Submit your Article

Senior correspondent for Annapurna Post, Mamata Thapa, was honored with the ‘Thaha Journalism Award 2081’ on the occasion of the 91st birth anniversary of Thaha philosophy pioneer Rupchandra Bista and Thaha Day. The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 10,000, was presented at a ceremony held on Friday in Thaha Municipality, Makwanpur.

Thaha Municipality Mayor Bishnu Bahadur Bista presented the award to Thapa in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of journalism. The organizing team, Farak Soch, highlighted Thapa’s long-standing commitment to independent journalism, which has significantly contributed to the development of both Thaha Municipality and the broader journalism sector. The organizers stated that the Thaha Journalism Award acknowledges the role of journalism in upholding citizens’ right to information, aligning with the core values of the Thaha movement.

On the same occasion, elderly individuals who have contributed to various sectors within the municipality were honored. During the event, Mayor Bista emphasized the urgent need to tackle corruption for the transformation and prosperity of the nation. “To make the celebration of Rupchandra Bista's birth anniversary meaningful, we must eradicate corruption from its roots. Bista himself was a staunch opponent of corruption,” he said.

Mayor Bista also announced a budget allocation of Rs 500,000 to promote Thaha philosophy among younger generations. He stated that a committee would be formed to effectively disseminate and promote the principles of Thaha philosophy.

In a historic milestone for aerial sports in Nepal, Simrik Air, in collaboration with local skydiving instructors with over a decade of experience and thousands of successful jumps are leading the country’s first-ever skydiving event, entirely managed by Nepali professionals. The event, taking place from Jan 10 to 21, marks a significant turning point in Nepal’s adventure tourism landscape, highlighting the country’s homegrown talent.

The event is spearheaded by Alish Thapa, a seasoned instructor and aerial sports enthusiast who has been a paragliding instructor for 14 years. In 2017, he completed his first tandem jump, and by 2018, he began intensive training in skydiving. With experience as a Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA), Chief Instructor, and tandem instructor in Thailand, Alish’s vision for establishing skydiving in Nepal is now becoming a reality.

“This has been my dream for years,” says Thapa. “Thanks to Simrik Air, CAAN, and the Ministry of Tourism, we are finally taking steps to establish Nepal as a skydiving hub. With government support for dedicated airspace, skydiving could provide opportunities for youth and year-round economic benefits.”

Thapa is joined by a highly skilled team, including Subash Thapa, Manish Hirachan, Aashish Thapa, and Nepal’s first female skydiver and USPA-certified coach, Yeshoda KC Thapa. Together, they plan to showcase Nepal’s natural beauty and towering peaks to attract global adventure seekers. “Nepal has some of the most breathtaking landscapes for skydiving,” says KC Thapa. “We see immense potential, but proper policies and dedicated airspace are essential to fully capitalize on it.”

While the event is a crucial step forward, the team faces challenges in developing skydiving as a mainstream activity in Nepal. The approval process for skydiving activities is time-consuming, often causing potential clients to lose interest.

“Interested clients often leave because of the long wait times for approvals,” explains Subash. “Pokhara needs a dedicated airspace for aerial sports like skydiving, paragliding, paramotor, hot air balloons, and ultra-light flights. This would streamline operations and enhance Nepal’s reputation as an adventure tourism destination.”

The team believes that with the right policies, infrastructure, and government backing, Nepal could become a global hub for skydiving and other aerial sports. With Pokhara’s stunning landscapes and proximity to the Himalayas, it offers an unparalleled adventure experience.

“This is not just about skydiving,” says Alish. “It’s about creating opportunities for Nepal’s youth and unlocking the economic potential of adventure tourism.”

Enthusiasts wishing to take the leap can contact Simrik Air or the Insky Skydive Team in Pokhara to secure their spots. Two packages are available: the VIP package and the Deluxe package, starting at Rs 95,000.

A panoramic photo exhibition titled ‘MUSTANG Nostalgia: Two-Decade Odyssey’ was organized by the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation in collaboration with the US Embassy in Kathmandu on Monday. The exhibition featured 30 breathtaking panoramic photographs by renowned lens-based artist Kishor Kayastha, capturing the beauty and transformation of the Mustang region over the past two decades.

Kayastha’s stunning photographs, unveiled to the public for the first time, reflect his two-decade-long journey documenting Mustang. With roots in the culturally rich city of Bhaktapur, Kayastha’s work deeply connects to Nepal’s landscapes and heritage. His images serve as a poignant record of the region’s evolving climate, urbanization, and the resilience of Mustang’s ancient traditions within its rugged and spiritual environment.

The exhibition was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission Jason P Meeks, chairperson of the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation Gautam Dhimal, Kishor Kayastha, and other prominent figures. Deputy Chief Meeks expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating: “The US Embassy has a longstanding partnership with the Mustang region, supported by the American AFCP, through which we have successfully completed numerous impactful projects.”

Chairperson Gautam Dhimal remarked: “The past few months have been challenging with extensive preparations for this exhibition. Today, we celebrate the culmination of Kayastha’s two decades of dedication, presenting an extraordinary collection of large-scale photographs. Over these 20 years, much has changed, and this exhibition offers valuable insights and inspiration.”

Kayastha shared his reflections on his two-decade journey in Mustang, describing it as a profound exploration of life, peace, and spirituality. While seeking inner harmony, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife, who stood by him throughout this transformative experience.

The exhibition also showcased photos from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project sites in Mustang. The AFCP has been instrumental in restoring and preserving monasteries, chortens, temples, monuments, and other cultural heritage sites across Nepal. Over the past two decades, the AFCP has funded 28 cultural heritage restoration and preservation projects, totaling more than $4.54m.

With the transformation of Hyatt Place Kathmandu into Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, it became the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. A collaboration between Hyatt Hotels Corporation and City Hotel Limited, the hotel blends modern comfort with the rich cultural heritage of the capital city, promising an immersive experience for modern travelers, says the hotel. “The newly renovated property offers contemporary design, vibrant art, and innovative culinary experiences that celebrate the essence of Kathmandu. Designed as a hub for exploration, it aims to inspire adventure while serving as a local home base for savvy travelers.”

“After an extensive renovation, we are excited to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to Nepal,” said Akshay Golyan, Executive Director of City Hotel Limited. “Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu features a range of upgraded amenities to enhance the guest experience.” The hotel has over 8,600 square feet of event spaces for meetings, weddings, and gatherings, accommodating up to 600 guests. Dining options include NOON, an all-day restaurant and the ZING Sky Pool Bar & Deck, a rooftop retreat with stunning views of Kathmandu and a fusion menu of local and international cuisines.