1. Nelang Valley opened for tourists in May, after 53 years
Closed due to proximity to China, in an attempt to push Eco Tourism, the Nelong Valley found itself hosting a handful of visitors, early, last May. While only six vehicles are allowed each day with no permission for overnight stay, this is still making space for itself on several bucket lists. Situated 45 kms away from China, the valley is famous not only exceptional scenic beauty but also for being a popular historical trade route to China.
To know more about this, read our Article on Nelang Valley
2. India Thailand highway is now open !
Enroute : Bagan (Source)
This one took everyone’s road trip plans to another level. While the complete stretch is yet to be opened, the tiny 26.5-kilometer Myawaddy-Thinggan Nyenaung-Kawkareik bit is already making it hard for roadtrip enthusiasts to stand still. Much excitement has gathered around scenic north east views, an ancient city of Bagan, pagodas to visit on the way, and countless breathtaking views. It’s a long trip, with several days on the road, and may not be the simplest smoothest ones, but its definitely something that the both ends of this highway are eager about.
3. A new trek route to Valley of flower was rediscovered !
Closed back in the day due to popualrity of a easier route, the Kunthkhal-Hanuman Chatti trek route, was again readied for use this October. It’s pretty simple – more views, more flora, more glaciers marked along this 15 km long stretch. July to October remains the best time to set foot here. Not only this, it is expected that more routes around the valley, near the Khiro valley etc are being developed as well.
4. Nepal introduced new regulations for climbing the Mount Everest
Nepal, in an attempt to deal with overcrowding, and other safety issues, stated that only those who are considered fit for climbing the Everest on their own will be given permits to do so. Disabled, under age and old people will not be permitted; however the exact way in which those suitable for the permit, which by the way is one of the main sources of income for Nepal, costing thousands of dollars, will be ascertained is still a tad bit ambiguous.
5. The Beatles Ashram reopened in Rishikesh !
Inside Rajaji National Park, the Beatles Ashram, where the band meditated and are said to have written a number of songs, reopened in this month. While it remains abandoned, it is quite the place to visit for its graffiti and landmarks for an entrance fee of INR 100. The Chaurasi Kutiya (84 huts) ashram, isn’t much of an ashram or café yet though, and the area has just been cleared out to prevent people from entering illegally. It does however shake up the world of Beatles’ fan, and is Rishikesh’s newest treasure.
6. Baubax jacket became the best travel jacket and a 9 million Kickstarter project!
Source
There are 15 features some of which are a zipper that doubles up as pen and stylus, neck pillow, portable charger pocket, eye masks and so on, became one of the biggest crowdfunded projects this year. So far there are 70,000 orders for the jackets, costing $89-$120. This is one of our favorites already.
7. Manipur demands an Inner Line Permit for tourists to travel into the state
While things are beginning to get a bit violent in t hat side of the country, there hasn’t been much action on this yet. An ILP is an official travel document issued by the government that is required by Indian Citizens to travel into the specified area. Non residents cannot buy property in these areas either. Currently Nagaland, Arunanchal Pradesh and Mizoram require ILPs.
8. E-Tourist Visa Scheme made it amazingly easy to travel to India !
How do you know a new scheme worked ? When it registers a growth of 2713%! Yes, that is the growth rate for this new scheme, which is putting India on the maps for many foreign travelers. Britons are the most popular applicant s for the scheme, followed by USA and France. While the facility was launched last year, in August its borders were extended to cover 113 countries.
