Tourist’s shoes stolen at Boudhanath Stupa
On February 10, 2026, I took two Japanese tourists to visit the Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As usual, I bought tickets at Rs. 400 per person from the main gate and entered with the two tourists. Walking slowly around, we entered the stupa area through the gate on the northwest side and decided to perform a kora (circumambulation) from the top level. As instructed, we took off our shoes and began the kora. It was around noon. We walked slowly around the dome of the stupa. At one point, we reached a spot to put our shoes back on. I and one of them were at the place where we had left our shoes and started putting them on. However, Mr. Kenshiro San’s shoes were not there. He started saying, “Eh, where are my shoes?” and looking around, but his shoes were not there. Instead, there was only an old pair of shoes left alongside. We wondered if someone had swapped them by mistake and looked around. We came down and looked a bit further around, but the shoes were not found. After that, we started inquiring with the security guard present there, but he also didn’t know. He rather suggested we report it to the police. I then informed the BShree Boudhanath Area Development Committee and the Tourist Police. The Tourist Police at Boudhanath said they were making a video and would come shortly. The Shree Boudhanath Area Development Committee said they would send someone. By this time, it must have been around 12:10 or 12:15 PM. After many phone calls back and forth, the Tourist Police arrived around 12:35 PM. They conducted a general inquiry; what else could they do? I had already called 1144 earlier and requested them to send police quickly. The Tourist Police who arrived showed no willingness to check or view CCTV footage or do any other work. Seeing that nothing would happen here, we thought of leaving. They suggested we might find slippers in the alley to the north. We went there, bought slippers, and headed towards the gate. Meanwhile, I requested the Shree Boudhanath Area Development Committee to refund the ticket money and show some humanity. They agreed to that too, but at the gate, it became quite complicated. Instead of returning the money as we requested, they started hassling us. Finally, after discussing at their office, they refunded the money.
Let’s talk about the related bodies here.
Local Security guard: Security guards are arranged to look after tourists. Their duties include checking tickets and specifically taking care of tourists’ belongings and shoes. However, around that time of 12 PM, the security guard was not present. According to them later, they had gone to eat lunch, and the one on ticket duty had gone to request another person not to make TIKTOK.
Tourist Police: When a tourist’s shoes were stolen, the Tourist Police did not give it priority. They said they would come after making a video. Even after arriving, they did not even try to check the CCTV footage there to possibly get a lead on the thief. Instead, they behaved as if suggesting the tourist could just buy a new pair of shoes.
Shree Boudhanath Area Development Committee: This committee charges Rs. 400 per tourist. It is also responsible for providing services and facilities to tourists. But at such a time, they were not particularly present there to show formality.
Community Police: This police also appeared once. They provided the mobile number of the Tourist Police and then their whereabouts were not known.
From this incident, it is not just a tourist’s shoes that were stolen. The self-respect of Nepalis has been stolen. All the efforts that should have been made, the searches that should have been conducted, the inquiries that should have been done—none of that happened. Instead, what happened was nothing other than one body pointing towards another and trying to evade responsibility.
CCTV footage should have been checked. The Tourist Police should have responded on time. It is not good to keep tourists waiting for a long time. We feel that thief certainly has good information that the CCTV and security bodies here don’t work. Therefore, it is our desire that the related bodies pay adequate attention to learning a lesson from this incident so that such an event does not recur in the future.
I waited if they response to us after checking the CCTV footage for almost 35hrs but nothing.
General Election in Nepal
Nepal is gearing up for its upcoming general election in Nepal (member of parliaments, 165) on March 5th. The current interim government has announced that preparations are fully underway. According to the government, key tasks such as printing ballots, recruiting temporary police, and appointing election officers are already in progress.
This election, the first to be held after the GEN-Z movement, is seeing both new and established political parties presenting themselves to the public. However, experts note that public interest in established parties like the Nepali Congress, the Nepal Communist Party (CPN-UML), and the Maoist Party is relatively low. Meanwhile, newer parties such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party are claiming they will secure significant victories, while other emerging parties like Nepal Ujyaalo Party and Shram Sanskriti Party, and others also express confidence in gaining public support.
Although this general election coincides with the start of Nepal’s peak tourist season, tourism professionals suggest it will not have a major impact. Nepal remains a highly favored destination for mountain tourism. Major climbing expeditions above 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest, take place during this season. Other popular treks like the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang valley trek are also frequently undertaken during this time. With winter ending, clearer skies offer stunning views, milder temperatures, and no monsoon rains—making it the preferred season for tourists.
Note: During general elections, especially on March 4th and 5th, public transportation may be restricted. However, based on past experiences, tourists with prior authorization can travel to their destinations. Should you need further information on this matter, feel free to contact us later.
Email: alpineasiantrek@gmail.com
Thank you.
Peace has been completely restored in Nepal
A movement, spearheaded by Gen Z participants (youths aged 10 to 28), took place on September 7th and 8th in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. While the protests were organized against corruption and irregularities, the situation escalated dramatically. In the Baneshwor area of Kathmandu, protesters broke through police barricades and advanced toward the Parliament building. Upon reaching the outer wall, some attempted to breach it, prompting police to open indiscriminate fire. The shooting resulted in the immediate death of 19 protesters, with many more seriously injured and hospitalized. Consequently, the movement was suspended for the remainder of September 7th.
Outraged protesters returned to the streets on the morning of September 8th. By the afternoon, with no sign of change, the situation deteriorated further. Protesters began burning police vans and engaging in targeted acts of vandalism and arson against properties associated with then-leaders. As the situation spiraled out of control in the capital, similar acts of unrest spread to other regions. Around 2:00 PM, the Prime Minister resigned. However, this failed to quell the unrest, which intensified. Several government and private buildings and properties were damaged or set on fire. Finally, around 10:00 PM, the army was deployed to patrol the streets, a curfew was imposed, and the situation was brought under control.
By the morning of September 9th, protests had subsided, and the focus shifted to forming a new government. After a brief period of political search, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed as the new Prime Minister on September 11th. She has since expanded her cabinet and commenced the government’s work.
No further loss of life or property has been reported since stability was restored. While the unrest created temporary discomfort for tourists during a key travel season, complete peace has been re-established. There is no ongoing violence or protest activity. Tourists can now visit Nepal with full confidence, and any concerns about travel safety can be set aside. The country is currently entirely peaceful.
Unspoild Cultural Homestay experience
I had the opportunity to visit the cultural village of Dharmapani (Tahanun), which operates the Kanyadevi Community Homestay run by the Gurung community, on Jestha 23 and 24 (6-7 June, 2025), an event organized by the Tanahun Tourism Promotion Society (TTPS).
Dharampani is Located about 14 kilometers from Bandipur, the “Queen of the Hills,” one can reach here by a roughly 1 hour 15-minute motorable road from Bandipur Bazaar (via Bandipur – Seratar – Sukhaura Tar – Kalmudanda – Chisapani – Hatiya Bazaar – Dharmapani). Alternatively, one can also travel on foot from Bandipur in about 4 to 5 hours (via Bandipur – Bahundanda – Sallaghari – Kafal Swanra – Dandachhap – Kamalbari – Rani Bazaar – Dharmapani). Dharmapani is situated at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters above sea level.
The Dharmapani Community Homestay is a place with high potential for tourism. To minimize plastic and protect the environment, the homestay uses dokos (woven bamboo baskets), sal and bhorla leaf plates and bowls, and water stored in earthen pots for drinking. Local produce (millet, dried meat, green vegetables, corn, black soybeans) is used to the maximum extent. They also generate income by selling leftover sal and bhorla leaf plates and bowls. For entertainment, one can enjoy local folk dances like the Khaichadi and the Maulik Chudka dance.
To view the Himalayan range from Dharmapani, one can observe the mountain vista (Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri) from Hatiya Danda, which is about an hour’s walk away.
Food and accommodation for tourists are arranged in local homes. Meals are prepared collectively, with a practice of prioritizing local produce as much as possible. While there is no provision for hot water for bathing, bathing rooms are available. Guests are accommodated in rooms within houses built in the traditional architecture. Furthermore, one can enjoy fresh milk from cows and buffaloes, homemade honey, and locally brewed alcohol (raksi).
One can visit here year-round, but the best time to come is during the dry season, excluding the rainy season. The period from Ashój (September/October) to Baisakh (April/May) is most suitable. Here, you can not only sightsee but also gain a different experience by participating in agricultural work and other household chores.
It seems that to attract tourists, (Dharmapani) must compete fiercely with nearby places like Ramkot, Korikha, and Hilekharka. For this, an equal level of enthusiasm and excitement is seen among the local tourism entrepreneurs, social workers, politicians, and women here.
However, even this seems insufficient yet. Being a tourism professional myself, I feel that if some man-made creative works are done here, the tourism here will flourish even more.
Some personal ideas based on my experience so far:
- Build an artistic, traditional-style revolving gate at the entrance (as a model for photos and memories).
- Dress guests in traditional Gurung attire upon welcome.
- Build a resting pavilion (chautari) with a large bulders.
- Develop the village to resemble a garden of seasonal flowers.
- Develop seasonal fruit orchards for enjoyment and for food.
- Tourism can also be promoted by painting nice pictures on nearby rocks or cliffs and by shaping large stones into some art or statues.
Experiences to offer at the homestay:
- Churning yogurt
- Teaching how to make wooden and bamboo items (like khurpeto [a small hand-held sickle], doko [basket], chhatri [umbrella using bamboo and sal leaf], siprin [winnowing tray], namlo [headstrap], rope making, weaving gundri [mat], making sel roti [rice donut], experiencing the dhiki jaato [traditional rice pounder] (the old working style)).
These are my personal thoughts, felt or realized based on my experience to date.
Shekhar Bahadur Thapa
Tanahun (In Kathmandu, Kirtipr)
Operates: Green Eco Resort (Kirtipur) & Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition P Ltd
Dhami Jhakri Samanic practice in Nepal
Dhami Jhakri (Samanic practice) in Nepal: A Sacred Tradition of Healing and Connection
Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Nepal has long been revered as a sacred land, believed since ancient times to be the abode of gods. Historical accounts suggest that deities and sages once meditated in this divine realm across different eras. Even today, this spiritual legacy endures, embodied in traditions like the Dhami Jhakri a living testament to Nepal’s enduring mystical power.
The practice of Dhami/Jhakri (Saman) is a beautiful and ancient shamanic tradition deeply woven into Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage. While its exact beginnings remain unrecorded, it has been cherished for countless generations as a sacred bridge between people, nature, deities, and ancestors. Through heartfelt rituals, Dhami/Jhakri nurture these connections while offering healing from spiritual troubles and negative energies.
The wisdom and spiritual gifts of a Dhami/Jhakri are often passed down to generations, though some practitioners believe they receive their calling through divine inspiration. To become a Dhami/Jhakri, one follows a path of devotion and discipline, honoring Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Many Nepali traditions speak of initiates learning from Ban Jhankri, a mystical forest or cave-dwelling spirit, through dreams and visions. A special ceremony, guided by an experienced Jhankri or Tantric Guru, then welcomes the new shaman into their role. This sacred ritual includes prayers to the Guru, Ban Jhankri, Mother Earth (Bhoomi Puja), the Sky (Akash Puja), and other divine forces.
In Nepal’s hills and mountains, Dhami/Jhakris are lovingly sought for guidance during difficult times—whether illness, infertility, or spiritual unrest. Their practice is embraced across different faiths, including Buddhism and Hinduism. During ceremonies, they wear vibrant seven-colored robes, Rudraksha beads, and peacock feather crowns, creating a sacred atmosphere with the rhythm of the Dhangro drum, the sound of conch shells, and offerings like butter lamps, incense, and grains. In some traditions, rituals may also include animal sacrifices, reflecting deep-rooted customs.
Different communities honor these healers with unique names, Capri among the Gurung, Phedangwa for the Rai and Limbu, and Ramba in Tamang culture. Dhami/Jhakris hold deep reverence for Vanjhakri, their guiding deity, often depicted as a majestic figure adorned with bone garlands, dwelling in hidden caves. They further believe that the Vanjhakri’s footprint indicate to the opositive directioin as lay man do not follow them.
One of the most sacred sites linked to this tradition is Gosaikund (Gosainkunnda lake), a serene high-altitude lake near the Langtang mountains in Helambu region. Every August, on the full moon day (Rakshya Bandhan), spiritual seekers gather here to celebrate, share their gifts, and honor the divine. Though no written records trace its origins, locals believe this festival has been a cherished tradition for centuries.
This year, Janai Purnima (the sacred thread festival) will be celebrated on August 9th, 2025, adding another layer of spiritual significance to this timeless practice.
(Source: “The Nepalese Shamanic Path by Evelyn C Rysdyk”)
Unspoild Cultural Homestay experience (धरमपानी कन्यादेवी सामुदाईक घरबास)
गुरुङ समुदायको बस्ति रहेको धरमपानी गाउमा संचालित कन्यादेवी सामुदाईक घरबास, येही जेठ २३ र २४ गते (6-7 June, 2025) तनहुँ पर्यटन प्रबर्दन समाज को आयोजनामा एस संस्कृतिक गाउ घुम्ने अवासर प्राप्त भयो। पाहाड कि रानी बन्दिपुरबाट करिब १४ किलोमीटर को दुरीमा , बन्दीपुर बजार बाट करिब १:१५ घन्टामा मोटर बाटो (बन्दीपुर – सेराटार- सुखौरा टार – कल्मुडाँडा -चिसापानी – हाटिया बजार – धरमपानी) हुदै यहाँ पुग्न सकिन्छ भने बन्दीपुर बाट पैदल यात्रा गर्दै करिब ४ देखि ५ घण्टामा (बन्दीपुर – बहुनडाँडा – सल्लाघारी – कफल स्वारा – डाँडाछाप – कमलबारी – रानी बजार – धरमपानी) हुदै पनि जान सकिन्छ। धरमपानी समुन्द्र सतह बाट करिब १००० मीटर को उचाई मा रहेको छ।
धरमपानी सामुदाइक घर बास पर्या पर्यटन को लागि सम्भावाना बोकेको ठाउ हो। यहा बाताबरण संरक्षण को लागि प्लास्टिक को न्युन गर्नका लागि बास का डोको, साल तथा भोर्ला का पातका टपरी दुना , माटाका गाग्रामा राखिएको पिउने पनिको प्रयोग गरियको छ। स्थानीय उत्पादन (कोदो , गेडागुडी , सागपात , मकै , भटमास ) को अधिकतम प्रयाग गरिन्छ। साल तथा भोर्ला को पात बाट बनेका दुना टपरी को बचेर आय आर्जन पनि गरेका छन्। मनोरजान का लागि पनि स्थानीय खैचडी तथा मौलिक चुड्का नाचको मजा लिन सकिन्छ।
धरमपानी बाट हिमाली शृंखला हेर्नका लागि भने करिब १ घण्टा को दुरीमा रहेको हट्तिया डाँडा बाट (मनास्लु , अन्नपुर्ण , धौलागिरी ) हिम्श्रीन्खला को अबलोकन गर्न सकिन्छ।
पर्यटक हरुका लागि खान तथा बास स्थानीय घर मा व्यवस्था गरिन्छ। खान सामुहिक रुपमा तयार परिन्छ र सकेसम्म स्थानीय उत्पदान लाइ प्रथामिकाता दिने प्रचलन छ। नुहाउनका लागि तातोपानी को व्यवस्था न भएपनि नुहाउने कोठा भने छन्। पुरानै ढाचाका घरमा पाहुना बस्ने कोठाको व्यवस्था छ। साथै ताजा गाइ भैसी को दुध , मह तथा गाउमै पारेको रक्सि पिउन सकिन्छ।
यहाँ घुम्नका लागि बर्सै भरी आउन सकिन्छ तर पनि पानी पर्ने बेला बाहेक अरु बेला आउदा बदी उपयुक्त हुन्छ। असोज बाट बैसाख सम्म उपयुक्त हुन्छ। यहाँ केवल घुम्ने मात्र नभई कृसी कार्य तथा अरु घरेलु कर्म मा सहभागी भएर अर्को अनुभव गर्न सकिन्छ। .
पर्यटकलाइ एता तान्न , बन्दीपुर वरपर रहेका रामकोट , कोरिखा , हिलेखार्क संग खरो प्रतिस्पर्धामा उत्रनु पर्ने देखिन्छ। येस्कालागी यहाका पर्यटनकर्मी , समाजसेवी , राजनीतिज्ञ , महिला को उत्तिकै जोश एबम उत्साह देखिन्छ।
तर पनि येतिले मात्र अझै अपुग जस्तो देखिन्छ। एक पर्यटनकर्मी भएकोले यहाँ केहि मानब सृजित कार्य गर्दा यहाको पयर्टन अझ राम्रो संग फल्छ फुल्छ भन्ने लग्दछ ।
प्रबेस द्वार मा कलात्मक शैलिका पुरानो घुमाउने घर बनाउने (तस्बिर लिन तथा सम्झनाका लागि एक नमुना)
पाहुना स्वागतमा गुरुङ भेस भूसा लगाइदिने
जेठा बाको चौतारी बनाउने
गाउलाई मौसमी फुलको बगैचा जस्तो रुपमा विकास गर्ने
मौसमी फलफुलको बगैचामा आनन्द लिने र खान मिल्ने किसिमको विकास गर्ने
नजिकै रहेका पहरा वा चट्टानलाई राम्म्रो चित्र कुदेर र ठुला ढुंगा लाइ कुनै अक्र्ती वा सालिक बनाएर पनि पर्यटन अकर्सन गर्न सकिन्छ।
घर बासमा अनुभव :
दहि मथ्ने , काठका, बासका समान बनाउन सिकाउने (खुर्पेटो, डोको , छत्री, सिप्रिन , नाम्लो , डोरी बाट्ने, गुन्द्री बुन्ने , सेल रोटि पकाउने, ढिकी जातो (पुरानो काम गर्ने तरिका) अनुभव गराउने )
यी मेरा आज सम्मको अनुभवबाट अनुभत गरेका वा लागेका निजि विचार हुन्।
शेखर बहादुर थापा
तनहुँ (हाल काठमाडौँ )
Kami Rita Scale Everest 31 time
The 55-year-old, Kami Rita Sherpa has scalled 31st time to the top of the world. Mr. Sherpa also known as “Everest Man” climb the everest breaking his own earlier record. The last time, he has summit Mt everest on Tuesday (27th may 2025) at 04:00 local time. Kami Rita climb has a succesful climb in 1994 and continueing every year till this year.
Climbers waiting at EBC to hit the summit
Climbers are ready to attack to the summit of Mt Everest. There were about 400 permits are issued to climb the Mt Everest and about 40 permit form Tibetan side.
Everyone are in the Everest Base Camp at this time. This seems like a big festival happening there.
The pre monsoon season has started in Nepal. There would be a shower rain and thunder storm in pre monsoon season. The monsoon in Nepal starts from June and end in September.
Good luck to all the climbers.
Chinese trekker found dead in Annapurna
A Chinese trekker who had been missing since March 24, 2025, was found dead due to an avalanche on the Annapurna Base Camp trek route near Deurali. The 28-year-old, identified as Mr. Yuan, had been returning after reaching the base camp at 4,110 meters. A search and rescue team discovered his body on April 5 near the Modi River. Mr. Yuan was found in a prone position, still wearing his rucksack. His family has arrived in Nepal to repatriate his remains, which were transferred to Kathmandu’s Teaching Hospital for necessary documentation and procedures.
The avalanche is believed to have originated from slopes near Annapurna South (7,219 meters) and Hiunchuli (6,441 meters) following heavy snowfall in mid-March. Authorities noted that avalanche risks increase significantly during winter and early spring in the region due to unstable snow conditions.
Source: news agency
11 Person were died in Muktinath Pilgrimage
11 Pilgrimage were lost their life due to Altitude Mounntain Sicknedd within one year (March 2024 to March 20025). 2 of them were Nepali citizen and other 9 were from foreign national including Indian. One of them were from USA, 63 years. The number was more last year than this eyar.
Muktinath is situated at an altude of 3800m from sea level. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage to the Hindus. It is also a popular trekking route to the trekkers from all over the world. Many people use jeep to reach to Muktinath in recent days which cause the mountain sickness. They start from Pokhara at an altitude of 900 and arrive at an altitude of 3800m in 2 days.
Due to speed ascending, tiredness, cold and dehydration are the major causes of Mountain Mountain Sickness.