1,264-metre alternative trail in Manang

By Yadu Prasad Bhatta, Manang, June 4: A 1,264-metre alternative trekking trail has been completed in the Manaslu trekking region under Nasong Rural Municipality-6 with financial and technical support of Rs. 800,000 from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Conservation Office, Manang.

The trail has been constructed along the left bank of Dudhkhola from Sutikhola to Gowa and is expected to make travel safer and more convenient for both tourists and local residents.

According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, Chief of the ACAP Area Conservation Office in Manang, the alternative route was developed in response to natural disasters, river erosion and frequent obstructions along the existing trail.

Bhujel said ACAP provided Rs. 800,000 in financial and technical assistance for the project. The trail was completed with the active participation of the local community. With the construction now finished, both domestic and international trekkers travelling along the Manaslu route are expected to benefit from safer and easier access.

The Manaslu and Annapurna regions are among Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, attracting a significant number of domestic and foreign visitors each year. ACAP believes that upgrading and conserving trekking trails will contribute positively to the promotion of tourism in the region.

In recent years, ACAP has implemented various programmes aimed at improving trekking infrastructure, including the construction, maintenance and upgrading of trails in different locations. Efforts have also been made to manage high-risk and deteriorating sections, install signposts, build rest areas and develop other tourism-related infrastructure.

Thuten Lama, Ward Chairperson of Nasong-5, said the newly completed alternative trail is expected to make the trekking route more organised and support tourism activities in the long run.

He added that the project would have positive impacts not only on the tourism industry but also on local economic activities. Lama said he would continue to urge the concerned authorities to sustain such infrastructure development initiatives in the future.