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| Kathmandu, Thursday March 13, 2003 Falgun 29, 2059. |
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Lifetime free visa for Everest
conquerors
By Satyendra Timilsina
KATHMANDU, March 12: All the Everest-conquerors
will be provided with a lifetime free-visa to Nepal, the decision government is likely to
implement to mark the golden jubilee year of the successful ascent of Mount Everest.
According to officials of the Ministry of
Tourism and Civil Aviation the decision would most likely come into effect within a week.
"We have forwarded the proposal to the concerned ministries," said a high-level
official at the Ministry.
The decision will be formally announced after
Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance agree on the
decision. The former two ministries have already agreed, and the Ministry of Finance is
also reportedly positive.
So far 1,048 people have reached atop Mount
Everest in 1563 expeditions. Out of these 600 are foreigners. The Nepali nationals top the
list of Everest conquers, followed by the Americans, Japanese and Russians.
In addition to the issuance of lifetime free
visa, the government is also providing one-time free visa to a total 460 foreigners
participating in several activities being organised during the celebration of golden
jubilee year of the successful climbing of Mount Everest.
Ang Tshiring Sherpa, President of Nepal
Mountaineering Association (NMA) said the issuance of free visa would enhance Nepal’s
image in the outside world as Everesters are regarded highly in their countries.
"Everest climbers can become real promoters of Nepal in their world," he added.
Meanwhile, the NMA is also opening virgin peaks
for mountaineering expedition, to celebrate the golden jubilee year. The NMA is leading a
huge team including the participants from almost 35 countries to the top of 6273-metre
high Machharmo peak, 6117-metre high Pharilapcha and 6187-metre high Kyazori peak.
Nepal is celebrating the year 2003 as a golden
jubilee year of conquering Mount Everest. Almost 15 expedition groups with some five-dozen
mountaineers are attempting the Everest this season. Among others National Geographic
Channel and Nepal-India Army expedition are the major groups to attempt this season.
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