KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 3

Renowned as the longest and most challenging trekking route, the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) in Nepal spans from the east to far-west region of the country, covering a distance of around 1,750 kilometres, crosses 15 high altitude passes that reach heights of 6,146 metres.

Nepal offers one of the most scenic and recognised sections of the GHT, offering both the High Route and the Low Route, which takes trekkers through some of the most remote mountain passes around eight of the world's highest peaks or along its foothills.

Though the trail offers some of the best mountains scenes, the chance to explore and experience country's diverse cultures for tourists, and income for the remote areas, slow development and the government apathy towards the Himalayan region has hindered a large portion of the country's overall tourism sector, according to experts.

'The route offers spectacular views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Annapurna. It also passes through culturally rich regions inhabited by various ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and lifestyles. Despite the immense potential of the region, a large part of it is still hardly explored by tourists who throng Sagarmatha, Annapurna and Langtang, among other well known routes. The lack of proper infrastructure in the region is another factor leading to slowed growth and less number of tourists visiting them. This in turn affects the locals of remote areas where tourism income plays an integral part in their livelihoods,' Amar Shahi, founder chairman of Korea Tours and Trekking Operators Association of Nepal, said.

Today, three Korean nationals, Kim Mee Sun, Ra Heesook and Kim Wonsuk and their guide Rinjee Sherpa were honoured for the completion of their GHT trek by tour operators. The three first started the trek in 2016, trekking along the Kanchenjunga region. Despite facing some health issues, the trio continued to visit Nepal and continued along the GHT section over the following years before COVID-19 stopped them on their tracks.

'With some ease in travel restrictions, Mee Sun, the team leader of the trio travelled to Nepal several times over the years, finally completing the full section of the GHT,' Ang Dorjee Sherpa, chairman of Ne-Ko Treks and Expedition, told THT. 'This also draws a clear picture of Nepal through a tourist's eyes and the reason they love Nepal and want to keep coming back.'

Recalling her journey, Mee Sun shared that despite some setbacks, they were able to persist owing to the scenic beauty of Nepal, its peaks and the local people which pushed them on to complete the GHT.

'Some of the most notable places along the trail included the Tilman Pass, Sherpani Col and Dolpa, among others,' the trio shared.

In 2018, around 40,000 Koreans visited Nepal. The number stood at around 20,000 in 2023. 'Prior to COVID-19, the number of Korean nationals visiting Nepal was continuously increasing. Over the past few years, the number has hovered around 15,000 to 20,000 per year. The scenario is similar compared to other nationals visiting Nepal,' Shahi shared.

He called on the need for additional promotional activities in line with the changing times and technology and urged the government to push for rapid development of the necessary infrastructure. 'The government must boost its effective marketing and promotional strategies to further attract tourists into the country. Air connectivity is another major hindrance. Due to increased fares and poor air connectivity to major tourist markets, the number of tourists visiting Nepal is low given its prospects,' Shahi added.

Meanwhile, Sherpa called on the government to do the necessary to endorse growth in other Himalayan regions of the country and control heavy traffic in some regions. 'Sagarmatha, Annapurna, among other famous trekking regions, see heavy traffic during the seasonal period, causing difficulties for the existing lodged in the region to handle it. Many tourists without pre-booking sleep in the dining halls of the hotels there, which is a risk to their health as well when travelling at high altitude which demands proper rest and care. This affects the tourist's experience and should be controlled and regulated by issuing permits on the basis of traffic and the region's capacity' he said.

Sherpa also said the government should prioritise road development projects connecting the Himalayan regions of the country. 'The government built two new airports but has fallen short on operating them as intended. Meanwhile, ongoing road projects have further caused issues for tourists at present,' he said.