BUD
D
Story behind the Bhoto
HA
Issue # 25 August 2016
w w w . b u d d h a a i r . c o m
Twelve hours work behind 1 hour's flight
Get to know what it takes for the ground control to prepare for a domestic flight
Spotting the Silver Lining Interview with Deepak Raj Joshi CEO of Nepal Tourism Board
STORY BEHIND MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
s p i T l e v a Tr facebook.com/buddhaair
@airbuddha
@buddhaairnepal
Welcome Onboard! We welcome you back to 'Yatra' – an exclusive in-flight magazine of Buddha Air. Yatra is a quarterly magazine focused on providing you content and photo features to complement your flight. Besides company related news and information, the content published here are informative and engaging. In this issue, read on about all the careful preparations that Buddha Air takes to ensure a safe domestic flight in our cover story, "12 Hours work behind 1 Hour's Flight"; learn about Pokhara's tourism destinations, get to know more about the CEO of Nepal Tourism Board – Deepak Raj Joshi in an interview, and enjoy a photo feature of the rain God Rato Machhindranath & The Bhoto Jatra. As Yatra is customer-oriented, we want to hear from you too! Send us your feedback and suggestions to make your journey even better. You can also send us your articles to publish in our next issue of Yatra. We will be happy to receive stories and testimonials from our readers. Thank you for choosing to fly with us. We hope you have a pleasant flight. Birendra Bahadur Basnet Managing Director Buddha Air
In-flight magazine Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal, e-mail: yatra@buddhaair.com
contents
Issue August 2016
c o v er story 1 6
Twelve hours work behind 1 hour's flight
Keeping up with the Newsfeed so c ial media 3 4
Evolution of Buddha Air’s Reservation & Ticketing System CALL CENTER 10
Lo Manthang
The Forbidden Kingdom
tre k k ing 6
Story of the Bhoto JATRA 22
Spotting the Silver Lining
inter v ie w 1 2
3
Buddha Air
www.buddhaair.com
dhangadhi
Fishtail & Annapurna Flight
Pokha
ra
nepalgunj rah
i bha
Dhanagadhi Chauraha Godawari Road Just opposite the RBB Bank Branch office Dhangadhi Upstairs the Suzuki bike showroom Ph: 091-417445 / 446 Airport: 091-575288 Email Id: dhanagadhi@buddhaair.com
Nepalgunj Surkhet Road, opposite SBI Bank Ph: 081-520745, 081-525745 Airport: 081-565077 Email Id: nepalgunj@buddhaair.com
awa
KATHMANDU
varanasi India
Pokhara Mustang Chowk, Pokhara Ph: 061-465997 / 998 Airport: 061-464997 Email Id: pkrstation@buddhaair.com
Bhairahawa Devkota Chowk , Bhairahawa Ph: 071-526893, 071-523893 Airport: 071- 522893 Email Id: bhairahawa@buddhaair.com
4
Bharatpur Airport Chowk Just Opposite Bharatpur Airport Ph: 056- 528790, 056 -524975 Airport: 056 -520581 Email Id: bhrstation@buddhaair.com
pur
bharat
Simara Adarsha Nagar, Alkhiya Road Hari Khetan Multiple Campus Just Opposite Ph: 051-533229 /230 Airport: 053-521562 Email Id: simara@buddhaair.com
Everest Experience Flight PARO Bhutan
tumlingtar simara
ur janakp
agar
n birat
pur
ra bhad
Chartered Flights
Biratnagar Janaandolan Chowk,Himalaya Road ward no. 14 opposite Lumbini Bank Ph: 021-526901, 021- 530866 Airport: 021-460478 Email Id: biratnagar@buddhaair.com
Janakpur KadamChowk, Janakpur Ph: 041- 525022, 041-525894 Airport: 041-525021 Email Id: janakpur@buddhaair.com
Tumlingtar Khadbari nagarpalika ward no.13 Sankhuwasabha District Ph: 029-575115, 029-575135 Airport: 029-575225 Email Id: tumlingtar@buddhaair.com
Bhadrapur Chandragadhi Chauwk, Bhadrapur Municipality, Ward no-15, Jhapa Ph: 023-455218 / 219 Airport: 023 -455180 Email Id: bhadrapur@buddhaair.com
5
T R E KK I N G
Lo Manthang
Photos: Sramanendra (Subu) Shrestha
The Forbidden Kingdom The
morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom was
advised to go on the bus as we could then make our first halt
critical. I knew how unpredictable it could be.
at Chele from Kagbeni.
Only an hour’s delay later and a rocking and rolling flight between Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks, we landed at Jomsom.
Kagbeni – Chele
After lunch in Jomsom, we set out. The first leg of the day
A few minutes into the trek and out came the cameras.
was a bus ride between Jomsom and Kagbeni. We were
We could not resist taking shots of the Kali Gandaki gorge
6
Chorten Tsarang and the amazing barren mountains along the route. And so it was till lunch at a very quaint village called Tangbe. It was amazing from every angle! Stark white walls with red embellishments, dried firewood on rooftops and extremely narrow lanes with the winds whistling through. Crossing the Kali Gandaki on a solid truss bridge and we
7
T R E KK I N G climbed up to the village of Chele. As we walked
for bringing it along.
up, the scenery took on a different form. As you climb, you start seeing beyond the immediate
Ghiling – Tsarang
hills and into the distant mountains and layers of
A slow but steady climb greets us on our way
massive hills. The warm dining cum kitchen area
out of Ghiling – a straight up 4000-meter monster.
was very welcome indeed. A few pegs of Khukuri
During slow climbs like these, the beauty of the
rum with hot water felt even better. Later, hot Daal
scenery does not register on our oxygen-starved
Bhat and chit chat with a few foreigners and guides
brains.
with interesting stories are a typical part of teahouse treks.
A very steep incline leads us tumbling into Ghami and our lunch stop for the day. It’s a village of closely packed white mud walled houses. It’s a
Chele – Ghiling Straightaway we start trekking uphill. From my research I know today will be a tough day. We have to cross three passes of about 4000 meters each.
little green oasis amongst the stark brown hills and rocky mountains. After lunch, we head out to a lovely wooded slope that leads us down to a mountain stream.
We hit the side of a cliff and traverse sideways
We cross a suspension bridge and climb up a small
and upwards. The drop below is unimaginable.
incline. We are greeted by the longest mani wall in
Sometimes the path is just a couple of feet wide. I
the entire region of Mustang. A rock and stone wall
was thankful for not meeting a horse caravan here.
stretching to probably over half a kilometer.
We trudge into Samar village which is usually the
Approaching the village of Tsarang or Charang
lunch place, but since we were early, we decide
as the locals seem to call it, is a huge chorten.
to walk on for a few more hours to Syangboche.
Typically this picturesque chorten is the one you see
We climb up to 4000-meter passes only to go all the
adorned on most book covers, posters and maps
way down to low 3000 meters and climb again. This
about Mustang.
part of the trek has a bit more greenery.
On reaching Tsarang, headed out to the
We reach Syangboche. The village has just four/
great monastery of Tsarang. It is indeed imposing
five houses. A couple of hours after Syangboche
and ruggedly photogenic. Built on a small hillock
we reach Ghiling, our stop for the day. As opposed
overlooking the village of Tsarang, it completely
to the normal tight-knit houses we’ve seen, Ghiling
dominates the skyline.
is spread across a wide plateau. A huge red monastery hugs the cliffside across the village. I
8
Tsarang – Lo Manthang
settle down to take photos using my telephone lens
Finally we would get to Lo Manthang today
on my DSLR camera congratulating myself silently
– my dream 15 years in the making. So it was
gigantic thankas painted on the walls. I am no thanka expert but these thankas were painted very intricately and seemed to be from centuries. Unfortunately photography was Chele
prohibited inside the monastery and thus the painting only remained in my memory. We go across town to Thubchen
just a 4 hour trek today. The trail today is mostly just following
Gompa, among the most revered monasteries in the region.
the motorable road to Lo Manthang. After a hot lunch, I
This gompa is on an even bigger scale than the one we had
did not want to waste any time and we head towards the
just visited. If the other monastery had fantastic painting,
walled town of Lo Manthang. A two-minute walk from our
Thubchen monastery had masterpieces. Huge thangkas
hotel leads us to an imposing gate of the walled city. The
adorned the walls telling dramatic tales of old.
town is arranged within high walls around two huge gompas
As the sun began to set, I clicked as many photos as I
and an even bigger king’s palace. I explore the small alleys
could and from as many angles as humanly possible. Among
and passages that somehow link to each other going
all the treks I have done, this had been a journey I had pined
through houses and across private courtyards.
for and I was not about to let a mere sunset end it so easily.
We visit the Monasteries and I could make out absolutely
n
Sramanendra (Subu) Shrestha
Thubchen Gompa
Ornate Door Lo Manthang
CALL CENTER
Evolution of Buddha Air’s Reservation & Ticketing System The
beginning of our airline
the development and implementation
reservation systems started
of web based reservation and ticketing
on 1 September 1997, a month before
system. Under this system, ticketing was
we flew our first flight. Our sales and
still manual. We finally implemented a
reservation division, located at Hattisar
full-fledged computerized reservation
(Kathmandu) handled reservations
and ticketing system, which eliminated
and ticketing. During this time, flight
manual ticketing.
bookings were done through phone calls or reservation request forms sent
The introduction and use of our
by travel agents. People had to walk
computerized reservation and ticketing
to the office if they wanted to buy
system has many benefits:
tickets.
• Information regarding flight details,
During the 1990s, domestic airlines
passenger details, flight schedule,
in Nepal relied on paper based
fares, booking and ticketing are
reservation systems – which were
found on a consolidated and synced
inefficient and prone to human
system.
error. Realizing the importance,
•
efficiency and pace of technological
booking and ticketing
development in Nepal, we developed
•
our own reservation software. In 1999,
team working 365 days who help
we are the pioneers of using our own
you with your flight booking.
reservation software in the domestic market. The in-house system was only based in Kathmandu, but it was an incremental development from relying on paper based reservation system. The number of passengers and destinations increased since we started flying in 1997. We were also set to launch flights on our larger capacity ATR aircrafts. There was a necessity to integrate our outstations with the central reservation system. This led to
Fast, reliable and user friendly Our dedicated reservation
• The power of booking and ticketing
The booking and ticketing scenario in
shifted from us to the travel agencies
Nepal has truly changed its landscape
and the public. People can book
from what it was in the 1990s. Gone
and pay for their tickets from the
are the days of hand written tickets
convenience of their home or offices.
and visiting offices to purchase tickets.
• Online booking and ticketing facility on our website. • SMS booking facility
With our computerized system, anyone can book and pay for their tickets – anytime, anywhere!
Call Center 01-5542494
• Booking and paying for tickets on our Android and iOS apps.
reservation team working 365 days who help you with your flight booking
11
inter v ie w
Spotting the Silver Lining
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board is an optimistiwho sees the bright side of tourism in Nepal despite the major setbacks from last year. Mr. Joshi talks to Buddha Air about the current state of the tourism sector and what his plans are for the next few years.
The country faced a lot of crisis last year, with the
‘Nepal Now’ campaign that ran digitally and the
earthquake and then the border strike. How was the
#IaminNepalNow campaign which received a lot of
tourism sector affected?
support. Testimonials from tourists brought authenticity
During the earthquake, the international media
to the campaign’s efforts. Last year we had a 35 per
portrayed Nepal as a completely devastated country.
cent decline in the number of incoming tourists but this
So, people thought that Nepal was a “no go” zone. But
year we hope to recover up to 90 per cent. Visits made
the reality was completely different. Only 10 out of the
by well known social icons like Prince Harry, David
75 districts were affected and one out of 16 national
Beckham and Jackie Chan also helped to get the
parks and conservation areas sustained damage. We
word out about Nepal. It was a heartwarming gesture
did a survey on hotels after the earthquake and found
from them, I must say.
that 90% of the hotels were unaffected and were running to their full capacity. The tourist destinations
Now that the crises are over and things are getting back
outside Kathmandu like Chitwan and Lumbini were
to normal, what does the Nepal Tourism Board have in
completely safe to travel too.
mind to take the tourism sector to the next level?
However, the number of tourists arriving to Nepal
We have learnt a lot from those two crises. As for
decreased significantly and it struck the tourism industry
the tourism sector, it helped us realize that domestic
hard. Due to the strike called at the borders, the arrival
tourists are as valuable as international groups. That is
of Indian travelers decreased as well. But within a year,
why we wanted to promote this Bikram Sambat as a
the numbers have gone up and we have been able to
Domestic Tourism year. It’s the first time that a domestic
turn things around quite well.
tourism year was announced. Thanks to this, people have also begun to realize that only foreigners don’t
How did this sector cope during the crises? Despite all the setbacks it is a miracle that the industry was able to sustain without necessary
12
need to be considered as tourists. Anyone travelling to a place for leisure or adventure is a tourist and they all require the best services.
resources. I believe that these crises have a bright side.
We have also started plans to celebrate 2018 as
We were able to stay resilient despite all the problems
Nepal Tourism Year where we hope to receive 10 lakh
and it proved to the world that Nepal is still moving
tourists. We hope to receive tourists from South Asian
strong. During the crises, surprisingly, the number of
countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand for
domestic tourists also increased. This encouraged us to
religious tourism, apart from India and China, the US
declare 2073 as “Gopya Barsa 2073”.
and European countries.
We also ran a lot of campaigns to encourage
We have also begun digital marketing through
international tourists to visit Nepal. There was the
social media with accounts on Twitter, Instagram and
inter v ie w
even a Youtube channel to help grow the reach and
only sector that can get long-term, sustainable returns
market Nepal better.
for the country. The establishment of the international
Nepal has a lot of places that are yet to see major
airports at Pokhara and Lumbini will definitely help
tourist footfall. Are there any specific plans for such
in the process. After all, Nepal has always relied on
regions?
tourism for economic growth.
We plan to promote the Eastern Development
All Nepalese also need to realize that travelling is
Region and the Mid- Western and Far-Western
good for us. We need to build a culture of travelling. It
Development regions as the next
is a great opportunity to explore new
tourist
places and learn new things while
destinations.
Places
like
Suklaphanta and Bardia have a lot of natural resources and resorts but these areas are often ignored. These regions can be targeted for leisure activities
and
vacations.
People
Tourism is the only sector that can get long-term, sustainable returns for the country
have a notion that Nepal is a haven only for adventure junkies but we want to change that.
helping to build the nation’s economy at the same time. People come from all over the world to experience Nepal so shouldn’t we grab the opportunity to travel the country as well? Boost in domestic tourism is necessary for the
tourism sector. They say that the local tourists create a genuine attraction for foreign visitors. And since
Finally, what are your thoughts on the current situation
this year is being celebrated as “Gopya Barsa 2073”
of tourism in Nepal?
I encourage the readers to make the most of it and
The recovery from the earthquake is certain but our infrastructure needs to be developed too. Tourism is the
14
travel to new destinations within the country.
The Power to Fly Now In Your Hands
Flying with us just got easier with our official app available for download on Android and iOS devices including smartphones and tablets. The app is free to download. The small file size of the app will not take up storage on your devices. With the app, there is no hassle of queuing for tickets. Your time is saved booking and paying for tickets right on the app. Easy to use layout : With a simple user interface, the app displays important information for flight booking, current flight status, and reserved flight right on the homescreen of the
the moment, payment option is only available for eSewa account holders. Check Reserved Flight: Information regarding the flights you’ve booked is accessible from
app. Search & Book Flights: Hassle free
the app. If you wish to pay for the
way of booking your flights. Just a
ticket, you need to do so within 30
few taps on your screen allows you to
minutes of booking your ticket. Check current flight status:
book your tickets to the destination you want to fly to. Flight booking
Want to know if there changes
options are open to all current
in the schedule of your flight or
destinations we fly to, including our Everest Experience
if your flight has been delayed or canceled, you can do so
mountain flight.
in the app. Tap on the flight status box and you’ll receive
Pay for flights: If you have booked your tickets, you are also prompted to pay for your flight. Please note, at
current updates of the day for your requested flight. Royal Club: If you are a member of our frequent flyer program – Royal Club, then you can check your mileage points easily on our app. Login to your Royal Club ID, and get to see your mileage points from the app. Download Yatra Magazine: You also have the option to download and read our in-flight magazine – Yatra. The latest as well as previous editions are available for download from the app. Wherever your journey takes you, make it easier and enjoyable with our app. With a wide range of features and services available, the power to fly is now at your fingertips!
Pk pknAw 5g\ lgMz'Ns
c o v er story
Twelve hours work behind 1 hour's flight Buddha Air believes in providing the best service at every flight and those who strive for perfection do not leave any stone unturned. We ensure extensive maintenance to keep aircraft and its component condition ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
16
Tickets: Check, Luggage: Check, Identification Card: Check, Reporting to the airport on time: Check. These are most probably the basic list of things you need to check before you travel on an aircraft, but for the aircraft that carries you, the inspection and preparation checklist is much longer and meticulous, which has to be carried out diligently. It is neither easy nor to be taken lightly.
W
hile carrying the passenger from
facility where the detail process takes
one destination to another, the
place. The closed door hangar can
airline’s technical department carefully
accommodate one ATR72or ATR42 and
inspects the aircraft after every flight to
one Beech 1900D together. The hanger
ensure safe and comfortable journey in
is equipped with adequate lighting and
the air. The responsibility of the Technical
fire warning system backed up by fire
Department is to ensure that the aircraft
fighting equipments.
is always in an airworthy condition.
As per the current Civil Aviation
Buddha Air's Technical Department
Regulation, Buddha Air’s Technical
has all the resources to comply with the
Department has two main functions,
requirement in order to have the aircraft
Approved Maintenance Organisation
in airworthiness condition.
(NCAR-145)
Manager
of
Technical
Support
and
Airworthiness
Continuing
Department
(CAD).
Division, Sr. Engineer Santosh Kr. Khati
Together these departments make
says “Just before any flight, the aircraft
sure that the aircraft you are travelling
maintenance statement has to be
on is fit to fly. The two departments are
checked / verified if any maintenance
further divided into Sub Divisions to
/components are due for inspection
handle every part and functions of the
/ change. The next step would be to
aircraft before it takes off. “We have
check if any defect has been reported
to follow the standard documents.
from the previous flight and corrective
The
actions has been taken. Then the
preventive maintenance where we
aircraft has to be inspected as per the
do not wait for a problem and fix it,
preflight checklist which includes a walk
it’s not like other vehicles where you
around inspection to see if any oblivious
have a problem and you fix
damage exist in the airframe and a
it. No, we have to follow
general visual inspection of the wing
the instructions given
and fuselage area, propeller blades,
by
signs of fuel leaks, hydraulic leaks, Brake
The
and Tyre conditions, Landing Gear
maintenance
Extensions, presence of emergency
that we have developed
and safety equipments.
are
The pilot
scheduled
the
maintenance
manufacturer. customized
based
program on
the
the
manufactures data and is
revised manual, reviews the technical
approved by Civil Aviation
documents, studies the weather report
Authority Nepal and the
of the route and prepares for the flight."
schedule
in
command
religiously
reads
Buddha Air Hanger which is located across
the
runway
at
Tribhuvan
International Airport is the state of the art hangar with the cutting edge
are by
is
then
inspections carried
experienced,
out skilled
Certified staff,” he states. The
Approved
17
c o v er story
Maintenance Organisation (NCAR-145) has 4 different divisions with a total of 132 technical staff working together.
Line Maintenance Office: This is the on hand Division having adequate certifying staffs who are on the go to make sure the aircraft is operating on time. Any defect
Technical Supplies and Store Division: This division looks after the logistic of aircraft
operation of the aircraft is handled by the Line
spares, materials and tooling required for
Maintenance Division. They carry out Daily
aircraft maintenance. This division controls the
Inspection, Preflight Inspection, and Weekly
inventory management and also looks after
Inspection at the line station Kathmandu. Out
the bonded stores, tools stores and receiving
of Phase Inspection / Component Changes
& dispatch of aircraft spares. The Office of
which are controlled by Maintenance Planning
Technical Supplies and Store Division and the
section is also forwarded to Line Maintenance
stores are located within the hangar facility.
for its timely execution.
Base Maintenance and Workshop:
Ground Support:
This is the division that covers the MAJOR
This Division looks after the ground support
maintenance of the aircraft. The scheduled
equipments which are required for aircraft
maintenance such as A Checks, C Checks,
maintenance and operation.
2 yearly, 4 yearly and others major works
The other functions Continuing Airworthiness
are carried within the Hangar Premises. The
Department has Technical Support Division
premises has well-stocked and updated
(TSD) and Technical Supplies and Stores, which
support shops such as Wheel and Brake Shop,
is under the Dy. Director (Nominated Post
Battery Shop, Sheet Metal Shop, Composite
Holder- CA).
Repair/ Wing Leading Edge Repair Shop
The Technical Support Division has four
as required for aircraft during the base
section and 16 staff who are given the
maintenance work or during the operation of
following responsibilities.
the aircraft.
18
arisal (Pilot Reported Defect –Prep) during
Just before any flight, the aircraft maintenance statement has to be checked / verified if any maintenance /components are due for inspection / change Santosh Kr. Khati, Manager of Technical Support Division, Sr. Engineer
19
c o v er story
Technical Records:
maintains records of Technical Publications of the
This section is responsible for keeping the records
aircraft and major components issued by the OEMs.
up-to-date and these records hold the data of Aircraft
Technical Library ensures that the latest publications
Hours and Cycles, Status of Major Components
are in effect and the server are updated accordingly.
(Engine / Propeller/ Landing Gears), Component
Technical Documents for continuation airworthiness
(Line Replaceable Units) status / History, Maintaining
are regularly revised and the information is passed to
the Electronic Log Book of Airframe/ Engine, Service
all concerned.
Bulletins,
Airworthiness
Directive
current
status,
Schedule Inspection status. A computerized system and allocated server in different places ensures there is no leak or loss of any data.
Quality Assurance Department: This Department assures the quality issues of various functional/operational areas of CAAN 145 Approved Maintenance Organization [Technical
Engineering (Maintenance / Material) Planning:
Department]
and
Continuing
Airworthiness
This section closely monitors the Inspection (Routine
Department by performing the scheduled audits
/ Out of Phase) due list, component change list,
as per Approved Annual Audit Program to ensure
issuance of task cards for inspection and component
the required compliances withthe maintenance
change and for its timely compliance. Planning also
standards, continuing airworthiness of aircraft and
prepares work package (Major Maintenance) for
the regulatory requirements as well as Buddha Air
aircraft to be carried out at Base Maintenance and
Standards. Apart from the scheduled audits, it also
coordinates within Technical Supplies for timely spare
performs the Random Inspection, Spot Checks and
management and with Line Maintenance for timely
Aircraft Surveillance Inspections to strengthen the
compliance of the job.
Audit Program. This Department also involves in the assessing the competencies of Maintenance
Engineering Services: This Section prepares and updates the Customized Maintenance Program, Evaluates Service Bulletins/
Certifying Engineers/ other personnel and authorizing them accordingly to work for the maintenance activities of aircraft.
Airworthiness Directives, and communicates with
The other Divisions under Technical Department
OEM on Technical Issues. Their job is to produce the
are Human Resource and Technical Training, General
Reliability Report on a regular basis. Most importantly,
Service Division, Finance Unit, and Airside Vehicle
they monitor and analyse the Engine’s health through
Control Section.
Engine Condition Trend Monitoring (ECTM) system
Buddha Air believes in providing the best service
provided by Designated Analysis Center (DAC)
at every flight and those who strive for perfection do
nominated by Pratt and Whitney Canada.
not leave any stone unturned. We ensure extensive maintenance to keep aircraft and its component
Technical Library: This section manages the technical library and
20
condition ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Customer First n
Sovit Basnet
Buddha air is dedicated to provide
external training classes for its customer service staffs
safe, dependable and comfortable
that encourages grooming to maintain the level of the
air transportation service to its
service, as on professional manner. Our first priority is to
customers along with numerous
attract our customers with the best quality of service
related services. We are focused in
and focus to retain the existing one. Our trained staffs
making every flight better than the
are dedicated to deliver in every aspect of the service
other, which, to accomplish, takes
courteously and attentively.
something special. Passengers’ safety, comfort and convenience are our most important concerns. Our goal is to provide our customers, with quality experiences when dealing with our services, meeting or exceeding their expectations, at each and every visit. We want the customers’ experience with us to be so pleasant that they are eager to refer us to others. Truth built trust; our
Monitoring
and
measurement
are
effective
techniques to balance customer service and satisfaction. Our internal auditors are regularly mobilized to audit the functions to up hold the performance in a professional track.
Our goal is to provide our customers, with quality experiences when dealing with our services
Buddha Air is working hard on adopting customer friendly culture. By customer friendly, it means, viewing the customers
priority is to deliver an exceptional customer service,
as the most important part of our job. The problems of
ensuring adequate, accurate, and reasonable service
the customers are listened carefully and tried to be
with consistency. Buddha Air is always dedicated to
solved as immediately as possible. We believe that
make the customers feel happy and satisfied with a
the valuable feedbacks of the passengers always
sense of being respected, served and cared according
encourage and guide us towards good path. In this
to the expectations & standards, which start from the first
regard we have provided an access to our passengers
contact to the whole relationship.
to forwards any comments, feedbacks and complaints
Buddha air has planned to provide internal and
directly through care@buddhaair.com
21
FESTIVITIES
Story of the Bhoto The
chariot of the God of Rain and Harvest, Rato Machhindranath or Bunga Dyo,
graces the old streets of Patan every year. He brings with him the much awaited festivities, along with music and celebration. The significance of the festivities this year is much more important, because it was during this time last year that the country was shaken by the historic earthquake.The obliteration of the Bunga Dyo temple in Bungamati was just one of the many aftermaths of the quake. However, people were resilient. Reconstruction of the ruins are already underway, including the rebuilding of the Bungamati temple. This year, the jatra, was celebrated with much excitement as it signified that the people are ready to move on, leaving behind the desolation from last year. The month-long Bunga Dyo festival sees the Bunga Dyo chariot being pulled around the city of Patan, along with the chariot of Patan’s own Minnath or Chuka Dyo. The celebration of the festival at the end of the month, namely Bhoto Jatra in Jawalakhel signifies the end of the festival. The name “Bhoto Jatra” literally translates to “Vest Festival”, but aside from this pecularity the festival has an interesting origin. As the legend goes, long ago, during the time of
23
FESTIVITIES
Priests prepare the idol of Rato Machhindranath for the bathing ritual
Priests carry the idol
Devotees ask for the offerings from the priest on the 9th day of Rato Machhindranath chariot-pulling Festival at Lagankhel, Lalitpur
Devotees play traditional "Deme" during the Rato Machhindranath chariot-pulling festival at Lagankhel
24
Living Goddess Kumari of Patan during Rato Machhindranath bathing ceremony at Lagankhel
on the way to the bathing ritual at Bungamati
A priest painter's hand is seen while he paints the statue of Rato Machhindranath at Karnamaya Temple,Lalitpur
Gurju Paltan fires the gun as devotees pull the chariot of Rato Machhendranath on the occassion of Rato Machhindranath chariot-pulling festival at Pulchowk gods and demons, a Naga raja or Serpent king named Kartotaka came down with an unknown illness. While on his search for a physician, he came across a farmer. The serpent king took the farmer back to his palace in Kartotaka Daha, a pond, and asked him for a cure. The farmer, while thinking of a way to escape the hellish place, began to sweat out of fear. He finally came up with an idea. He tricked the Naga into believing that his sweat was a powerful potion and that it could help cure his ailment. Miraculously, the serpent king was healed and as a reward, the farmer received a diamond studded vest. The farmer went back to his usual life on the field. One day, while he was working, a giant stole the studded vest. Enraged, the farmer chased the giant all the way to Jawalakhel, the place where the chariot of Bunga Dyo was kept. The farmer and the
25
FESTIVITIES
A woman sits beside the newly-made mask of Lord Bhairab at Karnamaya temple,Lalitpur. The mask of Lord Bhairab is placed infront of the chariot of Rato Machhindranath
26
Devotees pull the chariot of Rato Machhindranath
Female devotees are seen pulling the chariot of Rato Machhindranath
A priest throws a coconut as part of the ritual on the 8th day of Rato Machhindranath chariot-pulling festival at Lagankhel, Lalitpur giant argued for hours on who
This is how Bhoto Jatra came
the rightful owner of the ‘Bhoto’
to be. Even today, along with
was but neither could bring
certain rituals of worship, the
enough evidence to claim their
Bhoto is displayed from all four
right. As a last resort, the priest
corners of the chariot to the
of the chariot decided that the
audience in hopes that someone
‘Bhoto’ would be displayed from
will finally claim it as their own. Of
the chariot every year and only
course, no one has ever come
someone with enough evidence
forth to claim the valuable Bhoto,
would be able to claim the
so it is taken back by the priest to
prized ‘Bhoto’ as their own.
be kept safe until the next jatra.
Devotees pull the chariot of Rato Machhendranth as they cross the Nakhu river, Lalitpur, during the 12-barse Rato Machhendranath Festival
A Hindu priest displays a traditional ornamented vest (BHOTO) on the last day of Machhindranath chariot festival, also known as Bhoto Jatra, at Jwalakhel
HOLIDAY
Pokhara - the lakeside city that offers plenty Follow our itinerary, or make your own. Either way Pokhara will leave you with wonderful memories and an itch to return for more.
Early Bird - Taking the 8.30 am Buddha
Booking / Ticketing
Air flight from Kathmandu should get
l
Tel 01-5542494 /
l
Tel 01-5521015, Ext: 119
you to Pokhara by 9.00am.
l
Online www.buddhaair.com
l
www.buddhaholidays.co
10 AM – Arrival at the airport and
l
Mobile App
checking in to the hotel.
l
Nearest travel agency
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Holiday Package
Most
tourists prefer to put
to go rent a mountain bike. With most
cave across the street. A nice park with
up at the numerous
of the travel attractions within a small
a section of 3D clay structures without
hotels and resorts that dot the lake
perimeter, renting a bicycle is a great
heads is a fun addition where one can
side, a mere 15 minutes’ drive from
way to save on expensive taxi fare and
click photos in different Nepali attires.
the airport. The relaxed traffic and
also get a bit of weekend workout.
Across the street, one can also find a new Buddhist robot museum. The ultra-
cleaner-than-Kathmandu environment will already be a welcome change for
With a number of options ranging
modern museum, the only of its kind
everyone travelling out of the capital.
from advanced mountain bikes to
in Nepal, is a robot-guided tour of the
ordinary regular bicycles, one can
story of young Siddhartha and Lord
If one prefers to stay on the Lake Side
rent according to the distance/terrain
Gautam Buddha.
street, Hotel Fewa is a great option.
one wants to cover. Good quality
Just by the lake, one can enjoy the
mountain bikes, which can be used
If you are a biking enthusiast, cycling
uninterrupted expanse of the lake from
to cycle rugged tracks, might cost up
up the World Peace Pagoda would
the hotel room. However, if you prefer
to Rs.1,000 for a day. Simple bicycles
be a refreshing challenge. The
a hotel with a swimming pool, Temple
can be had for as little as Rs.300 for the
Buddhist pagoda-styled monument
Tree Resort and Spa is another great
entire day. Bicycles can also be rented
is an amazing viewpoint on the top
option. It might not have the lake side
on an hourly basis, if needed.
of Ananda hill. Depending on your experience and form, it may take
view, but has a fantastic swimming pool. Another option for a more
11 AM - 2 PM – Davis Fall or World
between 2 to 3 hours. The roads
relaxed and quieter environment is the
Peace Pagoda
leading up to the viewpoint are not
Waterfront Hotel. A five minutes’ drive
About a half hour ride from the Lake
very steep and blacktopped most of
from the hustle and bustle of the Lake
Side, Davis Fall is a fairly popular tourist
the way. After enjoying the panoramic
Side Street, the guests of the fairly new
attraction. The waterfall is at times
view of Pokhara, the ride down is
Waterfront can enjoy a view of the
raging and with a nicely built viewing
something everyone who put in the
entire Fewa Lake from the swimming
area, one can enjoy getting close to
effort to get to the top will relish.
pool itself.
the wild stream without much danger. During the drier seasons, the waterfall
3 PM - Thakali Lunch
11 AM – Rent a Bicycle
can be seen descending
Probably one of the first things to do
through arches and
wholesome Nepali meal
after checking in and getting your
tunnels as it makes
should be a treat
phones logged onto the hotel Wi-Fi, is
its way to the
After the tedious ride, a
to the tastebuds.
29
And nothing is more satisfying than a
can recite fascinating lores, can also
is not just enjoyable but also good
typical Thakali lunch. Most of the Nepali
be hired to help paddle if one is in
to help you pick out the bar for your
cuisine restaurants will offer Thakali
the mood to just enjoy the ride. Some
evening. One can also book and
meals and honestly, all of them are
Pokhara cheese and a bottle of wine
reserve spots for next day’s paragliding
tasty. Some of the popular options are
can add to the evening.
flight during the walk.
Bhanchha Ghar, among a host of
6 PM - Lake Side Street Walk
7 until you are done drinking - Dinner
others.
By the time you are done with the boat
with Music
ride, the nightlife at the Lake Side will
Busy Bee is a common favorite
4 PM - Swim or Spa, or both
be kick-starting. Live music can be
for good live music but there are
After a satisfying meal relaxation could
heard from inside the restaurants. A
numerous other bars which offer the
be on the cards for many. Making use
short walk along the Lake Side Street
same. It just depends on the bands that
Pokhara Thakali Kitchen, Fewa Thakali
of the pool at the hotel or enjoying
are playing on the day. Most bars
a massage and spa treatment is a
have a good selection of beer
soothing and tranquil option.
and liquor which can really get flowing with the good food and
5 PM - Fewa Lake Boat Ride
snack options they offer. There
A Pokhara trip is incomplete without a
is just one advice, please go to
boat ride on the Fewa Lake. For thrill-
bed early because believe us, no
seekers paddling the boats on hire can
drink is worth missing the sunrise
be an option. A guide, some of whom
view from Sarangkot.
30
Following Day
Sudoku
6 AM – Or earlier depending on the season – Sunrise from Sarangkot Most hotels offer van rides to the Sarangkot view point for the sunrise. Vans can also be rented for cheap. It is advisable to take a few warm clothes
5
even during the summer seasons. With most van drivers well informed about the exact timing of the sunrise, the wait should never be too long for the majestic view of the Annapurna
2
2
6
9
mountain range. Unexpected cloud
5
cover or overcrowding at the viewpoint
4
3
1
may require some patience. 8 AM – Breakfast at Mike’s Breakfast
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2
7
Presuming, all tourists have yet not got
8
bored of the lakeside, Mike’s Breakfast is a great place. Not just does it offer a front-row view of the Fewa Lake, but also has the best breakfast/brunch
7
3
6
3
9
4
5
menu around town. If one is not patient to wait for the meal to arrive, a nice
6
walk by the path built right along the
4
7
9
lake is a good way to kill time.
2
10 AM – Paragliding time
4
After checking out of the hotel, one can leave the luggage at the reception to be collected just before leaving for the
7
9
8
airport. Most paragliding companies
2
8
1
3
8
8
4
6
9
7
6
2
3
1
6 9 7 2 5 8 4
4 2 1 8 6 7 5
SOLUTION
7 6 3 5 4 9 8
6 5 7 4 9 3 1 2
2 8 9 4 6 3 1 5 7
5 7 3 8 9 1 2 4 6
6 4 1 5 2 7 8 3 9
sumptuous meal and prepare for the 3
n each of the 3 x 3 boxes has all nine numerals, none repeated.
8
flights, plenty of time can be had for a
2
whether you have taken the early
1
experience, and depending on
3
After the life-changing paragliding
n every horizontal row and vertical column contains all nine numerals (1-9) without repeating any ot them;
9
getting to the airport on time.
1
flight without having to worry about
3
You have to put a number from 1 to 9 in each square so that:
5
to take the earliest flight to enjoy a long
7
vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is best
To Solve This Puzzle... 9
10:30 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM. Flight times
4
offer 3 flights a day, 7 days a week:
PM flight back to Kathmandu.
31
STORY BEHIND MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
Among the Clouds & Himalayas Mountain flights in Nepal began only three decades ago, yet today, it guarantees the best experiences to all its passengers.
The
Jiri
story of how the first mountain flight started in Nepal is an interesting one. It takes us to Jiri, situated to the east
of Kathmandu that lies on the way to Namche Bazar, the route to Mt. Everest. In 1977, a group of trekkers had to cancel their trek due to bad weather. But, they would not give up their hopes of catching a glimpse of the highest peak in the world. They wanted to see Mt. Everest really bad, after all, what was the point of travelling to Nepal if you couldn’t even get close to the world famous landmark? Back in Kathmandu, J L Khanna, managing director at Yeti Travels, got into a dilemma. His clients wished to see the Everest but the weather was playing spoilsport. So Khanna decided to answer their call with an
Mt. Everest
idea that had never been tried in Nepal before, by offering mountain flights. That is how mountain flights came to be a must-do list when visiting Nepal. The first mountain flight flew from Kathmandu to the Everest region. The seats were assigned by the airlines, and passengers got the window seats that promised a clear view of the snow-capped mountains only if they were lucky. But even so, people demanded for mountain flights because it was the fastest and easiest way to get close to the Himalayas. Over time, many domestic airlines began catering to the growing demand. NECON air and Everest Air were some of the earliest providers of the service. However, it was only in 1993 that Everest Air came up with the idea of one passenger, one window seat. Then, all passengers would get a chance to watch the spectacular views without disturbance. This idea helped to make the mountain flights
Kanchanjungha
Cho-Rolpa Lake
even more popular. But the flights could only take passengers up to a certain distance. The planes wouldn’t get close enough to view the mountains up close. But then in 1997, came Buddha Air. It was the first company that flew its plane up to 25000 ft. above sea level and provided the tillthen nearest possible view of the mountains. Before that, one could only expect to see the mountains from afar. Today, one can get as close as 20 miles. Today, mountain flights are a popular pick for tourists. September to April, especially the winter months, are the best times to catch a glimpse of the sparkling peaks. This is the time when the white snow sparkles brightly upon the mountains, with lakes and glaciers equally
Buddha Air, was the first company that flew its plane up to 25000 ft. above sea level and provided the till-then nearest possible view of the mountains
beaming with clear water flowing down from the Himalayas. The flight usually lasts from 50 minutes up to an hour. The planes take off either from Kathmandu or Pokhara. During the flight, one can catch a glimpse of 20 of the highest peaks to the East of Nepal starting from the Langtang Lirung peak which is the closest peak to Kathmandu, then move towards Mt. Everest in the East and finally fly to Makalu peak that lies in the border between Nepal and China. From there, the plane takes a turn and the passengers get a second look at the view while they make their way back to Kathmandu. Special flights are carried out to the west to view the Annapurna range consisting of Machhapuchre, Annapurna and Ganesh Himal ranges, on request of the passengers. The flight can even extend all the way to Kanchenjunga at the Nepal-India border that lies toward the end of the Himalayan range in Nepal. These aerial views are a spectacular way to enjoy the Himalayas from the comfort of a cabin seat while flying high up in the air. The passengers also get to view the Sherpa villages up in the mountains. The mountain flight does not only allow the passengers to enjoy good views but also allows them to understand the geography of the country. Although mountain flights do not have a long history, it has gained much popularity among tourists for the beauty that it promises. It never disappoints. Buddha Air provides daily mountain flight services for up to a maximum of 30 flights on a good day. So if you’re in Nepal and wondering how to get close to the breathtaking view of the highest peak on earth, book yourself a mountain flight and get ready to go on a mystical trip high up in the clouds among the gleaming glaciers, lakes, and one the highest mountain ranges in the world.
33
so c ial media
Keeping up with the Newsfeed
Nepalis are using the power of social media in creative, compassionate ways.
The
fuel crisis and the days of hitchhiking to work,
that Nepalis were amazingly getting accustomed to, seem like a distant past. If you stuck out your thumb and waved to ask a passing vehicle for a ride now, you would probably get a queer stare instead of an acknowledging response. However, members of ‘Carpool Kathmandu’, a Facebook group that was used as a platform to offer and request rides during those difficult times; have not decreased but just crossed the 100 thousand mark. Though the number of carpooling arrangements have vastly reduced, the members use the group to find blood donors, to put out public notices about their lost pets, lost documents, and recently, one poor kid’s favorite tiger blanket. Sumana Shrestha, the founder and group admin of Carpool Kathmandu, states, “I was always confident that this group would be a success but was surprised at the rate at which people responded. It proves that the saying ‘happiness multiples when shared’ is right and in the case of ‘Carpool Kathmandu’, it did exponentially!” ‘Carpool Kathmandu’ embodies
the kindness and compassion of Nepalis
curriculum activities like Design Thinking,
that added the power of Facebook to get a
Critical Thinking and Creative Practices. The
limping workforce stand back strong when
Facebook and Twitter pages for both these
times were tough.
programs have stuck to representing the
Now, when it comes to shopping we all
principles of Karkhana of making learning
have a habit of haggling for the best deals.
fun. Being primarily an education company,
The recent surge in online shopping portals
Karkhana makes sure that their Facebook
which are increasingly using social media is a
posts or tweets incorprate a learning value
welcome relief. Without having to incur costs
either for students, teachers, or parents. And
for renting physical locations, ThreadPaints,
by sometimes picking out a brilliant student
Kaymu, Koko KTM, SnSKtm and many other
or an extraordinary effort, young students are
similar online shopping options are providing
motivated with special recognition.
quality products at very competitive rates
It isn’t just Karkhana that is helping young
even with the option of free delivery. Some
Nepali students follow their dreams from a
of these stores are operating only through
young age. Lex Limbu, the UK based popular
Facebook and Instragram profiles. The social
Nepali blogger, pointed out that “social
media pages of the shopping websites
media has led to many young Nepalis being
are also noticeably active, with not just
interested in Nepali arts, music and films.”
information about their latest products, but
Nepali celebrities are increasingly resorting
also the latest viral internet trends. This not
to social media to get socially recognized
just helps make the pages a significant part
and increase their fan following. He added
of our newsfeed but also helps them come
that “Individuals from the entertainment
up with ideas for new products. There were
sector have the advantage of closer
‘Pokemon Go’ printed t-shirts selling even
communication with users
before the online gaming app officially
through social media and they
released in Nepal. And with customers
can identify what’s trending,
sharing their experiences about the purchase
what is working well overseas
and products via comments, those interested
and at home.” Lex feels that
in buying can get reviews to help make
even without a designated
better purchase decisions.
social media manager, Nepali
Another organization creatively utilizing
celebrities are doing a good
social media, are the educators of Karkhana.
job of using social media in the
Unexpectedly, the education company
right manner. A perfect example
that offers an innovative co-curricular after-
would be Nagma Shrestha,
school program, have a few rules for their
Miss Earth Nepal 2014 and TV
teachers. Each day the teachers have to
presenter. She believes that
observe their students and try to perceive
models and beauty pageant
the viewpoint that various students come up
contestants have been able to
with. Using the photos clicked and videos
change the social perspective
recorded during the classes, the teachers,
about such careers by sharing with their
along with the help of the Karkhana Social
followers the journey and hard work that they
Media team, come up with an interesting
are involved in. Both these social celebrities
student-based photo story. They also
are confident Nepal is ready to come up
have started the ‘Bee Creative’ program
with a global viral Internet trend of its own.
which visits various schools to organize co-
35
l;=g+=÷btf{ g+= !@÷@$# . @)^(÷)%÷!$
facebook.com/buddhaair
@airbuddha
tips
@buddhaairnepal
Travel Before the Flight l When
you book your flight, please ensure
that the name you give is the same as the one in your valid Photo ID. l Check
that you have brought a valid photo
ID. l Your
hand carry luggage should not exceed
5kg. l You
are not allowed to bring restricted items
(as said by CAAN) on our aircraft. At the Airport l Listen
to announcements and look at the
monitors for information regarding your flight. l If you
are a member of our frequent flyer
program – Royal Club, be sure to show your mileage ID at the check-in counter. While Boarding l Board
& alight the aircraft one step at a
time. l Ensure
that your hand carry baggage is
securely placed in the overhead cabin or underneath your seat. During the Flight l Listen
to the cabin crew when she is making
an announcement and giving a safety demonstration. l Be
sure to carefully read the safety card.
l Switch
off your mobile, or turn on your
airplane mode. l Ensure
you are buckled in safely
After the Flight l Check
that you have not left anything
behind in the aircraft.
Published by: Buddha Air Pvt. Ltd., Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal