Nepal, The Broken Nirvana

The earthquake that trembled the hearts four years ago just didn’t affect every living soul of Nepal. The impact of the earthquake still manages to send chills down the spines of many. Millions were left without a home, eight thousand people were killed, twenty thousand injured, five thousand schools destroyed, and thousands of medical centres affected. The future of uncountable lives were affected after the massive natural disaster on the 25th of April. A high magnitude of 7.8 was reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). But,the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported the earthquake’s magnitude to be 8.1. Many villages, world heritage sites, temples and homes. The earthquake of April 2015 is said to be the worst disaster to ever occur in the country. Nepal’s economy depends hugely on its tourism. Which was sadly hit after the earthquake.

Why is a magnitude of 8 or 7 scarier than a magnitude of 6? 

A magnitude above six is bound to cause worries. The energy produced by a magnitude of a high level can cause structures to crack and fall on the ground. They can cause your heavy furniture to overturn and chimneys to fall. A magnitude of nine can easily shift a structure off its foundation. The magnitude that hit Nepal could only be survived by buildings made with a good foundation and structure. 

Is Nepal safe to visit?

First, a little peek into Nepal,

Nepal is a landlocked country in the southern region of Asia. It is called a landlocked country because it is surrounded by China, Sikkim and some Indian states of the northern region. Nepal is located in the Himalayas and is known for hosting eight out of ten tallest mountains in the world, including the highest peak, Mount Everest. A little unknown fact of Nepal is that apart from being known for its highest peak, it also has one of the deepest canyons in the world called the Kali Gandaki Canyon. Apart from that, tourists from far away visit Lumbini in Nepal too. It is a small village that is known to be the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Nepal has the most extinct animals surviving in their sanctuaries and has the most beautiful heritage sites that are bound to leave you amazed.

But, after facing the destruction due to the earthquake in 2015, is Nepal safe for anyone to visit?

• The tourism of Nepal was hugely affected by the earthquake of 2015. It now becomes extremely important for tourists to visit this country to experience its simplicity and the way it is even today trying to recover from the calamity. Like how you will help a friend in need during its difficult times. That friend today is the country of Nepal. Many people have initiated to send a little financial help through the government and non-government organizations. But sadly only a little has managed to reach the ones in need. A little financial help into its economy would help land Nepal where it once used to be. If you are planning to visit  Nepal in the coming months or years make sure to contribute to their various local organizations. Through this way, you’ll actually be able to help people of have been largely affected by the earthquake. As men have lost jobs, women their houses, and kids their schools. A small financial help in its economy that you’ll contribute while touring the country is going to help them land back on their feet. Though they might take some time to overcome this calamity, people can still be seen investing in small ventures to fill their stomach and their families too. Nepal has been divided into seventy-five districts. Out of this, only ten were affected by the earthquake. The hugely affected area consists of most parts of central Nepal including Gorkha, Ruby Valley, Tsum Valley, Langtang, Rolwaling and Manaslu. The eastern and western parts of Nepal were not disturbed by the earthquake. People who love going on a trek and have always imagined themselves trekking the mountains will be happy to know that the routes to Mount Everest are open and accessible by foot. Nepal is home to eight of the tallest peaks in the world.

• The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has announced that Nepal is the country to visit in 2020. The government of Nepal has decided to increase the number of tourists visiting Nepal by two million each year. The agenda includes the final repair and construction of the heritage sites in Nepal. None of the international airports or domestic airports was affected by the earthquakes. The flying route to Nepal was safe after the calamity and is safe even today. The government plans to complete the extension of the domestic and international (Tribhuvan International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport) airport of Nepal. A sixty-day plan has been thought by the government to promote its tourism among prominent nations like India, United States, China, Sri Lanka, The United Kingdom as the maximum number of tourists are from these countries.

• Nepal has a high number of tributaries that offer the ideal conditions for white water rafting. What is white water rafting and how it is different from normal rafting? White water rafting involves an inflatable boat that is riding on rough waters that present some challenges and difficulties to its riders. When the boat was paddled, the high force of water appeared white. Hence, it is called white water rafting. The popular rivers include the Trishuli River, Bhote Koshi River, Marsyandi River, Sun Koshi River, Arun River, Tamur River, Seti River, Kali Gandaki River and Karnali River. The waters of the river are absolutely clean and long in length. Two points that should decide the route you choose to take for white river rafting are the intensity of the rapids and the season in which you are planning to visit Nepal. The journey is made beautiful when tourists get to pass the stepping mountains, villages and scenic landscapes while sitting inside their boats. Tourists also have the option of resting at the camps beside the rivers.

• Nepal is known for its rich and unique biodiversity. The country has a total of ten national parks out of which only one was affected. A trek to the highest peaks or strolling in the jungles, the options are plentiful. The flora and fauna of Nepal have been buzzing due to it being carefully preserved by the locals of Nepal. Hence, a wide flourishing diversity of Nepal invites everyone to admire nature and wildlife diversity like no other place. Nepal is famous for providing a home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Over the years, the population of the Royal Bengal tiger has seen a considerable increase of 60 percent. It is also famous for being the only place where one-horned rhinos can be seen. According to the Nepal wildlife authorities, the place has hundreds of animals and over seven hundred kinds of marine species. A must-visit park of Nepal is the Chitwan National Park in Subarnapur. Both of the most threatened species of Asia, the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros can be seen at this park. The Chitwan National Park is one of the ancient sanctuaries of Nepal. The park offers the best canoe trips, river rafting trips and safaris. Another popular national park is the Sagarmatha National Park which is also an acclaimed UNESCO world heritage site. The park is different yet special from the rest of the parks of Nepal as it is located on top of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The national park shares its ground with other peaks such as the Pumori, Thamserku, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Kangtaiga, Gyachyung Kang and Kwangde as well. It isn’t just famous for the landscapes and snowy peaks that it surrounds. But, also the numerous species that seek shelter at the park. The national bird of Nepal the Impeyan monal can be seen here. Other famous animals include the red panda, snow leopard and the satyr tragopan.

• Even though the country is still recovering from the after-effects of the disaster, the warmth of the people of Nepal has still not changed. The Nepalese have always been known to provide great hospitality to people visiting from afar. Which, thankfully hasn’t changed a bit. You’ll still find people sitting in a group enjoying the sun and discussing the hot topic with their peers while sipping a warm cup of tea. Lost your way or want to find a helping hand to search for the best staying option? People of Nepal will be quick to jump to your help. A smile on the faces of old or young can be easily found without too much effort. Nepal has plenty of stay options for tourists. The earthquake did not affect a large percentage of hotels. Hence, you will be able to book a hotel extremely easily. 

• Tourists who are worried if they’ll be able to survive Nepal in case of an unforeseen event shouldn’t worry at all.  The networks around the country work fine. Making it simpler for you to contact a loved one to share some form of happiness, displeasure or maybe just to express how beautiful the country Nepal is and people should surely stop worrying! The medical facilities and hospitals have been up and running for a long period. Therefore, a cut, bruise or any discomfort, you can easily go to a medical centre or hospital present nearby. The earthquake has not led to any massive disease or infection to spread.

• After the earthquake, Nepal has seen a considerable dip in the percentage of tourists. Therefore, planning a trip here has become extremely cheap. Touring the monuments, temples, stupas or eating at the popular spots was never this easy. This is the reason why it is the best time for tourists to go to Nepal and soak in its art and culture. The Nepal government is on the path of launching its strategies to increase its tourism soon. So, you should quickly start packing your bags and enjoy the not so crowded roads.

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