Noteworthy Contributions in Exploring and Preserving New Trekking Routes
Kathmandu: The outgoing team led by Nilhari Bastola, which successfully freed the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) from severe financial debt that had once pushed it to the brink of selling its office building, has now handed over the reins to the newly elected team led by Sagar Pandey.
When Bastola’s team took office two years ago, TAAN was burdened with a debt of NPR 15 million. Through tireless efforts, collaboration with federal, provincial, and local governments, and partnerships with various national and international organizations, Bastola’s leadership managed to turn the situation around, leaving TAAN with a profit of over NPR 5 million as they exited.
According to Purushottam Timalsena, the Treasurer under Bastola’s leadership, the outgoing team worked relentlessly to free TAAN from its debt and elevate the organization to new heights. Just five days before the end of their tenure, they signed an agreement with Helvetas worth over NPR 2.5 billion for the construction and promotion of trekking routes.
During their term, TAAN collaborated with more than 25 local governments on various projects. Additionally, they initiated several programs in partnership with international development partners like UNDP, USAID, and Helvetas Nepal.
In a move to further secure the welfare of those involved in mountain tourism, the outgoing committee also established a NPR 50 million Trekking Entrepreneurs and Workers Rescue Fund.
Timalsena highlighted that the outgoing committee managed to get the office building’s blueprint approved, which had not been done previously.
To address the issue of rampant road construction by local governments, which has threatened the foundation of mountain tourism and the environment, TAAN sent letters to 263 local governments advocating for the protection of these crucial trekking routes.
The outgoing committee also made significant contributions to the exploration, documentation, packaging, and promotion of six new trekking routes, working in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board, UNDP, and local governments. These routes include the Buddha Himal-Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit in Gorkha and Lamjung, Todke Dhaulagiri Century Ghasa-Lete Trail in Myagdi and Mustang, Gangajamuna Tinsure Trail in Dhading, Everest Dudh Koshi Cultural Trail in Solukhumbu, Umakunda-Dudhkunda-Tate Tenzing Hillary Trail in Ramechhap and Solukhumbu, and Chaurideurali Sailung Trail in Kavre, Ramechhap, and Dolakha.
Just days before their term ended, the outgoing committee also signed an agreement with Helvetas Nepal for the development of the Mundhum Trail, Phagunang Trail, Tea Garden Trekking Trail, and Laligurans Trail (Tinjure Milke-Gufa Pokhari) in Koshi Province.
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