The Gurung Tourism Business Association of Gandaki Province has officially declared the Gurung Heritage Trail, which begins in Madi Rural Municipality, Kaski, and connects to Timang in Chame Rural Municipality, Manang. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in Pokhara, with support from the Nepal Tourism Board, the Gandaki Province Ministry of Tourism, Madi Rural Municipality in Kaski, Khulasaunthar and Masryangdi Rural Municipalities in Lamjung, and Chame Rural Municipality in Manang.
Dr. Takaraj Gurung, the Economic Affairs Minister of Gandaki Province, publicly unveiled the trail’s map and formally declared the trail open. He expressed confidence that the Gurung Heritage Trail would be significant for trekking tourism in Gandaki Province, especially at a time when many trekking routes are disappearing.
Minister Gurung also mentioned that the provincial government is preparing a provincial-level tourism master plan to promote the development of tourism. Highlighting that Gandaki Province has three peaks over 8,000 meters, he emphasized the need to showcase the region’s potential for mountain and trekking tourism.
Kismakumari Gurung, President of the Gurung Tourism Business Association of Gandaki Province, informed that a 37-member team, including engineers, researchers, GPS experts, communication specialists, and tourist guides, conducted a field study of the Gurung Heritage Trail from Tangting to Timang between May 21 and 30.
Founder Chairman Bobarjang Gurung stated that the trail will encompass historic sites, ancient settlements, and traditional salt trade routes associated with the Gurung community’s origins in Khulasaunthar. He emphasized the need for joint efforts from both the state and private sectors to preserve, promote, and utilize this trail that connects nature and culture with tourism.
Central member Sanjeev Gurung expressed the belief that promoting the trail from a tourism perspective could establish it as one of Nepal’s premier destinations, allowing trekkers to experience the mountains up close.
Gandaki Provincial Assembly member and former minister Bed Bahadur Gurung stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure the trail’s preservation and tourism utility.
Other participants at the event included Provincial Assembly member Devka Pahari, Madi Rural Municipality Chairperson Devi Jang Gurung, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Chief Nabin Pokharel, Pokhara Tourism Council Chairperson Pomanarayan Shrestha, Acting Chairperson of the Gurung Tourism Business Association Central Baburam Gurung, Gandaki Province General Secretary Tul Gurung, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Chief Rabin Kadariya, and Nepal Journalists Association Kaski President Bimala Bhandari. They all expressed optimism that the trail will contribute to extending tourist stays in Pokhara and across Gandaki Province.
