The Gurung Tourism Entrepreneurs Association in Gandaki Province is actively promoting and developing the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail, which incorporates the ancient settlements of the Gurung community. Amid concerns over the indiscriminate construction that threatens trekking routes, the association has launched initiatives to integrate these historic areas, including Kholasonthar—the origin of the Gurung caste—into trekking tourism, highlighting the local culture.
Founder President of the association, Bobar Jung Gurung, shared that efforts are being made to develop the ancient Gurung settlements from Tangting to Besisahar, passing through Karapudanda, Tapro, Kholasonthar, Boro Lake, Thurju, Dudhpokhari, Gurung Deurali, Danphe Khark, and Timang. The association recently completed a 10-day trekking exploration and promotion program in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, Gandaki State, and several rural municipalities.
The Gurung community, rich in language, religion, and culture, has preserved its heritage for generations. Traditional practices like Ghantu and Sorathi dances and occupations such as sewing and sheep rearing are integral to their identity. In recent years, the community has embraced tourism by operating homestays in ancient villages like Gandruk, Sikleu, Tangting, Yanjakot, Bhachok, and Hemjakota in Kaski, as well as Ghale Gaon, Bhujung, and Pas villages in Lamjung. The association aims to develop the Gurung Heritage Tourism Destination, blending its cultural heritage with tourism.
“The promotion and development of the Gurung Heritage Trekking Route is a priority program for us,” stated Kisam Kumari Gurung, Chairperson of the association. “The route, which can range from four to twelve days, can start from any ancient Gurung village such as Tangting, Singdi, Yamjakot, Pasgaon, Bhujung, Ghalegaon, Sirung, Jagat, and Timang. This model aims to preserve and promote the Gurungs’ religion, culture, and traditions through tourism.”
General Secretary Tul Gurung added that there are plans to connect community houses in lower areas with camping sites in higher parts of the route. The trekking route will link communities in Pas village, Bhachok, Yangjakot, Tanting, Sikles, and other locations, extending from Lamjung to Manang. This initiative includes collecting cultural and lifestyle information, publishing brochures, and gathering GPS data, photos, and footage for tourist maps and trail marking.
Nabin Pokharel, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, emphasized that the Gurung Heritage Trekking Route will be an important trekking route for both Gandaki Province and Nepal. It is expected to serve as an alternative trekking route suitable for short-distance hikes and long-distance treks, benefiting tourism entrepreneurs and residents in Madi, Marsyangdi, Kholasonthar, and Chame rural municipalities of Lamjung and Kaski districts.
