SARANGGHAT: Tourism entrepreneurs in Tanahun have explored and proposed a new trekking route that connects Byash Municipality with half a dozen VDCs in the district. The entrepreneurs said the new track is shorter than the existing Annapurna circuit. It takes a week for trekkers to complete their journey through the proposed circuit that starts from Damauli, the district headquarters. But, tourists have been spending three weeks in the Annapurna circuit.

Harisingh Gurung, chairman, Tanahun Tourism Development Committee, said that they are making efforts to publicise the new route as tourists can rejoice various activities in the route. The route was identified after a five-day trip designed jointly by Tourism Journalist Front, Nepal Tourism Board and Tanahun Tourism Development Committee recently. Stating that the new route could be popular in the days to come, Gurung, said,

“We can launch a package programme comprising rafting, trekking, hiking, travelling and rappelling

in this new route apart

from enjoying the

cultures of different ethnic groups and communities.”

Meanwhile, Pramod Khanal, chairman, Regional Hotel Union, Tanahun, stated that the newly discovered trail has immense possibilities. So he emphasised on the need of running training programmes in the villages for the development of new route. Baikuntha Acharya, chief, Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara, assured of all possible support and cooperation for the development and promotion of the trail.

According to local tourism entrepreneurs, if infrastructure can be developed along the route till the start of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the newly explored route can lure tourists. With the inflow of tourists, a large numbers of locals along the route can benefit economically. The operation of the route will hence boost local economy.