On October 8, 2024, a comprehensive interaction program was held at Low Camp along the Mardi Himal trekking route, organized by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Gandaki Province, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office.
The event was chaired by Mr. Krishna Prasad Acharya, the president of TAAN Gandaki, with special guests including Mr. Kundan Mishra, head of the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Office, Mr. Rajendra Chhetri, ward chairman of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Ward No. 9, and Mr. Rajkumar Tamang, president of the Mardi Trek Tourism Management and Business Committee.
The program saw the participation of around 35 individuals, including former ward chairman Mr. Durga Chhetri, journalists, and local tourism entrepreneurs. During the discussions, various speakers representing the Mardi Trek Tourism Management and Business Committee and local elected officials addressed contemporary issues and security challenges faced in the Mardi Himal region.
The president of TAAN highlighted critical topics such as food pricing, food quality, accommodations for trekkers, and the challenges faced by trekking porters. The first vice president of TAAN, Mr. Tirtharaj Subedi, delivered the welcome speech, while the program was conducted by the secretary, Mr. Gopal Krishna Sangroula.
Key issues discussed included the need for proper toilet facilities at the Mardi Himal viewpoint, waste management along the trekking route, installation of signboards and directional boards in various locations, concerns over high menu prices, maintaining records of tourists, and preventing unnecessary trails from being cut into the trekking paths.
Additionally, health and hygiene complaints have significantly increased, with some guests reportedly falling ill due to poor sanitary conditions. As Mardi Trek is a well-known brand in the trekking community, it is vital to address these concerns. Plans have been discussed to raise awareness and implement measures to prevent such health-related issues in the future, ensuring a safer and more hygienic experience for all trekkers.
Following the discussions, it was agreed that TAAN Gandaki, the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, and the Mardi Trek Tourism Management and Business Committee would collaboratively address the identified challenges and enhance the overall development and promotion of the Mardi Himal trekking route.
The program also included the unveiling of a life-sized statue of the pioneering individual, late Sudip Gautam, in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Ward No. 9, commemorating his contributions to the Mardi Himal trekking route.
Source: TAAN Gandaki Pokhara
