Leaders of major four parties discuss Terai unrest; PM likely to address nation today

KATHMANDU, Feb 5 - A meeting of the leaders of the four major parties Monday was held at Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's official Baluwatar residence to hammer out solutions for the ongoing Terai unrest.
The leaders present at the meeting suggested the prime minister to make another address to the nation.

Sources said the leaders reached an agreement that the prime minister would make an address to the nation again so as to resolve the turmoil in the Terai region.

Attended by PM Koirala, CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, CPN-M Chairman Prachanda and Bimalendra Nidhi from the Nepali Congress-Democratic, the meeting concentrated on finalizing strategies and policies to be adopted to seek an outlet to the Terai movement that has seen rampant street violence, vandalisms and deaths in the region. Nidhi was representing NC-D as party President Sher Bahdur Deuba is out of the valley.

Stating that the previous address to the nation by the prime minister did not comply with the Madhesi people's demands, the party leaders present at the meeting today urged the prime minister to address the nation again.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Wednesday had made an address to the nation but Maoists including other parties of ruling coalition government had expressed their dissent stating the PM's address to the nation did not come as per the understanding among the parties.

Sources said it is highly likely that the prime minister would make an address to the nation later today.

The leader of the four parties urged the PM to send a clear message to the agitating community and the nation as a whole in addition to demanding a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage inflicted on life and property in the region due to the violent demonstrations.

Talking briefly to the journalists, UML General Secretary Nepal said that it was highly likely that the PM would address the nation today.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Ram Chandra Poudel said that the four parties had already reached an agreement of principles on the issue of resolving the Terai unrest.

Meanwhile, after the meeting, the leaders have planned an eight party meet to seek a general consensus regarding the plans and policies, after which they are likely to be publicised through PM Koirala's address to the nation, Baluwatar sources said.

However, it has not yet been decided if the meeting of the eight parties will take place today itself.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the central working committee members of the Nepali Congress is underway at the PM's residence whereas another major party in the ruling coalition government CPN-UML too has called a meeting of its standing committee members at its party headquarters. The meetings of the both the parties will mainly concentrate on the Terai issues, said sources.

According to UML leader Amrit Bohora, the UML called an emergency meeting noticing that all the major parties must take initiative to resolve the ongoing problems.

Nepal Sadbhavana Party-Anandadevi, which had decided not to participate in any meeting among the eight parties for issues other than the Madhesi movement, said that the party has not yet received any information regarding the eight party meeting.

Likewise, chairman of the Nepal Majdoor Kishan Party, Narayan Man Bijukchhe, said that the leaders of the top parties have not yet discussed anything with him regarding the Terai unrest.

Earlier this morning, some ministers assembled at PM’s Baluwatar residence and discussed the steps to be taken by the government to resolve Madhesi unrest.

According to Minister of Law and Justice Narendra Bikram Nembang, after it was decided that the leaders of the four parties would meet, the regular unofficial meeting of the council of ministers today was cancelled. (News source www.ekantipur.com)

5 DAY - GHANDRUK CIRCUIT TREK

INTRODUCTION

This trek is designed for trekkers on a limited time schedule and will offer some of the best views in the Annapurna region without having to contend with the altitude.

Trek Grade: Easy
Highest elevation: 2150m atop hill/Deurali in between Pothana and Landruk.

5 DAY GHOREPANI/POON HILL TREK-ANNAPURNA REGION

Please Contact us for more details of itinerary & Prices (aniroula@hotmail.com)

INTRODUCTION
This trek is designed upto Poon Hill which lies into the foothills of the Annapurna massifs. Poon Hill is located just 400m above Ghorepani and offers such a brilliant view of the Himalayan giants such as the many peaks of Annapurna, the holy Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fish-tail) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m). On a clear day, it is even possible to see the transcendental valleys on the southern side. It would be a beautiful trekking with lots of discoveries.

TRIP OUTLINE
Finally, the route turns to the south-east bypass the village of Ghandruk and will come down the southern valley following the Modi Khola and we drive back to Pokhara from Naya Pul.

Trek Grade: Easy
Highest elevation: 3210m.


11 DAY JOMSOM/MUKTINATH TREK
INTRODUCTION
This medium grade trek is suited for those persons who want to see the combination of life styles of the Mountain people and deserted plateau above the tree lines, which takes from the tropical lowland around the Pokhara Valley to the desolate plateau with close from Upper Mustang through the deepest gorge valley in the world "Kali Gandaki.

The remainder of the trail follows down to Jomsom along the Kali Ganadaki Valley and we will fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom.

Trek Grade: Moderate
Highest elevation: 3800m.


11 DAY ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK

INTRODUCTION

The route to Annapurna Sanctuary, the site of the Annapurna South base camp will offer the tremendous views of high Himalayas such as Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m) including many more Trekking Peaks towers above the sanctuary around of us. The ascent of the north-west face of Annapurna I, led by the expedition group of Mr. Chris Bonington still remains one of the most spectacular one.

The remainder of the trail follows almost down to the southern valley of Pokhara via Ghandruk and finally will reach to Naya Pul from where we can catch a vehicle back to Pokhara.

Grade: Moderate
Maximum height: 4200m
Please Contact usfor more details of itinerary & Prices


14 DAY/ ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK
INTRODUCTION

This is one of the interesting classic adventurous trek into Annapurna massif in the central Nepal. It combines spectacular mountain scenery with an experience of the different Nepalese culture with varied topography to be found from the lowlands of central Nepal to the desolate heights of the Tibetan Plateau. This is a strenuous trek involving the crossing of a 5400m pass at Thorung-La which at times is covered by snow.

Following the crossing of Thorung La we will descend down into the valley of the Kali Gandaki via Muktinath where the river has carved a gorge between the summit of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri both above 8000 meters in height. Finally, we will fly out of Jomsom to Pokhara.

Grade : Adventurous
Maximum height : 5500m.
Please Contact us for more details of itinerary & Prices


LANGTANG REGION
15 DAY LANGTANG VALLEY & GOSAIKUNDA PILGRIMAGE LAKE
INTRODUCTION

The region north of Kathmandu offers a multitude trekking destination with combination of three major areas - Langtang in the north, Gosaikunda to the west and Helambu in the south-east are accessible without flight from Kathmandu.

Beyond Pati Bhanjyang, a lovely day’s walk with some Tamang and Chettri/Brahaman villages leads to a steep climb up the hill to Chisopani, elevation 2194m. On clear days, the whole Himalayan ranges from Everest to the east and Annapurna to the west are visible.

Finally, we descend down to the village of Sundarijal, where our vehicle is ready for the return trip to Kathmandu.

Trek Grade: Adventurous
Highest elevation: 4500m.
Please Contact usfor more details of itinerary & Prices


: 9 DAY LANGTANG REGION TREK
Trek Grade: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 3840m.
Please Contact us for more details of itinerary & Prices


07 DAY GOSAIKUNDA LAKE TREK
Trek Grade: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 4200m
Please Contact us for more details of itinerary & Prices


Langtang
15 DAY LANGTANG VALLEY & GOSAIKUNDA PILGRIMAGE LAKE
INTRODUCTION

The region north of Kathmandu offers a multitude trekking destination with combination of three major areas - Langtang in the north, Gosaikunda to the west and Helambu in the south-east are accessible without flight from Kathmandu.

Finally, we descend down to the village of Sundarijal, where our vehicle is ready for the return trip to Kathmandu.

Trek Grade: Adventurous
Highest elevation: 4600m.
Please Contact usfor more details of itinerary & Prices

9 DAY LANGTANG REGION TREK
Trek Grade: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 3840m.
Please Contact usfor more details of itinerary & Prices

: 07 DAY GOSAIKUNDA LAKE TREK

Trek Grade: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 4200m
Please Contact usfor more details of itinerary & Prices


(EVEREST REGION)

15 DAY EVEREST/KALAPATTHAR TREK
INTRODUCTION

The trek into the Everest region is probably the best known of all the treks in Nepal. The spectacular scenery is unrivalled and the people of the hills make the travelers feel welcome in their villages. Solukhumbu or Everest region is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world’s peak Mt. Everest (8848m), but also for its Sherpas and monasteries. The trek is at times strenuous but people of average fitness can cope as ascent is slow to allow maximum acclimatization.

Trek Grade: Adventurous
Highest Elevation: 5545m
Trek Grade: Adventurous
Highest Elevation: 5483m.

Please Contact us for more details of itinerary & Prices

6 DAY KHUMBU TREK/EVEREST REGION
Trek Grade: Moderate.
Highest Elevation: 3500m.

Besides the above itineraries, we are fully able to handle the group for the isolated trek destination of Nepal such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Around Manaslu. For the detailed information and itinerary along with its prices please contact us for our immediate attention.


Itinerary, details about other rivers can be availed on request.

Please Contact usfor more details of itinerary & Prices

Ashok Niroula
GPO#8168
Kathmandu, Nepal
aniroula@hotmail.com
www.scenicadventure.com.np

PM's statement insufficient: Prachanda

PM's statement insufficient: Prachanda


KATHMANDU, Feb 1 - A day after Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's address to the nation, Maoist Chairman Prachanda Thursday said that the prime minister's address was insufficient to resolve the Terai crisis.
"Our party wants to make it clear that the prime minister's remarks are insufficient over the issue of a federal system of governance, proportional electoral system and a republican setup," said Prachanda at a press conference organized to make his party's view public on the Madhes issue and others in the capital today.

He said that the demands like formation of a federal democratic system of government, proportional electoral system and immediate announcement of a republic, put forward by the Madhesi people are "genuine" and that his party supports those demands.

He added that the Maoists have not given up their political demands of federal governance system, democratic republican set up and proportional electoral system, which he said are interconnected and accused some organizations of trying to distort the CPN-M's image.

"During brainstorming sessions with the seven parties, the CPN-M did struggle to convince them about its agendas, however, later we agreed for the time being so as to raise the issue again during the CA elections," said Prachanda.

The former rebel leader, however, said, "Some forces, who have backed the absolute monarchy, and some foreign reactionary forces with their infiltration in the Madhesi movement, have attempted to disturb the timely holding of the constituent assembly (CA) elections."

He said, "America is openly engaged in disturbing the constituent assembly elections. The ambassador (US) is involved in provocation (against CA elections)," adding, "Even some Indian Hindu extremists, who do not want to see the end of monarchy in Nepal, are involved in stirring the Terai unrest."

Accusing the seven-party alliance government of conspiring against the timely holding of the CA elections and failing to take action against the king and royalists as recommended by the Rayamajhi Commission, Prachanda said that his party would be forced to stage protests "if the seven-party alliance doesn’t bring positive changes in these matters."

Stating that the right to self-governance is the fundamental requirement of a federal set up, Prachanda stated that the CPN-M was deeply concerned over the SPA's "caretaker" government's "sluggish and inactive approach" towards holding CA elections.

Apologizing for the weaknesses and mistakes committed by his party cadres in the Lahan incident, he said that his party would soon make public the report on the incident in which a protester from the agitating Madhesi People's Rights Forum was killed two weeks ago.

Prachanda also said that his party believes in peaceful demonstrations and that the CPN-M would be organizing peaceful rallies across Terai and that his party would concentrate on exposing those regressive forces that have instigated violence and unrest.

Prachanda added that he wanted to appeal to all to remain alert and cautious as "some regressive forces were trying to disrupt the communal harmony and instigate violence."

Biratnagar protest turns violent, one killed; indefinite curfew clamped

BIRATNAGAR, Jan 30 - District Administration Office Morang on Tuesday issued an indefinite curfew order in Biratnagar and surrounding areas after a clash between the protesters and the police resulted in the death of a protester.

During the clash, another protester was seriously injured.

The DAO Morang issued a curfew order beginning at 1:30 this afternoon till the further notice.

The deceased has been identified as 41-year-old Rakumar Kaman.

The injured has been taken to the Koshi Zonal Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, General life in the rest of eastern Terai on Tuesday showed signs of returning to normalcy after nearly two weeks of unrest and violent protests.

Tensions in the region have gone down following the respective local administrations in the region lifted the curfew orders.

However, District Administration office (DAO) Bara today issued an eight-hour curfew order in Kalaiya of Bara.

The DAO Bara clamped a 10am-6pm curfew after the unrest there showed no sign of abating.

Likewise, citing peace and security reasons, DAO Rautahat also issued a curfew order in Gaur effective from 10 am to 7 pm.

Although city centres saw an increase in activities, vehicular movement is still disturbed.

Meanwhile, the government began an arrest spree since yesterday night detaining royal kingpins for their accused role in infiltrating the peaceful protests in the Terai region and inciting riots.

Yesterday, the police arrested Kamal Thapa and Badri Mandal, two ministers of the erstwhile royal government.

Likewise, other former royal-appointed officials suspected to have involved in the protests are also being tracked down, police said.

The epicentre of the recent unrest, Lahan in Siraha district, however, was relatively calm today. Although the marketplaces still remain shut people seem to returning to their daily activities.

Likewise, locals are breathing a sigh of relief after the curfew orders were lifted.

However, owing to continuous shut downs, strikes and then curfew orders one after another, there has been a scarcity of foodstuff. Rickshaw pullers, labourers, government officials and students in particular have been greatly affected by the food scarcity in the region.

Meanwhile, Janakpur and Birgunj remained relatively peaceful today.

The doctors in Janakpur today organised a silent rally, protesting against the attack by the police in the Janakpur Zonal Hospital.

Similarly, the workers of the Janakpur Cigarette Factory also joined the protests, expressing their solidarity with the Madhesi cause.

Meanwhile, the Madhesi people living in the hilly regions of the country today said that the demands of the Madheshi community were genuine and justifiable and the government must address them properly.

They, however, requested those living in the Terai belt to organise peaceful rallies only and also condemned the recent attacks on journalists and the media.

Terai unrest continues, Minister Tripathi resigns

Terai unrest continues, Minister Tripathi resigns KATHMANDU, Jan 29 - Although the tensions in the eastern Terai have started to calm down, life has not returned to normalcy yet as the local administrations Monday issued fresh curfew orders in four towns. The District Administration Offices issued curfew orders in Janakpur, Birgunj, Kalaiya and Gaur today to control the increasing unrest in the southeastern region. Meanwhile, citing the government reluctance to resolve the Madhesi issues, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Supplies Hridayesh Tripathi today resigned from his post from the ruling coalition government. He said that the ruling seven-party alliance was "not serious enough over the present turmoil in the Terai region." Minister Tripathi tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala through the chief secretary today. "The eight parties have failed to show the level of seriousness that merits the present situation. Madhesh is moving ahead with its genuine demands regarding the proportional electoral procedure and federal setup, among others." He said adding, "We had issued a note of dissent on the very day the interim constitution was promulgated on January 15, however, there has been no hearing over them." Central Committee members of the Nepal Sadhbhawana Party (Anandidevi) had recently urged the party to leave the coalition government accusing the government to have suppressing the Madhesi movement in the Terai region. Meanwhile, shops and transportation services remained closed for the 11th day running as protests resumed in some parts of the eastern Terai since Monday morning. In Lahaan where the Madhesi People's Right Forum (MPRF) first carried out the protests, life seemed to returning to normalcy but markets and shops remained closed. Although Lahan has been comparatively calmer in the past two days, transportation services have not begun operations and marketplaces remained closed. Krishna Bahadur Yadav, central member of the MPRF, said that the indefinite banda programme would continue until their demands like proportional electoral system, federal state and declaration of constituencies based upon the population, among others, are addressed by the government. In Birgunj, local administration imposed a nine-hour curfew (10am to 7pm) today again. Likewise, DAO Rautahat also imposed a curfew in Gaur from 9 am to 7 pm. Janakpur remained peaceful today. However, a 10-hour curfew has been imposed by the local administration from 8am to 6pm. Meanwhile, just before the curfew order came into effect, a group of Nepali-speaking people traversed the city area and expressed their solidarity with the Madhesi movement and appealed all to maintain peace and harmony in the region. Similarly, in Kalaiya of Bara a curfew has been imposed from 8am to 9pm today. Modraj Dotel, chief district officer of Morang blamed those who called the protests to have failed to maintain the peace during the demonstrations despite their continuous pledge to organize peaceful demonstrations. Likewise, life was badly affected in Jaleshwor, Mahottari, as the residents were deprived of essential daily goods as the shops remained closed. Due to the closure of transportation, newspapers have not been delivered for the past 10 days. In addition, even the local newspapers have not been published. According to our correspondent, due to the lack of newspapers people have been deprived of factual information. In Mirchai, Siraha, agitators forced around 300 Maoist cadres out of Shobha Shahi's house. The Maoists had captured Shahi's house six months ago. Protesters vandalized the Village Development Committee Office, Post Office and the Drug Administration Office in Mirchaiya. Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress leaders who are here in Janakpur to hold talks with the Madhesi leaders today expressed their solidarity with the ongoing movement. They stressed that that the protests should be peaceful and urged all concerned to maintain peace and harmony in the region. The team of NC leaders comprises of Ram Baran Yadav, joint general secretary of the party, Smriti Narayan Chaudhary and chief whip Anand Prasad Dhungana. Speaking at a press conference today, the leaders said that Madhesi people's rights have not been addressed adequately and this movement should only end with a plausible solution. They added that the Madhesi people's demands are justifiable and should be addressed.

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visit Nepal!

The region draws its name and fame with what is Mount Everest, and the dream of most of trekkers and climbers. The second most popular Trekking area of Nepal, not only brings you close to Mt. Everest and its neighbors, but also to Sherpa culture and ancient monasteries. The Sherpas settled in the Khumbu region some 450 years ago bringing Tibetan Buddhism in the form of ornate monasteries, carved prayer Mani Stones and a never-ending joy of life. A traditional Trekking to this region is started from Jiri accessible by a day bus ride from Kathmandu but there are regular Dornier and Twin-Otter operations between Kathmandu and Lukla (2,850m) that saves a week and avoids retracing the way back.

Everest

With eight of the worlds ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains vistas. The Everest trek is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and monasteries. The Sagarmatha National Park is rich with flora and fauna, but the existence of the yeti remains a mystery.

Everest View

This trek is suitable to those who have limited time but have a strong desire to see the Mt. Everest closely. This trek starts from Lukla and ends at Lukla. Going through Sherpa villages and beautiful monasteries being around the world’s beautiful snowcapped mountains is just another charm of this trek.

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Itinerary

Day 1:-
Kathmandu to Lukla by flight about 45 minutes the start trek to Phakding.
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Day 2:-
Phakding to Namche
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Day 3:-
Rest Day hiking and somewhere sightseeing and See Mt. Everest from Everest Hotel.
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Day 4:-
Namche to Tyangboche or( if you don't have time Back to Lukla.)
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Day 5:-
Tyangboche to Namche
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Day 6:-
Namche to Lukla
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Day 7:-
Lukla to Kathmandu By it flight 45 minutes.
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Visiting Mount Everest (Gokyo Peak)

With eight of the worlds ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountain vistas. The Everest trek is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and monasteries. The Sagarmatha National Park is rich with flora and fauna, but the existence of the yeti remains a mystery.
Trip Outline
Everest Area(1-3 Weeks)
Solukhumbhu region of east Nepal (Lukla 2827m.)
Max. Height: (Gokyo) 4700m.
Bus to Jiri or fly to Lukla then walk to the Base Camp.
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Itinerary at a Glance:

Day 1:-
Arrive Kathmandu and meet with our representative at the airport. Drive to hotel.
Food: Welcome Dinner. Hotel: Hotel at Kathmandu.
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Day 2:- Kathmandu-Lukla
Fly to Lukla(2827m.) Lukla to Phakding