The Armed Police Force conducted a safety rescue drill on the Chandragiri Cable Car, demonstrating their preparedness for emergency situations. The drill showcased various rescue techniques and highlighted the importance of safety measures in public transportation systems.

A photo gallery showcasing the cultural festival of Gai Tihar in Nepal, highlighting the traditions and celebrations associated with the event.

People are traveling to the mystic Kalinchok Bhagwati Temple, a Hindu shrine located at 3842m above sea level in Dolakha district. The area, part of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, offers majestic views of Mt Gaurishankar and the Langtang range. The site attracts visitors for both religious and touristic experiences.

Police manage the crowd as revellers partake in drinking homemade alcohol from the mouth of deity Swet Bhairav as a blessing during the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu.

Nepal initiated the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccination campaign for persons with disabilities at the Nepal Disabled Association in Kathmandu. The single-shot vaccine, provided by the US government under the COVAX facility, alleviated the country's vaccine shortage.

In Kathmandu, Nanda Sunar and Hom Nath Rai, both wheelchair-bound, have built a life of resilience and love despite numerous challenges. Sunar, a former Maoist party member, faced severe hardships, including imprisonment and lack of medical care, which left her wheelchair-bound. She met Rai, also wheelchair-bound due to a spinal injury, at Bodhisattvas In Action (BIA), an organization supporting differently-abled individuals. Their love story, marriage, and the birth of their son Kiran highlight their unwavering spirit. Despite societal judgment and physical limitations, they continue to work as thangka artists, striving for a better future. Their story underscores the need for greater societal acceptance and government support for the differently-abled community.

Farmers in the outskirts of Kathmandu celebrate the pre-monsoon rains by splashing mud water and planting rice ahead of the plantation season. The celebration, which includes dancing and singing to traditional tunes, is part of the National Paddy Day 'Ropai' festival, marking the beginning of rice crop planting during the monsoon season. Some farmers were seen wearing facemasks due to concerns over COVID-19.

Hundreds of youths gathered at Baluwatar in Kathmandu to show solidarity with a survivor of serial sexual abuse who shared her experiences on social media. They demanded action against the rapists, justice for sexual assault survivors, and immediate correction of the existing rape laws.

Frontline health personnel are depicted on duty at a hospital in Kathmandu during a lockdown imposed by the administration.

Images captured at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu, a Covid-19 designated hospital, showcase the current situation amidst the pandemic. The photos were taken by photojournalist Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

The Laxmi Narayan statue, stolen from Patan, Nepal in 1984, was retrieved by the Department of Archaeology officials and brought to Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur on Friday. The statue had been traced to a museum in the USA.

Devotees participated in a procession around Madhyapur Thimi during the Chanhesiya Jatra, a festival observed at midnight. The event, which involves carrying traditional cotton-oiled torches, precedes the Sindoor Jatra festival.

People enjoy boat rides on Kulekhani lake, a rock-fill hydroelectric power generation dam located in Makawanpur district, near Kathmandu. The event was captured in photographs by Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

An aerial view of the Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu shows the impact of severe air pollution, with the capital city experiencing hazardous air quality levels due to smog. Contributing factors include multiple forest fires in neighboring districts, dust particles, and smoke from burning garbage.

An aerial view of Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lalitpur, was captured on Friday by photojournalist Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

Sheikha Asma Al Thani, aiming to be the first Qatari woman to climb Mount Everest, is in Kathmandu preparing for her ascent. Her attempt, scheduled for April/May, is part of her mission to inspire women and young people in the Middle East to challenge stereotypes and pursue their dreams. The article includes photos by Skanda Gautam.

Air pollution of hazardous level continues to affect Kathmandu Valley, with thick smog engulfing the area due to wildfires in various parts of Nepal during the dry season. Photojournalist Skanda Gautam captures the situation for The Himalayan Times.

Central Kathmandu is experiencing a rapid decline in greenery and open spaces, exacerbated by the extension of the ring road and the felling of trees without replacement. Aerial shots captured by Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times highlight these environmental concerns.

Environmental activists in Kathmandu staged a global climate strike to protest against climate-induced disasters, urging authorities to take action to save trees and protect the environment. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for environmental conservation.

An aerial view of the Bouddhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is captured during the evening in Kathmandu. The photograph, taken by Skanda Gautam, showcases the illuminated stupa, highlighting its cultural significance.

A view of the reconstructed Rani Pokhari, the under-construction Dharahara, and their surrounding areas in Kathmandu was captured from the skies on Friday. The photos were taken by photojournalist Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

The article reports on a grand rehearsal for the upcoming Army Day in Kathmandu, which coincides with the Mahashivaratri Festival. Nepali Army jumpmasters from the Para Training Academy were photographed free falling from a military sky-truck towards the Army Pavilion. The photos were taken by Skanda Gautam, a photojournalist for The Himalayan Times.

The nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive for individuals above 65 years commenced in Nepal, with health workers administering vaccines to senior citizens in Lalitpur. The government plans to extend the vaccination to those aged 55-64 after receiving 348,000 doses under the COVAX facility on March 7. Photos by Skanda Gautam document the event.

An aerial view of the Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu highlights the increasing population density and decreasing air quality around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The photo, taken by photojournalist Skanda Gautam, underscores the environmental challenges faced by the heritage site amid urbanization.

Workers are constructing the Thousand Buddha Temple in Lumbini, Nepal, where the statue of Buddha is also being built. Buddhist nuns and monks engage in prayers at the Maya Devi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the religious and cultural activities in the historic city.

People participated in a chariot procession around the Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during the Mamla Jatra festival. The event was documented by photojournalist Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

Glimpses of Bouddhanath Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site, located in Bouddha, Kathmandu, are captured in a photograph by Skanda Gautam.

The article discusses the alarming rise in sexual assault and rape cases in Nepal, particularly against young girls and women from marginalized communities. It highlights recent cases that have sparked outrage and the subsequent calls for the death penalty for rapists. The number of reported rape cases has increased significantly, from 112 in 1998 to 2,144 in the last year. The article points out the culture of impunity, weak criminal investigations, and local settlements that prevent victims from seeking justice. It also mentions insensitive remarks by politicians and the challenges in changing the legal framework, as Nepal's constitution and international commitments oppose the death penalty. Activists and some lawmakers are pushing for harsher punishments, while others argue for better enforcement of existing laws and addressing structural issues related to gender violence.

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Diwas Bohora, a resident of Nepal, inadvertently filmed the final moments of a Yeti Airlines flight that crashed, resulting in at least 70 fatalities. This incident is the most severe aviation disaster in Nepal in over 30 years, highlighting the country's troubling safety record. Nepal has experienced at least 21 fatal aviation accidents since 2000, with Yeti Airlines and its subsidiary Tara Air involved in seven. The European Union has banned all Nepali airlines from its airspace since 2013 due to safety concerns. The crash has drawn international attention due to the diverse nationalities of the victims. Experts attribute Nepal's aviation safety issues to challenging geography, limited resources, and a lack of serious commitment to addressing the dangers of air travel.

Anju Khatiwada, the co-pilot of the Yeti Airlines flight that crashed in Nepal, was the widow of Dipak Pokhrel, a pilot who also died in a crash while flying for Yeti Airlines in 2006. Khatiwada joined the airline in 2010 and was co-piloting the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara when it crashed, killing at least 68 people. This incident is the deadliest plane accident in Nepal in 30 years. The captain of the flight, Kamal KC, was confirmed dead, while Khatiwada is feared dead. The ATR-72 aircraft's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered, which may provide insights into the cause of the crash. Nepal's mountainous terrain and sudden weather changes contribute to its hazardous flying conditions.

Members of the Photojournalist Club, Nepal, held a candlelight vigil at Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu to honor Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, who was killed while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters. Siddiqui, an Indian national, had been embedded with Afghan special forces and was reporting on the conflict. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist recognized for his work documenting the Rohingya refugee crisis. The event was captured by Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

With the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, prohibitory orders have been enforced across Nepal, including Kathmandu Valley, severely impacting low-income families and daily wage workers. Authorities are criticized for neglecting these vulnerable groups while extending lockdowns. Kusum Tamang, a compassionate citizen, has been providing hot meals and ration packs to those affected, serving over 50,000 meals since the first lockdown. The article highlights the humanitarian efforts of individuals like Kusum amidst the ongoing crisis.

Nepal is facing an overwhelming number of COVID-19 fatalities during the second wave of the pandemic, with 145 deaths reported in a single day. Photos capture Nepali Army personnel, visibly exhausted, taking a moment to breathe amidst their duties of carrying bodies to the crematorium in Kathmandu during the lockdown.

Nepal reported a record high of 55 COVID-19 fatalities on Tuesday, with the total death toll rising due to a constant spike this week. Efforts are underway to expand the crematorium site at Aryaghat to cope with the increasing number of deaths. The Nepal Army is managing the cremation of COVID-19 victims along the banks of the Bagmati river near Pashupathinath Temple in Kathmandu.

Images from the Covid-19 special ward at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Teku, Kathmandu, captured by photojournalist Skanda Gautam, depict the hospital's efforts to manage the pandemic pressure.

Efforts are underway to expand the cremation site at Pashupatinath Aryaghat in Kathmandu to accommodate the increasing number of COVID-19 related fatalities in Nepal.

Kathmandu was quiet on the third day of the valley-wide prohibitory period aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19. Armed Police Force personnel were deployed to enforce the 15-day lockdown, which is currently in its third day. Workers were also present at the site of the newly inaugurated Dharahara tower.

Police in Kathmandu detained pedestrians for not wearing face masks amid the second wave of COVID-19, highlighting the increased transmission risk. A man was seen selling face masks to those detained. The rising infection rates underscore the necessity of adhering to health guidelines to control the virus's spread.

People in Kathmandu are leaving the city to return to their hometowns following the government's announcement of a prohibitory order starting Thursday due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Ministry of Health and Population reported over 1,900 new cases in the Kathmandu valley for two consecutive days. The Cabinet has recommended a 15-day prohibitory order to control the spread of the virus.

Bhaktapur locals protested against the government's decision to cancel the annual Biska Jatra festival due to fears of a second COVID-19 outbreak. The District Administration Office in Bhaktapur had issued the cancellation order to prevent mass gatherings.

A Sadhu, a follower of Lord Shiva, is seen performing the 'Tandav' dance on the eve of the Maha-Shivaratri festival inside the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The photos were captured by Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited the Jawalakhel-based Central Zoo in Lalitpur, Nepal, to mark World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2021. The day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the world's wild fauna and flora.

Heritage activists in Kathmandu protested against the use of concrete in the restoration of the historic Kamal Pokhari, arguing it harms the natural habitat of fish and water plants. The civil society-led demonstrations criticized the government's approach, advocating for a return to natural restoration methods. The protest saw activists clashing with police as they attempted to damage the concrete structures.

Supporters of the Dahal-Nepal faction in the Nepal Communist Party celebrated in Kathmandu after the Supreme Court reinstated the House of Representatives, overturning the government's decision to dissolve it. The Court mandated that Parliament must reconvene within 13 days. The event was documented by photojournalist Skanda Gautam.

The article discusses the use of vermillion, traditionally made from turmeric powder, in Hindu religious practices, such as the application of bindis. It raises a health concern as recent tests have revealed that some manufacturers are adulterating the vermillion with red lead, which is a toxic substance. This addition of red lead to the powder has led to toxicity concerns among consumers and those who use the substance for religious purposes.

The article discusses the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of leprosy worldwide, despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of its near elimination in 2000. Experts, including William Cairns Smith from the University of Aberdeen, suggest that the actual number of new leprosy cases is likely double the reported figures, indicating that many are not receiving necessary treatment to prevent disability. The WHO acknowledges that their statistics may not reflect the total number of cases, especially in countries with weaker health systems. Stigma, lack of access to healthcare, and reduced funding due to misconceptions about the disease's elimination are cited as reasons for the underreporting. Case detection campaigns by organizations like Lepra and the Leprosy Mission have found significantly more cases than official statistics indicate, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing leprosy effectively.

Nepal is set to implement new regulations for trekkers following the country's worst hiking disaster in the Annapurna region, which resulted in the deaths of at least 41 people, including 21 foreign trekkers. The new rules will require trekkers to hire trained local guides and rent GPS tracking units. The government aims to introduce these regulations before the next trekking season. The decision comes after it was found that many casualties were due to trekkers without proper guides attempting to continue despite the storm. Improvements in weather forecasting and information dissemination to remote areas are also planned. Additionally, all trekkers will now have to register at checkpoints both when entering and exiting trekking areas. The home ministry secretary highlighted the success of the recent rescue operation, which involved hundreds of personnel and the use of every available helicopter to save stranded trekkers.