Ghandruk, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-10/11, Kaski, is emerging as a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists. During the inauguration of the Second Annual General Assembly of the Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee, Dr. Rabin Kandel, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Pokhara, emphasized Ghandruk’s potential to become a trekking hub.
Dr. Kandel highlighted that Ghandruk serves as the starting point for several popular trekking routes, including the Annapurna Circuit, Mulde, Hidden Lake, Ghodepani in Myagdi, Khopra, and Poon Hill. This strategic location enhances Ghandruk’s importance as a central hub for trekking enthusiasts.
He further stressed the need to expand the offerings in Ghandruk to attract more tourists and extend their stays by developing new trekking destinations and prioritizing wildlife conservation. Dr. Kandel noted, “While we often view wildlife as a threat, their protection could attract tourists, just like visitors flock to Chitwan to see elephants and leopards. We can similarly promote Ghandruk’s wildlife.”
With the recent rise in forest fires impacting tourism and the climate, Dr. Kandel urged the local community to be proactive in forest fire prevention. He also emphasized the importance of branding local products such as allo (nettle fiber) and traditional goods from Ghandruk, which can further boost the local economy. Products like local liquor and dried meat (sukuti) could be marketed to strengthen Ghandruk’s financial standing.
Annapurna Rural Municipality-10 Ward Chairperson, Gautam Gurung, echoed Dr. Kandel’s sentiments, highlighting the collaboration between local government, ACAP, and the community to promote Ghandruk’s development.
The meeting also saw the participation of prominent figures like Jagansubba Gurung, former Chief of ACAP’s Ghandruk office, who discussed the importance of conservation efforts since the establishment of the protected area. Maya Pun Thapa, Secretary of the Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee, presented the annual report, and Treasurer Krishna Gurung provided the financial report.
Special recognitions were given during the event. Subash Gurung, owner of Hotel Bridge, was honored for contributing the highest foreign tourist fees, while Amrit Gurung, owner of Hotel Wild Village Inn, was recognized for paying the highest Nepali guide (porter) fees.
In addition, leaders from local organizations, including Prem Gurung, President of the Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Ghandruk, and Amrit Gurung, founder of the Lama Amrit Foundation, provided insights on Ghandruk’s development and the united approach needed to further boost tourism.
The assembly was chaired by Bikram Gurung, President of the Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee, with welcoming remarks from committee member Ramkumari Pariyar and conducted by Secretary Maya Pun Thapa.
