Nepal- Tourism and Mt. Everest
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 m above sea level to the highest point of the earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150km resulting into climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Artic, slightly larger than the state of Arkansas, Nepal contains eight of the world's ten highest mountain peaks making it a popular destination for adventurous tourists. Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. With the growing number of tourists, however, the Nepalese Government is trying to exploit this resource as well. One Nepalese ecologist says "There are now three religions in Nepal -- Hinduism, Buddhism, and tourism." The influx of tourists has had dramatic effects on the environment and on the local communities who come into contact with the tourists. It is no longer uncommon to find discarded rubbish along the trekking trails. Just as common is the soil erosion during the monsoons as a result of severe deforestation, also caused by tourism. "Tourism is not only the goose that lays golden eggs...it also fouls its own nest," says a Nepalese scientist. Late Sir Edmund Hillary believed that explorers have an obligation to protect the very things which they come to marvel. Yes, it everyone’s duties to protect and conserve the nature. The Nepalese portion of the Himalayas was "long remote from the main pathways of international tourism." The Nepalese Government hopes to attract a million people within the next ten years. More than ninety percent of these tourists are trekkers, coming mostly from the United States and Western Europe, but also from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. With the steady stream of visitors, at least $60 million in foreign currency has been generated each year. Late Sir Edmund Hillary was a driving force behind the creation of the Sagarmatha National Park and has established a trust which builds schools, hospitals, clinics, bridges and water systems for the Sherpas, whose culture is threatened the most. Most tourists come to Nepal to trek through the mountains. Trekking may be arranged by a service and done in a group or on one's own. Group treks are typically prearranged and paid for abroad or in the capital city of Kathmandu. The other alternative is to trek individually without the services of a trekking company. Galen Rowell wrote of the Himalayas, The solitary splendor is dazzling - until I glance down at my feet. There, frozen into the ice cap of Tharpu Chuli, lies a miniature garbage dump; discarded candy wrappers, film cartons, plastic bags, wads of tissue, and half-empty food cans, all of it left by foreign climbing groups. It is a familiar and sickening sight to old Himalaya hands - the growing pollution of a priceless heritage. Nature never asks you to pay in return; it’s our duty and responsibility to pay back by keeping it clean and green. The tourist destination in Nepal gives me some kind of vibes in me which am trying to articulate that here is charisma within the lap of Mt. Everest. I see many tourists come to Nepal to take the glimpse of Mother Nature’s aroma. I am very happy and proud that I am born and raised in the country of majestic Himalayas. A geographical aspect here is multi colored that is why we see many tourists are captivated by the vast diversity found here. That is why I am not hesitated to urge that MY COUNTRY IS MY PRIDE. It’s been truly said that a thing of beauty is joy forever. Human being and all the creatures in the earth enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature. Above and all nature nourishes and inspires all of us. The highest summits in the world Mt. Everest itself makes us honorable to stand and compete with others. Since Nepal ranks among the poorest countries in the world, tourism is a vital economic lifeline. Although the country has a rich culture and religious tradition, the best-paying and longest-staying tourists travel there for the rock star of the Himalayan Mountains -- Everest. Although only slightly larger than the state of Arkansas, the Himalayas that curve across the length of Nepal are home to eight of the 14 tallest mountains on the globe. The government takes advantage of this fact because when it comes to Everest -- or Sagarmatha in the native tongue -- people are willing to shell out serious dough. Therefore it is naturally Nepal, once is not enough!
