Speaking at a program organized in the capital, president of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Mahendra Singh Thapa requested the government to issue a single permit for The Great Himalayan Trail. [break]
Also known as official trail of Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011, GHT is 1,700 kilometer long and can be completed in 150 days. "It will be very easy for us to sell the package of GHT if the government introduces single window policy for different permits," he added.
GHT passes through a number of trekking routes and restricted areas making it very difficult for foreigners to attempt. It is estimated that around $ 3,200 will be the cost for different permits while passing through GHT.
Officials of MoTCA said they are positive about the proposal and will discuss it with the stakeholders for the possibility of a unified permit for GHT.
Chief Secretary of the government Madhav Ghimire said tourism has played a very important role in uplifting economic level of local people. “I hope the promotion of GHT will also help improve the life of rural people around that area,” he added.
Meanwhile, officials of GHT Development Program announced the Climate Smart Celebrity Trek (CSCT) is being organized by the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI). Organizers said the objective of the event is to promote GHT by attracting attention of global celebrities and showcase sustainable tourism.
"We have reached out to prominent global celebrities already,” HCI CEO Prashant Singh said.
Everest summiteers Apa Sherpa and Dawa Steven Sherpa are participating in the trek. “We are planning the trek in such a way that local communities will welcome them at eleven specific points on GHT and will also share the experiences and discuss development needs of the mountain communities,” Singh added.
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