The Himalayas Getting Harder to See Due to Severe Pollution
Navin Singh Khadka grew up in Nepal's capital watching the Himalayas. Ever since he left, he has missed sweeping, panoramic views of some of the highest mountain peaks on Earth.
'Each time I visit Kathmandu, I hope to catch a glimpse of the dramatic mountain range. But these days, there's usually no luck,' he told BBC, adding that the main culprit is severe air pollution that hangs as haze above the region.
'And it's happening even during the spring and autumn months, which once offered clear skies,' Singh Khadka said.
Just last April, the international flight he was in had to circle in the sky nearly 20 times before landing in Kathmandu, because of the hazy weather impacting visibility at the airport.
'The hotel I checked in at was at a reasonable height from which mountains are visible on a clear day – but there was no such day during my two-week stay,' he said.
Even from the major vantage point of Nagarkot, just outside Kathmandu, all that could be seen was haze, as if the mountains did not exist, he added.
Yogendra Shakya, who has been operating a hotel at Nagarkot since 1996, said, 'I no longer brand the place for views of 'sunrise, sunset and Himalayas' as I did in the past.'
'Since you can't have those things mostly now because of the haze, I have rebranded it with history and culture as there are those tourism products as well here,' Shakya added.
During an earlier trip a year ago, Singh Khadka was hopeful he would be able to see the mighty Himalayan peaks on a trek in the mesmerizing Annapurna region – but had hardly any luck there either.
Scientists say hazy conditions in the region are becoming increasingly intense and lasting longer, reducing visibility significantly.
Haze is formed by a combination of pollutants like dust and smoke particles from fires, reducing visibility to less than 5,000 m. It remains stagnant in the sky during the dry season - which now lasts longer due to climate change.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
7 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Can Tourism Help Revive Egypt-Iran Relations?
Iran has reiterated its desire to strengthen ties with Egypt, expressing hope for a memorandum of understanding to facilitate tourism between the two countries. While analysts say tourism could serve as a key channel for reviving relations, they stress that Cairo remains committed to a cautious, gradual approach in its dealings with Tehran. Speaking to Iran's official IRNA news agency on Monday, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri said bilateral talks have been held to resume relations with Cairo, adding that the government's strategy aims to 'reopen the path to Egypt'. 'Egypt, with its population of 115 million, has immense cultural, heritage and religious potential,' Amiri said. 'There is a genuine interest among Egyptians in developing ties with Iran, and both governments have the political will to move forward'. He emphasized the importance of establishing formal diplomatic relations, noting that 'significant steps have already been taken and there are no major obstacles to expanding tourism.' Amiri said Tehran is eager to sign a tourism-focused memorandum of understanding with Cairo. 'The first round of talks has been held, and the negotiations are set to continue,' he said, calling for 'the removal of any remaining hurdles'. Amiri pointed to a recent visit to Cairo by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, saying the groundwork had been laid for building diplomatic and tourism ties. 'With the foreign minister's presence and efforts, political relations will resume, and that will pave the way for deeper cultural engagement'. Araghchi visited Egypt earlier this month and met President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. In a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Araghchi described the talks as unprecedented and constructive, highlighting 'an advanced path toward cooperation and convergence'. He said the two sides had agreed to maintain political consultations and work on boosting trade and tourism. Abdelatty announced the launch of a new channel for political dialogue below the ministerial level to address various aspects of the relationship. Amiri said Iran has invited Egyptian private sector companies to participate in large-scale tourism projects and voiced Tehran's readiness to facilitate air and land travel, including joint historical and religious tours. He called for activating joint hotel and tourism ventures under strategic agreements between the two nations. Huda Raouf, a political science professor and head of the Iranian Studies Unit at the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies, told Asharq Al-Awsat that 'tourism is one of the sectors with the most potential for a breakthrough in Egypt-Iran ties, especially with Iran's interest in religious tourism'. But she added that Cairo remains cautious. 'While Egypt is open to dialogue with Iran on several files, it is taking a deliberate and measured approach to deepening relations.' Raouf noted that Egypt is in contact with Iran on key regional issues, including Red Sea security and the Gaza Strip, but is proceeding 'with calculated steps'. She said full normalization would only come 'at a time aligned with Egypt's national interests'. She also pointed out that the easing of entry procedures for Iranian tourists currently applies only to South Sinai. In March 2023, Egypt announced a package of measures to boost foreign tourism, including a provision allowing Iranian tourists to obtain visas upon arrival at airports in South Sinai. The plan, which required tourists to travel in organized groups and through pre-coordinated tour operators, was welcomed by Tehran at the time. Former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Hussein Haridy told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iran's push to promote religious tourism in Egypt is not new. 'Cairo continues to adopt a gradual approach to building ties with Tehran,' he said. 'Developing political and diplomatic relations will have a spillover effect on other areas,' Haridy added, but cautioned that progress will unfold at a pace suitable to both sides. He linked any acceleration in bilateral engagement to the outcome of ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations. This is not the first time Iran has sought to establish tourist links with Egypt. Between 2011 and 2013, similar efforts were made but failed to yield results. The two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1979, with limited relations restored in 1990 at the chargé d'affaires level. Over the past two years, Egyptian and Iranian ministers have held multiple meetings to explore avenues for improving ties. Ambassador Rakha Ahmed Hassan, another former Egyptian assistant foreign minister, said tourism may be the easiest entry point for broader engagement. 'There have already been discussions about launching direct flights between the two countries,' he said. 'There is no fundamental reason preventing a closer relationship'. Hassan highlighted Iran's interest in religious tourism and sites associated with the Prophet's family in Egypt. Araghchi's recent visit to Cairo included prayers at the historic Hussein Mosque and dinner at the iconic Naguib Mahfouz restaurant in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, accompanied by prominent Egyptian figures, including former foreign ministers Amr Moussa, Nabil Fahmy and Mohamed el-Orabi.
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Strategic reforms and cultural depth are driving Uzbekistan's tourism boom, says official
TASHKENT: As Uzbekistan undergoes an economic transformation, tourism has emerged as both a cultural ambassador and a powerful growth engine. At the forefront is Umid Rustamovich Shadiyev, chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology. Formerly Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Shadiyev brings both diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of the nation's rich heritage. Arab News spoke with Shadiyev during the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, a flagship platform bringing together global investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore Uzbekistan's investment landscape. Now in its fourth edition, the forum has become a cornerstone of the country's reform agenda, highlighting strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. This year's event welcomed over 2,500 delegates from 70 countries, with tourism receiving special focus as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development. Saudi-Uzbek tourism ties deepen The conversation turned to Saudi Arabia, where tourism is undergoing a historic transformation under Vision 2030. Shadiyev praised the Kingdom's diversification efforts, calling it 'a new center of global tourism.' Uzbekistan sees an opportunity for synergy, and a memorandum of cooperation in tourism was signed in 2022, followed by joint forums and high-level meetings in 2023 and 2024. 'Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is growing stronger each year,' said the official. The results are visible. Saudi tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan rose from 1,731 in 2022 to over 4,100 in 2024, reflecting growing interest in cultural, gastronomic, and mountain tourism. 'There's huge potential in developing family-oriented tours, heritage trails, and collaborative media campaigns,' Shadiyev noted. Tourism university exchanges, journalist visits, and influencer collaborations are also being explored. In 2025, Uzbekistan is emphasizing sustainable tourism and aims to increase the average stay of foreign visitors to 10 to 12 days. Strategic partnerships — such as with Saudi Arabia — are seen as central to achieving this goal. Tourism emerges as economic pillar 'Tourism is currently one of the key sectors of Uzbekistan's economy,' Shadiyev noted. 'In 2024, we saw a significant leap forward: the export of tourism services increased by 1.6 times, reaching $3.5 billion.' This performance is backed by a rise in entrepreneurship, with more than 2,000 new tourism businesses launched in the past year alone. From boutique hotels to eco-lodges and cultural tour operators, a new generation of investors is responding to supportive government policies and the sector's strong profitability. The transformation is evident across the country. Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has attracted $6.5 billion in tourism-related investments and added 130,000 new hotel beds. 'These achievements reflect our commitment to building a world-class tourism ecosystem,' Shadiyev said. A major milestone came in April, when over 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in a single month — a national record. Shadiyev attributes this growth to visa policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and active global engagement. 'We're not only opening our doors wider; we're creating lasting experiences for visitors,' he said. Looking ahead, Uzbekistan aims to further increase both international arrivals and tourism export volumes in 2025. The government is systematically working toward these goals by investing in digital transformation, human capital, and diversified tourism offerings. Four seasons, one destination Positioned at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has long served as a bridge between East and West. Shadiyev highlighted the country's unique geographic and cultural positioning: 'We're the heart of Central Asia — no regional tour is complete without including Uzbekistan.' What makes Uzbekistan truly special, he said, is its year-round appeal. In spring, visitors celebrate Navruz, the festival of renewal, and explore blooming gardens, vibrant bazaars, and the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Summer brings tourists to mountain resorts and natural lakes, rich fruit harvests, and traditional crafts festivals. Winter offers skiing and tranquil nature retreats, while autumn is ideal for cultural immersion and warm Uzbek hospitality. 'Every season offers a new story, a new flavor,' Shadiyev said. The country's legacy is underscored by its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbekistan is also witnessing a boom in niche tourism markets, including ziyarat, or pilgrimage tourism, ecotourism, domestic travel, and culinary tours. Uzbekistan's rise on the global travel radar is also backed by international accolades. The country was named the Most Desirable Emerging Destination by Wanderlust, UK; won the tourism in the CIS award from Russian Traveler; and was featured among the Top 25 Destinations of 2025 by both BBC Travel and The New York Times. Gulf travelers drawn to shared culture When asked about Uzbekistan's appeal to Arab travelers, particularly from the Gulf region, Shadiyev emphasized deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties. 'Our shared Islamic heritage and atmosphere of religious respect make Uzbekistan especially attractive to Gulf visitors,' he said. Khiva's designation as the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reflects this connection. Other key events include the Economic Cooperation Organization's tourism forum in Shakhrisabz, which spotlighted opportunities in religious and cultural travel. Uzbekistan is enhancing its appeal through substance and strategy. A 30-day visa-free regime now applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, as well as those of Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Direct flights from Gulf capitals are expanding, and tour operators are curating experiences tailored to Arab travelers. The country offers a rich mix of gastronomy — including signature dishes like plov, manti, and shurpa — as well as ethno-tourism experiences in traditional villages, and a vibrant calendar of music, art, and food festivals. Uzbekistan is also rolling out a UN tourism platform and a unified tourist card integrating visa services, tickets, and discounts. 'We're not just promoting Uzbekistan; we're building a seamless visitor experience,' Shadiyev added. Vision rooted in heritage and openness As the interview concluded, Shadiyev returned to a theme central to Uzbekistan's tourism push: openness. 'We are a country that welcomes the world — with history in our stones and hospitality in our hearts,' he said. The Tashkent International Investment Forum served as the perfect setting for this conversation, reflecting Uzbekistan's economic momentum and its growing network of global partnerships — none more vibrant than those flourishing through tourism. As Shadiyev put it, quoting an old proverb: 'It's better to see something once than hear about it a hundred times.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030
Saudi Arabia is positioning its tourism sector to rival oil as a cornerstone of the national economy by 2030, targeting a 10% contribution to GDP. This ambitious goal is part of the Kingdom's broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. To achieve this goal, Saudi Arabia is developing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem. This includes mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea, alongside nationwide infrastructure upgrades spanning major cities, villages, and remote areas. These efforts are already bearing fruit: the Kingdom surpassed 100 million visitors well ahead of schedule, prompting an upward revision of its target to 150 million tourists by the end of the decade. Tourism revenues have surged, growing more than 148% in 2024 compared to 2019. The sector's contribution to GDP has doubled to 5%, also generating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's presence on the global tourism map. Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom's rapid progress in establishing tourism as a foundational economic sector. He credited sweeping reforms, a pro-investment regulatory framework, and a robust national tourism strategy for the industry's momentum. The transformation includes major legislative and operational milestones: the rollout of a new tourism law, streamlined e-visa procedures, the establishment of training programs for Saudi talent, and the introduction of tech-driven visitor experiences. These initiatives aim to enhance both competitiveness and sustainability. Industry experts say Saudi Arabia's geographic, climatic, and cultural diversity gives it a strong edge. From the mountains of Asir and the historic sites of AlUla to the beaches of the Red Sea, the Kingdom offers varied attractions catering to a broad range of travelers. Nasser Al-Ghailan, a tourism investor and partner in Amla Tourism Group, said these natural advantages have been transformed into strategic assets. He pointed to infrastructure improvements, expanded airport capacity, and new airline routes connecting the Kingdom to the region and the world. 'Combining modern infrastructure with digital innovation and high service quality has made Saudi Arabia a rising player on the global tourism stage,' he said, noting growing interest from investors. In the Asir region, Abdullah bin Ahmed, Vice President of the Tourist Guide Club, emphasized the importance of community engagement and local workforce development. He sees tour guides as cultural ambassadors who can convey the richness of Saudi heritage to international audiences. 'People are the heart of the tourism experience. Empowering them is key to long-term success,' he said. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia led the G20 in tourism growth in 2024, with a 69% rise in international arrivals compared to 2019. With strategic investments and a clear vision, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a premier global destination, delivering unique travel experiences while maintaining a delicate balance between economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.
