Opportunities and Challenges of Nepal Tourism Year 2011

Nepal tourism year 2011 was recently launched with the motive to bring about 1 Million Tourists to Nepal in the year 2011. It’s a three year program launched with the purpose of this program is to promote the tourism sector of Nepal internationally highlighting the Nepalese art, culture, bio-diversity and stakeholder business through E-marketing globally are other vital objectives of this project. Its viability lies within the marketing options and efforts that are available where the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) and the private sectors need to coordinates in an effectively and efficiently.

Opportunities of NTY 2011:

1. Development of rural areas
2. Development of infrastructure(Proper roads, electricity, water supply, hospitals, communication etc)
3. Development of economic status of people
4. Opportunity of Proper research and development of tourism product
5. Increases employment opportunities
6. Increases the chance of better investment options and opportunities

Challenges of NTY 2011

1. Lack of international Airport
2. Growing Cut throat competition
3. Lack of proper infrastructure and resources
4. Lack of qualitative human resource
5. Destination getting expensive due to service charge and VAT
6. Lack of proper Training centers
7. Lack proper monitoring mechanism for tourism field and tourists
8. Increase of online fraud cases
9. Risk of sex tourism and prostitution
10. Political instability and chaos making the destination unpopular

How to tackle the problem?

1. As the market is growing and competition is also taking its toll. Tourism is the most sustainable business which runs on local resources and facilities where the possibilities of development and growth are immense. With the advent of technology and cyber space the world has become a smaller place where people very interested and willing to know about what’s happening around the world. Nepal is in currently going through a transitional phase and with the mal practice of political activities like protest and agitation, the image of Nepal is getting ruined. And due to the unstable condition a lot of countries have banned and restricted their citizens from travelling to Nepal which need to be countered. Most of the times situation are exaggerated so there should be firm mechanism to deal with the problem from Nepal’s side.

2. Apart from that the lack of government monitoring has resulted in a vacuum where every day tourists are being exploited physically, sexually and mentally in different parts of the tourist hubs. We need strong mechanism to tackle this problem as only a limited handful numbers of tourist police personnel cannot handle the situation. A good mechanism should be created to tackle the problem where every tourists coming in Nepal should feel safe and sound.

3. Lack of effective web marketing tools, the NTB is still limited in marketing the NTY2011 program with orthodox marketing techniques of travel fairs promotion and limited web profile system which need to be adapted with a more dynamic marketing tools like Search engine optimization, aggressive social network marketing, effective documentaries and previews in international travel channels, etc

4. Though we have declared the NTY 2011 and its target now what’s important is their management and handling. We need to think about their accommodations and services as specially in the peak season when there are very limited no of tourists all tourism hub are seen tight, on contrary here we are talking about 1 million tourist thought as a whole 1 million won’t come but the target is completely double the normal range so double the accommodation need to be managed where the policy maker seemed silent. This area needs to be properly identified and worked on.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Marketing plan for NTY2011

Nepal is a well-known tourism and holiday destination. It is famous for its natural scenery, unmatched cultural diversity, hospitality, unique lifestyles and beliefs, art, unparalleled scenic views, art and craftsmanship, magnificent world famous mountains and other numerous specialties. Undoubtedly, Nepal certainly is blessed with natural resources and has the prospects of further tourism development. Recently on February 26, 2010, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) in association of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) launched the “Nepal Tourism Year 2011(NTY2011)” campaign. It is a three years program purposely started to

promote the tourism sector of Nepal which targets to bring at least one million international tourists in Nepal by the year 2011 and create better opportunities of employment and revenue generation. Basically, the concept of the NTY 2011 is to capture the scattered opportunity among the different available resources. For this the MoTCA has entrusted its technical feasibility to the NTB, a Public Private Partnership organization established with the main aim of tourism promotion in Nepal. During the official launch, the program was actively participated by major political parties, and all the participants of the programs including members of the Constitution Assembly, entrepreneurs, journalists and others showed their solidarity to support the program by every means possible. Likewise, highlighting the NTY20111 program the government has already proposed the construction of a new international airport in Bara and upgrade and facilitates in the current airports. In addition, Ministry is searching for new trekking routes and looking to invest on proper infrastructure development. The Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Marketing Action Plan (MAP) should incorporate the following policy guidelines.

Marketing Objectives

1. “Quality Destination” brand must be developed with the quality factors of

simple, convenient and safe, and should highlight its uniqueness.

2. Focus on achieving economic growth by:

• Retaining market share
• Expanding into new markets
• Highlighting value for money. This is one of Nepal’s keydestination strengths and a key marketing attribute.
• Highlighting Nepal’s vast range of quality product and services that offer tremendous value for money, especially luxury products and services and activities that enhance the value perception of the destination
• Enhancing the capabilities of NTB’s strategic partners to generate increase in tourism revenue.
• Domestic tourism also hold a huge part of tourism so it should also be focused and well targeted

3. Use effective tool of famous land mark to highlight issue like global warming and pollution in a widespread international awareness in the key markets with proper themes and marketing strategy

International Marketing – Promotion Quality Tourism

The marketing plan should focus on ‘quality’ rather than ‘quantity’. It means attracting ‘quality’ visitors to a ‘quality’ destination. The number doesn’t matter here ‘Quality visitors’ are defined as individuals who are socially and environmentally aware, and are responsible. Getting qualitative tourists can certainly make a difference rather than having huge numbers instead which can prevent the tourist destination from being exploited and ravaged. As a result, they are more likely to have a longer average length of stay. Clarity of Marketing Communication The brand must be consistently hit the targeted market with proper approaches with an effective brand strategy. Cheap destination, quality, standards are the Nepal’s key destination strengths. Other key attributes, particularly the friendliness of the Nepalese people and destination diversity will be consistently highlighted under the “Nepal Tourism Year” theme. To help establish a clear brand identity for each of the regions, destination should be highlighted with its prominent features. This makes it easier for visitors to form a vivid mental image of the destination and helps them to remember its most distinctive characteristics.

Using E-marketing to the ultimate

E-marketing is a dynamic tool which includes various marketing resources that are easily available in the World Wide Web (WWW). It includes social networking, search engine optimization techniques, blogs and online advertisement. The prospect of Emarketing is very high where it has literally made it possible to connect anywhere in the world. It’s a low cost but very effective and strong tool which can give efficient directions to the marketing plan. Similarly, the Search engine optimization technique can certainly bring the brand information and brand upfront. The importance and effectiveness of e-marketing in the campaign can make a difference but it depends upon how well it has been used. Likewise, social networking sites like face book and twitter are very effective in creating a broad network and channelizing the define information to a bigger mass within the easy of your comfort. The only thing that needs to be considered is regularly update ad quality information must be uploaded.

Participate in international travel trade shows NTB should further participate in international travel trade shows abroad and further promote the NTY 2011 with better brochures, documentaries and other relevant materials. Though it’s an orthodox method and is very much cost ineffective so it should be controlled and has very limited results.

Organize and participate in international road-shows

The Marketing Plan should incorporate policy guidelines of the MoTCA, and should further develop a State Enterprise Plan for proper development. Establish tourism policies and pursue tourism promotion and development and marketing strategies in line with the sufficiency economy principles to create a better balance between development and marketing to ensure sustainability.

➢ Embrace principles of sustainable tourism development

➢ Enhance the value perception of Nepalese tourism products and services by balancing the price-value equation. This is fundamental to achieving Quality Tourism.

➢ Establish clear brand identity for each of the provincial clusters presented as tourism products in order to create a positive and long-lasting impression and memorable experience

➢ Policy Guidelines Established by the Board of Directors of the Tourism Authority of Nepal

➢ Tourism is a key economic driver. Recognize the very significant role that tourism plays in providing peoples in all regions of the Nepal with better quality of life.

➢ Promote sustainable tourism growth by leveraging the strengths of the destination and the “Nepal” brand

➢ Achieve a balance between economic and social benefits — demonstrate respect for the environment, foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of pride in the nation.

Policy Guidelines of NTY 2011

➢ To ensure sustainability proper tourism promotion and development strategies must be developed

➢ sustainable tourism development principle must be highlighted

➢ For Quality Tourism, the quality and standard of the Nepalese tourism services and products must be raised and balanced with the price value mechanism

➢ Brand identity must be made clear in respect to the sectional and regional geography creating a better prospect of growth and development

Policy Guidelines for State Enterprise Plan

➢ Putting Nepal in the world stage as a quality destination is the basic need for the success of the NTY 2010 campaign where further necessary frame work and mechanism should be developed

➢ Promote the concept of Eco tourism and highlight the concept of Nepali cultural identity

➢ The integrated industry plan provides a framework for the conduct of activities to promote Nepalese tourism and ensures that all sectors involved proceed in the same direction and work towards common goals.

➢ The role of NTB is immense where it should also paves the way for the integration of marketing efforts, tourism products and services and marketing communication. Under the guidance of MoTCA, NTB’s should take the initiatives with those being undertaken by strategic partners in both the state and private sector.

➢ The Nepali tourism industry should be taken in confidence to facilitate efforts to further develop better Nepal’s tourism products and services.

Nepal Launches a New Tourism Promotion Campaign NTY 2011

Kathmandu, February 26, 2010: Nepal’s Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal officially launched the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011), a tourism promotion campaign by lighting a peace light here among thousands of spectators in Army Pavilion Ground in Tundikhel Kathmandu. The torch was brought all the way from Lumibini the birth place of Gautam Buddha where it was carried on a rally by athletes on foot.
The campaign is theme “Together for Tourism” which is expected to draw more than one million tourists during its period.
Speaking at the launch program, Prime Minister Nepal said, “Tourism has played a key role in the economy where it acts as a strong pillar of development. With creating better opportunities of employment, community development, and income generation, this sector has propounded a new economic revolution which can and has the power to bring change.”
Highlighting that Nepal also said, “This campaign is not just a campaign for the Government of Nepal or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), it’s a campaign themed for the overall development of the country where all the sectors should play their part in making it a success.”
He also called upon all the political parties to come on a common ground to stop calling strikes (Bandhas), during the campaign period. Nepal also mentioned that Nepal is rich in Natural beauty and resources, which needs to be further explored and properly channelized for the development of tourism and the country.
Sharat Singh Bhandari, Ministry at Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) said, “The NTY 2011 Campaign is launched with the theme of Together for Tourism aiming at economic revolution through different measure of tourism where the entire sector including the political parties should play a crucial role in creating better future prospects.”
Yogendra Shakya, National Coordinator of the NTY 2011 said, “Nepal’s Tourism has seen both good and bad days and now the good days are once again back. We are ready to create a new image of Nepal with the passion and enthusiasm to give the world the ultimate travelling destination. We are ready to host 1 Million tourists where we can and we are capable of handling them, and we just need the support and cooperation from all the sectors.”
During the launch program, more than 18 political parties and their leaders showed their commonality and support toward the campaign. Similarly, different tourism association, tourism entrepreneurs, and social figures also confirmed their solidarity toward the campaign.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Telling the epic story of will and strength, Dharahara stands tall with its legacy

Standing tall with an audacity to challenge time and history, Dharahara is an iconic land marvel of time dating back to 1832 AD. Architecturally designed in a post modern style with huge influence of the Mughal and European style, the monument holds a pristine image of craftsmanship and culture.
Constructed by the then Prime Minster Bhimsen Thapa under the supervision of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, the tower was specifically constructed for strategic purpose of the Army where its use and operation were exclusively limited for disseminating information and practicing different Army operations. From then it has amortized its presences in history marking the tradition bugles u trumpeting in case of emergency and on special occasions.
The existing Dharahara stands 9 stories, in 50.2 Meters height with spiral stair case running up to the top counting 113 steps from top to bottom. Crowning on top a Shiva-Lingam resides in the 9th floor glorifying the religious and traditional believe. The 8th floor welcomes its visitor with scenic views of the valley where one could observe the modern encroachment of concrete jungle of the Kathmandu valley that amalgamating with the ancient city. The site itself is panoramic where on a clears day one can see the Lang Tang Mountain Range and observe the picturesque scenery to enjoy one’s appetite for natural beauty. Topping the monument, a bronze mast rules in highlighting its beauty, making it ready for a picture perfect shot. It is believed that the Dharahara was constructed using no ordinary construction material rather traditional materials like Vajra - Surki (Brick dust), Chuna (Lime), Mas (Black lentil) and Chaku (Caramel) wore used which holds its strength witness years of its survival and existence.
The current standing Dharahara is the replica of the original Bhimsen Stambha which was build in the name of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari. The original Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha was actually built in 1824 and was 11 stories high. After construction of the Bhimsen Stambha, the first Dharahara, the Queen ordered to construct another replica dedicated to her name. The two towers stood tall near a short distance glorifying the traditions and culture, but who knew what faith had stored in for them within the devastating earth quake of 1834, the name and fame of both the Dharahara changed forever. Though both the towers survived, but Bhimsen Stambha suffered severe damage and was in a deprived state due to lack of maintenance and renovation but the January 15, 1934 AD, earthquake completely destroyed the original Bhimsen Stambha bringing it down to just ruins.
Consequently, the replica had suffered less damage and only 2 stories of the 11 stories had survived. Witnessing a distorted image of the prestigious monument, the then Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher, renovated the second Dharahara to its previous form, while the original Bhimsen Stambha was obliterated, thus the queen Lalit Tripura Sundari's tower got its name, Bhimsen Stambha and is standing tall with the name and fame of Bhimsen Stambha.

Amidst a fighting spirit and witnessing chaotic changes in the country, Dharahara stands tall with an epic story to be told to its coming generation where it amortizes time in its beauty with grace and fame.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

“KUMARI” The Tradition of Living goddess

Synchronizing the tradition of mysticism and beliefs, Kumari is the realism of abstract practice of worshipping a pre-pubescent girl or Virgin in the most profound way of defining culture. The strong image, beautiful ornaments and the flashy red color, portrays her image where she stands as a powerful symbol of unity, prosperity, peace and health.
Literally meaning the virgin, the Kumari represents a strong symbol of power and culture enslaved in the rich colors of festivity which manifests a variation of tradition in the form of goddess as a KUMARI. Kumari is believed to be the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju Bhawani (Shakti) where the image highlights a great presence and acceptance among the scattered communities and people. The ideology of veneration of Kumari as the living goddess dates back to centauries which to this day glorify the rich tradition in fulfilling the centuries old practice of KUMARI.
Like such, the east manifests different traditions, which are abstract and enigmatic to its identity but defines the richness in the most profound way where people beliefs and values passes the normal limits. The rich cultural heritage and the profound beliefs, explores the different possibilities in playing with the colors of traditions and culture giving it the shapes of a montages in chanting the unique colors of life. These cultural aspects promulgate unity in the diversity standing as a focal point of beliefs.
Many stories and myths are surrounded with the origination of Kumari but the popular one goes back to the Malla Dynasty to King Jaya Prakash Malla.
According tot the saying, Telaju Bhanwan was the main deity of the Malla kings, so she was prized with honor and respect in the Malla kingdom, apart from that the one of the Malla kings had pleased the goddess and has granted him a wish to meet him every day. Every day the Malla king use to play Pasa (Dice Game) with the goddess Taleju Bhawani. Though the goddess audience the king every night but the goddess had shadowed her presence with in curtain where she restricted any human to see her and only her voice would stage her presence. One day, the Malla King with in the temptation of seeing the goddess crossed his limits and peeped into the curtain, the Goddess with anger of breaking the promise disappeared. The king called upon all his magicians and priests and consulted them and after hearing their suggestion he worshiped the goddess and made her happy. Then she returned and told the king that, if he wants to see her again or have her protect his country, he'd have to search her among the Newar (Shakya) community, as she would be incarnated as a little girl among them. Hoping to make amends with his patroness, the tradition of Kumari started giving it the form of tradition and festivity. After that, the search of the Kumar started one after the other where girls were selected with specific criteria to fulfill the cultural custom of KUMARI.
The criteria for selection of a Kumari are listed as below:
Ø The candidate must be born in the Buddhists from the Newar Shakya caste
Ø The girl must posses the 32 characters of women from physical to mental for e.g. Skin blemish free, Black hair and eyes, body need to be sturdy, hands and feet dainty, small and well-recessed sexual organs, a set of twenty teeth etc
Ø The candidate’s horoscope must have certain attributes of planets and starts
Ø The candidate must be strong and fearlessness, during the tests. The candidate must withstand an odiferous room of blood and demon-like masked dancers to test her willpower and strength, if the candidate cries or fear the situation she is immediately disqualified
Ø And a series of Tantric rituals and tests will be perform for determining the goddess in the form of a young girl
After the beginning selection process, the selected candidate has to go through many rigorous processes to prove being worth of a Kumari. Her greatest test comes during the Hindu festival of Vijaya Dashami (Dashain). On the eight night day of Dashain, Kalratri, (the night of darkness) 108 buffaloes and goats are sacrificed in honor of goddess Kali. On that day the preferred candidate is taken to the temple and is released into to the Mul Chowk (Courtward). Different tantric procession and tantric dances are performed by masked dancers where her physical and mental strength is tested to the level. As a final test the candidate has to spend a whole night alone in a room with the sacrificed animal heads. If the candidate possesses the qualities of Taleju, she shows no fear and faces the test with confidence but if the candidate shows fear then she is considered to be mortal and is backed out of the contest.
After overcoming these tests, she is announced as the Kumari where she is sent to the Kumari Ghar and resides inside till she evacuates the position. Declared as a Kumari, now she transforms into a goddess where she is considered as holy and each and every word and action that she displays counts. Her feet, like all of her, are now sacred; people will touch them, hoping to receive blessings of long life health and prosperity. She is allowed to do everything from normal activities to play but she is restricted with in the Kumari Ghar. The child will stay in the temple, and will be allowed to return to her family only at the onset of menstruation or if she wounds her self and bleeds. It’s believed that bleeding makes her invalid for worship where the new search begins. The presence and image of Kumari is considered auspicious where people flock in every day to get the glimpse her.
The Kumari Ghar is the palace of the Kumari where she resides in her glorious tradition. The abode in-houses magnificent intricate carvings and great architecture where at time she audiences her arrivals from a window. The Kumari Ghar is well equipped with care takers, priests and other necessary people who serve under the Kumari in assisting her with her daily chores and processions. Guthi Sansthan, a government trust fund bears her entire expenses including that of her caretakers.

Recorded Names of KUMARIof Nepal

Name: Hira Maiya Shakya
Hometown: Wotu
Date of service: 1922-1923

Name: Chini Shova Shakya

Hometown: Lagan

Date of service: 1923-1931

Name: Chandra Devi Shakya

Hometown: Asonchuka

Date of service: 1931-1933

Name: Dil Kumari Shakya

Hometown: Lagan

Date of service: 1933-1942

NameNani: Shova Shakya

Hometown: Ombahal

Date of service: 1942-1949

NameKayo Mayju Shakya

Hometown: Kwahiti

Date of service: 1949-1955

Name: Harsha Laxmi Shakya

Hometown: Naghal

Date of service: 1955-1961

Name: Nani Mayju Shakya

Hometown: Naghal

Date of service: 1961-1969

Name: Sunina Shakya
Hometown: Ombahal

Date of service: 1969-1978

Name: Anita Shakya

Hometown: Sikamoobahal

Date of service: 1978-1984

Name: Rashmila Shakya

Hometown: Kwahiti

Date of service: 1984-1991

Name: Amita Shakya

Hometown: Asanbahal

Date of service: 1991-2001

Name:Preeti Shakya

Hometown: Itumbahal

Date of service: 2001-2008

Name: Matina Shakya

Hometown: Kathmandu

Date of service: 2008-Present

During the festival of Indra Jatra, in the month of September, the Kumari come out in public for the Kumari Jatra where she travel on her jeweled chariot through the older part of Kathmandu city in a three tiered chariot accompanied by Ganesh and Bhairab. Thousand of Kathmanduties throng to Basnatapur durbar square for the festivity which creates a gala of attraction.
Nevertheless, the tradition of the Living Goddess KUMARI is a mystery of religion and enigma which create its own attraction in the most prolific way of giving it the shape and size of cultural icon.
Abstract yet enigmatic in defining the tradition of the east, Kumari is a reality of 21st century that manifests the social ground upholding the holistic image adoring the sharp Red engulf in a strong presence. The Kumari portrays an aura of goddess where she stands as a symbol of power and culture uniting people of Nepal in the most appropriate form of culture.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Everest with new face

The 20th century orchestrated Man’s step in moon as the biggest headline creating a swarm of curiosity over the world; similarly, today in the 21st century a new discovery has amazed people to believe in the existence of the supernatural power and its understanding. Shocking yet admirable, the new discovery of a man and women face on Mt. Everest and Lhotse has created an amazement to see the world’s top most point with a new angle of admiration and anticipation. The abstract creativity of nature synchronizing in shape is a well example of nature’s abundance where Nepal holds the pride of honoring such manifestation of mysticism. Some people say it’s the eight wonder and some say it’s divine but to reality its one of the extreme creation of nature gifted in the form of abstract art which signifies the human relation with nature. Though, people from different caste and creed have their own interpretation and meaning but reality is the image on the Mt. Everest symbolizes the enigma of human existence and survival where the spirituality and divinity comes to the level of seeing in shape of amazement. The new discovery was made by Mike Wickham who believed his discovery not to be coincidental but with a purpose. He interprets the image as of an eye opened man in deep solitude and veneration facing upwards to the sky who when reversed transforms and shows the feminine form. Mike is a US citizen who resides from Maryland. In 2007, he had visited Mt. Everest and had taken some photos. On returning to states, he studies these photos and made a startling discovery of the impression of male’s and women’s image on Mt. Everest and Lhotse. According to mike, “Since man’s conscious first registered the presence of a supreme being, the race was on to find its source. The christen quest for the Holy Grail is a fine example. From ancient time believers in the absolute have wandered where the connection between man and god might exist. To amazement, the answer was hidden with us but we neglected it. These figures are widely historical and make the Everest area the world’s greatest natural sacred wonder. The mythical Holy Grail has been found. This is the proof of the spiritual bridge many on earth have waited ages to see. These figures are balanced motion of love and devotion.” Adding more “This is the natural existence of Adam and Eve. Likewise, looking at the image the face is relevant in Mt.Lhotse but protruding from his chest is an exposed heart, Mt Everest, the highest point on earth and the closest point to the heaven above. When we combine the feminine form of creation with the masculine form of will, we then create the heart of mankind that is Mt Everest. These figures are widely historical and make this Saragmatha area the world’s greatest natural sacred wonder. The mythical holly grail has been found. This is proof of the spiritual bridge many on earth have waited ages to see. These figures are the balanced motion of love and devotion.” Looking at the prospects, he said, “Nepal should cater itself as the destination of spiritual land which has such shapes of artistic work where god had created an earthly canvas on which lays the physical proof of man’s connection to his higher form. Perhaps, the heist point on earth really signifies the connection of man with god and what ever you name it; it’s the symbol of unity and peace. ” (The discovered can be contacted at downuner1@yahoo.com)
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Yeti: Myth or reality!!!

Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the depth of time, amortizing modern technology in its legacy of stories and lore’s. Moreover, with the propagandas surrounding its presence of a furred humanoid image, the yeti still excites people in luring them to the far ends of the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet. The existence of this nature’s illusion has been controversial as well as mysterious where it has established itself as a popular icon. The controversies over existence of Yeti are warming the industry with various vague encounters and evidences brought back from the sites of remote alpine villages.Recently, on October 20, 2008, a team of seven Japanese adventurers photographed footprints of Yeti. Yoshiteru Takahashi, the team leader of the expedition and the Yeti Project Japan, said, “ The footprints were about 20 centimeters (eight inches) long and looked like human’s foot print. We are convinced; it was real, as we saw it walking on two legs like a human and was about 150 centimeters tall.” Takahashi claims to have observed Yeti on a 2003 expedition and is determined to capture the creature on film.Following the trend, in early November 2007, Joshua Gates an American television presenter and his team reported finding a series of footprints in the Everest region of Nepal claming it to be of Yeti. The footprints measured 33 cm (13 in) in length with five toes that measured a total of 25 cm (9.8 in) across. Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, of Idaho State University examined the footprints who asserted it to be morphologically accurate to be fake or man made. Meldrum also stated that they were very similar to a pair of Bigfoot foot prints that were found in another area.In the year 1986 renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner claimed to have a face-to-face encounter with a Yeti and in his book “My Quest for the Yeti” have actually claimed to kill one. According to Messner, the Yeti is actually an endangered Himalayan Brown Bear that can walk upright.Similarly, in 1984, famous mountaineer David P. Sheppard of Hoboken, New Jersey, claimed to have been followed by a large furry man over the course of several days while he was near the southern Col of Everest. His Sherpas, however, say they saw no such thing. Sheppard claims to have taken a photograph of the creature, but a later study of it proved inconclusive.Don Whillans a British mountaineer also claimed to have witnessed a creature while scaling Annapurna in 1970. He had seen a dark shaped creature moving near his camp and the next day, he observed a few human-like footprints in the snow. On the same evening, he had also viewed a bipedal, ape-like creature from his binoculars at a distance.In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reported seeing large footprints while scaling Mount Everest where Tenzing has mentioned about the encounter of yeti in his first autobiography.In 1925, N. A. Tombazi, a photographer and member of the Royal Geographical Society, encountered yeti near Zemu Glacier. Tombazi later wrote that he observed the creature from about 180 to 270 M while descended the mountain and saw the creature’s foot prints. He described it as similar in shape to those of a man, but only six to seven inches long by four inches wide.Analyzing the series, the 1889 foot print discovery is one of the oldest link in the trail of yeti encounter. L. A. Waddell reported his guide's describing a large ape like creature moving in the dark where its existence remains hidden and controversial.Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of UAAA said, “Yeti is a mysterious creature which has kept its existence hidden for years. To be precise the word Yeti comes from the word meti which means human eating creature. Though, it is believed to be a mystery but in reality for people who live in the region, they have reasons to believe of its existence. When we were young, we use to hear a lot of lore’s and stories of yeti. It’s true that there is an unknown creature hidden in the laps of the Himalayan where it’s completely mysterious and may be that is the reason why its so popular around the world.”“It can be capitalized in a proper way to benefit the industry and country where it has not been channelized. At first we need to conduct a thorough research about its existence. It’s both cultural as well as scientifically important where it can have a huge financial and scientific benefit for the country,” added he.He further suggested, “If we could use yeti as the brand for the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 then it would have immense result as yeti is world known and capitalizing its popularity can benefit the country and campaign.”Contemplating the image, the ethnic Tibetans fear and worship bear as a supernatural being where its lore’s and myth acclimatized the local in developing yeti as a cultural Icon. Whether you call it Bigfoot or yeti or Abominable Snowman, the yeti endures an image of enigma which isolates itself in the hidden valleys with in legacy of its mystery.Jyoti Adhikari, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) said, “Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the depth of remote areas where its existence survives in just lore’s and stories. Every year numerous propagandas are created with yeti but it’s very controversial to predict its existence as still today we lack proper evidence. On contrary, if it’s true then it should be left alone. Furthermore, it should not be bothered as it’s a creature of its kind where leaving it in isolation seems wise. Besides, Nepal is known in the world for Mountain Everest not yeti. There are only handful number of people who come in quest of yeti so intruding such a mythical creature can bring difficult situation which needs to be understood.”Yeti has evolved itself as a new marketing and promotion tool which has been drawing scientists, researchers, adventure enthusiasts etc to Nepal.Yadav Khanal, General Secretary of Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) said, “Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the laps of Himalaya where its existence is unknown and mysterious. The government certainly needs to put an effort to know more about its existence where a definite research needs to be done at a professional level.Today’s marketing is about good promotion and if we could use Yeti as an effective means then we can certainly attract more tourists.”

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi