On the occasion of the golden jubilee year of the successful ascent of Mount Everest, the Government has decided to provide lifetime gratis visa to Nepal for all the Everest-conquerors. The decision will come into an effect most likely from within one week, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviations.
So far 1,048 people have reached atop Mount Everest in 1563 expeditions. Out of these 600 are foreigners. The Nepali nationals top the list of Everest conquers, followed by the Americans, Japanese and Russians.

Ang Tshiring Sherpa, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) said the issuance of free visa would enhance Nepal's image in the outside world as Everesters are regarded highly in their countries. "Everest climbers can become real promoters of Nepal in their world," he added. Meanwhile, the NMA is also opening virgin peaks for mountaineering expedition, to celebrate the golden jubilee year. The NMA is leading a huge team including the participants from almost 35 countries to the top of 6273-metre high Machharmo peak, 6117-metre high Pharilapcha and 6187-metre high Kyazori peak.
Nepal is celebrating the year 2003 as a golden jubilee year of conquering Mount Everest. Almost 15 expedition groups with some five-dozen mountaineers are attempting the Everest this season. Among others National Geographic Channel and Nepal-India Army expedition are the major groups to attempt this season.

OTHER NEWS

• Armies on Everest: On the occasion to mark organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the first ascent on the highest peak of the world a joint team of the Royal Nepal Army and the Indian Army will make a bid on Mt Everest.
  
  
• Porters for Peace: High altitude porters made an appeal to both the government and the Maoist rebels to restore peace so they can earn a living
  
  
• Destination Manang 2004 to be observed: The year 2004 will be observed as "Destination Manang 2004" at the initiative of Manang Youth Society (MYS) and with support from Trekking Agents' Association of Nepal (TAAN)
  
  
• Foreign guests received with warmth in Damauli: The locals at Adhikarithok-Dhayere village of Jamune VDC-7 in Tanahun district were joyful when welcoming their beloved foreign guests whom they received with garlands amidst melodious music from the Nepali panche baja.
  
  
• Exchange of weather data among Hindukush region nations soon: In the next four years or so, countries falling in the Hindukush region can expect to share information on weather conditions. This will be possible once the project termed World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) is implemented under donor assistance. The institutionalisation of flood forecasting is based on the concept evolved by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
  
  
• Nepal home to hundreds of rare animals: The recent finding of rare animals like red panda, charibagh (a small tiger) and snow leopard in the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area (KCA), has enriched Nepal's wildlife resources, and this has proved that Nepal is home to hundreds of rare animals.

By Hari Shrestha, Resident Representative in Kathmandu