The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nepal in Business-Growth Advisors (NiB-GA) to promote and develop wellness tourism in Nepal’s Himalayan destinations. NiB-GA is a programme funded by UK International Development and implemented by DAI Global UK. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the trekking and wellness tourism sectors and create innovative tourism products that combine adventure, trekking and wellness experiences.
TAAN and NiB-GA Formalise Collaboration
The MoU was signed by Sagar Pandey, President of TAAN, and Ratish Basnyat, Team Leader of NiB-GA. The signing ceremony was attended by Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, General Secretary of TAAN, and Ram Chandra Sedai, Chief Executive Officer of TAAN. Representing NiB-GA were Kanchan Gurung, Sector Initiative Expert, and Sambhavi Banset, Communication Manager. The agreement formally establishes cooperation between the two organisations to jointly plan, develop and implement activities and action plans aimed at integrating trekking and adventure tourism with wellness tourism.
Focus on Innovative Wellness Trekking Products
Under the agreement, TAAN and NiB-GA will work together to design innovative wellness-oriented trekking products that combine Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes and adventure experiences with wellness activities. The partnership will also focus on strengthening the capacity of tourism stakeholders and promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Through the collaboration, the two organisations aim to enhance Nepal’s position as a leading international destination for trekking, adventure and wellness tourism.
Annapurna Circuit to Become Wellness Trekking Circuit
One of the key initiatives under the MoU is the development of the Annapurna Circuit as a dedicated Wellness Trekking Circuit. The initiative will be aligned with the destinations and tourism hubs prioritised under the National Wellness Tourism Strategy (2026–2035) and its Action Plan (2026–2030). The proposed wellness trekking model is expected to combine trekking experiences with wellness-focused activities and services, creating a more diverse and holistic experience for visitors. The Annapurna Circuit has been selected as a key destination for developing this model because of its diverse landscapes, natural environment, cultural heritage and established international reputation as one of Nepal’s major trekking destinations.
Model to Be Replicated Across Other Himalayan Destinations
According to the agreement, the wellness trekking model developed along the Annapurna Circuit could later be replicated in other Himalayan trekking destinations. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for tourism businesses and local communities while diversifying Nepal’s trekking products. By integrating wellness into traditional trekking experiences, Nepal aims to respond to the growing global demand for travel experiences focused on physical well-being, mental relaxation, nature, mindfulness and healthy lifestyles.
Strengthening Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
The collaboration will also promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices in the development of wellness tourism products. TAAN and NiB-GA will work to strengthen the capacity of tourism stakeholders and encourage practices that support environmental protection, local participation and long-term destination sustainability. The initiative is expected to help ensure that the development of wellness tourism contributes to local communities while preserving Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage.
Nepal Seeks to Expand Its Wellness Tourism Potential
The signing of the MoU marks an important step towards expanding Nepal’s tourism portfolio beyond traditional trekking and adventure activities. With its Himalayan landscapes, rich cultural heritage, natural resources and established tourism infrastructure, Nepal has significant potential to develop as a leading wellness tourism destination. The partnership between TAAN and NiB-GA is expected to support the development of new tourism products and strengthen Nepal’s competitiveness in the growing global wellness tourism market.
