A team of National Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (NEAT) Nepal assessed the area last week. Ashok Silwal, media coordinator of NEAT-Nepal and a member of the assessment team, said the trail to Kyanjin Gumba needs to be repaired in many places.The team had three representatives from NEAT Nepal, 11 locals and support staff. According to the team, more than 90 percent of hotels, lodges and teahouses in the region has been damaged. There were around 235 lodges, hotels and lodges along the Langtang trail before the earthquake. Few hotels and lodges with minor cracks, however, are standing in Khamjing, Sherpa Gaun and Rimchhe.
According to Silwal, the team has declared that the trail from Syabrubesi to Khamjing is safe to travel. "However, as the Syabrubesi-Poiro-Bamboo-Rimche route is completely damaged. It was not possible to assess the area," he added.
Silwal said they reached Kyanjin via an old route (Syabrubesi- Khamjing-Sherpa Gaun-Rimche) as the regular trail was completely damaged.
After assessing the trail and holding consultation with the locals, the assessment team has suggested to the government to concrete-pave 50-meter section from Sherpa Gaun to Lama Hotel, remove debris from a section of trail from Lama Hotel to Gumba Chowk, and build steps with railing in about 300-meter section.
Similarly, the team has suggested that the government rehabilitate 100-meter section of the trail below Ghodatabela and build two foot bridges between Gumba Danda and Langtang Village. "There is a need to remove debris from the trail from Singdum to Kyanjin Gumba," he added.
According to Silwal, massive efforts would be required to revive Langtang Village which was swept away by an avalanche. "We need to first demarcate the trail, widen and level it," he said, adding that the government should build shelters for the local villagers.
The team has said at least Rs 20 million would be needed immediately to carry out the afore-mentioned works.
Bal Ram Neupane, president of Rasuwa-Nuwakot Tourism Society, said the Tamang Heritage Trail and Gosainkunda Trek are safe for trekking. "We don't recommend trekking in these areas during monsoon. These routes, however, can be made operable from the autumn season," he said, adding that an alternative route from Thulo Syabrubesi, Singh Gompa and Cholang Pati can be used for Gosainkunda Trek.
"The good thing is that locals are very much committed to open the trail themselves. The government needs to encourage them by allocating necessary resources," Neupane, who is also the executive member of NEAT-Nepal said. "They are willing to work day and night to resume trekking from the autumn season."
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