“We have to de-mythicize this earthquake”. Chan also discussed how some of her preconceived notions of the earthquake changed when she got here. “There were so many images of disaster, destruction and horror wherever I looked on the Internet. When I got to Nepal, I kept asking myself, ‘Where are all the damaged buildings?’ I couldn’t find any.” Chan said. “Of course, I cannot forget the thousands of people who have lost their lives and thousands who are still suffering. Nepal is a beautiful place; there is so much more to it than just this earthquake.”
19/07/15 Google employee Stacie Chan visiting Nepal – after the earthquake.
Since the events of April 25th 2015, where Nepal saw a devastating earthquake, it is important to put it into a wider perspective. More specifically, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge would like to remind everyone that, while there was loss and damage, it was largely confided relatively few districts and that the remaining districts were largely unaffected. The day will live long in our memories as the Gorkha Earthquake struck.
At Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, there were some 14 guests, all were safe. The staff responded excellently, in spite of their own natural shock and surprise. They were very fortunate; many to the East, in Gorkha, and in the districts to the North of the Kathmandu Valley suffered serious damage. The way local communities and the youth of Nepal have come together leading aid delivery and support has been heart-warming. It is all too easy to dwell on the events and to become somewhat introspective. It is essential now that people all move ahead, respecting the events and learning from them.
Nepal has come together unlike any time in recent years and the future is looking brighter. International media inevitably focused on the immediate drama of the earthquake and its initial impacts, but that particular spotlight of over-simplistic focus has now moved on and the country is back on her feet.
Rebuilding is happening apace in spite of many constraints. Travel warnings have now been downgraded. International engineering specialists have surveyed key trek trails and pronounced them safe. Nepal needs tourism to boost the economy and it is essential for everyone to be fully aware that most of the trekking areas and other popular tourist destinations were unaffected by the recent events.
Emphatically, the country is safely open for tourism.
The travel industry has worked hard to ensure that Nepal retains its place among the key destinations for visitors with publicity and hard work on marketing campaigns. The Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge has been involved with this through the work of Lisa Choegyal in the tourism board’s recovery programmes and Marcus Cotton with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Secret Retreats is delighted to advise that Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge is fully open for business since early September after the routine monsoon break, with a few upgrades throughout the property including free wifi now in all rooms and public areas.
We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world.
