A study has been initiated to develop a circuit trek route encompassing Pokhara and villages in Tanahu and Syangja districts in a bid to boost rural tourism.
The survey will plot a route joining Pokhara, Chisapani, Chitre Bhanjyang, Kihu, Arudodaya, Siddha Cave and Bhimad. “The circuit has been developed with a motive to promote rural tourism,” said Aash Bahadur Gurung, general secretary of the Trek Management Committee.
The plan to develop a trek route was launched 14 years ago but no serious efforts have been made since. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (Taan) have pledged to promote the initiative.
The trekking circuit will pass through 15 village development committees (VDCs) consisting of more than 30 villages in Tanahun and Syangja and two municipalities. The planned trekking circuit is 57 km long and rises from an elevation of 420 metres to 1,709 metres.
The trekking circuit aims to offer trekkers an experience of endangered cultures. The walk can be completed in 10 days. It will offer scenic views of mountains that cannot be seen from the cities. The route also features picturesque spots like Millennium Cave, Budha Kot, Deupuje Dhunga, Bhirkot Kalika, Manakamana Temple, Raipur and Kolma Kot. The Millennium Trek Festival has been organized for the past three years to promote the trekking circuit. “Our initiative has helped the increased the number of tourists,” said Harka Gurung, coordinator of the festival.
Source: ekantipur
