Exploration of A New Trekking Route

Trekking is one of the most popular adventure activities in Nepal. As there is a myriad of attractive areas suitable for trekking, this Himalayan Kingdom is known as ‘A Trekker’s Paradise.’ Being one of the world’s richest countries in terms of flora and fauna, Nepal is a fitting haven for the nature lovers. The exotic destination is characterised by the unique geographical conditions and latitudinal variation. While trekking, one can pass through many green river valleys, irregular steep hills, and have a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and different types of settlement and distinct ethnic cultures and lifestyles. This is the main reason why thousands of trekkers from around the world visit this country every year.

With an objective of exploring new trekking routes in the southern part of the Annapurna Trekking Circuit, which is one of the attractive trekking routes in the world, a team of people from different walks of life recently visited various villages of Kaski and Lamjung districts. Organised by the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), in association with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the familiarisation team, which included trekking agents and guides, journalists, representatives of different tourism stakeholders, started the journey from the touristic city of Pokhara. This scribe was also a member in the trekking team.

NTB is planning to identify and develop more villages and trekking trails for the promotion of village tourism in Lamjung. The team reached Bhagwatitar near the Madi river after about three hours of travel by bus. As the trekking team was passing through another popular cultural trekking route— the Royal Trek, all trekkers were quite excited because of a beautiful view of various lakes, including the Begnas lake, typical rural setting, green forests and farmlands. Although the weather was not clear, all had a spectacular view of the mountain ranges in the north. Then, the group moved towards Gahatebensi where there are some small hotels and teahouses. Gahatebensi is situated at a height of 750 metres above the sea level. After having lunch, the trekkers walked for about two hours along the banks of the Wardi Khola.

In the evening the team reached Palhrikot and Nagidhar villages, which are situated at 1285 metres. None of the trekkers including this pen pusher felt tired because of a warm welcome and exemplary hospitality of the locals.

Lying at a height of 1285 metres above the sea level, the Gurung community-dominated villages of the northeastern part of Kaski district have mixed attractions— culture and nature. The villagers depend for their livelihood on agriculture and livestock farming. They are now slowly attracted towards community tourism, as they have realised that tourism could help in bringing about changes in their socio-economic conditions.

The next day, we departed for Pasgaon in Lamjung district after crossing the Rudhi Khola. It took about three hours to reach Pasgaon (about 1530m.) from Bagaincha (740m.) A good rural environment is found in this village, where majority of the villagers are from the Gurung community. The villagers are far ahead in hospitality as well as physical facilities for tourism. At the initiative of the local tourism management committee, several houses have constructed toilets and separate rooms for guests. The local mothers’ group is very active for the promotion of tourism, as it is well aware of the fact that tourism could help generate income for the locals. We stayed at homes and had local food. This was the unique experience for most of us because we had the opportunity to be familiar with the local Gurung culture.

The following morning, we headed to Bhujung, Ghanapokhara and Ghalegaon villages. The compact settlement of Bhujung and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas were very alluring. In the evening, we were offered an unparalleled hospitality in Ghanapokhara. Situated at about 2100 metres above the sea level, the nature-blessed village is equally suitable for having panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.

Then, we came down to Ghalegaon (1970m.). The village offers lodging and fooding facilities for about 30 persons. According to Prem Bahadur Ghale, outgoing Chairman of Uttarkanya Village Development Committee (VDC), about 400-500 domestic and foreign tourists visit the village annually. The beautiful Gurung settlement with about 110 households has also a football ground.

It is said that a number of mountain peaks of 13 different districts can be seen from Ghalegaon. Lamjung Himal, Annapurna (II) and Mt. Manaslu can be viewed very clearly. It takes about three hours of walk to come down to Khudi village near the Marsayngdi river.

Lying in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the newly explored route could be developed as an alternate trekking area.

Regarding the route, Roshan Subedi, a senior trekking guide, says that the inflow of young trekkers and cultural researchers into the area could increase only after developing basic physical facilities such as trekking trails, drinking water and bridges.

“This route is suitable for cultural treks. Trekkers are very much interested to be familiar with culture and lifestyle of the rural people”, Subedi says.

Govind Prasad Poudel, a trekking agent, says he has started promoting the new route through Internet. “We can easily sell the route if efforts are made towards building up basic infrastructure.”

According to Poudel, training programmes on cooking and hygiene should be conducted for the local people.

Basu Dev Parajuli, President of TAAN Pokhara Chapter, points out the need for developing basic infrastructure and conducting training programmes for the local people.

Parajuli says that coordinated efforts have to be made to promote the areas as village tourism destinations.

“Tourism, water resources and herbs are main potential areas to develop in the district,” says Hem Jung Gurung, former Chairman of Lamjung District Development Committee (DDC).

Gurung says tourism could be diversified to different parts of the district by identifying more and more alternative routes.

Dharma Raj Shrestha, President of Lamjung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says the association wants to focus on tourism promotion.

“Since tourism is the only area to be developed without investing much, we are working out plans in this regard,” Shrestha says.

Hikmat Singh Ayer, Manager of Tourism Products & Resources Development under NTB, says the organisation wants to wants to formulate a comprehensive plan for the overall development of Lamjung district.

Lamjung has many trekking trails and cultural diversity. As one of the gateways to the Annapurna Circuit, the district holds a lot of potentialities for adventure and cultural tourism promotion. A coordinated approach needs to be adopted to develop and promote tourism in this area.