20-year Sagarmatha Tree Plantation Mega Campaign announced

The Ministry of Forests and Environment has announced the launching of the 20-year Sagarmatha Tree Plantation Mega Campaign at the call of 'Sagarmatha Sambaad' program.

A ministerial decision was taken on Monday to launch the mega campaign at the call of Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu from May 16-18, 2025, according to the Ministry.

As per the decision, saplings would be planted at appropriate land from June 28-July 31 every year till 2045 from 2025.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad had called to save the mountain as the snow on the mountains had started melting which would cause huge adverse impacts on lower coastal areas.

Forests and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri shared that the mega campaign would be one of the important efforts to save the Himalayas. The mega campaign would be inaugurated on June 18, the National Tree Plantation Day, added the Ministry.

Saplings of different fruits and local trees would be planted across the country under the mega campaign.

Nepal has made international commitment to achieving net zero emission by 2045 and it is expected that the mega campaign would help contribute in achieving the target. 

Different bodies have been requested to participate from their respective places to make the campaign further effective and make it successful.

The mega campaign was named as 'Sagarmatha Tree Plantation' as it was launched after holding the 'Sagarmatha Sambaad'.

 

 

 

Landslide obstructs North-South Koshi Highway

The Khandbari-Kimathanka section of the North-South Koshi Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide at the Phyakre River in Makalu Rural Municipality-5, Sankhuwasabha.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Daksha Kumar Basnet of the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, confirmed that the mudslide occurred around 6 am today, hitting the river bridge and thus blocking the highway.

As a result, transportation along the Khandbari-Kimathanka route has been disrupted, affecting access to several wards in Makalu as well as the Bhotkhola Rural Municipality.

Efforts are underway to clear the landslide debris, police said.

Nepal named top solo adventure destination for 2025

Nepal has been named one of the world’s top destinations for solo adventure travel in 2025, according to a new guide released by Much Better Adventures, a UK-based travel company specializing in small group adventures.

As solo travel gains momentum—with a 23 percent rise in searches for active solo holidays over the past year—Much Better Adventures unveiled its expert-led ranking of the top 25 countries for independent adventurers. Nepal secured the seventh spot on the global list, praised for its dramatic landscapes, iconic treks, and affordability.

Home to the world’s highest peaks and famed trails like the Sagarmatha Base Camp and Annapurna circuits, Nepal offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for solo travellers. The country also appeals to budget-conscious adventurers, with an average meal cost of just £1.4 and a high biodiversity index.

Kirsty Holmes, content manager at Much Better Adventures and a recent solo traveller to Nepal, highlighted the country’s welcoming culture: “While it’s undeniable that arriving into Nepal is a sensory overload, you’ll soon find that the welcoming nature of Nepalis makes this a fantastic place to travel solo.”

Italy topped the index, followed by Japan and Norway. Other countries in the top 10 include Spain, Albania, Portugal, Montenegro, Jordan, and Greece. The guide was compiled using a mix of expert recommendations and data-driven insights, including safety, affordability, biodiversity, and tour ratings. The team also analyzed the Global Peace Index, cost of living data, visa access, and tourism infrastructure.

Sam Bruce, CMO and co-founder of Much Better Adventures, said Nepal offers a rare mix of adventure, hospitality, and accessibility: “It’s remarkably affordable and safe, but what truly stays with you is how welcoming and open the people are, from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful teahouses high in the Himalayas.”

 

 

Manmohan Technical University to produce ayurvedic medicines for treatment of diabetes

The Manmohan Technical University has decided to produce ayurvedic medicines. 

The university at Budhiganga Rural Municipality in Morang district is preparing to produce medicines for the treatment of diabetes. 

Vice Chancellor Dr Subashshree Pokharel shared this information by organizing a press conference on Monday.

He said the university has been conducting research on the treatment diabetic patients with the use of medicinal herbs produced within the country. 

Now, the university is undertaking research on various 10 topics in the current academic session. 

Diabetes treatment and bacteriophage are given top priorities among 10 research. There are several other issues being studied for ayurvedic treatment. 

The Koshi Province government had established the technical university in 2076BS. The first technical university in the province, however, has complained of inadequate budget allocation from the province government. 

 

According to Pokharel, only Rs 140 million budget was allocated to the Manmohan Technical University.