New trekking route into operation

Mustang / February 5: A newly trekking route linking Myagdi to Mustang district has come into operation with the objective of promoting tourism in Mustang affected as a result of the ongoing road expansion work.

The alternative trekking route starting from Narchyang of Myagdi to Mukhit was recently unveiled at the joint initiative of the DDC, Annapurna Conservation Area Project and local tourism entrepreneurs.

Operation of road for traffic from Beni of Myagdi to Muktinath had affected trekking and tourism in the renowned Annapurna circuit trek. Furthermore, dust blowing out of the road with vehicles had discouraged trekkers, especially from Narchayang to Muktinath.

Built in a five-year-long period, the trekking route passed through the bank of the Kaligandaki river, said ACAP Mustang Chief Bidur Kuinkel. “The new trekking route came into operation from this season, and we expect it to benefit the trekkers and the tourism sector”, he said.

Trekkers are reported to have decreased by fifty per cent since the opening of the Beni-Jomsom road. Specific budget has been allocated to maintain the new trekking route which is expected to promote tourism in the district, Programme Officer at DDC, Mustang Kedar Singh Thapa said. RSS