Pokhara, May 31

The third and last programme under Annapurna Sanctuary Tourism festival began on the premises of Shree Meshram Baraha Secondary School in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Myagdi today.

Chief Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung of Province 4 inaugurated the festival today. The festival was organised by Annapurna Sanctuary Tourism Committee after completing the infrastructure of  Annapurna Base Camp.  Chief minister Gurung said the motorable road to Ghandruk would be blacktopped within five years. “Annapurna Rural Municipality is a valued municipality of the province, which is rich in both nature and culture,” he said. Gurung further added that Annapurna Area has significant role to play as a touristic capital.

In the first phase,  Gurung felicitated media persons who reached there at Annapurna Base Camp and covered the news. At the programme, Provincial Assembly member Rajiv Pahari said it was a great challenge for  tourism development of Annapurna area as snow in the Himalayas have been melting due to  climate change. He expressed grief over the dusty roads on the trekking routes. Former minister Prakash Bahadur Gurung hoped for development with the concept of AST fest. Festival Main Managemnet Committee Coordinator Lalit Gurung said the festival was organised for the promotion of tourism rather than profit.

The first phase was organised in 11 October 2017 after the development of infrastructure of Annapurna Base Camp while the second phase was organised on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar at Chhomrong from December 25 to 30 aiming to promote tourism. The third and last phase will be with the Annapurna Marathon in June 3 which will start from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk.