A three-day Trail-Based Tourism Development, Promotion and Management Training commenced today at Bhachek Bazaar of Ajirkot Rural Municipality, Gorkha, to promote the newly explored Buddha Himal–Himalchuli Great Lakes Circuit (BHHGLC) Trail. The training is part of efforts to develop sustainable and community-led tourism in the mid-Himalayan region of Gandaki Province.
The program is jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), in collaboration with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). The initiative is further supported by five rural municipalities from Gorkha and Lamjung districts, through which the trail passes.
Inauguration by Local Leadership
The training program was formally inaugurated by Deepak Devkota, Chairperson of Ajirkot Rural Municipality, during a brief inaugural ceremony held at Bhachek Bazaar. Addressing the participants, Chairperson Devkota emphasized the importance of trail-based tourism in generating local employment, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and strengthening the rural economy.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by TAAN Executive Committee Members Ambir Bahadur Gurung and Pabitra Tamang, as well as Dhan Bahadur Gurung, Immediate Past Second Vice President of TAAN. Their presence underscored TAAN’s continued commitment to strengthening trekking trails and community-based tourism products across Nepal.
Promoting a Multi-District Trekking Circuit
The Buddha Himal–Himalchuli Great Lakes Circuit Trail is a newly identified trekking route that traverses scenic and culturally rich areas of Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality and Ajirkot Rural Municipality in Gorkha district, and Dudhpokhari, Dordi, and Marsyangdi Rural Municipalities in Lamjung district. The trail offers panoramic mountain views, high-altitude lakes, traditional settlements, and rich biodiversity, making it a promising addition to Nepal’s trekking portfolio.
The training aims to equip local stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively develop, promote, and sustainably manage the trail, ensuring benefits for local communities while preserving the environment.
Strengthening Local Capacity and Coordination
A total of 25 participants, including Vice Chairpersons of all five rural municipalities, have taken part in the training. Participants also include local tourism entrepreneurs, community representatives, and officials involved in tourism planning and management.
The training focuses on key areas such as trail planning and maintenance, destination promotion, visitor management, community engagement, environmental conservation, and institutional coordination. Emphasis has been placed on aligning local tourism initiatives with national and international sustainable tourism standards.
Expert Facilitation and Technical Guidance
The training sessions are being facilitated by Technical Resource Persons Dr. Chetnath Kanel and Engineer Krishna Gautam, who are providing in-depth technical guidance on trail-based tourism development and infrastructure management. Their expertise is expected to help participants understand both the strategic and practical aspects of developing a long-term tourism product.
The overall program is coordinated by TAAN Project Coordinator Yuba Raj Lama, who highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in transforming emerging trails into viable and market-ready tourism destinations.
Action Plan and Committee Formation
On the final day of the training, participants will jointly prepare a trail-based action plan outlining priority activities for the development, promotion, and management of the BHHGLC Trail. Additionally, a Trail-Based Tourism Development, Promotion, and Management Committee will be formed to oversee the implementation of the action plan and ensure coordination among local governments and tourism stakeholders.
Organizers expressed confidence that the training would contribute significantly to positioning the Buddha Himal–Himalchuli Great Lakes Circuit as a sustainable trekking destination, fostering inclusive growth and enhancing tourism opportunities in Gorkha and Lamjung districts.
