A memorandum has been submitted to Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel, urging the expansion of communication facilities at the Annapurna Base Camp (North) located in Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, Myagdi, which has recently emerged as a new and attractive tourist destination.
Demand for 4G Mobile Tower at 4,150 Meters
A delegation led by Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun formally handed over the memorandum, demanding the installation of a fourth-generation (4G) mobile tower with internet services at the Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level. The proposal aims to ensure safer and more convenient travel for trekkers and mountaineers visiting the area.
Communication Gap Affecting Rescue Operations
Campaigner of the Maurice Herzog Trail, Tej Gurung, stated that the lack of communication facilities has created serious challenges, particularly during emergency rescue operations involving trekkers and climbers. He noted that while mobile phone services are available up to Humkhola, trekkers heading to and from the base camp remain completely disconnected for two to three days, increasing safety risks.
Minister Assures Action, Telecom Assigned Responsibility
Responding to the concerns, Minister Jagdish Kharel assured the delegation that the government would initiate the necessary process to expand communication services at the Annapurna Base Camp. He assigned Nepal Telecom Engineer Jibaraj Upadhyay to take responsibility for moving the process forward.
The Minister also instructed the concerned authorities to collect detailed information on all Nepal Telecom towers in Myagdi district and to work towards service expansion and capacity enhancement wherever required.
Delegation Members and Return to Myagdi
The delegation included Tej Gurung, Subin Shrestha, President of the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, businessman Kiran Baniya, and Harikrishna Gautam, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Myagdi chapter. The team submitted the memorandum in Kathmandu on Tuesday and returned to Myagdi thereafter.
Historical and Tourism Significance of the Trail
The Maurice Herzog Trail, which connects Narchyang village to the North Annapurna Base Camp, commemorates the historic ascent of Annapurna I (8,091 meters) on June 3, 1950, when French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal made the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak in the world. The expedition was led by Maurice Herzog, after whom the trail is named.
Communication Blackout Along the Route
Although communication facilities are available along the 20-kilometer stretch up to Humkhola, the remaining 22 kilometers, covering Chhotepa, Humkhola, Sandhikharka, Guphaphant, Bhusket Mela, Dharamdhunga, and the Base Camp, remain completely communication-free. This lack of connectivity has adversely affected tourism promotion, safety, and visitor confidence in the region.
Growing Tourist Footfall and Future Plans
The Annapurna Base Camp area witnesses a surge in tourist arrivals during peak seasons, particularly from Ashoj, Kartik, Falgun to Jestha. Alongside the expansion of electricity and telecommunication facilities, Annapurna Rural Municipality has stated that it will continue initiatives to develop additional essential infrastructure along the trekking route to promote sustainable tourism.
