Tourism Info Nepal

Clean-Up Campaign and Awareness Initiatives at Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail

Clean-Up Campaign and Awareness Initiatives at Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail

Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 witnessed a significant clean-up drive at the Maurice Herzog Trail and the base camp of the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna I (8,091 meters).

A team of nine members from the New Kanxi Barahi Youth Club of Ward 5, Shikha, and twelve members from the Janajagaran Youth Club of Ward 4, Gadpar, participated in the campaign. The volunteers managed waste along the trail from Humkhola in Narchyang to the base camp, disposing of biodegradable waste in dug pits and collecting non-biodegradable waste for proper management further down the trail.

Leadership and Local Support

Suren Gurung, proprietor of SE Production and leader of the initiative, stated that the team, which reached the base camp on Kartik 27, brought back three sacks of glass waste. These were handed over to the rural municipality for proper disposal on Friday.

To enhance awareness and maintain cleanliness, information boards were installed at Humkhola, Futfute Waterfall, and the base camp. This was made possible by a financial contribution exceeding NPR 100,000 from Dhan Kumar Paija of Annapurna Rural Municipality-7, currently residing in the UK.

Waste Management and Future Plans

“The trail and base camp were littered with plastic, paper, fabric, steel, and glass waste,” said Gurung. “To preserve the area’s natural beauty, we buried biodegradable waste and carried non-biodegradable waste down the trail.” Additionally, two dustbins were placed at Futfute Waterfall and the base camp with the support of Rekha Memorial Trust.

Previous Clean-Up Efforts

Earlier, a clean-up drive was conducted in the third week of Ashwin by a 19-member team from Peribharani Youth Club in Gharamdi, supported by Paija. Similarly, Narchyang Ward Member Shyam Purja led another drive in the first week of Kartik.

Infrastructure Development

In a related initiative, a public toilet was recently constructed near Futfute Waterfall under Lalita Sherpunja of Raghuganga Rural Municipality-1, Beg, who currently resides in Australia.

Annapurna Base Camp’s Growing Appeal

According to Lok Bahadur Phagami, Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, approximately 5,000 domestic tourists visited the Annapurna Base Camp this autumn. The trail offers an adventurous trek along the Mistrikhola riverbank, cascading waterfalls, stunning mountain vistas, unique topography, rare flora, and fauna.

One of the key attractions is the Panchakunda Lake, known for its striking blue hue, located at the foot of the Annapurna massif. Due to the relatively short three-day trekking route, Annapurna Base Camp is gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts.

Challenges for Visitors

Visitors to the Maurice Herzog Trail and Annapurna Base Camp must be self-sufficient and bring their food, utensils, gas, and clothing, as there are no hotels or lodges along the route.

The collaborative efforts of local youth clubs and international supporters continue to enhance the sustainability and attractiveness of the Annapurna trekking experience.

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