Nearly after a month of withdrawal of the emergency imposed by His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, the public life in Nepal is running normally as in the past times. The prominent tourist attractions, for which Nepal is renowned for viz. Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Annapurna region, etc continue to receive tourists from all over the world. The recent arrival figures, 17, 285 in 2002 as against the previous year 18, 383 (2001) for the month of August, or a mere drop of 5.9% also speak volumes in our collective bid to drive and recoup from the international hangover. Moreover, all the popular trekking and general tourist destinations within Nepal are also experiencing a free and fun-filled normal life. 

The incessant monsoon shower bode farewell for this year, wiping the clouds for full fledged appearance of the majestic mountains and snow capped high Himalayas providing extra splendor by welcoming the visitors and making their visit a life time memory. 

The Nepalese people say that somewhere every day in the little Asiatic Kingdom of Nepal there is a festival, and the gods have provided them with a perfect setting. At this hour of celebration, Nepal's greatest festival "Dashain" has almost reached to our courtyard so the tourists have started planing their visit to Nepal in droves. 

Tour operators, journalists and tourists invited under our regular familiarization trip after the withdrawal of Emergency have affirmed that their holiday in Nepal, both in Kathmandu and in up-country areas, are going well with no unexpected logistical or security concerns. 

International seminars, symposiums, workshops and conferences are taking place as scheduled in Nepal. The fifth SAARC writers Conference also concluded (27-29 September 2002) with the theme "Striving for cultural connectivity and peace". 

Tourists arriving in Nepal by air on World Tourism Day (Sep 27, 2002) also experienced a taste of Nepalese hospitality and tradition famous all over the world. Passengers landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport on that day by the first flights from major airlines were greeted with garlands by Hon. Minister for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation Mr. Bal Bahadur K.C. As always Nepal continues to extend a very warm and friendly welcome to our guests in our tradition of treating Guest is like God.

Thousands of travellers have voted Nepal as their favorite long-haul country. This was the result of the readership poll carried out by the Observer and the Guardian newspapers, well known publications of the United Kingdom. Surveys after surveys are now reconfirming what came through time and again in feedback from visitors and in overseas press coverage. 

More than 15,000 people responded the questionnaire published in January 2002 in which readers were asked to rate the quality of services they received, under 20 headings. The result of the survey, published on Sunday Observer on May 26, 2002, places Nepal in the second position with a score of 94.95 percent while New Zealand retains its first position with a 95.59 percent. 

Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Pradeep Raj Pandey says, "Such recognition from travellers is excellent for Nepal. It certainly reaffirms Nepal's reputation as a destination offering the best of scenery and adventure, multitude of possibilities to have a great holiday and inhabited by the most friendly and charming people." 

The latest accolade follows six months after Nepal was voted second in the Top Country Category out of the 180 countries in the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2001. 

Those planning a trip this season will want to take note of the line-up of activities in Nepal. His Majesty's Government of Nepal has announced Destination Nepal Campaign 2002-2003 (DNC 2002-2003), which will bring together all the best Nepal has to offer. Some of the major programs incorporated with the DNC are the "International Year of Mountains 2002"; "Mt. Everest Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2002-2003" commemorating the first conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa; and "International Year of Eco Tourism 2002". 

The conquest of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the world, is being celebrated from June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003 with a variety of programs. The one-year long Golden Jubilee programs include several sporting and other events like international cricket tournament, white water rafting, golf, rock climbing, football, cross country relay race, mountain-bike race, bowling, gliding, elephant polo competition, photo and other exhibitions and so on. 

Adding dazzling color to Nepal's myriad attractions are the festivals that dot the calendar. "Hundreds of annual festivals are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs. We look forward to welcoming visitors to join us in our celebrations", says Mr. Pandey.