Ktm Valley World Heritage UNESCO Monuments Officially Reopen For Tourists From Monday, June 15Monday, December 28th, 2015

KATHMANDU, Nepal, June 15, 2015 – Hon’be Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Kripasur Sherpa today launched the reopening of the World Heritage Monuments of the Kathmandu Valley officially for  tourists  at Bhaktapur amidst the grand program. The Heritage sites were closed post the 24/ 5 earthquake,  that partially damaged centuries-old palaces and temples listed as UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Reopening of  the monuments at  heritage sites  is an important initiative in a series of steps towards tourism recovery, to welcome tourists back to areas of their prime interest. These heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley are symbols of Nepal’s history, architecture and  culture. Access has been restricted in certain areas to ensure safety  precautionary measures and to preserve valuable arts and artifacts there. The program was attended by Secretary of  Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Suresh Man Shrestha, Director General of Archaeology Mr. Beshnarayan Dahal, Director General of Tourism Mr. Tulasi Prasad Gautam, Executive Board Members of Nepal Tourism Board Mr. Rajendra Sapkota and Mr. Ghanedra Shrestha, high government officials, president of tourism related associations and prominent tourism personalities were present during the program.

The reopening of World Heritage Monuments in Kathmandu Valley gives a positive message to the world that Nepal is back to business and is waiting for tourists to welcome them. Unlike in many parts of the world, the Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley are a part of day-to-day life of its people.  Rituals, tradition, festivals  and culture starting from birth to death are centered around these places. Therefore, these sites are living museums signifying the essence of life in Kathmandu Valley, as it has been through the centuries.

Out of 75 districts of Nepal, only 11 districts were hit by the earthquake. Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Bardia, Annapurn, Everest, eastern region and far west region of Nepal also escaped damage, and are ready for business. Among the 19 protected areas only 3 are affected. More than ninety percent of hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu Valley are in operation. Life in the valley and in other parts of the country is back to normalcy with recovery and reconstruction efforts are underway at affected areas.

Tourism is one of the mainstays of Nepal’s economy, and Nepal will certainly need the income that tourism brings in as it attempts to recover from this disaster and to keep the jobs running. 

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