http://www.nepal.com/blog/ en 2010-03-10T08:04:58+00:00 hourly 6 2010-03-10T08:04:58+00:00 http://www.nepal.com/blog/butterfly-watching-in-nepal 2010-03-10T08:04:58+00:00 en Editor Travel Not many visitors to Nepal are aware that it is home to a massive variety of delicate and colorful butterfly species. In fact, the study of butterflies in Nepal has been ongoing for the last 150 years, and has revealed a collection of butterflies that is said to be one of the best in the world. It was the British who first showed an interest in collecting and documenting the butterfly species of the country, after which the Japanese began where the British left off in 1950. All the research done finally resulted in the founding of the Natural History Museum in Swoyambhu, in the year 1974, by the Tribhuvan University. http://www.nepal.com/blog/trekking-to-sikles 2010-02-12T08:20:43+00:00 en Editor Features The Gurung is an ethnic group that has been a part of the Nepali culture for centuries and has a very fascinating history. They are generally located in the region surrounding the Annapurna Mountains, and it is here, where the picturesque village of Sikles can be found. It is a destination where visitors are able to experience this ancient culture, discover the uniqueness of the Gurung villagers and enjoy the beauty of the Nepali landscapes, including magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Pokhara and Annapurna II. http://www.nepal.com/blog/the-mystery-of-the-elusive-yeti 2010-01-19T10:59:10+00:00 en Editor Features Cryptozoology is the term used for the search for folkloric and legendary creatures that are considered by mainstream biology and science to be nonexistent. Cryptozoologists believe that the Himalayas stretching from Nepal into Tibet are home to the Yeti – a creature which features prominently in Nepal’s folklore. While cryptozoology is not an established science, it has gathered quite a following, with cryptozoologists considering it a personal challenge to solve the mystery of these elusive creatures, which are referred to as cryptids and include North America’s Bigfoot and Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster. http://www.nepal.com/blog/exploring-gupteswar-gupha 2009-12-24T13:33:35+00:00 en Editor Features For visitors to Nepal, the city of Pokhara is one of their choice destinations, with a reputation for unmatched beauty, spectacular views and a host of fascinating attractions and activities. Some attractions stand out above the rest and when it comes to natural sites of interest, Gupteswar Gupha, or Gupteswar Cave, is one of them. Located just outside the Pokhara Airport, Gupteswar Gupha is the perfect destination for a day trip, an opportunity to explore its historical and religious importance. http://www.nepal.com/blog/global-health-delivery-20 2009-12-23T07:12:33+00:00 en Nyaya Health Miscellaneous Open-Sourcing Global Development Aid workers have just gained a whole new approach to their important work in developing countries. In a recent article in the widely regarded biomedical journal PLoS Medicine, physicians and epidemiologists from Harvard, Yale, and UCSF, affiliated with the non-profit organization Nyaya Health, have detailed several web-based tools for improving data sharing, performance monitoring, and collaboration. Some might call it "open-source development"; the authors call it "Global Health Delivery 2.0". http://www.nepal.com/blog/hidden-treasures-discovered-in-mustang 2009-11-30T09:20:01+00:00 en Editor Features Lying on the Tibet-Nepal border, the region of Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal which only a limited number of outsiders are permitted access to each year. In 2007 a team led by a local shepherd, and including seasoned mountaineer Pete Athans and US Himalayan expert Broughton Coburn, reached the caves and had some time to explore its ancient hidden treasures. The shepherd had apparently discovered the caves quite by chance some decades ago when he took shelter from a rainstorm. At the time he didn’t grasp the significance of his discovery, but later mentioned it in passing to some scientists working in the area, setting the wheels in motion for one of the most exciting discoveries ever made in this remote and mysterious region of Nepal. http://www.nepal.com/blog/a-visit-to-narayanhiti-palace 2009-11-05T13:32:33+00:00 en Editor Travel For centuries the Narayanhiti Palace stood as a symbol of royalty and of affluence, and was one of the structures in Nepal that no-one has been able to enter, except for those authorized or invited by the royal family. It has been a building shrouded in controversy, scandal and mystery, as the thick walls and armed guards tried to shield the palace and its inhabitants from the world. But in 2008, the Shah monarchy was brought to its knees and the gates to the Narayanhiti Palace opened to the public in February 2009. http://www.nepal.com/blog/from-kathmandu-to-catwalk 2009-10-08T12:28:48+00:00 en Editor Miscellaneous As in any country, in any home or community, there are children dreaming about their futures and the careers they would like to follow. If asked a few years ago, Prabal Gurung, who grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal, would never have guessed or dreamed that his future would make headlines around the world. The story of Prabal Gurung is one of inspiration and determination, and proof that it is never too late chase a dream. Gurung literally went from Kathmandu to the international catwalks, and has made his mark on the fashion industry. http://www.nepal.com/blog/the-nepali-folklore-society 2009-09-15T14:56:50+00:00 en Editor Features It is a known fact that as any country develops and modernizes, many traditions, cultural rituals and folklores begin to fade into obscurity. The tales told throughout generations are replaced with technology and whatever the new world has on offer, robbing future generations of their ancestral roots and a part of society that has on many occasions assisted in the survival of tribes. Their beliefs and language being the foundation of their society, and the backbone to their culture, the need to preserve the folklore of Nepal was recognized years ago, but the preservation of folklore would have to wait till 1995. http://www.nepal.com/blog/nepal-prepares-to-open-four-new-museums 2009-08-20T11:38:52+00:00 en Editor News History lovers will be excited to learn that Nepal is preparing to open four new museums in the near future. This thrilling new development was recently announced by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal during his inspection of the Janajati ethnic museum that forms part of the Nepal Tourism Board in Bhrikutimandap.