2 new trekking routes explored around Annapurna

POKHARA: Tourism entrepreneurs and locals of Kaski, Parbat and Myagdi districts identified two new trekking routes around the Annapurna region.

The route was identified with an initiative of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) Western Regional Association Pokhara.

According to TAAN Western Regional Chairman Ram Chandra Sharma, the routes were explored after the existing routes were disturbed by road networks.

Both of the routes are suitable for one-week trekking.

One of the new routes covers Ghandruk, Tadapani and Dobato of Kaski; Bayeli of Myagdi and returns to Kaski's Chhomrong through Pune, Hidden Lake and Gurung Hill.

The highest point of the route is at the altitude of 4,450 metres.

Another 50-km route was identified around mid-December and it connects Kusma, Banau, Salija and Phalame Danda of Parbat; and Mohare Danda and Nagi of Myagdi district.

TAAN Pokhara Secretary Binaya Acharya said explorations are underway to connect the routes to Ghorepani, making it suitable for a 10-day package.

The routes would help to know different cultures as well as they allow tourists to view the Annapurna and the Manaslu mountains, according to the entrepreneurs.

They hoped that these routes would help create employment opportunities at the local level.