as the Gurkha's land. Along dynamic vision. Hence, as a female trekking with these, there exists 9 very important places guide, the women who aspire to become in Nepal which are all enlisted in world heritage professional in this very field can definitely site such as Boudhanth, Swoyambunath, guide to serve the clients and most importantly Phusupatinath, Kathamandu Darbar Square, serve our Nation. Patan Darbar Square, Bhaktapur Darbar
70 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Study on Search and Rescue (SAR) of Adventure Tourists in the Mountains of Nepal
Consultant : Gyaneshwar P.S. Mahato & Kashi Raj Bhandari
1. Introduction by the earthquake in April 2015 in the 1.1 Background of the Study Everest and Langtang regions are only a few instances of natural disasters in the Nepal is the world leader in adventure and Nepal Himalayas. Despite its long mountain tourism. Every year thousands of experience in tourism, Nepal witnessed mountaineers and trekkers visit Nepal to less than satisfactory search and rescue push further the frontier of human efforts of the visitors who were caught in endurance, to explore the natural beauty such crises. This could be due to poor and enjoy the natural sceneries and to coordination among the relevant agencies, immerse themselves in the unique natural lack of researches and information on splendors. The adventure tourism activities trends, seasons and the black spots of are the most popular in Nepal and help crises and lack of financial and technical create income and employment, mostly in resources. the remote and rural areas of Nepal. According to the statistics of Ministry of Considering this situation, recently Nepal Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation the Mountain Academy has been entrusted by Annapurna region attracts the largest the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil number of adventure tourists followed by Aviation to commission a study in the Everest, Humla and Langtang regions. connection with the search and rescue A total of 3354 mountaineering teams issues related to the mountaineers, trekkers visited Nepal and generated 287.5 million and Nepali support staff in the Himalayas NRS in Royalties. Total number of of Nepal. Therefore, the Nepal Mountain adventure tourists in Nepal was 66,490 in Academy has assigned the study team as 2016*. Adventure Tourism Consultant to review the past issues, analyses the outcomes of However, the extreme geographic terrain, the past efforts and recommend mitigating unpredictable climatic conditions and measures for more effective and efficient recurring natural disasters in the high Search and Rescue (SAR) mechanism and altitude of the Himalayas pose a serious operations in the days to come. threat to the safety of these adventure enthusiasts. Avalanches, storms, flood, Search and rescue (also referred to as landslides and sudden and prolonged flight SAR) is a term often used to describe the cancellations etc. create crises and “search” for people in distress or imminent challenges to them. Although multiple danger and the associated “rescue” by agencies are involved to ensure the safety emergency response agencies. There are of these visitors and manage the disaster actually several categories of SAR, therein, crises have occurred in several depending primarily on geography or occasions resulting in deaths and injuries terrain (e.g, mountain rescue, air-sea to the visitors. Deadly avalanches in rescue over water, terrestrial rescue), but Manaslu in September 2012, Cyclone the general concept is the same emergency Hudhud in the Annapurna region in teams are dispatched to locate, assist and October 2014 and the avalanches triggered rescue people in crisis situations. * Tourism Statistics 2016 The study on SAR of the visitors during
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 71 the crises in the Himalayas is expected to 1.2 Understanding the Crisis and SAR highlight the lessons learned from the past Crisis efforts paving the way for more pragmatic Crises have often been considered and responsive operations in the future. interchangeably with risks but all the risks Towards this end, Adventure Tourism are not crises. Risks are ventures taken that Consultant has been given the Terms of can be good or bad and if risk is not References (ToRs) and is expected to cover managed properly it can result in a crisis the following issues; situation, but risks in themselves are not 1. Brief accounts of tourism related crises. Effective risk management can natural crises in the mountain regions prevent the risk from escalating into a of Nepal in the past, crisis. 2. Public and private agencies involved PATA defines a crisis as an event or set of in the search and rescue efforts, circumstances which can severely 3. Desk research to identify the nature, compromise or damage the marketability trends, seasons and the black spots of and reputation of a tourism business or an tourism related crises in the mountains entire tourism destination region. Similarly of Nepal, according to UNWTO, a crisis is an 4. Major challenges related to search and undesired, extraordinary, often unexpected rescue of the tourists in the mountains and timely limited process with ambivalent of Nepal, development possibilities. It demands immediate decisions and counter measures 5. Best practices of Crisis Management in order to influence the further and SAR operation of tourists in other development again positively for the destinations, destination and to limit the negative 6. Exploration of the latest technologies consequences as much as possible. in search and rescue of the visitors Authors such as Faulkner (2001) and such as more accurate weather forecast Moreira (2007) try to distinguish between system, GPS etc., a ‘crisis’ and ‘disaster’, with the key 7. Role of Nepal Mountain Academy in differences being that crises tend to be search and rescue of the visitors in the more predictable, caused by anthropogenic mountains of Nepal, action, evidencing an observable build-up, 8. Recommendations for more effective and of longer duration; while disasters tend and efficient search and rescue to be more sudden, less predictable, caused mechanism and operations in future. by natural forces, and generally shorter in In line with the given Terms of References duration. Disasters are likely to give rise to of the assignments, the study report has emergencies, in other words rapidly been prepared to address the major issues evolving incidents requiring an immediate of search and rescue operations, best response. Whatever their general practices in other countries, modern differences are, they have one feature in technologies available and role of Nepal common: they adversely affect the ability Mountain Academy in search and rescue of tourism enterprises or destination in operation in the Himalayas of Nepal. safety and service delivery. However, before discussing these issues, it Search and Rescue (SAR) is appropriate to look into the theoretical Search and Rescue is a term often used to aspects of search and rescue efforts which describe the “search” for people in distress have direct relevance to crisis or risk or imminent danger and the associated management. “rescue” by emergency response agencies.
72 VOICE OF HIMALAYA There are actually several categories of waves, epidemics and sudden global SAR, depending primarily on geography financial events. or terrain. (e.g, mountain rescue, air-sea Category 2: Crisis events which result rescue over water, terrestrial rescue), but from a failure of management or lack of the general concept is the same— contingency measures taken to deal with emergency teams are dispatched to locate, predictable risks.These include a business assist and rescue people in crisis situations. collapse due to management failure, Search and Rescue begins once the type of inappropriate strategic management, crisis or area of distress is identified. In financial fraud, loss of data, destruction of order to carry out effective and efficient place of business due to fire or flood search and rescue operation, a thorough without adequate backup procedures or understanding, the type and nature of insurance cover, massive turnover or loss crises is crucial. Further, search and rescue of management and staff. is also an integral part of overall crisis PATA has identified six functions of crisis management, therefore, this study explores management and these are: the issues in crisis management in depth. 1. Identify: Identify crisis, risks, disasters Crisis Management or hazards before they become Crisis management is a framework of realities. strategies, processes and measures that are 2. Analyze: Evaluate the probabilities, planned and implemented to prevent and time-frames and potential impacts of cope with crisis. Crisis communication is each crisis and then classify and an integral part of crisis management and prioritize them. is the process of communicating, once a 3. Plan: Formulate contingency action crisis has started, to minimize its negative plans for mitigating the potential consequences for the organization and the impact of each risk. stakeholder that the organization organization is responsible for. It requires 4. Track: Monitor the likely effectiveness immediate decisions and counter-measures of these plans by reviewing evolving using all the communication tools at its crises and risks. disposal in order to influence and steer its 5. Control: Revise the plans according to development in as positive a direction as data from the monitoring stage. possible. 6. Communicate: Ensure stakeholder PATA has grouped tourism related crises in buy-in and support in monitoring two broad categories: changes in the risk environment. Category 1: Crisis events which are For better understanding of Search and beyond the control of management: These Rescue (SAR) operation in the mountains include natural disasters, acts of war or of Nepal the framework of Crisis terrorism, political upheavals, crime Management is explained in details below:
Table: 1 Crisis Management Framework No. Phase Principal strategies & actions Key stages 1 Pre-event Contingency planning Prevention, based on known information 2 Prodromal (onset of crisis Initiation of contingency plan Response situation) 3 Emergency Protective actions during crisis Response
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 73 4 Intermediate Short-term needs addressed, Response clear communication strategy in place 5 Recovery Restoring infrastructure, fa- Stimulation of recov- cilities, and tourist attractions, ery in mid and long coordinated and sustained term marketing response 6 Resolution Review of actions taken to feed Prevention, based on into further contingency plans new learning
Phase 1: Pre-crisis Stage should be able to warn the private and The more detailed the pre-event planning public agencies at the early stage of for Search and Rescue operation in the the event so that the visitors are mountains, the more likely it is that the evacuated long before the risk builds outcome will be timely and effective. up into a full disaster. Establishing the relationships among the 3. Nepal Mountain Academy should be crisis coordination committee at the district nominated as the focal point or as a as well as central level and the tourism crisis headquarters in the event of a stakeholders is a precursor to creating crisis in the mountains of Nepal. more resilient tourism systems in Nepal. 4. Designate a spokesperson at the Based on the historic data and experiences Mountain Academy, who will work of the past, the possible crises in the closely in the event of a crisis with the mountains are identified, plans should be national bodies and committees to in place with pragmatic approach of handle all crises related search and resources mobilization. Since tourism, rescue efforts in the mountains. This especially the incidents in the mountains will ensure the consistency of message are reported with exaggeration by the 5. Maintain up-to-date intelligence on media a clear crisis communications plan the distribution of tourists’ in-country should be available as a ready reference so and key contacts with foreign that the damage from media is minimized. embassies and consular offices in The major pre-crisis management steps for Nepal and trade associations. the search and rescue operation in the 6. Maintain knowledge of market trends mountains of Nepal can be outlined as: and possible reactions to different 1. Setting up a pro-active Mountain types of crisis. Prepare an inventory of Tourism Crisis Unit within Nepal search and rescue equipment and Mountain Academy which is linked to resources with different organization the crisis cell at NTB and the national which can be used at the time of crisis. disaster and risk management bodies Especially the expensive logistics under Ministry of Home Affairs. The such as helicopters and trained rescue unit shall look after the crises in the personnel who can operate high- major mountain areas in Nepal. altitude search and rescue operations. 2. Establish an Early Warning System 7. Cultivate good relations with the and weather forecast and monitoring media, so that in the event of a crisis system in the mountains and give positive messages are more likely to responsibility to Nepal Mountain be sent out. Academy to operate the system. It 8. Create warm relations with trekking
74 VOICE OF HIMALAYA and expeditions operators' personnel transferring non-essential members and past and potential visitors. This outside the affected area. will generate emotional and social 3. Issue regular updates on the situation capital and help create a supportive via the crisis communications center at reaction to a crisis. Nepal Mountain Academy, with 9. Train personnel in safety and security timely, transparent and accurate issues to enhance awareness amongst messages. Openness to enquiries is employees, and to minimize risks to vital to restrict sensationalist and trekkers and mountaineers and inaccurate reporting by the media. employees. 4. Clear weather reports communicatedby Phase 2: Prodromal Stage department of meteorology and Once an emergency situation in the hydrology and businesses with booked mountains begins to develop, a competent visitors to advice on the situation. and speedy response may prevent it 5. Prompt repairs of infrastructure in the spiraling into a full disaster. Not all mountain destination such as repairs stakeholders and government agencies will of trekking trails, climbing camps and necessarily be immediately aware of the climbing logistics. situation, so they will need to be warned. 6. Coordination with the foreign The principal actions in this phase are: diplomatic missions in Nepal so that 1. Increase frequency of communications they do not issue adverse travel between members of the tourism crisis advisory asking their countrymen to committees, security forces and the postpone or cancel their visit. relevant tourism stakeholders. The Similarly, the NTO and business central and district crisis committees communities should be aware of should disseminate all necessary negative spread of message on social instructions to the ground staff, media. especially the security forces who are Phase 4: Post-crisis (intermediate, mid- involved in search and rescue efforts term) to stand by for action. Efforts to ensure recovery should accelerate 2. Finalize pre-prepared messages to as soon as the emergency phase is over. issue to media and the public so that Government commitment to the tourism wrong and premature information is sector and leadership is essential. Until not disseminated. repairs are made to the key infrastructure 3. Activate and operate a communications and facilities used by tourists in the centre 24 hours to handle enquiries mountain areas, efforts to promote the from relatives of people affected by recovery of the destination should be the incident and mitigate damage to limited to unaffected areas. Whatever the the destination’s image. crisis, the optimal response is to provide Phase 3: Emergency Stages (immediate timely information that is accurate, crisis response) credible and transparent, enabling stakeholders to act on it and prospective Key actions at this stage are to: visitors to make informed decisions and 1. Ensure safety and welfare of the modify their travel arrangements to ensure visitors by covering their basic needs, their safety. Communications should be followed by evacuation to the safe directed at the trade (tour operators, travel areas or home country if necessary. agents, conference organizers), at home 2. Ensure safety and welfare of staff by and abroad and individual tourists.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 75 Responses to crisis at this stage should future search and rescue operation. include: 3. Enhance destination image through 1. A coordinated response between mainstream and social media about public and private sector bodies, recovery, news of activities or following the pre-prepared plan of the festivals, familiarization trips for local or national crisis management journalists and bloggers, or webcams committees. in key locations showing that the 2. Repairs to infrastructural damage in mountain areas are safe to visit. the mountains (such as to ensure Firsthand information from the media normal functioning of tourism as people will have positive impact on quickly as possible. the future visitors. 3. Increased marketing, including 4. Mountain destinations can develop familiarization trips to the international new products according to the media and other promotional efforts, available resources and in line with using optimistic messages which focus market trends which are safer and less on positive aspects of the destination. susceptible to future crisis. If necessary, engage a specialist PR Phase 6: Resolution firm. Both public and private sector bodies 4. Circulation of businesses’ own should review the actions taken in the information on the crisis and recovery previous phases for effectiveness and make to complement information being adjustments, consistent with the resources disseminated by the lead government available to them. This will build resilience agency and crisis management into individual organizations and the wider committees, and to counter the spread tourism system through increased of “fake news” on social media. awareness of how to respond to crises and 5. Targeting of less crisis-sensitive changing market trends, and ensure that markets and segments (e.g. domestic future planning takes account of past and NRN or Nepali diaspora) in order successful (and less successful) strategies. to ensure business viability. PATA has published a document on the 6. Strengthened public/private concept of Crisis Management which partnerships and cooperation. introduced Reduction, Readiness, Response and Recovery or four ‘R’s. In the Phase 5: Post-crisis Recovery (long difficult terrain of the Himalayas, the term) concept of four ‘R’s is even more important The intermediate stages of crisis because it will take a lot of time and efforts management will evolve into longer term to initiate search and rescue operation at measures in six key areas: the last moment. 1. Plan for infrastructural improvements Table: 2 Four 'R' concept of Crisis in the adventure destinations and Management dissemination of information to the media and social media. Reduction 1.1 Crisis Awareness 2. Increase professionalism in adventure 1.2 Political Awareness tourism, particularly to ensure that 1.3 Standard Operating local people and personnel as well as Procedures training frontline personnel in safety Readiness 2.1 Crisis Management Plan and security procedures acquire necessary skill and capacity to mitigate 2.2 Tourism planning
76 VOICE OF HIMALAYA 2.3 Health and safety measures meaningful things to do helps calm anxiety, restores order, and promotes a Response 3.1 Emergency response universal sense of control. Similarly, procedures the actions ease away the tension of 3.2 Investigation the friends and families who absorb 3.3 Family assistance every word from the media during 3.4 Communication crisis. Recovery 4.1 Business Continuity Plan 6. Show Respect: Respectful communication is of paramount 4.2 Human Resources importance when people feel 4.3 Debriefing vulnerable. For example, when the According to the ASEAN crisis visitors are being rescued away from communication manual for the effective the disaster area in the mountains, the crisis communication and to avoid negative content of communication should media coverage, the following “Golden show respect to the people being Rules” are adopted by that destinations rescued. One wrong word of disrespect which have successfully managed the can ruin the image of the entire crises. country. 1. Be the First: Crises are always time- There is another set of six pitfalls to avoid; sensitive so communicating 1. Communicating too much or too little: information quickly is crucial. The The destination dealing with crisis is first source of information usually is advised not to provide an overdose of the preferred and trusted source. When information if it is not relevant to the it comes to crises and search and crisis. At the same time, the media rescue operation in the remote should not withhold information Himalayas, the news breaker always important to the story. gets attention of the public. 2. Judgmental: Very often the media 2. Be Right: Accuracy establishes loves quick judgment. The focal credibility. It is mandatory for agency for crisis communication information to include what is already should ask media not to air news and known, what is not known, and what is information without verifying facts being done to help fill in the gaps. from reliable source. 3. Be Credible: Honesty and truthfulness 3. Blame Game: It is a human nature to must never be compromised during seek credit of positive outcomes and to crises under any circumstances. The pass the bucket orpointing a finger at NTOs or the focal organization for the others when things go wrong. During crisis communication should crisis it should be strictly avoided at disseminate the information only after all costs. verification and cross-verification of 4. Lack of teamwork: At all times there the new information. must always be one message and 4. Express Empathy: Crises creates harm, spokesperson. Teamwork is a must to and the suffering should be stay on top of the message. acknowledged in words. This helps 5. Playing favorites with the media: build trust between the destination and Providing exclusives to one media will families of the visitors who live far create resentment to those left out and away. result in incorrect off-message stories 5. Promote Action: Giving people elsewhere.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 77 6. Failure to act: Failure to communicate understand the nature of crises, their likely in a professional and timely manner development into a full scale crisis and means you will lose control of the possible magnitude. Faulkner (2001) message and the story will develop in proposed a six-phase framework for a totally wrong way. understanding the stages of a crisis and the The most common mistake is that of failing responses necessary from stakeholders: to plan before a crisis takes place. In the Even though, the crisis in normal tourism absence of a plan and adequate knowledge environment and in the mountains are not of the fundamental rules of effective crisis the same, both theoretical and practical communications, there is a high possibility aspects of crisis management are applicable of serious errors during a crisis and which in all situations. It should be noted here may hurt and damage the reputation of that Nepal should consider the framework your organization. more seriously as the pre-event planning, Table 3: Crisis Recovery Time readiness and responses to the crisis, resource mobilization etc. are more urgent Average Recovery Crisis Category but time consuming in the remote areas of Time (months) the mountains. Political Turmoil 26.7 2. Brief accounts of Tourism Related Terrorism 13.0 Natural Crises in The Mountain Regions Pandemic 21.3 of Nepal Environmental 23.8 Being the youngest mountain chain in the Disaster planet, the Himalayas and hills of Nepal The average recovery time for political are vulnerable to recurring natural disasters turmoil is the longest because it usually such as earthquakes, avalanches, snow takes a long time for the issues to brew and storms, landslides and floods. This study to settle the diverse interests of varied presents retrospective accounts of the stakeholders. Interestingly, the recovery major disasters that occurred in the time from terrorism is the lowest, within Himalayas since the legendary expedition 13 months. of George Mallory. Policy-makers at national tourism In addition to the above, there were several administration, managers at national incidents that occurred in the Himalayas of tourism organization and the frontline Nepal, some of which resulted in stakeholders at the travel trade need to unfortunate loss of lives of the visitors and support personnel.
Table 4: Major Disasters in the Himalayas of Nepal Year Place of crisis Brief Description of Crisis Impact Remarks 1922 En route to the The vanguards of the -Death of 7 Mt. Everest expedition led by George Nepali porters Mallory caused an avalanches and the porters below were flushed into the crevasse 1924 En route to the George Mallory and Andrew -Death of Mt. Everest Irvin were lost while George Mallory climbing the Mt. Everest and Andrew Irvin
78 VOICE OF HIMALAYA 1969 Mt. Dhaulagiri, While the climbers were 7 people are attempting to cross a bridge killed by an made of wooden logs, to get avalanche. One over a gorge. person escaped 1970 April Khumbu Icefall A large avalanche swept into - 6 Sherpas died Japanese Ski the Khumbu Icefall expedition 1972 Mt. Manaslu A large avalanche killed the 15 people died climbers at the height of 6,500 m. September En route to the Gerard Devouassoux, the 1974 Mt. Everest deputy mayor of Chamonix led the expedition in August and swept by an avalanche November Everest The storm was originated -63 deaths 1995 National in the bay of Bengal and -550 people Park and reached Nepal causing were rescued Kanchenjungha several avalanches and snowstorms 1996 During Everest A blizzard and bad weather -12 deaths John May 10-11 Expedition in the high altitude during Krakaurwas the ascent and descent to Mt. inspired to Everest caused the disaster write “Into Thin Air” 2005 Kang Guru French -7 French All climbers October Himal, climbers died were from Annapurna -11 Nepali Chamonix region in support staff and Manang also died Albertville District regions of France 2012 Mt. Manaslu An avalanche that set off Death of 9 at 4.00 am in the morning people sweeping away up to 25 tents at an altitude of 6,800 meters. October Mt. Everest An avalanche swept across -13 Sherpa died 2014 Region the Khumbu Icefall at about and 3 missing 5,800m), while the Sherpas were ferrying loads for the client climbers when the accident occurred. 2014 Manang and A deadly snowstorm occurred -43 deaths Mustang in due to the Cyclone Hudhud -50 missing the Annapurna in October - 175 injured Region -400 people were rescued
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 79 2015 Everest Base An earthquake, which hit -22 foreign Camp Nepal in 25 April, 2015 climbers killed killed several climbers at the Everest Base Camp 2015 Langtang The earthquake of 25 April, -200 dead, National Park 2015 left 200 dead, including including 175 locals, 10 security 175 locals, personnel, and foreign 10 security tourists who came to Nepal personnel and for trekking. several foreign tourists 2015 All over Nepal -Fuel Crisis in Nepal that -No casualties hampered the service but it was a delivery of private tourism prolonged crisis enterprises in the mountain for tourism as regions of Nepal. well as other economic sectors that negatively affected image of Nepal in the tourism source markets
3. Legal Provisions and Agencies involved Framework in the Search and Rescue Operations • Operation of Prime Minister Through the Disaster and Relief Act 2039, Disaster Rescue Fund Regulations the government of Nepal has made 2063 necessary legal provisions to carry out all • Rescue and Reliefs Standards to the rescue works in Nepal. The Ministry of the Victims of Disasters 2064 Home Affairs and its agencies look after or • District Disaster Risk coordinate all major search and rescue Management Planning Directives efforts and operation. However, there is no for 2069 provision for rescue of international visitors to Nepal. Similarly, the Local Self- • Local Disaster Risk Management governance Act 2055 encourages the local Planning Directives for 2069 bodies to seek resources and manage the • Bird Flu Control Directives 2064, disaster related works. 2065, 2067 3.1 Legal Provisions for Search and • Disaster Reliefs and Monitoring Rescue Operations Action Plan • Disaster and Relief Act 2039 • Management of Mass Casualty • National Strategy for Disaster and • Guidelines on Emergency Risk Management 2066 Preparedness and Disaster • Guidelines to prepare Disaster Management for Preplanning and Responses 2067 • Hospitals • National Disaster Response
80 VOICE OF HIMALAYA 3.2 Bilateral and Multilateral Treaties, Secretariat is supported by DFID, Agreement and MoU signed by Nepal the International Strategy for (Adapted from Disaster Management Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and Manual 2071 of GoN) UNDP. 3.2.1 Nepal Risk Reduction Table 5: NRRC Steering Consortium (NRRC) Committee Members The Nepal Risk Reduction Government Consortium (NRRC) is a an Partners Ministries arrangement to unite humanitarian and development partners with Ministry of Home Resident and financial institutions to support Affairs Humanitarian the Government of Nepal in Coordinator implementing mitigating Ministry of Finance UNDP measures to deal with the recurring Ministry of Physical UNOCHA natural disasters. Planning & Works In February 2011, the Government Ministry of Federal ADB of Nepal (GoN) launched the Affairs & Local Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium Development (NRRC). The NRRC is a unique Ministry of Health & WHO body that unites the GoN, the Population international financial institutions of the Asian Development Bank Ministry of Irrigation DFID and World Bank, development National Planning IFRC partners and donors, the Red Commission Cross and Red Crescent Ministry of USAID Movement, and the United Education Nations as members in the World Bank Steering Committee of the NRRC. The Government of India is a AusAID standing observer member of the ECHO Steering Committee. DPNet Architecture and Membership of NRCS the NRRC Embassy of Japan On 19 March 2010, the GoN Based on Government priorities formally established the NRRC and inputs from over 30 national Steering Committee, which is and international organizations, chaired by the Secretary of the the following short to medium Ministry of Home Affairs term disaster risk reduction (MoHA). The Joint Secretary of priorities have been identified: the MoHA is the Member Flagship Areas: Secretary of the Steering Committee. A Secretariat was 1. School and hospital safety: created to support the work of the structural and non-structural Steering Committee and is aspects of making schools and comprised of the Joint-Secretary hospitals earthquake resilient. and Under-Secretary of MoHAand This area aims to seismically an NRRC Coordinator. The strengthen 1000 schools and many hospitals in the Kathmandu
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 81 Valley, as well as, raising Response to Natural Disasters awareness on constructing The members of SAARC have resilient structures. expressed their concerns at the 2. Emergency preparedness and increasing frequency and scale of response capacity: Activities natural disasters in the SAARC include institutional capacity region and their damaging impacts building of first responders; and reiterated their commitment disaster information, response and to develop an efficient disaster management planning; management system and warehousing and stockpiling of strengthens emergency response food and non-food items for system in the region in the emergency response and; SAARC Agreement on Rapid strengthening the preparedness Response to Natural Disasters in for facilitation of international 2011. assistance 3.3 Central Agencies Involved in Disaster 3. Flood management in the Koshi Management river basin: This flagship area will The following agencies are involved mitigate flooding through flood in policy formulation, execution and risk assessment; structural coordination of crises management in measures; flood forecasting and Nepal: early warning system; 1. Office of Prime Minister (PMO) strengthening institutional and the Cabinet: The office of the capacity. Prime Minister directs and 4. Integrated community based supervises policy and strategy disaster risk reduction/ formulation for disaster management: This flagship aims management and manages the to conduct community based Prime Minister Relief Funds. This disaster risk reduction in 1000 is the apex body and it directs all communities, including the government apparatuses, developing community capacity mobiles the resources and calls for for engaging in local level risk international support at the time of reduction action; and undertaking need. vulnerability reduction measures. 2. National Planning Commission: It 5. Policy/Institutional support for formulates short-term and long disaster risk management: Areas term plans and programs and of focus include institutional mobilizes the resources for rescue, capacity building; policy reconstruction and rehabilitation formulation & legislative works to mitigate the crises enactment; orientation of financial including the problems in the mechanisms towards risk tourism sector. reduction and risk management; 3. Water and Energy Commission: It land use management planning; identifies the rivers with higher supporting of mainstreaming risks of natural disasters and DRM and climate change recommends necessary adaptation into the development precautions. planning process at all levels. 4. Ministry of Home Affairs: It 3.2.2 SAARC Agreement on Rapid mobiles its own strengths and
82 VOICE OF HIMALAYA coordinates with other government of crisis to the needy people all agencies to execute all the disaster over the country. related operators including Nepali Army has historically preparedness, rescue, and provided vital relief during floods, distribution of relief materials, earthquakes, avalanches, fires, reconstruction and rehabilitation landslides, air and other works. It also forms the central, transportation disasters. The regional and local disaster primary roles of the Nepalese management committees, Army in disaster relief are search coordinates and oversees their & rescue missions, medical functions. assistance & evacuation, air 5. Nepal Army: Nepal Army has rescue and mass evacuation, flood structural strength, strategic control etc. presence and adequate logistical Some of important search and resources for disaster management rescue works conducted by Nepal and relief operations. Nepal's Army are presented in status as a developing country chronological order below: does not justify the high costs of Tourism Policy 2065 on Risk maintaining a separate disaster Management management organization. Therefore, Nepal Army plays a Risk pivotal role in providing In the context of the tourism sector emergency assistance at the time contributing importantly in the
Table 6 : Major Search and Rescue Operation by Nepal Army S.N. Year (AD) Particulars 1 1934 Nepal Army evacuated and housed thousands of people during the massive earthquake 2 1971 Nepal Army put out a massive fire in Singha Durbar 3 1988 Nepal Army rebuilt the 6km Lamosangu-Barhabishe section of Arniko Highway which was washed away by the rain 4 1988 Nepal Army helped the victims of earthquake in the eastern region of Nepal by evacuating the people, providing them first aid and relief materials and later with reconstruction works. 5 1993 Nepal Army helped the victims of floods and torrential rain, repaired the roads and built bailey bridges. 6 1995 Nepali Army pulled off a breathtaking aerial rescue operation on 15th May 1995, just above Camp 1 in Mt Everest. A helicopter evacuated two climbers of Everest Expedition from an altitude of 19200 feet. 7 1995 Unusually heavy rainfall in Manang caused landslides and avalanches that stranded hundreds of people. The Army was mobilized and along with the helicopters of some other airlines, rescued 538 people. A further 48 dead bodies, 26 Nepalese and 22 foreign, were recovered. 8 1998 A Twin Otter aircraft was lost on the way to Pokhara from Jomsom. Aircraft and ground troops of the Nepalese Army were successfully mobilized to locate the aircraft.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 83 9 1999 An aircraft with 12 people on board crashed and the army helicopters were mobilized to recover the dead bodies. 10 2007 The Army successfully recovered the bodies of 16 people buried by heavy snowfall in the extreme altitudes of TyankeLek in Dolpa.
11 2007 A heavy rainfall resulted in wide spread floods and landslides in several districts and the army ground and air assets consisting of 2885 personnel were mobilized. Over 10,000 people were rescued and provided medical treatment.
12 2008 River Kosi flooded and the Nepali Army rescued 15,060 persons from the inundated areas. Of these 704 persons were rescued by helicopter and 356 were rescued by boat. 13 2010 A devastating earthquake hit Haiti. The peacekeepers of Nepal Army deployed there were effectively mobilized in search and rescue, provided medical assistance, provided security and escort in distribution of relief materials and assisted in management of displaced people. 14 2014 Snowstorms and avalanches have killed 39 trekkers on a popular hiking route in the Himalayas. After a fourth day of searches by Nepal Army 384 people have been rescued from the Annapurna trail, 216 of them foreigners. 15 2015 One in every 10 soldiers of Nepal Army was engaged in Search and Rescue operation during the massive earthquake of April 25, 2015. Nepal Army rescued some 200 climbers stranded by the earthquake in the Everest region. Nepal Army rescued trekkers and recovered more than 250 bodies of foreign trekkers and Nepali in Langtang region. 16 2017 2000 Nepal Army personnel undertook rescue operations in various flood-hit areas across the country and rescued over 1,000 flood-survivors and relocated them to safer places.
national development, an increase d) Improvement in the relation in the potential of this sector and a between workers and policy to develop tourism as a entrepreneurs. national priority sector, a risky e) Commitment not to hinder situation may be created if the public services through following matters are not given activities like bandh and due attention: strike. a) Increase in the network of f) Regular and reliable international aviation electricity supply system. services. g) Safe, reliable and regular b) Guarantee of peace and services of national flag security. carrier air services. c) Improvement in environment h) Healthy competition between and pollution management. entrepreneurs.
84 VOICE OF HIMALAYA i) Occasional incidents and disasters from monsoon as well as economic fluctuation in the other unforeseen crisis. world. Other line Ministries: Ministries Ministry of Culture, Tourism and of Irrigation, Forest and Soil- Civil Aviation: Tourism Policy conservation, Environment, 2065 has envisaged a high level Science and Technology, Health Tourism Crisis Management and Population, Local Committee as below: Development, Physical Planning 1. Secretary, Culture, Tourism and and Construction, Industry, Civil Aviation - Chairperson Education, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Energy are also 2. Joint Secretary of National involved in the disaster Planning Commission - Member management and relief works. 3. Joint Secretary of Ministry of Department of Hydrology and Finance - Member Meteorology: It collects, monitors, 4. Joint Secretary of Ministry of analyses, predicts and Home Affairs - Member disseminates weather related data 5. Joint Secretary of Ministry of on a regular basis. Its functions Defense - Member become more imperative in 6. Joint Secretary of Ministry of providing timely weather forecast Foreign Affairs - Member to prevent natural disasters related to climatic conditions. 7. Rep. of Nepal Army (Colonel) - Member Department of Water Induced Disasters Management: As Nepal 8. Rep. of Nepal Police (DIG) - ranks 30th in terms of water Member induced disasters in the world, this 9. Rep. of Armed Police Force (DIG) department conducts studies and - Member researches on floods, landslides 10. Director General of - Member and soil erosion to prevent 11. President of Travel Trade collateral damages from water Associations as induced crises. 12. Nominated by Nepal Government Other departments: Department (Two persons) - Member of Health Services, Department of Soil and Watershed Management, 13. Chief Executive Officer - Department of Urban Member-Secretary Development and Buildings, The Committee is activated when Department of Mines and Geology a crisis occurs in the tourism and many other departments are sector of Nepal. Its main objective also active at the time of crises is to mobilize the strengths and and disasters. Some of these resources of the country for departments collect, analyze and coordinatedcrisis management disseminate vital information on and search and rescue operation of disasters. the visitors in the need. District Disaster and Relief Central Natural Disasters Relief Management Committee: There Committee: The Home Minister are 75 committees in all the chairs this committee, which districts under convener ship of generally manages the anticipated
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 85 Chief District Officer for disaster ‘Tourism Crisis Response Action and crisis management. Unit’ has been formed consisting National and International Non- of all major stakeholders of non- Government Organizations (NGO governmental tourism and INGO): National and organizations and representatives International Non-Government of army and police. Organizations have been found To manage the crisis in tourism, active and effective at the time of NTB in conjunction with disasters and crises as many of Himalayan Rescue Association them can execute rescue works (HRA) have formed local level and mobile resources in delivery action units at various tourists’ of reliefs promptly and efficiently. hubs except in Kathmandu. Nepal Tourism Board: The To tackle day-to-day situation national tourism organization NTB and HRA run a Tourist Crisis (NTO) of Nepal has been entrusted Cell with a dedicated phone to coordinate search and rescue of number 4442555 and 9751044088 international visitors in Nepal. to respond to any crisis that may The idea of Media Center occur. Most organizations are germinated after the hijacking of unaware of this except when there Indian Airlines flight to Kandahar is strike. People (tourist or non- that was flying from Kathmandu tourists) call this number to know to New Delhi in 2000. Since 2001, about vehicle movement to and NTB runs a Crisis Management from the airport. Cell, which is responsible mainly National Strategy for Disaster for timely flow of information on Risk Management, 2009 is the tourism crises, coordination another national framework to among the frontline agencies, harness the integrated efforts of minimizing the negative impact of national and international bodies the crisis and positioning Nepal as to protect, prepare and respond the a crisis responsive tourism disasters and crises. This destination. document has been drafted on the Under NTB and its CEO a basis of Hyogo Framework for
Table 7 : Major Crisis Related Work Carried Out by NTB are Listed Below S.N. Year Description 1 2001 Operation of shuttle bus service from TIA to various places in Kathmandu 2 2001 Operation of Crisis Cell 24 hours in the aftermath of Royal massacre 3 2007 Operation of shuttle bus and running of Crisis Cell during 19-day long curfew imposed by the then HM Government of Nepal and strikes called by seven political parties 4 2009 Operation of shuttle bus during one-week long strike called by the then Nepal Maoist Party 5 During Nepal NTB organizes shuttle bus to and from TIA during Nepal Banda Banda and the Media Centre communicates with the relevant agencies and visitors in need
86 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Action (HFA) 2005-2015 where 3) Regional, district and local Nepal is one of the 168 signing level disaster management countries. The long-term vision of committees: Similarly the this National Strategy for Disaster strategy document has Risk Management is establishing proposed to from regional, Nepal as the disaster-resilient district and local disaster community. It has laid down five management committees to prioritized activities and 29 execute all the crises strategies ranging from creating management related works appropriate institutions to more effectively and identifying and minimizing the efficiently. causes of crises and educating 3.4 Private Agencies local people. However, the In addition to the public government document does not say anything agencies, there are several private about search and rescue (SAR) for agencies that coordinate the search international visitors. and rescue efforts for the international The Strategy has proposed to visitors. establish the following institutions 3.4.1 Himalayan Rescue to address the entire cycle of Association (HRA) disaster management as the existing mechanism is aimed only The Himalayan Rescue to respond once the crisis occurs. Association (HRA) has been contributing towards making the 1) National Council for Disaster Himalayas of Nepal safe for Management (NCDM): Rt. tourism activities for the last 43 Honorable Prime Minister years. One of the most important will head the council and tasks of HRA is to try to prevent several ministries and head of deaths from Acute Mountain security forces will serve as Sickness (AMS) that confronts the the members. But here again foreign trekkers, mountaineers no institution looking after and support staff who are primarily tourism affairs is represented. the Nepali people. Currently it The National Disaster runs a small aid post in the Management Authority Khumbu village of Pheriche at an (NDMA) will be the altitude of 14,343 feet and another secretariat for NCDM. postin Manang. Apart from these 2) The National Disaster permanent posts, HRA operates Management Authority aid camps in the busy tourist (NDMA) will be the national seasons in Everest Base Camp, focal point to carry out the ThorongPhedi, Rolwaling and strategies, facilitation, Gosaikunda. HRA also mobilizes coordination and monitoring volunteer doctors to provide of disaster and crisis medical services to the trekkers, management activities. It will trekking support staff and local look after the entire cycle of communities. disaster management eg. 3.4.2 Nepal Mountaineering Preparedness, response, Association (NMA) recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation works. Nepal Mountaineering
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 87 Association (NMA) was Management System (TIMS) and established in 1973 and has been render reliefs and support to the working for the promotion and needy trekking guides, porters and development of mountain tourism their families. TAAN also by providing climbing trainings, coordinates search and rescue disaster reliefs to the victims of operations at the time of crises by families of trekking guides and rendering necessary technical and support staff, creating awareness other resources. on mountain safety and initiating 3.4.4 Helicopter Companies national and international In addition to the above private discourses in mountaineering associations, there are number of issues in national and international helicopter companies, which are fora. It is also deeply committed involved in search and rescue to working for the welfare of operations of the international mountaineering expedition visitors. However, their services workers, their families and come at a hefty cost, which can communities. only be afforded by the 3.4.3 Trekking Agencies Association government or should be covered of Nepal (TAAN) by insurance policy. TAAN organizes mountain safety Currently, services of the and rescue trainings and following helicopter companies workshops to the trainings and are available for search and rescue stakeholders. TAAN mobilizes operations: funds from Trekking Information Table 9 : Helicopter Companies and Aircrafts Available for Hire S.N. Name of the Company Type and number of aircrafts 1 Fishtail Air Two Ecureuils One Bell Jet Ranger 206 BIII 2 Simrik Air Three AS 350B3e Ecureuil One Bell 407GXP 3 Air Dynasty One AS350b3e Two AS 350 FX II One AS 350 BA One AS 350 H125 4 Manang Air AS350 Écureuil (Squirrel) 5 Sree Airlines Five MI-17 One AS 350B3e 6 Mountain Air One AS350 B2 One AS350 B3e One EC130B4 7 Kailash Helicopter Services One Astar B3E One AS350 B2 8 Prabhu Helicopter Five Robinson R66 9 Altitude Air Two AS350B3e Source: CAAN Annual Report and websites of the Helicopter companies
88 VOICE OF HIMALAYA 4. Existing Technical Capacity to Cope with Disaster The study team has also briefly analyzed the existing capacity of these institutions to cope with the disasters and crises in general. The findings below are the results of desk research by the study team.
Table 8 : Existing Technical Capacity of Public Agencies S.N. Agency Capacity 1 Department of Mines and 1:50,000 scale geographic maps of the country, Geology 1:10,000 scale geo-engineering maps of most of big cities, a network of 21 earthquake stations which can measure earthquake above 2 Richter scale 2 Department of Survey 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scale geographic maps of the country, digital maps of all VDCs, municipalities, aerial photographs of various regions, networks of GPS and updated satellite maps 3 Department of Hydrology Offices and stations of Hydrology and Meteorology and Meteorology throughout Nepal, monitoring, forecast of weather related information 4 Department of Water Induced Research and modeling capacity of rivers, filed stations Disasters Management to study landslides, flood and soil erosion and execution capacity to implement mitigation measures to control water induced disasters 5 Department of Urban Research on buildings, disaster-proof designs, trainings, Development and Buildings building codes and trainings to civil engineers and architects 6 Ministry of Local All the DCCs are focal point for disaster management, Development and District network of disaster information management system of Co-ordination Committee all the districts (DCC) 7 Academic Institutions Research and trainings on natural and non-natural disasters 8 Security Forces: Nepal Army, 25 Medical First Responders and 150 Collapsed Nepal Police and Armed Structure Search and Rescue personnel, drills and Police Force rescue equipment, emergency store-rooms, vehicles, fixed and rotary aircrafts and other logistics 9 Hospitals (public and private) Regular drills, trained personnel and facilities for emergency rescue and evacuation 10 Municipalities Trained manpower of artists, disaster management committees in some wards and logistics 11 Ministry of Home and Trained personnel and logistics to carry out response Disaster Management and recovery works Committees 12 Ministry of Health and Rapid Action Health teams to address bird flu and Department of Health emergency teams to tackle the health related epidemics Services and disasters
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 89 5. Specific Crises to Tourists in Nepal avalanche with destructive nature UNWTO has broadly categorized the have been reported in Nepal. tourism crises into the following five Unexpected Seti River Flood of groups: 5th may, 2012 at Kaski district could be an example of this type 1) Environmental, including geological of hazard. and extreme weather events, and human-induced situations such as 5.1.2 Altitude Related Problems climate change and deforestation Every year Nepal receives 2) Societal and political, including riots, hundreds of thousands of trekkers crime waves, terrorist acts, human who traverse through the rugged rights abuses, coups, violently Himalayan terrains in Everest, contested elections Annapurna and Langtang etc. regions. Altitude sickness while 3) Health-related, such as disease trekking in the high Himalayas epidemics affecting humans or animals can affect even the most 4) Technological, including experienced climbers and transportation accidents and IT system trekkers. Physical training or failures fitness of the climbers or trekkers 5) Economic, such as major currency has little to no impact on altitude fluctuations and financial crises sickness predisposition and flying However, the crises and disasters in each directly into high-altitude airports country in the planet are different in terms like Lukla or Jomsom aggravates of type, frequency and magnitude. A report the intensity to high altitude by World Bank categorizes Nepal as one of related problems with no time for the countries where crises and disasters our bodies to acclimatize and occur more frequently. In case of Nepal, result in altitude related problems. the specific crises and disasters in the In its most severe forms, altitude tourism sector of Nepal that affect can be sickness is a life-threatening classified into natural and non-natural as problem and must be treated below: immediately by descending to a lower altitude or seeking 5.1 Natural immediate medical help. 5.1.1 Avalanche Altitude related sickness may take Avalanches are a rapid movement three forms: Acute Mountain of snow and debris flowing down Sickness (AMS), High-altitude through the slope or flanks of Cerebral Edema (HACE), and mountains. It can be triggered by High-altitude Pulmonary Edema natural factors like slopes, (HAPE). Symptoms of AMS thickness of snow or human include headache, fatigue, loss of activity. They have the capacity to appetite, nausea and occasionally carry massive masses of snow and vomiting. Symptoms may lessen associated debris that make them if the affected trekker remains at one of the most destructive the same altitude to acclimatize or elements of hazards. The high descends to lower altitude. HACE mountainous region having the and HAPE are more severe rugged and steep slopes conditions and the trekkers feel topographically is susceptible to lethargic, confused and/or avalanche. A number of cases of shortness of breath. The permanent
90 VOICE OF HIMALAYA residents in the high Himalayas earthquake (1980) and Udayapur are less vulnerable due to earthquake (1988). According to thousands of years of exposure to Global Report on Disaster Risk, the high altitude so the problem of Nepal ranks the 11th position in altitude related sickness is mainly terms of earthquake risk as to the climbers and trekkers. earthquakes have often occurred 5.1.3 Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Nepal. (GLOFs) According to historical evidence, Glacial lakes are located in the Nepal has experienced nine major high altitude areas particularly in earthquakes during the last 700 the foothill of mountain. The lakes years. Recurring earthquakes are formed due to damming in by during the 20th century claimed moraines. These lakes contain more than 23,000 lives. In huge volumes of water melting of Addition to the deadly earthquake glacier may lead to outbreak the of April 25, 2015, other prominent lakes, called a glacial lake outburst among them is the Nepal Bihar flood (GLOF) with substantial Earthquake in 1934 measuring 8.3 capacity to cause great damage in to 8.4 on the Richter scale. About downstream. 2,315 glacial lakes 8.500 people lost their lives, have, in total, been identified in thousands were wounded, 20% of Nepal and 14 GLOFs were the valley's buildings were recorded to have occurred between destroyed and 40% damaged 1935 and 1991 in Nepal. At this including a large number of background, 22 glacial lakes are temples and monuments. In 1988, found substantially dangerous in an earthquake of magnitude 6.6 on Nepal. the Richter scale hit eastern Nepal with the epicenter in Udayapur. 5.1.4 Earthquake More than 700 people were killed, Nepal on a regular interval about 6,500 were injured, 22,000 witnesses earthquake along the houses collapsed and major active faults in east-west approximately 56,000 houses alignment. Historical data and were damaged. ongoing seismological studies (Sources: related pages onthe have clearly indicated that the internet). entire region of Nepal is prone to 5.1.5 Landslide earthquake and it lies in the active seismic zone V. It is evident that Landslide is one of the very the seismic pattern has common natural hazards in the geographically divided into three hilly region of Nepal. Both natural clusters of events; viz: western, and human factors such as steep central and eastern Nepal. It has slopes, fragile geology, high also pointed out that Siwalik, intensity of rainfall, deforestation, lesser Himalaya and frontal part unplanned human settlements are of the Higher Himalaya are the the major causes of landslide. The most vulnerable zones. Historical risk of landslide is further data has shown that the country exacerbated by anthropogenic witnessed three major earthquakes activities like improper land use, in 20th century namely Bihar- encroachment into vulnerable Nepal earthquake (1934), Bajhang land slopes and unplanned
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 91 development activities such as such as the Koshi, Narayani, construction of roads and Karnali, and Mahakali, are irrigation canals without proper perennial rivers. They originate protection measures in the from the Himalayas and vulnerable mountain belt. The snowcapped mountains and pass hilly districts of Nepal located in through the hills to the Terai the Siwalik, Mahabharat range, plains. During the monsoon (June- Mid-land, and also fore and higher September), these rivers swell and Himalayas are more susceptible to cause damage to the villages, landslide because of steep crops lands, and people and topography and fragile ecosystem. livestock which remained within 5.1.6 Storms andBlizzards the river basins. Historical data has shown that Nepal witnessed The great Himalayas range affects major flood in air and water circulation systems impacting the weather conditions The above table shows that there in the region. Due to the high were around 735 fatalities from 90 altitude of the range the weather is aircraft accidents which include often extreme, precarious and domestic and international unpredictable. airliners and helicopter companies. There were three jetliners The extreme weather creates accidents that killed several snowstorms and cyclone in the people, two jetliners met only high Himalayas which are just minor accidents and most of the another form of deadly crises that other were either small fixed affect the trekkers in Nepal. wings aircrafts or helicopters. Although the recorded evidences Apart from these accidents there of loss of human lives in the were several instances when the Himalayas date back to the tourists were stranded at airports expedition of George Mallory and in remote areas for several days his team in 1924, the recent major because of flight cancellation due accident took place in 1995 when to bad weather. several trekkers died.Snow blizzards and storms are common 5.1.8 Rafting Mishaps in the Himalayas but only few are Nepal is the top-of the-mind as deadly as the trekking disaster destination for those who seek the in 1995 and Cyclone Hudhud that thrill and adrenaline rush in the claimed more than three dozen rapids of white water. However, trekkers in the Annapurna region the snow-fed fast flowing rivers in 2014. have witnessed several mishaps 5.1.7 Floods and deaths of foreign as well as domestic rafting enthusiasts. Flood is common in the rainy season in Nepal, and has been 5.2 Anthropogenic Or Non-Natural most frequent, highly damaging Disasters and wide spread natural hazards. 5.2.1 Aircraft Accidents It is estimated that more than Having a mountainous terrain, 6,000 rivers and rivulets are in Nepal has a sketchy records when Nepal flowing from north to south. it comes to aircraft accidents. The Among these, snow fed rivers, European Commission has not
92 VOICE OF HIMALAYA removed 18 airlines companies of accident. The most recent air Nepal including Nepal Airlines mishap occurred when the ill- from the Air Safety List. fated cargo single-engine Cessna The first air accident took place in Grand Caravan of Makalu Air Nepal when a Douglas Dakota of crashed in Humla in May 16, Royal Air Force overran the 2018, killing both of its pilots. runway while attempting to land A brief overview of air accidents at Simra in May 7, 1946. However, in Nepal is presented below: there was no casualty from this
Table 10 : List of Major Air Accident in Nepal S.N. Date Aircraft Type Operator Place Fatality 1. May 7, 1946 Douglas Dakota Royal Air Force Simara Airport None 2 March 3, 1955 Douglas DC-3 Kalinga Air Simara 2 3 May 15, 1956 Douglas DC-3 Indian Airlines Kathmandu 14 4 March 24, 1958 Douglas DC-3 Indian Airlines Patnebhanjyang 20 5. November 5, 1960 Douglas DC-3 Nepal Airlines Bhairahawa 4 6 August 1,1962 Douglas DC-3 Nepal Airlines TulachanDhuri 10 7 July 12, 1969 DC-3D Nepal Airlines Hetauda 35 8 27 February 1970 Nepal Airlines Panchkhal 1 9. May 14, 1973 DHC-6/300 Nepal Airlines Lukla None 10 March 31, 1975 PC-6 (Single Nepal Airlines Bouddha, 5 engine) Kathmandu 11 December 27, Allutte-III VVIP Langtang None 1979 12 October 30,1981 PC-6(Single Nepal Airlines Biratnagar 10 engine) 13 December 22 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Cheklatidanda 15 ,1984 14 May 2, 1986 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Sanfebagar None Airport 15 August 19, 1987 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Dolpa None 16 June 9, 1991 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Lukla None 17 July 31, 1992 Airbus-310 Thai Airways Ghyangphedi 113 18 September 26, Y-12 Nepal Airways Lukla None 1992 19 September Airbus-310 PIA Bhattedanda 157 28,1992 20 February 8, 1993 Y-12 II Nepal Airways Jomsom None 21 March 27, 1993 Bell-206 Himalayan Langtang None Helicopter 22. July 31 , 1993 DO-228 Everest Air Solighopte 18
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 93 23. January 14, 1995 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Kathmandu 2 Airport 24. July 15, 1995 Y-12 Nepal Airways Bharatpur None 25 January 24, 1996 MI-17 Nepal Airways Sotang None 26. April 25, 1996 HS-748 Nepal Airlines Meghauli None 27. December 23, Y-12 Nepal Airways Dolpa None 1996 28 September 30, As-350 Karnali Air ThuptenCholing 1 1997 29 December 13, MI-17 Gorkha Airlines Kalikot None 1997 30 January 4, 1998 Bell-206 VVIP Flight Dipayal NA 31 November 24,1998 AS-350B Asian Airlines MulKharka 3 32 November 20, PC-6/B2-H4 Nepal Airlines Phakding 1 1998 (Single engine) 33 January 17, 1999 C-208 (Single Necon Air Jumla 5 engine) 34 April 30, 1999 AS-350B2 Manakamana Lisunkhu, None Airways Sindhupalchow 35 July 7,1999 B727 Lufthansa Bhasmasur Hill, 5 Kathmandu 36. September 5, 1999 HS-748 Necon Air Thankot, 15 Kathmandu 37. December 25, DHC-6 Skyline Burjo Lake, 10 1999 Airways Makwanpur 38. February 26, 2000 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Bajhang 1 39. July 27, 2000 DHC-6 Nepal Airlines Jogbuda, 25 Dadeldhura 40. November 3, 2000 DO-228 Gorkha Airlines Lukla None 41. November 19, DO-228 Cosmic Air Tumlingtar None 2000 42. April 5, 2001 DHC-6/300 Yeti Airlines Tumlingtar None 43 September 11, MI-17 Air Ananya Mimi None 2001 44 November 2, 2001 AS-350B Fishtail Air RaraLake,Mugu 4 45 May 12, 2002 AS-350B2 Karnali Air Makalu Base None Camp 46. July 17, 2002 DHC-6/300 Skyline Airlines GadgadeDanda, 4 Surkhet 47. August 22, 2002 DHC-6/300 Shangrila Air Pokhara 18 48 September MI-17 Asian Airlines Sholukhumbu None 30,2002
94 VOICE OF HIMALAYA 49 May 28, 2003 MI-17 IV Simrik Air Everest Base 2 Camp 50. April 21, 2004 B 1900D Buddha Air TIA Airport 1 51. May 25, 2004 DHC-6/300 Yeti Airlines Lamjura, 3 Solukhumbu 52 January 4,2005 AS-350 BA Air Dynasty Those, 3 Ramechap 53 June 6, 2005 MI-17 Shree Airlines Everest Base None Camp 54. June 30, 2005 DO-228 Gorkha Airlines Lukla Airport None 55 May 7, 2006 MI-17 MTVI HeliHansa Dhawalagiri None Service Base Camp 56. June 12,2006 DHC-6/310 Yeti Airlines Jumla Airport 9 57. July 3,2006 DHC-6/310 Yeti Airlines Bajura Airport None 58 August 8,2006 MI-17 Karnali Air TIA None 59 September 3, 2006 AS-350BA Air Dynasty Dhawalagiri None Heli Services Base Camp 60 September MI-17 Shree Airlines Ghunsa 24 23,2006 Taplegunj 61 November 13,2006 MI-17 Simrik Air Raralihi,Jumla None 62 June 29,2008 AS-350 Fishtail Air Annapurna Base None Camp 63. October 8, 2008 DHC-6/310 Yeti Airlines Lukla Airport 18 64 November 15, MI-8 Manang Air Rudikot, Humla 1 2009 District 65. August 24, 2010 DO-228 Agni Air Sikharpur, 14 Makawanpur 66 November 7, 2010 AS-350B3 Fishtail Air Annapurna Base Camp 67 November 29, AS350B Fishtail Air Solukhumbu None 2010 68. December 15,2010 DHC-6/300 Tara Air Okhaldhunga 22 69 70. September Beech 1900D Buddha Air Kotdanda, 19 25,2011 Lalitpur 71 November 21, C208 (Single Makalu Air Talcha Airport None 2011 Engine) 72. May 5, 2012 DO-228 Agni Air Jomsom Airport 15 73. September 28, DO-228 Sita Air Manohara, 2012 Bhaktapur 74. May 16, 2013 DHC-6/300 Nepal Airlines Jomsom Airport None 75. June 1, 2013 DO-228 Sita Air Simikot Airport None
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 95 76 June 19, 2013 AS 350 B3 Fishtail Air SimikotMuchu 1 77. February 16, 2014 DHC-6/300 Nepal Airlines Masinelek 18 Arghakanchi 78 March 8,2014 AS 350 B3 Fishtail Air Sindhupalchowk 1 79 March 4, 2015 A330-300 Turkish Airlines TIA None 80 June 2, 2015 AS 350 B3 Mountain Yamuna Danda 4 Helicopter 81 June 22, 2015 AS 350 B3e Simrik Air Samdo,Gorkha None 82. February 24, 2016 DHC-6/400 Tara Air Dana, Myagdi 20 83. February 26, 2016 PAC750XL ( Air Chilkhaya, 2 Single engine) Kasthamandap Kalikot 84 March 17, 2016 AS 350 B3 Fishtail Air Langtang None 85 August 04, 2016 C208B (Single Makalu Air HeldungKhola, None engine) Humla 86 August 8, 2016 AS 350 B3 Fishtail Air Betani, Nuwakot 7 87 May 27, 2017 LET 410 Goma Air Lukla 2 88 March 12, 2018 Bombardier US-Bangala TIA 49 Dash 8 Airlines 89 April 20, 2018 Boeing 737 Malindo Air TIA None 90 May 16, 2018 Cessna 208 B Makalu Air Humla 2 5.2.2 Stranded Tourists flight cancellation between Hilsa There had been several incidents and Simikot. Due to high altitude in the past where the tourists were and flight cancellation several stranded in places like Lukla in incidents of death of the pilgrims the Everest region andHilsa in were reported in the past. Lack of Humla. When the weather basic facilities in Hilsa further suddenly turned unfavorable for aggravates this situation. flights between Kathmandu and 5.2.3 Strikes Lukla the trekkers were stranded Following the popular movement in Lukla for several days. The of 1990, Nepal went through anxious visitors were seen several political and general running after the helicopters, strikes which intensified more which landed despite the bad around the Royal massacre in weather. It was reported that the 2001 and second popular helicopter companies and the movement of 2006. Following the local agents exhorted high price Royal massacreof 2001, the to bring these stranded visitors to number of arrivals to Nepal hit Kathmandu. rock bottom with only 275,000 Similarly, a large number of international tourists visiting Indian pilgrims flock to Mt. Nepal. Similarly the tourism Kailash and Manasarovar via industry of Nepal also suffered Hilsa in Humla between May and from curfews, strikes of trade September. The pilgrims face union and other organizations frequent problems of helicopter which severely hampered the
96 VOICE OF HIMALAYA movement of tourists in Nepal. opening of new areas for tourism activities Nepal Tourism Board in close in the remote areas of the country, the association with travel trade challenges to mitigate the crises have also industry and security forces, augmented quantitatively and qualitatively. operated shuttle bus service from On the flip side, there are new and modern and to the airports in Kathmandu technologies available that make the search during these strikes easing the and rescue works much easier. However, impact of the strikes to some managing the crises in tourism sector in a extent. The crisis cell within NTB more effective and efficient manner are full operated 24 hour emergency of challenges for Nepal. Generally services in close association with speaking and on the basis of past Tourist Police. experiences the followings issues are 5.2.4 Civil war and conflicts identified as the major challenges for search and rescue efforts in Nepal: Nepal witnessed a decade long civil war in the form of Maoist 1) Lack of willingness and planning in insurgency until the country was the part of the public agencies in declared a republic in 2007. Many connection with forecasting of crisis, international visitors were planning and preparedness, deliberately attacked by the 2) Lack of resources to install modern Maoists guerillas asking for technologies (e.g. early warning and monetary donation in the trekking satellite system ) and to buy logistics areas. Some of them were (adequate equipment, aircrafts etc.) seriously injured from physical for search and rescue operation, attacks and needed rescue and 3) Lack of skilled human resources to treatment. carry out search and rescue operation, 5.2.5 Epidemics 4) Lack of coordination between the state Although there has beenno apparatus or Ministry of Home and epidemic breakout that is tourism sector. This could be because germinated from Nepal so far, of lack of legal and institutional tourism here suffered occasionally provisions for search and rescue from international crises such as operation for the international visitors. SARS, bird flu and H1N1 viruses. As a consequence almost all search However, no incident or crisis has and rescue efforts for the tourists are been reported so far that severely carried out on ad hoc basis, challenges or affects the tourism 5) Remote and rugged mountainous sector’s ability to operate terrain of the country, normally, and the destination is Recently, though the regulatory agencies perceived as unsafe in Nepal. seem completely oblivious, the phony 6. Major Challenges for Search and Rescue rescue operations by trekking agencies and of the Tourists in the Mountains of helicopters are on the rise. Nepal. It has been learnt through informal The tourism related crises and disasters in conversation with a few worried trekking the Himalayas of Nepal are as old as the operators that some trekking companies history of tourism in Nepal. With increase and trekking guides are making money out in the number of visitors to Nepal of the insurance companies by organizing especially the adventure enthusiasts, fake rescue operation for the visitors. invention of new adventure sports and
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 97 This will seriously tarnish the image of government took several actions as a Nepal in the tourist source markets, as the response to the disaster. It introduced insurance companies sooner or later will The Disaster Management Act, the learn of such dishonest practices and refuse National Council for Disaster to provide insurance coverage to the Management, and the Reconstruction tourists visiting Nepal. This will also create and Development Agency. It also problems for bona fide search and rescue replaced several existing ministries by operations. three new ones to deal with the crises, 7. Best Practices of Crisis Management namely: the Ministry of Resettlement, and SAR Operation in Other the Ministry of Nation-Building and Destinations. Estate Infrastructure Development, and the Ministry of Disaster The study team has conducted a desk Management and Human Rights. research on how some popular tourism destination had successfully managed Specifically in terms of tourism, in crises and how the tourism recovered from 2005 the government introduced the recurring negative events. Tourism Act. No. 38 which reorganized the management of the tourism sector. Similarly, similar research on search and It came into effect in 2007 with four rescue operation in tourists’ destinations organizations, namely: the Sri Lanka reveals that there are different institutional Tourism Development Authority mechanisms in place in different countries. (SLTDA); The Sri Lanka Tourism While there are voluntary or not for profit Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), which organizations that are involved in some handles marketing and promotion of tourist destination (eg. Mountain Rescue tourism; the Sri Lanka Institute of Association in Colorado, Mountain Rescue Tourism and Hotel Management to Service of Italy etc.), there are dedicated manage the human resources and government agencies involved in other Hotel Schools, and the Sri Lanka countries (eg. Mountain Guards in Austria, Convention Bureau. Guardia Civil’s of Spain, Parks Canada Putting these new structures in place etc.). meant that immediately after the end 7.1 Destinations which Successfully of the conflict in 2009, tourism in Sri Recovered from Crises Lanka was well placed to build on its This study presents experiences of Sri recovery. International arrivals Lanka, Thailand and Turkey, which recorded a compound annual growth faced devastating crises in tourism but rate of almost 20% between 2009 and recovered by adopting right strategies; 2016 and a compound annual growth Sri Lanka rate of about 31% in foreign exchange earnings over the same period, while Sri Lanka is extremely rich in natural, in terms of direct employment, jobs in cultural and heritage based resources. tourism have almost tripled from Sri Lanka’s tourism sector suffered 52,071 in 2009 to 146,115 in 2016. severely during the war, which lasted for almost three decades. While the The six-year Tourism Development recovery after the tsunami was swift, Strategy (2011-2016) emphasized further growth, was hindered by diversification of the tourism offers continued fighting. and development of the infrastructure, improving services and human Shortly after the 2004 tsunami the resources, promoting domestic tourism, enhancing industry
98 VOICE OF HIMALAYA professionalism, and conserving the Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan environment. formed two-thirds of international In order to regulate future tourism arrivals. In 2016, 28% of international development projects, the government arrivals were from China (9.3 million announced 45 tourism zones, with out of 33.2 million), and by 2020 it is each zone having a specific theme for expected that visitors from the Asia marketing purposes. These zones were Pacific region will account for over intended to attract foreign investors in 75% of international visitors. the high-end market including hotels By 2015 Thailand had reached 6th as well as recreational and sport place in the world rankings of receipts establishments, shopping centers and from international tourism with US$ light aircraft services (Buultgens et al, 44.6 billion generated in that year, 2016). It also announced a Unit for making it the 2nd largest tourism National Investment in Tourism, the earner in Asia after China) and ranked ‘One Stop Unit (OSU), as a centralized 11th in terms of international visitor contact point for investors seeking arrivals, with 29.9 million arrivals information on the tourism industry, (UNWTO, 2016). It is projected that including help with all formalities. there will be around 40 million Thailand international arrivals per year after 2020. Thailand has been popular with tourists since early in the 20th century. Crises Affecting Thai Tourism The industry was given legitimacy Apart from the general issues in amongst Thais by the royal family tourism, several specific crises have who not only travelled throughout affected Thai tourism in the last 15 Europe and thereby gained an years. These fall into the categories of understanding of the modern tourism political crises, economic crises, industry, but also took seaside holidays disease outbreaks and natural disasters. in their own country, which gave 2003: An outbreak of ‘Severe Acute momentum to the domestic tourism Respiratory Syndrome’ (SARS) spread industry. across East and Southeast Asia. Even The Tourism Authority of Thailand though Thailand was barely affected (TAT) was established in 1979 and by the disease itself, it was heavily began a successful campaign of affected by the decline in tourism marketing the diversified tourism generally across the region, with an offer, starting with ‘Visit Thailand overall reduction in visitor arrivals of Year’ in 1980; international arrivals around 7% compared to the previous topped 2 million for the first time in year. that year. 2004/5: A huge tsunami in 2004 struck In common with other Southeast Asian coasts around the Indian Ocean, killing destinations, by 1990 Thailand was an estimated 10,000 people in Thailand losing its reliance on the traditional including around 3,750 foreigners. source markets of Europe and North 2006: A military coup – the first non- America as people from the emerging constitutional change of government economies of East Asia started taking for 15 years – caused anxiety amongst holidays abroad in greater numbers. key markets, but civil unrest was By the mid-1990s tourists from limited in extent and there was no Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South significant impact on visitor arrivals
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 99 overall. 2. Thorough understanding of 2008: A political crisis included markets and targeting of occupation and closure of the principal appropriate markets and market international airport for 8 days, leading segments in different to flight cancellations and knock-on circumstances. So, during the effects such as cancellation of tours global financial crisis, hotels in and hotel bookings. Phuket concentrated more on markets closer to home than on 2010: Civil unrest included long-haul visitors. demonstrations leading to riots in Bangkok, resulting in 90 deaths and 3. Issuing special discounted rates or considerable damage to buildings. A adding value to their products, State of Emergency was imposed in using phrases such as “affordable much of the country. This did little to luxury” to encourage a continued depress tourism, however. flow of visitors. 2011: Serious flooding due to 4. Collaborating with other providers exceptionally heavy rainfall killed along the supply chain in order to nearly 1000 people and left millions reduce negative perceptions and homeless. The governments of some create value-added packages. source markets issued travel advisory 5. Reducing staff costs by measures warnings against non-essential travel such as giving staff reduced hours to Thailand. 2014: Another military or unpaid leave: managers coup resulted in the first drop in reported that these measures were arrivals since 2009, with a fall of 7%. reasonably well supported by 2015: The bombing of the Erawan employees if the situation was Shrine in central Bangkok resulted in clearly communicated to them. the death of 6 Thais and 14 foreign At a micro-level, a study of tourism nationals. A further 125 people enterprises in Phuket by Biggs et al (tourists and local worshippers) were (2012) concluded that informal injured. As a result, several source enterprises (i.e. small-scale, self- market governments issued travel employed entrepreneurs) were more advisories warning people to take resilient than formal ones (i.e. licensed, extra care or avoid the country taxation registered businesses) and altogether. recovered more quickly from the A study on the tourism of Thailand decline in visitors occasioned by the demonstrated that policies tsunami in 2004 and the financial crisis implemented by managers to recover in 2009. from crises fell into 5 categories: Turkey 1. A crisis management plan already Istanbul has long been a popular in place which could be quickly tourist destination for its rich history, tailored to different types of crises, its natural beauty and its location e.g. economic, political, or disease linking Europe with Asia. The popular outbreaks, with customer safety overland train linking Paris to Istanbul, prioritized through information which ran from 1883 to 1977, was and ensuring their relocation to a known as the Orient Express. This place of safety, including along with other factors played a evacuation out of the country if major role in promoting attractions to necessary. develop tourism in Turkey.
100 VOICE OF HIMALAYA During the 1990's the region faced pandemic had a significant impact on serious crises, namely the Gulf War tourism to Turkey with international (1990-91), a civil war in former visitor arrivals declining by 7% to 18.9 Yugoslavia (1991-2001) and million from the previous high point devastating earthquakes in 1999 in of 20 million in 2005. Tourism from northwestern Turkey. Nevertheless, European markets was badly affected, tourism in Turkey showed its resilience with arrivals from the Netherlands and continued its growth during most declining from 250,000 to 100,000 of these years. over this period. In the first fifteen years of this 2011 to Present: Syrian Civil War - millennium tourism in Turkey grew The ongoing civil war in Syria is part substantially. Between 2000 and 2005 of a wider wave of unrest starting from the number of international arrivals the 2011. Besides the problem of increased from 9.59 million to 20.27 refugees that it has to deal with, the million. Arrivals reached a record high country recently was a victim of of 39.81 million in 2014, with foreign terrorism partly related to the Syrian exchange earnings of US$ 38.766 conflict. Although Turkish tourism has billion (UNWTO, 2015). In that year, proved resilience to several crises Turkey ranked as the 6th most popular including social unrest and violence, tourist destination in the world. the impact of repeated terrorist attacks Turkey has experienced its problems and the upheavals of the last two years partly from its location neighboring have proved to have a significant the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. This has negative impact on tourism. led to a series of terror attacks and a 2015: Downing of Russian Warplane failed coup in July 2016. In - In November 2015 a Russian Su-24 consequence, Turkey’s economically attack craft was shot down by a vital tourism industry has been Turkish F-16 in the Turkey-Syria significantly depressed with arrivals border area. Russia responded by falling from its peak of 39.8 million in applying economic sanctions on 2014 to 25.4 million in 2016. Turkey, including a travel ban to Research with European tour operators Turkish holiday destinations. indicates considerable apprehension in However, the number of Russian the marketplace about travel to Turkey tourists to Turkey in 2014 was 4.5 on the basis of personal safety. million, which is only 40% of the total decline in arrivals from 2015 to 2016, Crises Affecting Turkish Tourism indicating that other factors such as Specific crises that have affected the frequent terrorist attacks, the Turkish tourism over the last two political uncertainty and the image of decades fall into a range of categories the country played a major role in the including natural disasters, political depression of the sector in 2016. unrest and disease outbreaks. 2015: Various Terrorist Attacks - In 1999: Izmit Earthquake - This 2015 the number of terrorist attacks of occurred in northwestern Turkey and various intensities and source had a affected a densely populated area, direct impact on tourism in Turkey resulting in the death of over 17,000 which extended to the following years. people and rendering around half a In 2015, the attacks were frequent, million people homeless. therefore the impact was felt with 2006: Avian Flu - This global more than 30% fall in the number of
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 101 the European visitors who comprise advertising in key markets, public over a half of the international arrivals relations campaigns, and incentive to Turkey. tours. 2016: Coup Attempt - A coup attempt 2. Pricing: The price of hotel rooms by terrorists took place in Turkey on and holiday packages were 15 July 2016. reduced in the aftermath of the The wider regional crisis has also had Avian Flu epidemic and other a cumulative (negative) impact on the crises. image of Turkey in the country’s main 3. Image Building – Particularly source markets, including its proximity since the outbreak of civil war in to Syria. In particular, terrorist Syria in 2011, Turkey has engaged activities have raised concerns about in a program of image building, safety and security generally. comprising perception To counter the decline, Turkey is management in key markets intensifying its overseas marketing through social media and efforts and seeking to diversify its familiarization trips for tourism source markets with increased trade and media representatives. emphasis on the Middle East and Specific initiatives have focused Asian markets. on the cruise sector. Specific Initiatives have been: 4. 2016 Action Plan – In January 2016, the government of Turkey 1. Cooperative Marketing Plan: announced an Action Plan to Following the Avian Flu outbreak counter the crisis impacting on the in 2006, a US$ 50 million country’s tourism sector, marketing campaign was comprising a suite of interventions organized in Turkey’s key including: markets. The campaign was funded 50/50 by the government 5. Direct Subsidies: US$ 75 million and the tourism industry. in direct subsidies to the tourism Marketing activities included sector, including ‘flight support’
102 VOICE OF HIMALAYA for Group A certified travel 9. Diversification: Though most agencies (US$ 6,000 subsidy for a international arrivals to Turkey plane bringing 100 foreign tourists come for sun/beach holidays, in – i.e. US$ 60 subsidy per capita). recent years the country has Initially, this subsidy applied to become also known for cultural charter flights at certain airports tourism, health tourism and spas, but it has now been extended to a golf and other sports tourism, wider range of airports and some marine activities, and development scheduled flights, and to cruise of the MICE sector. lines. 10. Strong National Carrier: 6. Indirect Subsidies: The Proximity to the main source accommodation sector has been markets of Europe, Middle East supported by indirect subsidies in and North Africa and accessibility the form of bank credits and tax via good connections with most postponement (US$ 85 million source markets, partly as a result has been provided in indirect of government investment in the subsidies). 30% of Turkey’s national airline Turkish Airlines; accommodation is on public lands this again is part of the for which owners/operators pay prioritization of the tourism an annual lease/rent. This rent has industry. been deferred for 3 years. In the 11. New Markets: In recent years, south-east of the country, which is because of political and social less developed from a tourism developments in the MENA perspective, the government has region including the developments postponed all taxes (including from 2010, many Western certification fees). countries have applied extra 7. Risk and Crisis Plans: A number restrictions on visas to citizens of of larger Turkish tourism resorts countries in the region. This and hotel groups have their own means that Turkey is well placed protocols to deal with crises. The to attract tourists from Middle Intercontinental Hotel Group, for Eastern and North African states example, has a Risk and Crisis because of its Islamic culture, Protection Team at its headquarters excellent halal food and affordable in London. Risk profile reports are prices. It has encouraged the consistently updated, and risk and Islamic market by abolishing crisis priorities are (in order of visas for people from some priority) to protect visitors/guests; countries, while easing the process protect the hotel brand and by allowing online applications reputation; protect the investment. for others. The intercontinental hotel group’s 7.2 Destinations, which have better SAR Risk and Crisis protocols for practices Turkey are substantially the same There is an international organization as those for other countries. called International Commission for 8. Communications: With staff, Alpine Rescue (ICAR) that brings partners and customers to together 98 members from 37 constantly reassure trade partners countries. Its main objectives are to and guests that Turkey is a safe provide a framework for research on destination. rescue techniques, prevention or
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 103 standardization of equipment used. and Swiss portions of the Alps. This international platform is designed Scotland as a place for exchanging ideas and For the search and rescue in the consultation on mountain rescue with highlands of Scotland, there is an four commissions; earth rescue, air organization called Scottish Mountain rescue, avalanches and the medical Rescue which represents 23 volunteer commission. HRA is represents Nepal Mountain Rescue Teams with over at this international platform. 800 volunteers. There are also an Depending upon the situation in each additional 3 Police teams and 1 RAF country the duty can be assigned to the team. The organization is an Army, air force, police or other independently registered charity and is competent organizations. In our case, administered by a volunteer Executive normally Home Ministry takes care in Committee, supported by two case of disaster. Our situation members of staff. regarding tourist safety is quite unique At the heart of mountain rescue in as both private and public agencies are Scotland are volunteers: team actively involved in search and rescue members who give up their time to of the visitors in the mountains. provide a free service to people who This study presents some examples or request assistance. best practices on tourism crisis Mountain rescue teams are distributed management and search and rescue across Scotland and deploy at the operations in the mountainous request of the Police to deal with a destinations. wide range of incidents. The core France capability of any team is to carry out The French Alps are very popular search and rescue operations in among the mountain lovers as they are challenging and, at times hostile the largest mountain chain in Europe, environments in all mountainous and extending for almost 1,000km with a upland terrain throughout Scotland. surface area of 35,000km² in France Many teams also support their local alone. The highest peak of Europe the community resilience plans and in Mont Blanc stands tall at the height of periods of extreme weather will 4810m in the French Alps. But it has provide a range of support functions as also the highest rate of accidents and required. Volunteers save lives and are deaths of climbers among the available 24/7, 365 days a year, in all European mountain peaks. winter and summer conditions The French Alps have also faced Switzerland several tragedies with huge losses of Switzerland is one the most popular lives. For example, in 1970 two events; destinations for snow-based adventure an avalanche in January claimed 42 sports. The highest mountain peak of lives in the northern French Alps and a Matterhorn alone sees roughly 2000 landslide killed 71 people at the climbers per year. Air Zermatt located foothills of Mont Blanc in April. In at the foothills of Matterhorn leads the 1998 nine young students were killed search and rescue operation for the in Orres and in 1999 another 12 were area encompassing an area of 2000 killed. The latest disaster took place in sq.km. It handles 1600-1700 rescue May 3 this year when the deadly storm missions annually with the following killed 12 people in the French, Italian logistical supports:
104 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Number of Helicopters: 9 (NSS) which serves as the central Number of Pilots: 6 full time, 5 coordinator for all search and rescue freelance and 5 certified flight programs, working directly with instructors federal, provincial/territorial as well as air, ground and marine volunteer SAR Engineer/technicians: 15 organizations involved in search and Administrative Center at call center: rescue activities. 15 Within Canada, search and rescue Doctors: 32 (all volunteers on a activities are allocated to different rotating basis) agencies: The average length to time per rescue • The Canadian Armed Forces are is one hour from the call and Air responsible for aeronautical Zermatt carries out around 24 rescues incidents; in a single day. • The Canadian Coast Guard is Canada responsible for marine incidents; Due to the country’s immense size, • Parks Canada is responsible range of terrain and weather, the within national parks; and search and rescue tasks is a shared provincial and territorial responsibility of government, military, governments are responsible for volunteer, academic and industry searches for missing persons groups. They all work together to including those who are lost or provide SAR services across the overdue on land or inland waters nation. In addition to these there are - commonly known as Ground several members of International Search and Rescue (GSAR), and Commission for Alpine Rescue often delegated to the police (ICAR) which carry out several types service of jurisdiction. of search and rescue operations: • The Royal Canadian Mounted • Avalanche Canada Police (RCMP) and other police • Canadian Society of Mountain forces also coordinate ground Medicine(British Columbia) search and rescue (GSAR) • Canadian Ski Guide operations, often using volunteer Institute(British Columbia) GSAR teams operating in specific districts under provincial • Canadian Ski Patrol coordinating bodies. • Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog There are 15,000 specially trained air, Association(British Columbia ground and marine SAR volunteers • Canadian Avalanche Association who provide response assistance to the (British Columbia) authorities to help minimize the • Parks Canada frequency and severity of SAR The National Search and Rescue incidents. The Search and Rescue Program (NSP) is a Trans-Canada Volunteer Association of Canada program that integrates organizations (SARVAC) assists police forces of and resources involved in the provision jurisdictions for ground based SAR. of search and rescue services, 8. Exploration of the Latest Technologies including response and prevention. in SAR of the Visitors There is a central agency known as The goal of search and rescue is to locate, National Search and Rescue Secretariat stabilize and extract individuals in distress.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 105 That can mean mountain climbers trapped but does not confirm that in the remote corner of a mountain route or activation has been received. camps or trekkers stranded in a snow • PLBs cannot be hired in Nepal blizzards or an adventure enthusiast falling • Cannot be used for tracking prey to AMS. Each area of SAR needs progress or sending custom techniques and equipment specific to the messages. circumstance and country. In the following paragraphs the study presents some of the Mobile Telephones best technologies and equipment for search Mobile phones can often be used for and rescue operation in the mountains; communications in the remote areas. 8.1 Communication Technology In case of Nepal Ncell has good network coverage even in the mountain There are very expensive and powerful areas than other network providers. It satellite technology such as COSPAS is recommended that visitors carry at SARSAT but they are more for least one mobile phone when travelling maritime search and rescue and used to the remote areas with the following by ships COSPAS is a Russian points in mind: acronym for Cosmicheskaya Sistema PoiskaAvariynyhSudov(Space System • A phone battery that only lasts a for the Search of Vessels in Distress) day is a major limitation so the and SARSAT is an acronym for Search battery life of the phone is very and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking). crucial for communication. However, for the search and rescue in • Keep the phone turned off when the mountains the following equipment its not needed. Mobiles operating are adequate if handled properly. outside of network coverage will Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) keep “polling” for a base station and will use more power. You can Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can also put the phone into “flight be carried and used to issue a distress mode” which turns of the network alert via satellite and overhead aircraft connection. in the event an emergency occurs in the mountains. They are sometimes • Turn off Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS referred to as Emergency Position functions if they are not needed to Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) conserve power. though this type of beacon is intended • Inbuilt GPS and/or location for Marine Use. services which can be used for The features of PBLs are as below: reporting the location of the person in need. The GPS in some • Waterproof and have long-life phones relies on the mobile batteries which last 5 to 7 years. network to render maps, while • A PLB with a GPS is recommended some phones have maps stored to improve location accuracy inside them. • Non-HAZMAT type batteries can • A waterproof or splash proof be safely carried on commercial phone is highly desirable for airlines outdoors use. However, • You can dial 000 from a locked • PLBs are a one-way device. The phone flashing red light when activated • Phones can use any available indicates the beacon is transmitting network to place the Triple Zero
106 VOICE OF HIMALAYA call but callers may not be able to sms, reach the rescuer if the particular • SMS and email communications provider’s network is not can be cheaper than voice available. If this is the case, the communication, person in distress is not able to • Some sat phones have a dual place calls or send SMS to other mode and can operate via a mobile phone numbers. phone network if it is in range. • Phone without network coverage However, is useless. Several network operators service mainly cities • A satellite phone must be acquired and urban areas and have poor or from the phone’s network provider non-existent coverage in remote for it to function. Can be slow to areas. acquire satellites and may not work under a dense tree canopy, • If the person in need doesn’t have reception it is worth walking onto • Calls to and from Sat phones can a ridge or further onto a summit. be very expensive, • SMS messages use less power • The phone cannot send a distress than talking; if battery is low, message (like an EPIRB/PLB can) sending information via SMS is that is picked up by commercial better and search and rescue aircraft • You can also install apps for tracking and reporting your Handheld Radios location although this will only Handheld UHF CB radios can be very work when you have network useful for communications between coverage. members of a group. They are cheap Satellite Phones to buy and no license is required to • Satellite phones (sat phones) can operate them. The two modes of be very useful for emergency operating and handheld UHF CB are: communications – when they are • Simplex: Direct communication able to connect via their satellite between handsets – restricted to network. The following points are line of sight. worth noting, • Duplex:Utilizes a radio repeater to • The major advantage of a sat rebroadcast a message sent on a phone is that it has two-way particular channel to get wider communications and can convey coverage. information about the situation by • Handheld radios use the ultra-high voice or SMS and respond to frequency (UHF) band and requests. Unlike a PLB or Spot provide 80 channels. device, one can get confirmation • Channels 1-8 and 41-48 are that the message has been reserved for Repeater Output received, channels, with corresponding • Most sat phones also now support channels 31-38 and 71-78 for email, Repeater Input • Most Sat phones now include a • Channel 5 is reserved for GPS that can be used to insert Emergencies, with 35 reserved for your coordinates into an email or corresponding Repeater Input
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 107 • Handsets with 2W power output is systems such as forward looking a realistic minimum for remote infrared radar (FLIR) operator console, area usage. 5W handsets provide digital map, optional auxiliary fuel better range. tanks, and dual rescue hoist with spot 8.2 Helicopters light, one or two triple NATO-standard litter kits, wire strike protection and Although there are several helicopter cargo hook. companies in Nepal, they have multipurpose helicopters such as The helicopter can rescue two Ecurelis and AS 350s and Bell. There survivors at a range of 380km and ten are customized and all-weather at 334km when flying on standard helicopters which are designed to cater fuel. The average cost per unit is to the demands of current search and around USD 90 million. rescue needs. S-70i Search and Rescue Helicopter S-92 SAR Helicopter Derived from Black Hawk helicopter, The S-92 SAR helicopter is a highly the S-70i SAR is specifically designed versatile all-weather helicopter to meet the requirements of challenging produced by Sikorsky Aircraft. The SAR missions. S-92’s cockpit integrates an Automatic The state-of-the-art cockpit of the Flight Control System (AFCS) S-70i SAR is equipped with dual including weather radar, thermal automatic flight control system imagers and other search sensors integrating fully-conjugated SAR including an auto-hover capability modes. The helicopter incorporates which allows the helicopter to fly to a FLIR, SAR direction finder, geographic waypoint. The S-92 SAR underwater beacon and external version accommodates 10 passengers electric rescue hoist. on side facing seats, 21-man life rafts, The helicopter can be fitted with and emergency flotation system. Nights searchlight, color weather The spacious cabin of the S-92 radar, personnel locator system, accommodates SAR equipment and emergency locator transmitter and
108 VOICE OF HIMALAYA distance measuring equipment. It can hoist, Honeywell mapping system and fly on a SAR mission within a radius multiple communication systems. The of about 250 km for nearly three hours. helicopter has a maximum range of AW101 SAR Helicopter 370 km when carrying 12 passengers and costs around USD 15 million. The Augusta Westland AW101 has a long flight range of over 1,300km and AW139 SAR Helicopter can accommodate 30 plus survivors, The high cruise speed and payload 16 stretcher patients or a payload of capacity of the AW139 together with 5,000kg. superior OEI capability ensure mission The AW101, designated as CH-149 success even in the harshest Cormorant, serves as a dedicated SAR environments. helicopter for the Royal Canadian Air The SAR helicopter integrates search/ Force (RCAF). The helicopter was weather radar, FLIR / low light also been selected to meet the television (LLTV) system, four bag requirements of Norwegian All floatation system, two optional 17- Weather SAR Helicopter man external life rafts, searchlight, (NAWSARH) in December 2013. external rescue hoist, and ice detection The helicopter can integrate search/ and active protection system. The weather radar, Electro-Optics system, four-axis autopilot allows auto hover, large rear ramp and sliding door, SAR mode and search patterns. electric rescue hoists and hover trim The AW139 SAR variant can carry controller, fast roping/abseiling kit, one or two pilots and 12 passengers. It searchlight and loudspeaker, cargo can reach a distance of 927 km while hook, emergency flotation gear and carrying maximum load. The two 14-man life rafts. The average maximum endurance of the helicopter cost of a AW101 is estimated at around at 6,000ft altitude with 1,654kg fuel USD 102 million. (no reserve) is 5 hours and 56 minutes AW189 SAR Helicopter and costs around USD 12 million. The AW189 is a new helicopter being EC225 Super Puma Helicopter configured to fulfil the requirements of The EC225 Super Puma helicopter present and future long range, high from Airbus Helicopters is configured endurance SAR missions. The as an all-weather high capacity SAR helicopter has been used by the UK helicopter. Department for Transport to execute The helicopter is integrated with SAR missions for 10 years. sensors, inertia reference system, and The unmatched combination of range FLIR and radar systems for all- and payload offered by the AW189 weather SAR capability. The unique suites long range SAR missions. The features such as <1m hover accuracy, unobstructed cabin houses rescue fully automatic changeover to hover crew, stretchers and mission consoles and automatic fly-away ensure to perform SAR duties. The helicopter reliability during complex missions. can carry one or two pilots and 16 to The EC225 configured for SAR can 18 passengers. house six seats and includes an option The AW189 SAR helicopter offers for a medical wall with up to three seating for eight survivors and stretchers. It carries two pilots, an integrates multiple stretchers, FLIR/ operator for console and winch, a TV, steerable search light, dual rescue paramedic rescue diver and an
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 109 attendant. The helicopter, when fitted can also fly in search patterns with with standard and central tanks plus onboard resources to locate the pod, offers a maximum range of victim(s) quicker giving a “bird’s eye” 1,135km and endurance of 5 hours and view of the terrain. 36 minutes. Per unit price of a aircraft By configuring drone platforms to is around USD 28 million. locate cell signals will allow rescuers EC725 Helicopter to be much more efficient and effective The EC725 helicopter from Airbus during the crisis in the mountains. Helicopters is a multi-role rotorcraft Other communication capabilities suitable for SAR and Combat Search include video, voice, SMS, MMS, and and Rescue (CSAR) missions. It is more. By equipping unmanned aerial capable of operating from vessels and vehicles with radio access, the operator onshore to conduct missions in will be able to geo-locate victim(s), complex environments. team members, extend coverage and provide data and communication The cockpit incorporates four-axis services where no coverage currently dual duplex digital AFCS, and flight exists. management system with Doppler, GPS and SAR modes. The helicopter 9. Role of Nepal Mountain Academy in is fitted with a range of SAR equipment SAR of the Visitors in the Mountains of including search and weather radar, Nepal TV/IR camera, eye-safe laser Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil telemeter, double hoist, emergency Aviation (MoCTCA) has instituted The floatation system, casualty carrying Mountain Academy as a Development installation for stretchers, personal Board by an executive order of May 30, locator, loud speaker and searchlight. 2002 with the following aims and The SAR range of EC725 can be objectives: increased with the integration of 990L • To provide dedicated mountain rear jettison able fuel tank. The education and training programs to helicopter has a maximum range of produce required human resources for 1,339km and can endure airborne for the development and promotion of 6.5 hours without aerial-refueling. An mountain tourism in Nepal, EC725 helicopter costs more than • To carry out studies and researches on Euro 20 million. mountain tourism, 8.3 Others • To conduct educational programs to Drones - UAVs (Unmanned Aerial produce high-skilled human resources Vehicles) for mountain and adventure tourism, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - also • To promote, develop and expand called (UAVs) or drones - will be mountain and adventure tourism, important to the future of technology • To organize environmental and supporting search and rescue incidents cleaning programs because they have the ability to • To avail consultancy, technical decrease the time to locate a victim, services training and instructions aiding responders where they are often programs on mountain tourism, and hampered by rough terrain. The UAV can fly above rocks, trees, valleys and • To develop necessary infrastructure mountain peaks with payloads using for the development of mountain thermal imaging technologies. UAVs tourism in Nepal.
110 VOICE OF HIMALAYA The study explores the practice of SAR 1. Amendment in the executive order activities in Nepal and other countries by from the government in order to assign reviewing relevant literatures and a Nepal Mountain Academy as the thorough desk research. It has been government focal point to coordinate observed that Nepal’s crisis management search and rescue operations in the framework has not considered for a Himalayas of Nepal, separate search and rescue operation for 2. Allocation of sufficient resources for international visitors. Nepal Mountain Academy to acquire Currently MoCTCA leads and coordinates or manage the required logistics any search and rescue involving crises in needed for mountain search and rescue the tourism sector including search and operation. Similarly, there should be rescue of the international visitors. HRA, sufficient resources to provide reliefs TAAN and NMA are the lead private sector to the persons in need, agencies that are involved in the crisis 3. The study has observed that the management and search and rescue for the mountain search and rescue operations visitors. The crisis cell at NTB is made are generally funded by charitable activated during any crisis and coordinates donors and sponsors. The volunteers the efforts of the government and private and community members can be sector. mobilized to fulfil the need of human However, it utterly lacks the logistics and resources, who are doctors, mountain expertise that are required for search and guides, mountaineers and local youths. rescue of the visitors in the need. Hence, 4. Nominating Nepal Mountain Academy its role is limited to run shuttle buses from in the Central Disaster Management and to TIA and get information from the Committee under the Home Ministry, security forces that are involved in the 5. Provision of search and rescue of operations and to communicate to the international visitors in the legal media at home and abroad. Both MoCTCA framework of disaster management in and NTB are not members at the disaster Nepal, management committee at the central level which makes the crisis management in the 6. Nepal Mountain Academy should tourism sector and search and rescue of the initiate academic courses and practical visitors more difficult. trainings in crisis management, search and rescue operation, and mountain So far, Nepal Mountain Academy has not medicine and satellite communication. actively participated in crisis management It should foster learning academic and and search and rescue of the international operational excellence by working visitors. As there is a wide gap between the with researchers, educators, academic need and the existing search and rescue institutions and service providers to provisions, Nepal Mountain Academy may create a safe, fulfilling, and step in as the government’s focal point to academically rich program. coordinate all the search and rescue operations on behalf of international 7. It should be able to harness the strength visitors in the future. of private sector organizations such as HRA, TAAN and NMA to coordinate This study recommends the following the search and rescue operation in provisions before assigning the job of Nepal. government’s focal point to coordinate all the search and rescue operations on behalf 8. It is recommended that Nepal of international visitors: Mountain Academy obtain membership of international fora such
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 111 as International Commission for mra.org Alpine Rescue. 7. Nepal Army:www.nepalarmy.mil.np 8. Nepal Police: www.nepalpolice.gov. np References 9. Nepal Tourism Board: www. A. Reports welcomenepal.org 1. Annual Report of Civil Aviation 10. Parks Canada: www.pc.gc.ca Authority of Nepal, 2017 11. Search and Rescue: www.cmcpro.com 2. ASEAN Tourism Crisis 12. Scottish Mountain Rescue: www. Communication Manual ( scottishmountainrescue.org Incorporating Best Practices of PATA 13. Trekking Agencies Association of and UNWTO), 2015 Nepal: www.taan.org.np 3. Bounce Back; Tourism Risk, Crisis 14. Union of Asian Alpine and Recovery Management Guide by Association:www.uaaa.org PATA, 2011 15. Union of International Alpine 4. Disaster Management Manual of Association:www.uiaa.org GoN, BS 2017 16. Webpages of Helicopter companies in 5. Nepal Tourism Statistics (2016 and Nepal 2017), published by Ministry of 17. Several relevant webpages in the Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation internet 6. Risk and Crisis Management in Tourism Sector: Recovery From Crisis in the OIC Member Countries, A Report by Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, August 2017 7. Tourism Policy 2065, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation 8. Understanding Search and Rescue: The Ecosystem behind Saving Lives by McMURDO, 2016. B. Websites 1. Canadian Disaster Database:www. publicsaftey.gc.ca 2. Himalayan Rescue Association: www. himalayarescue 3. Nepal Mountaineering Association: www.nepalmountaineering.org 4. International Commission for Alpine Rescue:www.alpine-rescue.org 5. Ministry of Home Affairs, GoN: www. moha.gov.np 6. Mountain Rescue Association:www.
112 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Bhrikuti Peak (Sail) 6361m. Feasibility Study June 24- July 5, 2018
Study Team : Mr. Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa - Trip Coordinator, Ski Instructor (2nd from right) Mr. Ang Dawa Sherpa – Mountain Guide, Skier (3rd from right) Mr. Riten Jangmu Sherpa – Mountain Guide Skier (1st from right) Mr. Suraj Paudyal – Trip Reporter Mr. Lakpa Sherpa – Expedition Cook Mr. Wangel Sherpa – Support Staff
Organised by: Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Nepal Mountain Academy & Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 113 Introduction: permanent snow as well as fresh powders in SKI LEVEL 3 and Research Program 2018 summer. was Organized by Government of Nepal, Despite the monumental presence of eight Ministry of Tourism Culture and Civil Avaition, highest peaks in the world out of ten and almost Nepal Mountain Academy and NNMGA, a a million tourists visiting Nepal annually, 3-member expedition team started its 14-day Nepal's ski tourism does not officially exist to adventure filled journey to Bhrikuti Peak area generate revenues. It is not a tourism revenue on June 24, 2018 from Kathmandu. This factor. It is time for Nepal’s Tourism sector to expedition highlights on the determinants of put itself in position to understand the the development of tourism from the importance of socio economic development perspective of tourists engaged in ski adventure SKI tourism can contribute. Bhrikuti Shail area and ski tourism. An inclusive report justifies surrounding claims the presence of Mt. Bhrikuti the prospect of ski in summer time despite (1,2 and Bhrikuti Sail), Saribung Peak and has snow melting conditions are at the highest vast terrain for favorable SKI trekking, ski level. touring and DOWN Hill skiing. The area The continuous ski exploration in Nepal extends all the way to Thorang Peak, Muktinath that started from 2013 has paid its dividend and Himal and Tilicho peak. Skiing in this area proved that ski adventure in the mountains of gives plenty of chance for enthusiasts to Nepal is Possible. The recent ski expedition experience the combination of interesting trip with three certified International Mountain mountain culture and nomadic lives of Tibetan guides to Bhrikuti Shail, a 14-day expedition in desert dwellers as well as skiing. Officially, Ski the summer of 2018 successfully completed exploration in Nepal started in 2016. Ministry Level three ski activities in the mountain of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation’s Nepal slopes. Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa led the Mountain Academy, the department that expedition in which Ang Dawa Sherpa And supports and promotes adventure training Riten Jangbu Sherpa were participants. All activities as well as adventure sports has three of them are experienced mountain guides relentlessly Organize ski exploration in last with multiple 8000m summit bids. few years. The department has been instrumental in creating trained ski manpower, In series of training program from 2014 in mostly Nepali International Mountain Guides. Indian ski sloped of Manali and Gulmarg and in the slopes of French and Swiss Mountains in The Himalayas of Nepal is the Ultimate the European Alps, Tshiring and 30 other Adventure Destination. Diverse environmental Mountaineers have been trained to ski. Tshiring conditions and cultural richness of the Nepalese has taken his ski to higher level and is one of Mountains, complimented by road the first few Instructors. Through his initiatives, transportation demands the emergence and the SKI program has transformed beginners to development of many tourist centers that have a much higher level in production of expert to compete with each other on the market of skiers. In this SKI Expedition, Tshiring, Ang tourist services. One of the possible ways of Dawa and Riten were the three musketeers who maintaining or increasing the role of tourism in proved the skeptics wrong when they the regional or local development is the successfully skied down the slope below the diversification of the product based on the new summit of Mt. Bhrikuti Shail. types of tourism and SKI Tourism can play an important role. The consequences are the Our expedition witnessed the ski changes in the structure and types of tourism possibilities in the Damodar mountains during development, which create the possibility of monsoon and left us with impression that the attracting new customers. Therefore, feasibility sky is the only limit when it comes to prevailing studieshave started for the development of ski ski conditions in winter, spring and autumn. tourism in the Bhrikuti Himal areas with the The area gives opportunity to ski in the
114 VOICE OF HIMALAYA already developed tourist function (trekking) in the region from the outside world. The Upper Mustang. Mustang comprises the northern two-thirds of Area Facts: Mustang District of Dhaulagiri Zone, Nepal. The southern third of the district is called Thak The elevation of the Damodar Kunda is and is the homeland of the Thakali, who speak 4890 meters; it is cold and windy place. the Thakali language, and whose culture Damodar Kunda (Kunda means lake in Nepali) combines Tibetan and Nepalese elements. Life is a revered pilgrimage for Hindus and in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal Buddhist. The Pilgrimmage takes place to husbandry and trade. observe the full moon in August. The views from areas above Damodar Kunda are Upper Mustang (north and northwest of spectacular. Visitors can see the Tibetan plateau Annapurna Circuit), located in Central Nepal & Damodar Himal to the north and the surrounded by one of the best trekking area in Annapurna mountains to the south. There are the world with view of couple of 8000-meter 65 peaks in Damodar Mountain range including mountains (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri) and many Damodar Himal, Muktinath Himal (6,706m), 6000-7000m mountains (Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Bhrikuti Peak (6,364m). It is normally a Muktinath Himal, Thorang Peak, Pisang Peak, three to four days walk Northeast of the main Tukuche, Bhrikuti, Mustang Himal etc.). It is Mustang trekking route & very close to the rich in Alpine forest, Meadows, Rolling Hills Tibetan border. In order to acclimatize better, it with all kind of terrain conducive to ski is wise to take an extra day rest in Yara Village activities. Mustang is a district with an and explore spiritual Luri Gumba, Ghara established position and brand because of the Village and the adjacent highlands for presence of revered Muktinath temple just at horseback ride and breathtaking views. the western foothill of Thorang Pass. Areas on the banks of Kali Gandaki River and Mustang, formerly Kingdom of Lo, is a surrounding mountains inhabited by Multi remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Culture and Diverse communities of Thakali, Himalayas. The Upper Mustang was a restricted Gurung, Tibetan Origin, Brahmin, Kshetris etc. demilitarized area until 1992 which makes it Some of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries, one of the most preserved regions in the world, Palaces, etc. still represents the history and with a majority of the population still speaking heritage in existence for thousands of years traditional Tibetic languages. Tibetan culture which strongly emphasizes the role of tourism has been preserved by the relative isolation of Google Map of the Damodar Himal Peaks
Ght Google Map Of Damodar Himal Range (Ski Area Circled)
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 115 Peaks in Damodar Mountain Range (Ski Area Marked)
Topo Map of Bhrikuti Area – Ski Area Highlithed in Green in its local development strategy. of long term ski activities combined with ski Slopes in Explored Bhrikuti Shail Area: touring, downhill etc. There are some dangerous slopes and the visitors should be careful in Bhrikuti Shail area boasts plenty of gentle some stretches from Yara village to the Kunda. as well as steep slopes. Those who can cope The trail and terrain are full of small rocks and with altitude will not have difficulty to navigate pebbles. Lucky visitors may pick prized fossil the terrain. The versatile slopes offer multitude
116 VOICE OF HIMALAYA known as “saligram” throughout the Weather's Influence on the Slopes can make or adventurous trip. The slopes below the peak of break the timing of ski and snowboarding Bhrikuti Sail is approximately 5km long and 1 activities. The ski activities took place on June km wide. There is a permanent snow here in 29th and 30th for two days and the slopes summer and it is speculated that this slope may below Bhrikuti Sail peak received about 10 cm extend up to 15-20 km in winter. Nearby Mini of fresh snow favorable for ski. Above 5800m, Kailash and Saribung mountains are equally the area hosts permanent snow. Though much favorable for ski touring and downhill skill. of the area’s snow condition is not documented, Climate: the team leaves with impression that there will be a vast area for ski and snowboarding The best time to Visit the Damodar Kunda activities during winter time. and the surrounding Mountains is the spring, summer and autumn. The monsoon weather in According to ACCU WEATHER, a site June, July and August does not affect these that predicts weather, the most ideal conditions areas but fast melting snow from the peaks and for skiing, snowboarding and snow-making are incessant rainfall in area below 5000m can below 30 degrees, but the colder the better. In trigger flash floods in the canyons. From late ski parks where artificial snows are made to December to March, the winter weather forces keep the ski areas for longer duration, most many villagers (80% habitants of Mustang) to man-made snow is made at night.The quality shift to Pokhara and Kathmandu and is of man-made snow improves as the considered off season for trekking and other temperatures get lower, according to experts. adventures. Day time temperature ranges from When temperatures get too high, the snow can 0-5 degree Celsius and -25 degrees at night. turn to slush, making it harder for active skiers Only properly equipped adventure is and snowboarders to control their turning recommended during these times. In the month movements. of May, the area celebrated Tiji festival. The Dangers of Skiing and importance Temp in Temp in of Safety Guidelines: Celsius Celsius When weather conditions aren't right, Months (Min/Max) - (Min/Max) - slushy snow and ice can be contributing factors Day Night to minor and serious injury incidents and even March – 16 to 22 -6 to -2 fatal accidents.Occasionally, even avalanches April – May can occur at popular ski resorts during the – June winter months, increasing the dangers and the number of injuries that snow athletes endure. July – 20 to 30 -3 to 10 Although the number of fatalities is less, most August – people sustain injury from collision with an September object, mostly trees. There is no imminent October – 12 to 20 -8 to -4 threat of Avalanche or presence of Crevasses in November the slopes of Bhrikuti Shail Mountain, the area December 0 to 5 -25 to -20 favorable for ski. – January - According to a research by Professor February Emeritus at the Rochester Institute of Climate for Favorable Ski Condition: Technology Dr. Jasper Shealy, most of those fatally injured are above-average skiers and While cold air, ice and snow are favorable snowboarders who are going fast on for Ski and Snowboarding. Since these intermediate trails.Other serious injuries activities heavily rely upon weather conditions, reported by the American National Ski Area the environment must suit the standards for Association (NSAA) include paralysis, a wither snowfall or the snow making process.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 117 broken back and severe head injuries, including the villages are now connected by dirt roads traumatic brain injuries.Although loss of life making the journey shorter and accessible. does happen on occasion, the most common Mustang has transformed from Camping injuries for snowboarders are wrist and elbow trekking destination to Tea House Trekking. injuries. For skiers, typically injuries occur Major villages north of Jomsom; Kagbeni, with the knee.The number of injuries from Chhusang, Samar, Ghelling, Ghami, Tsarang skiing are less than those from swimming and and Lomanthang are situated in the main bicycling, based on the number of people who Highway and there are plenty of modern participate in the sports, according to NSAA lodging facilities in these villages. There is data. electricity, telephone signals as well as internet In fact, the overall rate of reported skiing throughout the big and small villages. Villages injuries has declined by 50 percent since the east and west of the main highway corridor early 1970s, as stated by Dr. Shealy's research. along upper Mustang areas are also connected. The decrease in skiing accidents may be Roads are being expanded and bridges are contributed to the skier safety regulations put constructed in rivers that could swell at in place state by state.The safety guidelines uncrossable level. The Last villages en route to define the responsibilities of ski areas including, Damodar Kunda area are Dhi, Surkhang, Yara, closing trails, putting up signage, warning Ghara and Dhe. Dhe is not yet linked by road death and participating in chair lift inspections. but all other areas are linked. Highly regarded Luri Gumba”, a revered Buddhist Monastery These statutes are also imposed on winter situated just few kilometers from the main trail athletes individually, as each athlete is expected to Damodar Kunda is also linked by road. The to be responsible on the mountain by knowing area remains close in winter because of and adhering to various rules, like the proper challenging winter weather and slipper trails in ability to use a chair lift, following all signage, the high passes but are open throughout the skiing in control based on ability and yielding year for prepared and planned visitors seeking to other people on the mountain. adventure in the mountains. Yara and Ghara Tips for Ski and Snow Boarding village have half a dozen of hotels and camp Activities: sites. This is the last road linked villages where 1. Be sure to stay in good physical condition. supplies are carried by jeep and tractors. Beyond these villages, only camping/ 2. Stretch routinely. expeditions can be organized and goods have 3. Eat and stay hydrated before heading out to ferried by either porters or mules. They are to ski, especially in areas with high available on hire. An advance planning would elevations. most certainly guarantee the availability of 4. Look at the Ski Area’s mountain Trail map limited transportation facilities. before skiing or snowboarding to avoid Investment Opportunities: dangers. Once the BENI – KORALA highway is 5. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the completed, there will large influx of visitors terrain. from the neighboring India and China. It will 6. Brink extra food, sport drink and water. be a major alternate to reach Kailash 7. Take a break during the day for some food Mansarovar. The temple of Muktinath already and water. accounts for high number of religious pilgrims Infrastructure - Transportation and and trekkers traversing the Thorang La pass. The entire region is an open market for Lodging Facilities: investment in Tourism Infrastructures (Hotel, Lower and Upper Mustang is extensively Resorts, Ski Lifts etc). There is an ongoing connected by road networks. Almost 80% of construction of numerous hydropower stations
118 VOICE OF HIMALAYA and road linking the areas. Bigger and better Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) play a crucial role hotels are also being built. Mustang, the in promoting adventure ski tours in the country. enchanting land of the Himalayas is going They can act as a catalyst in making adventure through an enormous facelift to transform the sports policies, allocating grants for developing area as a major tourist destination. A well- infrastructure, nurturing talents and designing developed ski area is generally supported by specialized program for overall development well connected road transportation, ski resorts of ski tourism in Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board and ski lifts. Also, a continuously running functions as the connection point for the electricity is a must to produce artificial snow. development of tourism in the country. As Due to remoteness of the area and multiple such, the organization plays a crucial role in high passes above 5000m, developing ski coordinating and supplementing the efforts of resort infrastructure poses challenge but is the Governments, catalyzing private possible in future. For now, ski infrastructure investment, strengthening promotional and can be made in Muktinath area through marketing efforts and in providing trained investments because the slopes favor ski manpower resources. To kick start the project, activities for beginners. It also means opening a fee waived ski adventure campaign should a ski training facility. commence in possible ski areas for next few Visitors can get to Yara and Ghara village years. by Jeep but roads are conditional and could be Recommendations: closed during monsoon because of erosion Continuous SKI exploration will enable caused by flash floods. Yara and Ghara Village the Exploration team to discover suitable areas are the last villages with lodging and camping for ski adventures in Nepal which can create facilities. Better lodges can be built to earning opportunities to the Government accommodate more tourist as the current through Permits and add value to adventure facilities cannot accommodate large number of tourism as Expedition organizers also gain visitors. Once the journey to higher areas start, financial opportunities. Our team was able to there is no settlement besides the Dharmasala assess accessibility, feasibility, safety and (Pilgrim Rest house) in Ghuma Thanti and security aspect for an economically viable Damodar Kunda. These rest houses were built prospect of ski adventure in Upper Mustang to accommodate pilgrims but they do not have that not only attracts just the skiers but promotes modern facilities. It can also serve as shelters if tourism. Promotion of Ski Adventure will the snowfall is at a threatening level. Better increase the flow of adventure seeking tourist accommodations should be built in different in villages east of Tsarang and Lomanthang camps and local investors can learn from besides Pilgrims. Instead of charging high fees Everest Base Camp trek as modern lodging and time-consuming permit formalities, facilities are available throughout the trek up to Government can waive fees for the first 10 Gorakshep situated at 5100m. years to promote ski activities. There are Stake Holders’ Role: numerous hurdles and the main one is the For any project to succeed, it is very permit processing time. Our team themselves important to that everyone with stake and experienced delays in getting the permits involvement have similar vision and intention issued. Expedition leaders who can organize to achieve the goal of that project. In this case, peak climbing can make profits by organizing our goal is to put in place some viable ski areas ski tours during offseason. Ski adventure can promoting ski adventures in Nepal. Ministry of add value to existing adventure tourism market. Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Nepal Additional jobs open and cooks, porters, Mule Mountain Academy as well as Nepal Tourism drivers can profit from extended work. Board (NTB) do to Promote SKI Activities and Ultimately the prospect of SKI adventures Adventures in Nepal. The Government and benefits the country’s overall tourism industry.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 119 Concluding Notes: and the socio-economic changes in and around The ski exploration in Damodar Kunda Gulmarg and Manali had benefitted the locals and Bhrikuti Shail Area was a huge success and the tourist tremendously. Even though despite strong monsoon weather activities in China's ski resorts are still relatively unheard the south of the Great Himalayas. The area of among foreign tourists, the ex-pat community favors expedition style ski trips in the western living there, especially the British, Australians slopes of Mt. Bhrikuti Shail, Bhrikuti 1, and Americans, have long since discovered that Bhrikuti 2 and Saribung. There are no known China not only has some decent ski slopes, but human settlements beyond Yara and Ghara that the slopes are in fact a fun place to meet Village. Trails are easy for hiking and horseback others with provision to rent ski gears in the riding throughout the journey to Damodar resorts or on ski sites. We don't have to refer to Kunda area. Damodar Kunda surrounding has the west anymore to understand snow vast areas suitable for Ski/ Ski Trekking adventures as our neighbors have already laid activities with spectacular views for the foundation for ski. We should however, adventurer seeking thrills in the high altitudes. materialize from their knowhow and start Government should encourage and give commercializing ski adventures. We should continuity toward exploration, training and shift our focus on what we need to do and how development to produce skiers. Initially can we get started soon. The longer we wait, government should also ease the permit process the larger will be the scale of loss of opportunity, and waive fee to Nepali Skiers in an effort to which is beneficial to the locals, tourist and the gain Publicity of the area. The locals will government with business revenues. benefit by keeping most of the generated SKI Expedition Travel Timeline: revenues in the region enabling them to spend June 24 2018 (Kathmandu –Kusma): on better infrastructure, education and healthcare. In simple terms, ski activities and The exploration team assembled in the flow of adventure enthusiasts will make lasting morning and started the two weeks long contributions to our tourism market. For heli- journey to Damodar Kunda area. Team reached skiing, the area is one of the best in Nepal. Kusma, the district headquarters of Parbat District and rested in Hotel Benju.Due to While ski possibilities are still being monsoon rains and ongoing constructions in explored in Nepal, our neighboring state of the highway, the journey took 9 hrs. China and India has already developed ski areas as ski and snowboarding travel destination June 25 2018 (Kusma – Chhusang): as spend their holidays. It is only in the last two In view of road closures because of the decades; ski tourism was developed in India ongoing highway expansion project in Beni-
120 VOICE OF HIMALAYA At Kaligandaki Crossing in Chhusang/Chaile
Korala Sector, the Ski team left early from husbandry and trade.A very famous monastery Kusma and reached Chhusang in the evening. “Luri Gumba” is just couple of hours of a Expedition Supplies were stocked in Jomsom worthy hike from the village. The road to Yara and Permit entry formalities were carried out in deviates just before Tsarang down to Kali Kagbeni en route to Chhusang. Gandaki river where Tsarang river and Dhi June 26 2018 (Chhusang – Yara Village): river makes the three-river confluence. The road follows the Dhi river to Surkhang Village The ski expedition team took off from and penetrated the canyon between Dhi Village Chhusang and drove to Yara Village situated at and Surkhand Village toward Yara and Ghara 3550m. This is a village settled by indigenous village. Nepali Tibetan whose ancestors found the area safe to build homes and cultivate grains. The June 27 2018 (Yara – Lurigumba – culture of people in these villages combines Ghuma Thanti): Tibetan and Nepalese elements. Currently, life After a morning breakfast of Buckwheat in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal bread (Faparko roti), supplies were loaded by
Yara Village
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 121 Luri Gumba – Top and Trail to Ghuma Thanti – Bottom
“Suke” the mule driver from Thini. After Yara, ride horse instead, the trail is safe. Ghuma there are no known habitat thus all the supplies thanti is a resting destination en route to would have to be carried by the visitors. Skiers Damodar Kunda and beyond and the ski team Tshiring, Ang Dawa, Tashi and Suraj paid a settled in the tents besides a rest house built for brief visit to the revered Luri Gumba (13th the pilgrims. century Buddhist Monastery). Luri Gumba is June 28 2018 (Ghuma Thanti – Damodar two hours walk from Yara Village. Everyone Kunda): offered prayers for the safety and success of everyone involved. The hike up to the first pass Journey to Damodar Kunda begins in the en route to Ghuma Thanti is a continuous uphill morning through some of the steepest terrains climb for several hours above Yara and Ghara on a half day trip (5-6hrs). Physical wellbeing Village. Trails are well maintained as Damodar is important in these areas as the area is remote Kunda is a revered Pilgrimmage destination as and isolated on the slopes above Kali Gandaki well as it is situated on the trail to some of the river. Damodar Kunda is the main source of most coveted mountain passes in the Mustang Kali Gandaki River. This is an important site and Manang district. For those who prefer to because of fossils that are widely available and revered by the Hindus and Buddhists.
122 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Suke herding the mules with Expedition supplies
Revered Damodar Kunda (Damodar Lake)
June 29 2018 (Damodar Kunda – Bhrikuti reach Bhrikuti Shail base camp situated at an Shail Base camp (5-6 hrs): altitude of 5600m. They pitched tent in that Three-member skier team accompanied by area and rested.The team in the course of three staffs and convoy of six mules and its driver day in the base camp area witnessed snowfall Suke hiked above Damodar Kunda aiming to about 10cm. The areas above base camp had plenty of powder snow allowing ski activities.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 123 Tshiring and Tashi Setting the Ski in their tent in Bhrikuti Shail Base Camp
June 30-July 1 2018 (Bhrikuti Summit June 30-July 1 2018 (Bhrikuti Summit and Ski Activities) and Ski Activities) On 30th June, Tshiring Jangmu, RIten On 30th June, Tshiring Jangmu, RIten Jangbu and Ang Dawa set out from the Base Jangbu and Ang Dawa set out from the Base camp to summit Mt. Bhrikuti Sail (6340m) and camp to summit Mt. Bhrikuti Sail (6340m) and successfully stepped on the top with their ski. successfully stepped on the top with their ski. They returned to the snowfield Just below the They returned to the snowfield Just below the top and skied down the slope of Bhrikuti sail. top and skied down the slope of Bhrikuti sail. They continued the ski activity the next day. They continued the ski activity the next day. Bhrikuti Shai, Sano Kailash (Mini Kailas for Bhrikuti Shai, Sano Kailash (Mini Kailas for its Mt. Kailash like Shape) and Saribung Peak its Mt. Kailash like Shape) and Saribung Peak are favorable for ski with vast runway type are favorable for ski with vast runway type slopes that are long and wide. No Imminent slopes that are long and wide. No Imminent avalanche or crevasse threats were discovered avalanche or crevasse threats were discovered in the Mountain. in the Mountain.
124 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Tshiring Jangbu and Riten JangbuManeuver their ski July 3 2018 (Bhrikuti Shail BC – Damodar July 3 2018 (Damodar Kunda – Yara Kunda): Village): The Ski team wrapped their ski tour and The Skiers hiked a long day, 10hrs) from headed down to Damodar Kunda traversing Damodar Kunda and reached Yara Village. through the mountainside above Kali Gandaki Yara village is a perfect base location to launch River. SKI activities in the higher areas as well as to The enormous presence of Fossils makes visit Monasteries. One can also rent a horse to the journey interesting for the visitors. The explore the plateaus south of the village lucky ones can carry home souvenirs. towards the kali Gandaki river.
Descending down to Damodar Kunda area from BC
SKI Expedition members at the SARIBUNG hotel with the owner’s family
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 125 Walking on the bank of Dhi River. Dhi river originates from Chhosar Area near Korala Border July 4 2018 (Yara - Jomsom) The Journey to Damodar Kunda Area ends at Yara Village and takes approximately 9-10 hours walk. It is mostly downhill and requires full day hike. Normally Yara is accessible by road but due to incessant rain, the roads were not conducive for jeep rides and Dhi river had swollen up. Our team walked to the confluence of Tsarang and Dhi River to catch the jeep ride to Chhusang. We reached Jomsom in the Evening. Yara to Jomsom takes 6 hours by jeep. Our team took refuge in Jomsom Hotel. Jomsom is settled in the bank of Kaligandaki River and offers the best view of Mt. Nilgiri. It is also close to Marpha, the gateway to Dhaulagiri circuit for those who want to circle the mountain anti-clockwise. Throughout the trek, visitors will witness modernization as Frequent Road Closures interrupted the travel land transportation has made things possible along Beni – Korala Highway and easier these days. Landscape is changing and so is the way people are living today.The July 5 (Pokhara – Kathmandu) opportunity to experience one of the most unique landscape in the planet combined with The 12-day SKI expedition concluded on all sorts of ski adventure in Nepal could not 5th of July and the team returned back to find a better geographical location than the Kathmandu after a successful ski expedition Landscape of Mustang. Damodar Kunda and Bhrikuti Shail. July 4 2018 (Jomsom - Pokhara) After a night in Jomsom, the return journey continued. We met occasional road interruption due to expansion of the highway. It took 16 hours to reach Pokhara from Jomsom.Once the road infrastructures are completed, the time for overall journey will be shorter.
126 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Team Intro
Tshiring Jangmu Sherpa is a UIGM Riten Jangmu Sherpa is a UIGM Certified CertifiedInternational Mountain Guide with a International Mountain Guide. Besides his strong resume of 8000m mountains. His SKI strong Mountaineering background, he is also a trip to Putha Hiuchuli in the spring of 2013 was good skier. He was part of the Damodar the key moment of his SKI career. With Kunda-Bhrikuti Sail Ski Expedition. continuous training and development in Nepal, India and Alps Tshiring has established himself as Ski Instructor and initiated the SKI training program in Nepal with Mountain Academy Nepal. He leads the Expedition.
Suraj Paudyal has skied in the United States several times and contributed to Ski Exploration reports. He is also a free-lance educator with Mountain Academy Nepal.
Ang Dawa Sherpa is a UIGM Certified International Mountain Guide. Besides his strong Mountaineering background, he is also a good skier. He was part of the Damodar Kunda-Bhrikuti Sail Ski Expedition.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 127 Activities
Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies Students of Bachelors in Mountaineering Orientation Session Studies of the 1st Cohort (2017)
Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies Orientation Session Orientation Session
Class Room Library
128 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Participants of the 5th Female Trekking Guide Closing and Certificate Distribution Ceremony Training at Ghorepani of 5th Female Trekking Guide Training and Ski Training Level 2 and 3
Closing and Certificate Distribution Ceremony Closing and Certificate Distribution Ceremony of 5th Female Trekking Guide Training and Ski of 5th Female Trekking Guide Training and Ski Training Level 2 and 3 Training Level 2 and 3
Certificate of Honor of TAAN Sagarmath Pema Dolma Academic Award - 2017 to Nepal Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Mountain Academy for contributing and Civil Aviation, Mr. Rabindra Adhikari at the leading role in developing mountain/adventure Closing and Certificate Distribution Ceremony tourism in Nepal Received by Acting Executive of the Trekking Guide Training at Pokhara Director Mr. Uttam Bhattarai.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 129 Participants of the Trekking Guide Training at 37th Mountaineering expedition Liaison Pokhara Officer 1 Day Physical Test Training, 2017
Closing and Certificate Distribution Ceremony Participants of the Ski level 2 Training at Swiss of the Trekking Guide Training at Pokhara and France
Researchers of the Ski Level 3 Training and Trekking Guide Training at Lukpa in Research Program Partnership with Khumbu, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Welcome Ceremony of the Newly Appointed Building of Mountain Training Centre at Executive Director of Nepal Mounatin Garma, Solukhumbu under construction Academy, Mr. Romnath Gyawali
130 VOICE OF HIMALAYA Faculty
Prof. Dr. Ramesh Bajracharya Prof. Dr. Ramesh Raj Kunwar • Communication Expert. • Author of various books on tourism and • More than 30 years of Teaching. anthropology. • Freelance and Textbook Writer. • Visiting professor of tourism and • Associated with Various National and anthropology at various universities. International Universities as a Faculty of • Former Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Communication and English. Social Science, Tribhuvan Univeristy. • Former Dean of (the then) Royal Nepalese Military Academy, Kharipati, Bhaktapur.
Prof. Ratna Raj Niroula • Specialist as statistician Mr. Mani Raj Lamichhane • Associated with the Central Department • Working as the Director of the Nepal of Public Administration, Tribhuvan Tourism Board and has more than 9 years Univerisity. of experience in the tourism sector. • Part time lecturer of Tourism Management, Ecotourism and Tourism in Nepal at various institutions • Former Counselor of Tourism Management Studies of Bachelors and Masters Level at IGNOU.
Mr. Sher Bahadur Gurung • Faculty member of the Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University • Has expert knowledge on Geomorphology, Research Methodology, Geographical Mr. Anup Shrestha Thought, Practical Geography, Field • Head of the BBA-TT at the Apex College. Survey and RS/GIS. • Lecturer of the Principles of Management.
VOICE OF HIMALAYA 131 Mr. Rajendra Dhamala Mr. Rajendra Man Shrestha • Lecturer of Financial Management • Lecturer of Business Statistics and • Currently associated with various colleges Mathematics and institutions including Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya and Shanker Dev Campus.
Mr. Roshan Regmi • Lecturer of E-Tourism
Technical Department
Mr. Pemba Gyalje Sherpa Mr. Tshering Jangbu Sherpa • Certified UIAGM, IVBV, IFMGA, • Experience of more than 15 years in the NNMGA Guide, Instructor, Technical field of mountaineering and climbing. Consultant, Author and Motivational • Successfully climbed Mt. Everest and Speaker other highest peaks of Nepal and abroad • Awarded with Best Adventurer of the more than 17 times. Year 2008 (Heroism Award) and Everest • Currently working as first aid trainer, National Award 2009 amongst other mountain guide trainer, ski trainer to name prestigious awards for his significant a few. contribution in mountaineering and tourism sector.
132 VOICE OF HIMALAYA