PARBAT: Construction of a new trekking route to the popular tourist destination of Ghodepani from Ambot of Parbat district has begun.

The trekking route from Ambot of Kushma Municipality-3 passes through Durlung and Mahabhir. Presently, the route to Ghodepani is from Birethanti and Myagdi.

Construction of the new route would help a trekker take the round of Annapurna via Ghodepani. Member of Parliament Padam Giri laid the foundation for construction of the new trekking route at a function held in Bharati Gaun, Kushma-3.

The new trekking route starts from Ambot, which can be reached from Pokhara in one hour.

A home-stay has also been initiated on the new trekking route. Likewise, a canoeing site at Mahabhir falls in Durlung had been initiated last year, providing an option of canoeing to the visiting tourists, said local campaigner Golman Gurung.

The Tourism Ministry has allocated Rs 5 million for the trekking route this fiscal year. Some 3,500 metres of the trekking route will be completed within this fiscal, said Gurung.

MP Giri said Durlung, which has been included in the list of 100 tourist destinations of the country, could become a popular site if canoeing service could become regular.

The new trekking route will, upon completion, is expected to help increase the number of tourists to Durlung and also help prosper the villages.