A team of volleyball players from Gharamdi in Annapurna Rural Municipality-7 has successfully conducted a clean-up operation along the Maurice Herzog Trail and at the base camp of the world’s seventh-highest peak, Annapurna I. The 19-member team managed the litter left behind by tourists along the route from Narcyang’s Humkhola to the base camp.
Team leader Dhankumar Paija stated that the group buried biodegradable waste and collected non-biodegradable waste, which was then brought down and burned. The clean-up team returned this morning after setting out towards the base camp on October 2.
“The increasing influx of tourists has led to more waste along the Maurice Herzog Trail. This initiative was organized to raise awareness about keeping the trail clean,” Paija said. He emphasized the need for stakeholders, including tourists, to take responsibility for maintaining the beauty of the area. Paija, who resides in the UK but has been actively supporting the development of his hometown, personally funded the trip along with another supporter, Fagami.
Annapurna I Base Camp, located in Ward No. 4 of Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi, is famous for being the first 8,000-meter peak to be summited. French mountaineer Maurice Herzog made the historic ascent on June 3, 1950. Two years later, Mount Everest was successfully summited for the first time.
The Maurice Herzog Trail, named in honor of Herzog’s achievement, connects Narcyang to the Annapurna Base Camp. Over the last two years, the trail has gained popularity, especially among domestic tourists, according to trail advocate Tej Gurung. In the previous spring season, 25 climbers obtained permits to scale Annapurna I, though no permits have been issued this autumn. Gurung noted that internal tourists are visiting the base camp almost daily.
The Maurice Herzog Trail offers breathtaking views of Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks, lush landscapes, unique terrain, waterfalls, rare plants, and wildlife. The trail passes landmarks such as Humkhola, Gurasdanda, Futfete Waterfall, Samdhikharka, Bhuskhet, Narcyang, and Panchakunda Lake, situated at 4,100 meters.
In recent years, infrastructure such as shelters and public toilets has been developed along the trail. Five shelters have been constructed, and Lalita Sherpunja, originally from Beg, has spearheaded the building of public restrooms near Futfete Waterfall. However, as there are no hotels or lodges along the route, trekkers must carry their own food.
Annapurna Rural Municipality President Bharat Kumar Pun announced that a budget of NPR 10 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year to build more facilities, including shelters and toilets, along the Maurice Herzog Trail. He assured that the local government is focused on improving infrastructure to enhance the experience for visiting tourists.
