The fiscal year 2080/81 saw the construction of 12,234 meters of trekking trails in Baglung, funded by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment of Gandaki Province. The provincial government allocated a budget of NPR 64 million for tourism infrastructure in Baglung, with NPR 38.5 million specifically used for trekking trail construction and the remaining budget allocated for other tourism structures, including temples.
According to Paras Singh Thapa, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, Baglung, trekking trails and other infrastructures were developed in all 10 municipalities of the district. Out of 76 total projects, 52 were trekking trails. The municipality of Baglung alone completed 20 projects, utilizing NPR 23.5 million of the budget.
In other areas:
- Jaimini Municipality: 13 projects were completed with NPR 9.5 million.
- Kathekhola Rural Municipality: 15 projects were completed with NPR 9 million.
- Galkot Municipality: 9 projects were completed with NPR 7 million.
- Badigad Rural Municipality: 5 projects were completed with NPR 3 million.
- Nisikhola Rural Municipality: 3 projects were completed with NPR 3 million.
- Dhorpatan Municipality: 4 projects were completed with NPR 2.5 million.
- Tarakhola Rural Municipality: 3 projects were completed with NPR 3 million.
- Bareng Rural Municipality: 3 projects were completed with NPR 2.5 million.
- Tamankhola Rural Municipality: 1 project was completed with NPR 1 million.
Thapa reported that the province achieved 100% physical and financial progress with the allocated budget. He stated, “All the allocated budget for the tourism and industry projects in Baglung has been utilized, achieving 100% financial and physical progress. Most of the projects focused on trekking trails, all of which were completed on time.”
Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, former Minister of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment of Gandaki Province, emphasized the importance of infrastructure for tourism promotion, stating that accessibility is essential to attract tourists. He highlighted the priority given to constructing trekking trails in all 11 districts of Gandaki Province, arguing that trails are often more crucial than roads for reaching tourist destinations.
