The Gurung Tourism Entrepreneurs Association in Gandaki Province has introduced a new initiative called “Padmarga” to rejuvenate ancient Gurung settlements. This initiative, aiming to combine cultural and heritage tourism while focusing on preserving local traditions and promoting community development, has received support from various stakeholders, including the Nepal Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism Gandaki Province, and local municipalities like Madhi, Kwhlosothar, Marsyangdi, and Chame. Founder-president Bobar Jang Gurung led a 10-day exploration and development program in these regions from Jestha 21 to 30.
The Gurung people are well known for their unique language, traditional clothing, and practices such as sheep farming and weaving, which they consider essential to their culture. Efforts have been made to promote these traditions through initiatives like offering homestays in ancestral villages, and attracting visitors interested in firsthand experience of Gurung heritage.
President Kismakumari Gurung has revealed plans to create Gurung Heritage Tourism Destinations in several settlements including Tangting, Karapudada, Dhud Pokhari, Gurung Deurali, Thurju, Danphe Kharka, and Timang. She aims to expand the Gurung Heritage Trail from a 4-day trek to a 12-day immersive journey, integrating Gurung traditions, culture, and heritage into the tourism sector and setting a new standard with the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail.
Secretary-General Tul Gurung outlined plans to link community homestays in lower villages with camping sites in upper areas to foster all-encompassing development in places like Ghale Gaun, Bhujung, Pas Gaun, Jagat, and Timang. This also involves establishing paragliding routes and drawing attention to pilgrimage spots such as Kaski’s Lamjung. The organization’s efforts involve gathering cultural and lifestyle information from settlements along the route to create a detailed tourism map, publish brochures, and produce multimedia content centered on the trail experience.
Nabin Pokharel, the head of Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, emphasized the significance of the trail not just in the province but also as an important national route. He stated that the pathway appeals to various adventure tourism interests, with the potential to boost economic opportunities in areas such as Lamjung, Kaski, and municipalities like Madhi, Kwhlosothar, Marsyangdi, and Chame. The association expects the Padmarga trail’s development to bring substantial economic benefits to local communities, particularly in Madhi, Kwhlosothar, Marsyangdi, and Chame municipalities, and improve local livelihoods.
