GANDAKI, Oct 28:  The foot trail leading to Annapurna Base Camp is currently bustling with domestic tourists, as the Dashain festival has drawn a substantial number of trekkers to the region. The final destination, Annapurna Base Camp, is teeming with visitors, and the hotels are fully occupied.

Dilip Gurung, Secretary of the Chomrong Tourism Committee, reported that the trekking route has been inundated with domestic tourists with the onset of Dashain. He noted that on Friday alone, approximately 400 domestic tourists embarked on the journey to Annapurna Base Camp, leading to full occupancy in hotels along the trail.

Annapurna Base Camp is internationally renowned as a trekking destination. Trekkers often use the tourist city of Pokhara as their base to reach Ghandruk, the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp. From there, it's a three-day trek to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Those wishing for longer treks can commence the journey from Nayapul in Kaski, located along the Pokhara-Baglung highway.

Secretary Gurung highlighted the growth of a culture of travel within Nepal, which has seen domestic tourists from various parts of the country flock to this area for trekking.

Dharmraj Panthi, president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki Chapter, affirmed that the Annapurna region, renowned for being one of the world's renowned mountain climbing destinations, is one of the finest trekking routes globally. He pointed out that the allure of hiking tourism is increasing for both foreign and domestic tourists.

Annapurna Base Camp predominantly attracts visitors from Europe, America, Malaysia, China, Korea, and other countries. However, the proliferation of roads has posed challenges to hiking tourism. In addition to Annapurna Base Camp, destinations like Mardi Himal, Pun Hill, and Millennium Trek are becoming increasingly appealing to tourists.

Chairman Panthi emphasized that the indiscriminate construction of roads, which shortens the trails, poses a significant challenge to hiking tourism. He suggested that while preserving existing foot trails, it is crucial to explore alternative routes.

Annapurna Base Camp has gained its reputation since French mountaineer Maurice Herzog's successful ascent of Annapurna I on June 3, 1950. Approximately 16 years later, in 1966, renowned trekker Eric Sipton trekked to Annapurna Base Camp, solidifying the area as a top destination for trekkers. Eric Sipton's trek to Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,130 meters above the sea level, played a pivotal role in promoting tourism in the region.

Annually, on Annapurna Climbing Day, the Annapurna Marathon is organized from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk, enhancing the area's cultural and recreational significance, according to Lalit Gurung, the coordinator of the Annapurna Century Tourism Festival.

While tourists visiting Annapurna Base Camp 45 years ago were forced to stay in makeshift accommodations, today, a multitude of hotels equipped with modern amenities warmly welcome travelers. In 2038 BS, 26 hotels opened in the Annapurna Base Camp vicinity, and an additional eight hotels were added in the past year, along with infrastructure development to cater to the increasing number of tourists.

Furthermore, the religious and cultural significance of the Annapurna Base Camp area, with features like Buddha Shila, the sacred Barah, and 18 visible streams, have further promoted tourism.

Secretary Gurung revealed that the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is set to make an official visit to Nepal, will also pay a visit to Annapurna Base Camp. Gurung expressed immense pride in this distinguished guest's visit and anticipates that it will further elevate the significance of Annapurna and the entire region in the days to come.

 
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