A new trekking destination named the “Upper Mundum Hunga Valley Mera Everest Trail” has been officially launched at the Nepal Tourism Board with the objective of promoting tourism in the remote Mahakulung region of Solukhumbu. The trail was unveiled during a special programme organised at the Nepal Tourism Board with the financial support of Mahakulung Rural Municipality and technical assistance from the Hill Development and Conservation Group Nepal. During the programme, organisers also launched brochures, maps, and booklets related to the newly introduced trekking trail, aiming to promote the destination among domestic and international adventure travellers.
Leaders and Tourism Stakeholders Attend Launch Event
The event was attended by several political leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from Nepal’s trekking and tourism sector. Member of the House of Representatives Prakash Singh Karki, elected from Solukhumbu, participated in the programme as the chief guest. Likewise, Members of Parliament Geeta Gurung and Rina Upreti KC, along with Koshi Province Assembly member Buddhi Kumar Rajbhandari, attended the event as special guests.
Representatives from Nepal’s tourism industry also participated in the programme, including Acting Director of the Nepal Tourism Board Sunil Sharma, President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Sagar Pandey, Senior Vice President Karma Sherpa, and General Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa. Organisers said the strong presence of tourism leaders and policymakers reflected growing interest in developing new trekking destinations beyond Nepal’s mainstream tourism circuits.
Photo Exhibition Highlights Himalayan Culture and Lifestyle
As part of the launch programme, a special photo exhibition was also organised in collaboration with Photo Nepal. The exhibition showcases the natural beauty, Himalayan culture, landscapes, and local lifestyle of the Mahakulung region. According to organisers, the exhibition will remain open for one week. Photographs displayed at the exhibition feature mountain scenery, traditional settlements, local communities, and cultural heritage from the region, offering visitors a visual introduction to the newly launched trail.
Trail Expected to Promote Local Economy
During the programme, speakers expressed confidence that the “Upper Mundum Hunga Valley Mera Everest Trail” would significantly contribute to tourism promotion, local employment generation, and economic development in the Mahakulung area of Solukhumbu. Officials stated that the trail has the potential to introduce the region’s pristine natural beauty, Himalayan culture, and authentic mountain lifestyle to the international tourism market.
The organisers also highlighted that the development of new trekking destinations is important for diversifying Nepal’s tourism industry and distributing tourism benefits to rural communities. Representatives noted that tourism development in remote Himalayan regions can help create sustainable income opportunities for local residents while preserving indigenous culture and traditions.
Local Leaders Optimistic About Future Tourism Growth
According to organisers, local residents and leaders have expressed strong optimism that the trail will become a major foundation for the economic prosperity of Mahakulung Rural Municipality in the coming years. Chairperson of Mahakulung Rural Municipality, Surya Bahadur Kulung, along with Vice Chairperson Bipana Kulung and other municipal representatives, were also notably present at the event. Local stakeholders believe the new trekking route can help attract adventure tourists seeking less-crowded and culturally rich Himalayan experiences outside the traditional Everest trekking routes.
Expanding Nepal’s Adventure Tourism Potential
Tourism experts at the programme noted that Nepal continues to hold immense potential for new trekking and adventure tourism products due to its unique geography, diverse ethnic cultures, and Himalayan landscapes. They emphasized that newly developed trails such as the Upper Mundum Hunga Valley Mera Everest Trail can play an important role in promoting sustainable tourism while reducing pressure on overcrowded trekking destinations. Organisers expressed hope that with proper infrastructure development, international promotion, and community participation, the trail could emerge as one of Nepal’s promising new trekking destinations in the future.
