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A delegation led by 1^st Vice President of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Mr. Jeeban Thapa Magar along with Treasurer Ramkrishna Timalsina, Executive Member Gopal Shrestha and TIMS In-charge Rabindra Dhakal in coordination with Rasuwa-Nuwakot Tourism Society paid a courtesy call to President of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality at Dhunche to discuss about the 3^rd TAAN International Langtang Marathon and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS).

TAAN Treasurer Ramkrishna Timalsina welcomed everyone present in the meeting. He informed that TAAN is organizing the third edition of TAAN International Langtang Marathon on May 19, 2018, and urged local people of Rasuwa District to support 3^rd TAAN International Langtang Marathon to make it a successful event. He also stressed on the active participation of locals in the preservation of traditional & historical values of Langtang Valley through developing sustainable tourism. He called for the recommencement of the TIMS counter at Dhunche, elaborating on the importance of TIMS for safety and security of trekkers and employment generation as well.
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TAAN organized 3^rd TAAN International Langtang Marathon 2018 in Langtang region on May 19 with the slogan “Adventure Sports for Sustainable Tourism”. The event successfully disseminated the message that Nepal as an international destination for sports and sporting events. The marathon has helped to promote Nepal with Langtang in particular as one of the major destinations for adventure tourism among both international and national tourists through mass media.
 

In the Chairmanship of TAAN President Nava Raj Dahal, the marathon was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Honb'l Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari. The 42.195 kilometers full marathon started from Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) and went through Godha Tabela, Lama Hotel, Rimche, Sherpagaon, Khangjim before concluding at Syabrubensi.

The closing ceremony was held in the chairmanship of TAAN First Vice-  President Jeeban Thapa Magar and the Chief guest was Mohan Acharya, Member of House of Representative.
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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) celebrated its 40th anniversary today on May 29. Since its beginnings in 1979, the umbrella association of trekking agencies has facilitated to promote Mountain tourism of Nepal.

Over the past 40 years, TAAN has explored new trekking destinations, contributed in construction and maintenance of trekking trails. TAAN has played a major role in promoting Nepal’s tourism in international arena through organizing various events.

Till the 40 years of completion, there are total 1724 members of TAAN. TAAN has been facilitating its member agencies and will be introducing different programs to aid its members. Similarly, TAAN implemented Trekker’s information management system (TIMS) to control illegal operation of trekking business and ensures the safety and security of trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service whenever required. 

On the TAAN Day and International Sagarmatha Day, TAAN has organized Eco Challenge: Cycle Rally with the slogan “Sustainable Tourism, The Solution is Less Pollution” with an objective to promote Eco tourism.

The program was chaired by TAAN President Nava Raj Dahal and the Chief guest Honb'l Minister of Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet inaugurated the Eco- Challenge cycling rally.  Meanwhile, TAAN's 40th Anniversary and International Sagarmatha day was also celebrated in a grand way cutting a cake and flying the balloons.

There were 50 cyclists who participated at TAAN Eco-challenge: cycle rally. The rally started from TAAN Secretariat, Maligaun – Kamalpokhari- Charkhal – Putalisadak – Singha Durbar – Sundhara - Newroad- Jamal – Jyatha- Sanchayakosh and Nepal Tourism Board.
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On the occasion of 44^th World Environment, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized 2^nd Cleaning and Awareness Campaign at Swayamnbhunath area on June 5. TAAN started this campaign from Buddha Park, Swayambhu Stupa at 7 A.M. and ended at Aanandakuti, Swayambhunath at 10 A.M.

The global theme for the day was “Beat Plastic Pollution; if you can’t reuse it, refuse it”. A total of 200 participants from different tourism associations including students and representatives from Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management took part.

The campaign was chaired and inaugurated by TAAN President Mr. Nava Raj Dahal and Chief Guest Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, C.E.O of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
On the occasion, TAAN President Dahal stated that cleaning in Swayambhunath, enlisted in world heritage site, is a step towards promoting eco-tourism, a campaign that will be given continuity in future by TAAN
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On 15^th June 2018, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) handed over Rs. 2 lakhs 50 thousand each to the family of 33 deceased trekking labours who lost their lives in Himalayas.

TAAN President Mr. Nava Raj Dahal welcoming all the guest and family of deceased trekking workers consulate the trekking workers who lost their lives during the trekking period due to natural disasters and other unavoidable uncertainties. He explained the importance of TIMS for controlling illegal trekking operation, generating employment opportunities and ensuring indemnity for trekking labours. Expressing the significance of TIMS to make trekking mandatory from a government registered trekking company would assure the revenue increment, accurate database of trekkers including their safety. “Even though the MoU between NTB and TAAN signed more than four years ago for workers welfare, the working procedure to mobilize the fund for family of deceased trekking workers was not made since four years but with the repeated effort TAAN has been able to handover them alleviation.” He added. He anticipates that the rescue and medical charges will also be released in upcoming days.
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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has taken an initiation to explore Tamankhola Rural Municipality of Baglung district to make it a new tourism destination which is promoted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and supported by Tamankhola Rural municipality. TAAN has explored the trekking route from Brudhibang, Baraha Lake, Gurjaghat, Narja, Nau Dalle Hill and Shole, till the terrain of Durkhel Hill.

Tamankhola, one of the rural municipalities among four municipality and six rural municipality of Baglung district, Province No. 4. It is the only one rural municipality that is connected with Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Traveling from Kathmandu to Bhayarbunga, crossing a distance of 370 km. from the journey, travelers can view the beautiful Baraha Lake situated at the altitude of 2633m. The trekking route consists maximum altitude of 3450 m.

Tourists can take pleasure in observing the views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machapuchare, Mt. Annapurna along with Mt. Neelgiri on the Northern side of Baraha Lake. Apart from this, panoramic views of Mt. Sisney, Mt. Chure, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri and other Himalayas can be observed from Nau Dalle Hill. Similarly, from Sholey Hill and from the Dhurlekh Hill, Mt. Manapati, Mt. Ghodakanne can be observed.
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At the end of April to beginning of May 2018 Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) monitored the trekking trail, hotel, catering and sanitation of Kanchanjunga base camp circuit trekking starting at Fungling Market from the headquarter of Taplejung district.

Kanchanjunga Trekking Trail is culturally natural and collaborative way crossed by 4480 meters and crossed the sync of 4646 meters, both of which were started from the Fungling Market or Suketar in the district headquarters of Taplejung district.

The Coordinator of Trekking Trail Monitoring and Maintenance Department Baburam Gurung reported that due to the Jeep Road, the pathway starting from Fungling Market or Suketar, have been reduced to Taplethok and can be reached Lelep in a very short period of time. The trekking trail is getting shorter due to the agricultural road constructed from Suketar to Lali kharka till Kade Bhanjyang and similarly the path from Tharpu, Limbuding to Yamphudin. If this is the exact level of agricultural roads, short time it can be reached in both the base of North and South Kanchanjunga will be citing as well.
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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) delegation led by the President Mr. Nava Raj Dahal congratulated the newly appointed Director General of Department of Tourism (DoT) Mr. Danduraj Ghimire and handed over the ten point of memorandum that includes ongoing issues faced by the Nepal's tourism industry in general and the trekking sector in particular.

President Dahal voiced on the issues like expensive and double trekking permits and compulsion of at least two trekkers. Stating the illegal operation of trekking company results accidents like missing, death, harassment's and so on, he requested DG to take an initiative to make guide and porter mandatory to trekkers who trek above 3000 m from the sea level. With the declaration of Visit 2020 by the Government, the mission to bringing in 2 million tourists in 2020 A.D. the management of airport must be done wisely as tourists get harassed and face various problems. The meeting look into the issues and agendas of this sector; with possible recommendations for smooth service delivery at immigration during holidays at autumn season and issuing permit with the copy of passport or company’s required documents.
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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized an interaction program on 16th April to discuss the ongoing issues of tourism sector of Nepal. The Chief Guest of the interaction program was Honb’l Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Ravindra Adhikari and the Special Guest was Honb’l Secretary of Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Krishna Prasad Devkota and Joint- Secretary Mr. Ghanshyam Upadhyaya.

TAAN President, Mr. Nava Raj Dahal explained the role played by TAAN for promoting mountain tourism of Nepal. Appraising the problems facing by Nepal's tourism in the present days, he said that maximum numbers of tourists visiting Nepal comes with the purpose of trekking or mountaineering. “Tourist are now supposed to pay entrance fee at every province they visit, which has made the trekking package expensive.” He said.

President Dahal emphasized on the need to control illegal trekking operation. Meanwhile, he highlighted the importance of Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) and requested for effective management and operation of TIMS. Stating that tourists trekking individually suffers from various uncertain accidents, they go missing; thus, he requested minister and secretary to make the possible policies regarding taking a porter or a guide above the altitude of 3000 m from a registered trekking companies. 
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We express our heartfelt condolence on the demise of the past president of TAAN Mr. Tek Chandra Pokharel. At this hour of sad and difficult time, we pray that his soul rests in eternal peace. May god shower his abundant blessing to the bereaved family to bear the greed loss.

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Nava Raj Dahal
President & Entire TAAN Executive Committee

An Interaction Hold Between TAAN and Representatives from Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Development Committee of Province No. 3

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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) conducted a joint meeting with the past presidents of TAAN till 2017 to discuss upon the burning issues of tourism industry and to deliberate the activities of TAAN Secretariat in future.

Speaking on the meeting, TAAN President Nava Raj Dahal exclaimed on ineffective operation of Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). He proclaimed upon introducing new alternative to ensure the safety and security of trekkers. He requested the past presidents to suggest the changes to be made to effectively carry out the activities of TAAN. He expressed that due to the time constraint, all Past Presidents could not attend the program, although it was a fruitful interaction. “Interaction program among past president will be held in near future as well” he added.

TAAN Past President and Former State Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yankila Sherpa raised the general issues on Nepal’s tourism. She asserted on effective operation of TIMs else, ascertained the alternative way for safety and security of trekkers as well as generating employment opportunity, after the action of Solukhumbu Rural Municipality to collect the entry fees for tourist. Also, she enlightened upon enhancing the performance of TAAN staff members for better productivity in tourism sector. Furthermore, she suggested TAAN executive members for their presence at NMA and FNCCI. 

TAAN Past President J.B. Singh recommended TAAN to take initiation to lessen the VAT rate. “With the ineffective operation of TIMs, trekker’s database has not been recorded appropriately, which is one of the sad news” he expressed. Stating the rights on collecting charges from government as well as local level, he convene upon one door system. Meanwhile, he suggested TAAN executive board to place a legal counselor. Further, he voiced upon fake rescue stating the consequence on tourism industry if the business houses operating not taken action. “The permit fees for restricted areas must be diminished” he added. 
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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) and Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal (SOTTO) jointly handed four-point Letter of Understanding (LoU) to the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mr. Bidhya Sundar Shakya.

Representatives from tourism association jointly presented the general issues in tourism sector of Nepal. The major request included that Metropolitan Office should collect local municipality tax from the current Fiscal Year 2075/76 from the tourism trade. Similarly, the associates urged upon collecting equal amount of tax in all the tourism trades, especially for IATA and Non- IATA agents.

Likewise, the delegation voiced upon costly entry fees at tourist areas that are being increased from time to time. “The entry fee raised from the tourists has not been utilized properly in the relevant area” they added. Also, requested Mayor Shakya to announce the entry fee validity for some period of time that will ease the tourist to reenter the area.

Further, the delegation forenamed on authorizing the guides having valid license of tour guide and taking actions to the illegal operators.

Responding to the delegation, Mayor Shakya stated that from now onwards the tax will be collected only from fiscal year 2072/73.

TAAN President Nava Raj Dahal, General Secretary Ang Pemba Sherpa,Treasurer Ramkrishna Timalsina, Executive Member P.K Sherpa and Executives from other associations were present in the delegation.

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Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized a felicitation program to congratulate and welcome the new Executive committee of Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) -Nepal led by the President Mr. Dhurba Simkhada.
 
The program started with the welcome remarks by TAAN’s President Mr. Nava Raj Dahal congratulating all new executive committee of VITOF-Nepal for being elected and wished for their successful tenure in office. President Dahal in his welcome remarks, mentioned that new committee on board will help strengthen to contribute for the development and promotion of village tourism. TAAN and VITOF- Nepal working together in past days for promoting village tourism, he aspired on TAAN and VITOF- Nepal working hand in hand for the promotion of Nepal’s tourism in coming future as well. He highlighted upon being unified and resolving common issues on tourism industry.
 
TAAN General Secretary Mr. Ang Pemba Sherpa believed on more development and promotion of homestays to promote village tourism in Nepal.
 
VITOF- Nepal President Mr. Dhurba Simkhada acknowledged the felicitation and anticipated support from TAAN to promote village tourism. He assured that during their tenure in office, they will endeavor with TAAN to develop and promote village tourism.
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