#kathmandu times

[kathmandutimes]

Fake papers used to smuggle gold, Hong Kong tells Nepal

The Hong Kong customs authority has told Nepal’s Customs Department that the smugglers used fake documents in July to get the 60kg gold cleared from Hong Kong customs, according to a senior official at the department. The smuggled gold was seized in Kathmandu.

Nepal’s customs authority sent letters to Hong Kong customs days after the gold smuggled with motorcycle brake shoe imports was seized on July 18. A follow-up letter was sent in late August after Hong Kong officials delayed the sharing of details that Nepal had sought.

The consignment of the seized gold belonged to Ready Trade Private Limited, a Nepali company.

“We received a response from the Hong Kong customs about seven days ago,” said Shovakant Poudel, director general of the customs department. “They notified us that the goods, including the smuggled gold, were taken to Nepal using fake documents.”

After the seizure of the gold, the customs had first sent a letter to Hong Kong seeking details of the incident and the individuals involved in smuggling the precious metal.

In response, the Hong Kong customs had notified the Nepali department that they would deliver on Nepal’s concerns by directly contacting the customs officials in Kathmandu.

As the Hong Kong Customs delayed its response, the customs department sent a follow-up letter in late August.

Poudel said the response received from Hong Kong and the proof gathered during the customs department’s investigation had been sent to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police.

Even though the Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) first probed the gold smuggling case, it handed the task over to the CIB after questions were raised over suspected failure to treat the case as organised crime.

The CIB has sent its senior investigating officer to Hong Kong. Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Acharya flew to Hong Kong last week to investigate local connections to gold smuggling, Nepal Police spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Kuber Kadayat told the Post.

In July, the revenue probe had seized the gold smuggled in eight consignments at Sinamangal, Kathmandu right after it got clearance from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) customs.

Then, the DRI raided the warehouse of Ready Trade, at Sorhakhutte in Kathmandu and seized 66 boxes of motorcycle brake shoes. Many of the brake shoes were lighter than those seized at Sinamangal, raising suspicions that the gold from the motorcycle component had already been extracted.

The DRI also raided the house of Rakesh Kumar Adukia, one of the prime suspects in the smuggling case, as part of its effort to find the actual owners of the seized gold. Later, on August 11, the immigration office at the TIA took Rohan Adukiya, the son of Rakesh Adukiya, into custody in connection with the gold smuggling case.

It also raided a factory at Tokha in Kathmandu, a suspected site used by the smugglers for melting gold. It arrested 18 people suspecting their involvement in gold smuggling.

On the other hand, the customs department formed a taskforce to identify the weak points at the TIA customs that had given clearance for the smuggled gold, despite an X-ray machine installed there. It had suspended two of its staffers who inspected the consignments at the airport.

Subsequently, the DRI arrested airport customs officer Santosh Chand, checker Kumar Dhakal, a non-gazetted second-class staffer, and X-ray technician Saroj Shrestha on charges of clearing the smuggled gold through the TIA customs on July 23.

“Our own investigation also suggested weaknesses and possible ill intent of some staff members,” Poudel told the Post earlier. “The probe also suggested the need for reforms in the use of technology to curb smuggling.”

Poudel said the department had already told the TIA customs to implement several measures, including increased vigilance. “Based on the instructions, we have already deployed separate staff for X-ray and customs clearance,” said a customs official at the TIA.

[kojiarakiartworks]

June 2012 KTM Kathmandu  Nepal Patan

© KOJI ARAKI Art Works

Daily life and every small thing is the gate to the universe ：）

[cinematicnomad]

took me literally half my life, but i found my way back to kathmandu🇳🇵

[popcorn-plots]

ghjasjhsdgj RESEARCH

so anyways. It's a 17 hour flight from the JKF Airport in NYC to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. If you took off at 3 PM at the JFK, you'd get to Kamar-Taj by around 6:45 the next day.

The sun sets around 5:30 in Kathmandu during October.

So in By the Stars Above, Stephen doesn't really get to explore the city because he goes straight to Kamar-Taj from the airport with Mordo and Hamir, and by the time he actually reaches Kamar-Taj, it's 9 o'clock in the evening so he just gets to meet Yao and is ushered straight to bed. Because Jetlag is a bit of a bitch.

He'll meet Mister Stark next chapter, and go over the plans and everything.

[jobsnotices]

British Embassy Nepal Vacancy 2024 for Corporate Services Assistant & Receptionist

British Embassy Nepal Vacancy 2024 for Corporate Service Assistant and Receptionist. British Embassy Kathmandu Nepal has invited applications for the post of Corporate Service Assistant and Receptionist on permanent posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply till 8th August 2024. CAREER OPPORTUNITY  British Embassy Nepal Vacancy 2024 for Corporate Services Assistant &…

[russianreader]

They Don't Stay in Their Lane

Bizarre Beasts, “Tenrecs Will Not Stay in Their Lane” If all crustaceans “want” to look like crabs, then tenrecs “want” to look like basically any other small mammal. These weird little guys are endemic to Madagascar—they’re native to nowhere else on Earth. Source: Bizarre Beasts (YouTube), 7 April 2023. Thanks to Comrade Koganzon for the link and the BBC Radio 4 programme “Nature Table” for…

[marinonso]

the Nepal trip I planned... My ex is coming too🤡

[venxm7]

[fieriframes]

[Would inspire me. Kathmandu was won-derful, really.]

[alphaeverestbasecamp]

11 Beautiful Places to Visit in Nepal for Couples

Nepal is a combination of many romantic features like mountain ranges, deep valleys, narrow gorges and peaceful lakes. It is magical and fairytale, spiritual and serene at the same time. It is a perfect honeymoon dreamland in Nepal. Dreamland will give you the best of romantic love, aura and spirit and make your love bloom in all its glory. Whether creating new memories or reliving old ones, the heavenly places of Nepal are perfect to satisfy your taste buds.

11 best places to visit in Nepal for Honeymoon

Here are the 11 best honeymoon spots in Nepal for your most awaited honeymoon. With happiness and an incredible sense of nature, they give it all.

Pokhara: Nirvana for Newlyweds

Kathmandu: Holidays at Casino Royale

Bandipur: Wealth of Serenity

Nagarkot: Vacation in Paradise

Bardia: The Jungle Book

Daman: Away from the Crowd

Chitwan: Go Green with Your Partner

Godavari: Stay Happy in Marriage

Sarangkot: The Serene Getaway

Mustang: Legendary Aura

Patan: The Spiritual Dimension

1. Pokhara: Nirvana for Newlyweds

Pokhara - the city of lakes - is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal for a honeymoon. For a newly wedded couple, Pokhara is a dreamland, with a perfect picture of Himalayan Mountains, lakes, deep valleys and winding roads. Excellent accommodation options make the area a haven for holiday makers.

Highlights: breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range, romantic boating in Phewa Tal (the second largest lake in Nepal), marital bliss in the century-old Bhimsen temple and Phoenix paragliding.

Best time to visit: March - May; for non-airy weather

2. Kathmandu: Holidays at Casino Royale

If you want to keep the vibrancy of the wedding, choose Kathmandu as one of the honeymoon destinations in Nepal. The capital is rich in culture, color and tradition, and among the best places to visit in Nepal for a honeymoon. At the same time, it is also full of nightlife and glittering casinos.

Highlights: Bird's eye view of Mount Everest and Himalayan and mountain air tours operated by local airlines, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath temple, Dakshin Kali Temple, Kopan and Shechen monasteries, wildlife and the beauty of Langtang National Park, and the beautiful landscape, and glittering nightlife at Casino Royale and Casino Anna

Best time to visit: September - November and February - April for visiting Kathmandu, the rainy season for the Himalayas is perfect

3. Bandipur: Wealth of Serenity

Here is an opportunity to do a thematic honeymoon. While you and your partner on the first trip will be in the pleasant and peaceful Newari cultural environment of Bandipur in Nepal. This places blissful poses in every corner and provides ample space to capture your love-filled memories.

Highlights: Blissful Romance at Siddha Gufa, Annapurna Short Circuit Trek, Jungle Safari and Serene Silkworm Farm.

Best time to visit: March - May

4. Nagarkot: Vacation in Paradise

Head to Nagarkot for a perfect vacation with the world's highest mountains dominating the scenery. Being another best place to visit in Nepal for honeymoon, Nagarkot will surprise you. Don't believe us? Take the tour yourself.

Highlights: Views of Mount Everest and the Annapurna range, watching the first rays of the sun fall over the Himalayas at sunrise, and trekking through the jungles.

Best time to visit: October - April; especially for an unobstructed view of Mount Everest

5. Bardia: The Jungle Book

Add moments of excitement and adventure with a touch of music to Bardia National Park for your holiday in Nepal. Spend a few days at the most exciting wildlife habitat in Asia's largest tiger habitat and relax in the great outdoors with your loved one.

Highlights: Wildlife Safari, Crocodile and Elephant Breed Center and Tharu Cultural Museum.

Best time to visit: All year round except monsoon (breeding season)

6. Daman: Away from the Crowd

Daman is one of the least visited places in Nepal for honeymoon. A secluded, fairy-tale place away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, for privacy and connection, this place is perfect for both of you.

Highlights: The panoramic view of the Himalayas from Mount Everest to Mount Dhaulagiri and the bright and beautiful rhododendrons.

Best time to visit: February - April

7. Chitwan: Go Green with Your Partner

For those who love jungle safaris and nature walks, Chitwan is the best holiday destination in Nepal. A green and peaceful environment will create the perfect romantic atmosphere and help rekindle the spark in your relationship.

Highlights: Kayaking River Narayani, Jungle Safari, Elephant Safari and Bird Watching

Best time to visit: February - early April

8. Godavari: Stay Happy in Marriage

Godavari is a small but peaceful hill station, made for vacationers. Relax and spend time together here to enhance your holiday experience in Nepal. We hope you will enjoy your honeymoon here.

Highlights: Naudhara Pagoda, National Botanical Garden and the mountain track

Best time to visit: Mid February - April

9. Sarangkot: The Serene Getaway

Sarangkot is a peaceful place for a perfect honeymoon in Nepal. The enchanting scenery of Sarangkot hills is a delight for lovebirds. Or even if you're not, we can guarantee you'll have a one-of-a-kind experience here.

Highlights: Profile views of the Himalayas and its peaks, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and zip lines.

Best time to visit: February - April and September - November

10. Mustang: Legendary Aura

Mustang is located in one part of Nepal, near the border of Nepal and Tibet. It is a secluded and quiet place. The legendary aura and natural beauty make Mustang one of the best places to visit in Nepal for honeymoon. Undoubtedly, it is a great place to spoil the inner traveler.

Highlights: Trekking through Mustang, to the palaces and gompas of the ancient walled village of Lo Manthang.

Best time to visit: February - April and September - November

11. Patan: The Spiritual Dimension

Patan, the center of art and culture, is an ideal destination for a spiritual vacation in Nepal. The idea is to visualize the different aspects of Buddhist and Hindu cultural colors and make the holiday even better. So if you're looking for a unique experience, be sure to include this place in your itinerary.

Highlights: Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal), Patan Museum, Krishna Mandir, Darbar Square and Mul Chawk

Best time to visit: All year round

Best Day Tour in Nepal

[alphaannapurnabasecamp]

Best Time to Travel in Nepal

The best time to travel in Nepal is not just the season; Traveling in Nepal is like floating in a paradise that never ends, so bring a new and powerful soul to travel in Nepal.

Come and take a visit to Nepal and make wonderful memories.

A visit to Nepal will be a wonderful experience, and this visit comes with a trip to beautiful places in Nepal. Whether you're young or old, a professional or a beginner, there's a route that's right for you. So, the next time you are thinking about your dream vacation, book your once-in-a-lifetime trip with the Alpha Adventure Treks Team. Nepal has a wide variety of climates, with the highest mountains in the world and beautiful grasslands. The plains are hot, the central mountains are hot and the highlands have a warm climate. Fall and spring provide a clear, sparkling view of the mountains.

There is no worse time to travel in Nepal; you can travel at any time of the year, but different travel destinations depend on the route and geography of the Himalayas. Spring and autumn are good times to travel in Nepal.

Here are the best times to travel to Nepal:

Spring Season: February, March, and April

Spring season is the best time to visit or travel in Nepal, from late February to April. The temperature in spring is similar to fall when the roads are less crowded with tourists. Spring is the second best season after autumn for trekking, the best time to enjoy your travel in the Himalayas. Spring season is also good for mountain biking, rock climbing and trekking, the beautiful view of the rhododendron forest makes your adventure trip more enjoyable and memorable. Although spring provides a good time for hiking, it doesn't always come with warm weather.

Advantages of traveling in the Spring Season

Traveling at this time poses little or no risk - a good time for travelers to enjoy their adventure.

Enjoy the beauty of being a good traveler and do as many outdoor activities as possible during this season.

A breathtaking view of the beautiful pink bloom of rhododendron that covers the forest.

The climate is acceptable, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 23 degrees in the upper and lower regions.

Fine weather to climb a magnificent Mount.  Everest.

There are fewer travelers than in the autumn season, with more opportunities to explore the Himalayas.

Disadvantages of traveling in the Spring Season

Popular trekking destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill can be crowded. However, you still have the option of choosing other places to travel with fewer travelers at this time.

It is likely that the hot weather will cause problems for several hours of travel, especially in the lowland or altitudinal regions.

Teahouses and accommodation can be full and overcrowded due to peak travel times.

Monsoon Season: May, June, July, and August

Monsoon or dry season from May to August is the best time for trekking, and low mountains like Mustang and Dolpo are the others. During this season, you may experience extreme heat, dust, and rain due to the high temperature in the Indian Ocean. You may struggle to see the mountain properly, leading to walking on muddy roads and not having a good trip. The peak monsoon season begins in July when the weather gradually turns into a dry autumn season. Summer or monsoon can be an invigorating travel season in Nepal. Summer is not good as it can be very hot in the terai and highlands of Nepal. However, the climate is cool and pleasant in the mountains which are neither too hot nor too cold. Monsoon weather conditions can present some challenges with high rainfall and high terrain.

Also, the weather at this time is very beautiful, with green and different flowers. Sunny weather can reach 30 degrees Celsius in the capital city of Kathmandu and in the Terai region. The rain makes the road slippery and muddy and the danger of leeches for the travelers. Rainfall during this season has its advantages and disadvantages, such as frequent landslides, obstacles to travel, and beautiful views of the waterfall. Also, treks in the Trans-Himalayan region, such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Narphu treks, usually enjoy beautiful weather.

Advantages of traveling in the Monsoon Season

Few travelers, which means travelers can enjoy the trail in solitude.

Less dust due to rain. The view of the Himalayas after rain is quite amazing.

There are discounts on travel and accommodation bookings.

Accommodation and food are affordable due to the off- season.

You can make your reservation at the last minute due to the off- season.

Disadvantages of traveling in the Monsoon Season

The road is full of leeches.

Little chance to meet other travelers from all over the world.

A few animal sightings.

High winds and harsh weather conditions.

Autumn Season: September, October, and November

September to November is the best time for trekking in Nepal: mild temperatures, stable weather, and clear and bright skies make mountain views so beautiful. At higher altitudes, the mountains are cold at night and warm during the daytime. Autumn is considered a good time to visit or travel to Nepal. Trekking conditions can get worse, and many trekking areas, such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, can be overcrowded with tourists, which is clearly seen in the teahouses. Thamel, a tourist destination, is the busiest part of the capital, and autumn is when tour guides charge more. However, these guides charge less at other times.

Advantages of traveling in the Autumn Season

A fascinating view of the beautiful lakes and green grass is possible when the weather is good.

Autumn is a festival season in Nepal, so it's an opportunity to experience the rich cultural side of Nepal.

Autumn is the highest travel season, so you will meet many travelers from all over the world who will share an exciting journey with you.

Disadvantages of traveling in the Autumn Season

At this time trekking routes are often busy and the local teahouses are crowded.

In higher altitudes, the temperature is lower after sunset, which makes it colder.

Winter Season: December, January, and February

The months of December, January, and February are considered to be the shoulder season with extreme weather conditions and involve more risks for travelers. December in the Himalayan region is usually dry with clear skies during the day. Because there is no unsuitable month to travel in Nepal, these months are not the best for traveling because of the climate in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Temperatures reach between 9 -12 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to zero after sunset which may not be good for those who don’t like cold weather conditions which may bring some risks for travelers. Also, you can consider it the ideal month for hiking due to the less number of travelers at the moment and the possibility of hot weather conditions in the lower valleys. Many prefer spring and autumn seasons over winter. However, many hiking trails are suitable for winter or any time of the year. Alpha Adventure Treks team also offers you some of the best treks in Nepal in winter so that you can experience the beauty of the winter season and the beautiful view of the mountains. So, if it is not spring or autumn, Nepal is always open for travel at any time of the year.

Advantages of traveling in the Winter Season

A few travelers make it less crowded.

Visit Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park to see unique wildlife. It is easy to see Royal Bengal Tiger and Horned Rhinoceros in winter.

Explore the terai region, the most popular being Lumbini, Chitwan, and Bardia.

Disadvantages of traveling in the Winter Season

Due to snow and freezing weather conditions can make it difficult to travel.

Limited high-altitude travel destinations.

Choose your favorite travel destination during your vacation and pack your bags for an amazing vacation destination like Nepal offers you a change of scenery and beautiful views of natural beauty, so completely disconnects yourself from your boring daily routine.

[kojiarakiartworks]

June 2012 KTM Kathmandu  Nepal Patan

© KOJI ARAKI Art Works

Daily life and every small thing is the gate to the universe ：）

[cinematicnomad]

okay, this might sound a little weird, but you know the disney short with the paper airplanes and one of them has a lipstick stain on it? your aesthetic is the woman in that short movie. she’s a smart dresser, she wears her hair loose but nicely brushed, and she wears really standout bright lipstick. also, I wanted to say that I love your travel photos! do you have a favorite type of photo to take? like landscape, food, people, streets, etc?

i know the exact short you mean and i loooove her aesthetic so this is super flattering anon 🥰

also—thank you so much!! i'm so happy to hear you like my travel photos. i'm not big on buying souvenirs or knick knacks or whatever, so usually my go to memento is photos. honestly, i love taking photos? and i have since i was a kid but i never really got the opportunity to do much with that interest other than a random semester in high school were i was in yearbook class. i was talking with my brother about this during our trip and he said he'd be willing to let me borrow his canon for a week so i could play around with it and decide if i want to invest in my own camera. i'm honestly super excited for the chance!

in terms of favorite thing to photograph, i think i tend to be most into photographing architecture/streets and nature/landscape. part of that is probably just bc i'm such a novice and those are easy things to keep still and frame out without being worried about losing the shot lol.

✨tell me my aesthetic on anon✨

[famousinuniverse]

Manaslu, Nepal: This most beautiful picture is taken from Lho village of North Gorkha, en route Manaslu Circuit Treks. It is situated at the elevation of 3,100 m-about a week long treks from Kathmandu. The Lho village is beautiful Gurung village with Bon Po followers as well as Buddhist old sect. There is a long Mani Walls, health post, Buddhist schools and a huge Monastery at the hill top of the village. The view of Mt. Manaslu 8,156 m is seen so pretty specially sun rise and sun sets time from Monastery. ...Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres above sea level.  Wikipedia

[jobsnotices]

New Euro School Kathmandu Vacancy 2023 for Coordinator, HOD, Teachers, CCA Teachers, Counsellor

New Euro School Kathmandu Vacancy 2023 for Coordinator, HOD, Teachers, CCA Teachers, Counsellor, School Jobs, Teaching Jobs, Secondary Level Teacher, Primary Level Teacher, Fulltime Jobs, Part-time jobs, Jobs in Kathmandu, Job Vacancy will be discussed here with full details. New Euro School Kathmandu Vacancy 2023 for Coordinator, HOD, Teachers, CCA Teachers, Counsellor Euro School Kathmandu Job…

[timetravellingkitty]

SAPPHIC ARTISTS TO LISTEN TO

(instead of writing your 69th essay about how Taylor Swift is a closet lesbian)

Starting off with my holy trinity:

Rina Sawayama (she/her, bi/pan): if you follow me you're probably aware of what a huge Rina fan I am. Lots of pop and rock, with a chunk of her earlier songs being R&B. Her debut album SAWAYAMA (my favourite album of all time!!) was her major breakthrough moment as it received critical acclaim and her sophomore album Hold the Girl made her the highest charting Japanese artist in the history of the UK. Known for her musical versatility, she made her acting debut in John Wick 4. I recommend: Cherry, Frankenstein and Bad Friend

Janelle Monáe (she/they, bi/pan): pop, funk, neo-soul and psychedelic. They have an entire series of concept albums about an android named Cindy Mayweather (her ALTER EGO?!) as she commits the crime of falling in love with a human. Lots of social commentary. Her album Dirty Computer comes along with a narrative film and a book taking place in its world. She's starred in movies like Antebellum, Glass Onion and Moonlight. I recommend: Electric Lady, Django Jane and Pynk

Raveena Aurora (she/her, bi): Experimental pop, R&B and soul. Her second album Asha's Awakening is a concept album following the journey of Asha, a Punjabi space princess, as it explores Aurora's South Asian identity and past relationships. Such a beautiful and soft voice to die for. I recommend: Headaches, If Only and Kathy Left 4 Kathmandu

Moving onto some other artists I like:

Boygenius: a band comprising of three sapphic women- Phoebe Bridgers (indie darling™), Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker (the first two are bi while the third is a lesbian). Indie, folk and alternative rock. Very melancholic. I urge you to check out their individual projects too (especially Phoebe's, I love her Punisher album). I recommend: Emily I'm Sorry, Satanist and True Blue

Kelela (she/her, queer): R&G, electronic and alternative R&B. Her debut EP Hallucinogen covers the beginning, middle and end of a relationship in reverse chronological order. Her second album Raven showcases Black futuristic art, which I fuck with. I recommend: Contact, The High and Bluff

Zolita (she/her, lesbian): dark-pop, R&B and electropop. She incorporates witchcraft into her music and mvs. She literally has an EP called Sappho what more could you want? I recommend: Holy, Ashley (the sapphic Speak Now) and Bedspell

Victoria Monét (she/her, bi): pop and R&B. She's written songs for artists like Ariana Grande (7 Rings) and Chloe x Halle (Do It). Go stream her Jaguar EP you will thank me later. I recommend: Touch Me (erotic sapphic song), Cupid and Love U Better

And finally some honourable mentions (can't make this post too long now can I): mxmtoon, Michelle Zauner, Arooj Aftab, Sir Babygirl, Dodie, Chloe Moriondo, Lauren Jauregui, Baby Queen, Sara and Teagan, The Butchies, Sofya Wang and Melissa Etheridge