Gorkha: Authorities of five rural municipalities in two districts – Lamjung and Gorkha- have reaffirmed their commitment to develop and promote trekking trail-based tourism, mainly in the newly discovered Buddha Himal-Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit. The Circuit spans across Barpark Sulikot and Ajirkot rural municipalities in Gorkha district and rural municipalities such as Dordi, Dudhpokhari, and Marsyangdi in Lamjung district, and it incorporates Buddha Himal (mountain), mountain ranges such as Manasiri and several glacial lakes.
According to National News Agency Nepal, authorities from these local municipalities participated in a recently held three-day seminar at Bhachchek of Gorkha, highlighting the need for formulating sustainable development plans for trail-based tourism. They also saw the need for introducing the Circuit at national and international levels and developing infrastructure along the way, among others.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, UNDP’s Sustainable Tourism Project, and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal with an objective to develop the Buddha Himal-Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit as a tourism hub. Furthermore, the seminar also pointed out the need to identify new trekking trails and rediscover old trekking routes such as herdsman walking trails and cultural trails.
The participants of the seminar pledged to work towards the improvement and upgradation of the existing trails with infrastructures and facilities like drinking water, garbage disposal, and porters’ rest places among others. To ensure safe trekking experiences for the trekkers, the authorities from these municipalities have agreed to coordinate efforts to identify the risky areas and high passes along the Circuit and educate the trekkers with information boards along the Circuit, shared Anita Bhujel, Vice-Chairperson of Ajirkot rural municipality.