Tourism Info Nepal

Annapurna Gaunpalika-4 Narachyang Sees Record Tourism Numbers at Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Gaunpalika-4 Narachyang Sees Record Tourism Numbers at Annapurna Base Camp

Located in the stunning Annapurna Gaunpalika-4 Narachyang, the Annapurna Base Camp, towering at 8,091 meters, has transformed from a quiet area to a bustling tourist hotspot within the past two years. Once frequented only by climbers who arrived by helicopter in spring, the base camp now attracts tourists almost daily, except for the colder months, thanks to newly constructed trekking trails and promotional efforts.

Growing Concerns: Pollution and Visitor Management Challenges

The Annapurna Base Camp and the ‘Maurice Herzog’ trekking route are increasingly popular with domestic tourists. However, the rising influx of visitors has led to pollution, posing a significant challenge for local management. Suren Gurung, a facilitator on the Herzog trail, reports an increase in plastic, steel, and glass waste along the path and camp area, left by trekkers. “Plastic, paper, fabric, steel, and glass waste has littered the route and base camp,” he stated. Gurung warned that without proper disposal systems, such waste could affect the area’s natural beauty.

Record Number of Tourists

Ward Chair Lok Bahadur Phagami of Annapurna Gaunpalika-4 reported an estimated 4,000 domestic tourists visiting Annapurna Base Camp this fall season, marking a record number of visitors. Adventure-seeking youths and professionals from cities like Beni, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Baglung, and Chitwan have flocked to the base camp for the three-day trekking experience. Due to limited facilities on the Herzog route, visitors must bring their food, cooking equipment, gas, and essential clothing, as hotels and lodges are scarce along this route.

Clean-Up Efforts Underway

With growing pollution, local authorities and sports teams have initiated clean-up campaigns. Supported by Dhankumar Paija, a local residing in the UK, a team of 19 volleyball players from Gharamdi recently conducted two clean-up drives, burying biodegradable waste in pits and collecting non-biodegradable waste for disposal. Similarly, last week, local youths led by ward member Shyam Purja organized another clean-up along the trail and base camp.

Sanitation Concerns Due to Lack of Toilets

A pressing issue along the trail is the lack of public toilets. A public toilet was recently built near Futfute Bharna, led by Lalita Sherpunja of Raghu Ganga Gaunpalika-1 Beg, with support from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). However, tourists staying in shelters around Samdikharka, the base camp, and Panchakund Lake continue to face challenges due to inadequate toilet facilities.

The Oldest Climbed Peak

Annapurna, first scaled by French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal on June 3, 1950, holds the distinction of being the first 8,000-meter peak conquered by humans, three years before Mount Everest. In 2068 B.S., Tej Gurung from Narachyang led a team to trace the same path used by Herzog, marking the area as part of Myagdi District and officially naming the trekking route ‘Maurice Herzog’ trail.

Ongoing Infrastructure Development

Efforts to improve the Annapurna trail include upgrading paths, constructing suspension bridges, expanding shelters, and improving water, toilet, communication, and power facilities. The rural municipality has allocated Rs. 10 million for infrastructure projects this fiscal year, focusing on shelter expansion, sanitation, water supply, and bridges. Chairman Pun mentioned that local authorities are coordinating with social organizations to manage waste and are also exploring the establishment of community hotels and lodges to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

The efforts by Annapurna Gaunpalika underscore the region’s commitment to preserving the pristine environment of Annapurna while accommodating an increasing number of tourists responsibly.

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