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The monsoon trough is towards the north of its average position at present. 

The Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated that the weather will remain generally cloudy across the country today.

Moderate rainfall is expected in most parts of the hilly region of the country as well as in the Tarai region. Similarly, heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi Province.

Likewise, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy across the country tonight, with a forecast of moderate rainfall in some areas of the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, as well as in parts of the hilly and Tarai regions of the remaining provinces. 

A very heavy rainfall to heavy rainfall is also likely at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi and Bagmati Provinces and some areas of the Tarai belt, and a heavy rainfall in one or two places of the hilly parts of Gandaki Province and the Tarai belt of Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces.

Several municipalities in Lumbini Province have developed new tourist destinations in their villages, enhancing natural heritage sites and making them more attractive to visitors. Even with modest investments, these areas—from war museums to peace parks and adventure ziplines—are drawing tourists.

Many municipalities have created rock gardens and other attractions, with sites across all 12 districts awaiting visitors. Malika Rural Municipality, in northwest Gulmi, is known for its naturally cool climate, making it a popular summer escape. Tourism has further grown since the construction of Malika Peace Park in Deurali, Arkhawang.

The park’s unique picnic facilities and central statue of Lord Gautam Buddha make it a standout. It also houses the Malika Bhagwati Devi Temple. “This is a proud project of the rural municipality,” said Chairperson Deviram Aryal, noting that Rs 30m has been allocated for the current fiscal year to further organize and develop the park. A small entry fee—Rs 15 for students and senior citizens, Rs 20 for others—and a Rs 500 picnic stall fee have been set since July. The nearby Dhuldhunga Community Forest has also been developed into a tourist park, maintained by two staff members. Visitors can enjoy close views of the Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna ranges from here.

In Pyuthan, Mallarani Rural Municipality, perched at 1,655 meters above sea level, is emerging as a key tourist spot. Infrastructure has improved, with the access road now blacktopped. The municipality invested about Rs 6m in a zipline a year ago, but it has yet to operate regularly due to legal complications involving the Kasipani Community Forest area where it was built. “We are preparing to grant permission for the zipline after completing all legal procedures,” said Vice-chairperson Ramesh Kumar Shrestha. The area is being developed under a multi-year, Rs 50m plan, funded 70 percent by the federal Ministry of Tourism and 30 percent by the rural municipality.

Mahat village in Bhume Rural Municipality-6, Eastern Rukum, is being developed as a war tourism destination to educate younger generations. Between 1995 and 2002, 50 government personnel and seven rebels died here during the conflict.

In Dang, Banglachuli View Tower in Banglachuli Rural Municipality-5 offers sweeping views of the Indian coalfields at night, markets in Kapilvastu, and mountains like Sisne and Machhapuchhre. Chairperson Tulsiram Punmagar said Rs 60m was invested to develop the Rafal hill area as the main attraction. The site draws more than 25,000 visitors annually, according to the Banglachuli Tourist Area Conservation Committee.

Lohori Lake, in Malrani Rural Municipality-6 of Arghakhanchi, is another highlight. Located along the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan road at the junction of Pyuthan and Gulmi districts, the lake is celebrated for its natural beauty. The municipality organizes an annual tourism promotion program here but limits heavy infrastructure to preserve its charm. “We are focusing on comfortable facilities for visitors and developing nearby attractions to extend tourist stays,” said Chairperson Dal Bahadur Bhattarai.

Lumbini Province’s Minister for Industry, Tourism, and Transport, Prachanda Bikram Neupane, said the ministry has identified more than 300 hidden destinations across the province and is working to bring them into the tourism mainstream. However, he expressed concern that despite policy commitments to prioritize agriculture and tourism, budget allocations have not matched these goals.

In collaboration with the Gandaki provincial government, the current fiscal year includes projects to build infrastructure and beautify tourist sites, organize the month-long Uttar Gandaki Mahakumbh Mela, develop the Lumbini International and Himalayan tourism hubs, create a travel route targeting Sisne Mountain in Eastern Rukum, and establish a digital platform for major destinations. The plan also includes morning and evening prayers at the Mayadevi Temple to encourage longer stays in Lumbini.

Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) organized an interaction on the topic of 'Growing Climate Crisis: What are the Solutions?' in Kathmandu on Monday.

During the program, experts pointed out the need of international cooperation to minimize the increasing risks and potential damage in the glacial watershed.

They emphasized that a cross-border early warning system is essential to reduce the risks and damages caused by the climate crisis, arguing that climate-related disasters are increasing the loss of life and property due to lack of international information communication and inter-agency coordination, reads a statement issued by NEFEJ.

Dr Chang Qiangong, Head of the Climate and Environment Department of the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), said that resource-rich studies and research are necessary to address climate-related events.

He said that if developed countries transfer technology and knowledge to underdeveloped countries, mountainous countries will benefit. Chang said, "Science diplomacy is indispensable for this. We are preparing to bring in foreign experts and conduct training to enhance the capacity of the Hindu Kush region in the event of disasters such as permafrost and avalanches."

Climate expert Dr Dharma Upreti said that international cooperation is indispensable as Nepal cannot solve the problem alone as multi-disaster incidents are increasing.

Stating that the climate-related incidents taking place in India and China can be a lesson for Nepal, he said, 'The risk of damage incidents increasing due to temperature increase in the Himalayan region has increased. International cooperation should be increased through climate diplomacy.'

Saying that early warning system can save lives as climate-related disasters can cause damage to other countries simultaneously, Upreti opined that such things should not be limited to policies and plans but should be implemented. He suggested that countries affected by climate risks should take joint initiatives to receive relief from the 'Loss and Damage Fund' ensured by the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COPC).

Avalanche researcher Shri Kamal Dwivedi stressed that Nepal needs to increase its capacity to mitigate climate risk events, and pointed out the need to increase studies in this regard as avalanches do not only occur when glaciers burst. 'We should be aware that not only large glaciers but also small lakes can pose a risk at any time,' he said. 'Glacial lakes formed 20-25 years ago are posing an even greater risk.'

Stating that there is a need to establish a special body to prevent multiple disasters and minimize damage, he discussed that the inability to assess the damage caused by avalanches and debris is affecting development projects, according to the statement.

National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority (NDRRMA) Environment Inspector Rina Chaudhary claimed that the authority is active in risk reduction and post-incident facilitation. She argues that the authority, being a coordinating body, is active in adopting risk reduction measures.

Other speakers at the program highlighted the need for coordination and collaboration to make early information dissemination regular and efficient in multi-disaster events. Former Newapas President Kasamus Bishwakarma and environmentalist Dr Binod Bhatta said that journalists and media outlets should be involved in timely training, workshops and follow-up on disaster mitigation events.

The Korean Government successfully concluded the first K-Food intensive course; a special program designed for culinary practitioners to returnee migrants from South Korea. This course is 45 hours and covers various aspects of Korean cuisine from basic techniques to more advanced dishes.

The course offered an in-depth exploration of traditional Korean culinary practices and care in food preparation.

The South Korean ambassador thanked all the practitioners who took part in the course.

K-Food training was held in Kathmandu from August 4 to 11, 2025.

It is an eight-day intensive workshop led by Korean chefs and trainers.

The training includes 42 hours of practical cooking sessions and three hours of theory classes.