The shelter-houses are being constructed as preparatory measures against deadly blizzards like the one that hit the world-famous trekking route nearly a year ago.Lack of shelter-houses was blamed for large human causalities during the disaster in Annapurna circuit. At least 40 people, including domestic and foreign, were killed and many others had sustained serious injuries. District Development Committee (DDC) of Mustang said construction of the shelter-houses is part of their efforts to minimize human causalities if such cases repeat in the future.
Jeevan Gyawali, planning, monitoring and administrative officer at the DDC, Mustang said that such houses are being constructed at four places despite their plan for five. Of the four shelter houses, three have already been constructed while the construction of one has been delayed due local disputes. "The project has been stalled in Hitan valley trekking route of Tukuche Mountain," said Gyawali.
One of such shelter-houses is located 5416m above the sea level and another has been constructed at the Dome Camp, around 4300m above from sea level. Each of these houses can accommodate at least 60 individuals.
Similarly, another shelter house is constructed in Surkhang (3500m above sea level) on the way to Damodar Kunda. And the remaining two are constructed along the Mustang - Dolpa trekking route, Gyawali informed. "All the shelter-houses have toilets attached to them and have been constructed with an investment of around Rs 8 million with free labor contribution of the locals." Nepal Tourism Board had provided Rs 10 million for the project.
Stating that the objective behind the construction is to prevent human causalities, Gyawali informed that the shelter house locations were chosen strategically. "Although the houses do not have very good facilities, trekkers can take shelters there during avalanches and blizzards," he said while sharing that the houses will be ready for use within a month before snow fall starts this year.
Trekking route from Thorong Phedi (4540m) and Thorong La pass (5416) towards Muktinath Temple is considered the most challenging route during the trek. Difficult routes and lack of places to take shelter during bad weather have always been a serious setback for trekkers along the route.
The DDC took initiative for constructing the shelter houses following many complaints and demands from tourists and tourism entrepreneurs for shelters during avalanches and blizzards. "Tourists have complained of high risks of loosing trekking tracks during and after avalanches and consequent risk of following wrong paths and undue accidents," said Gyawali.
Narendra Lama, tourism officer at Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), says that plans were in the offing to develop such shelter houses along Manang section trekking route. "We have realized that there is an acute need of such shelter-houses along the Manang section route also. We are planning to this end also," he said, adding that concerned authorities and locals should be careful in not letting misuse of shelter houses.
Lama informed that around 40,000 tourist travels in Annapurna circuit annually. Thorong La pass borders Manang and Mustang, and crossing it marks the completion of the journey. Crossing the pass is considered as a challenge among trekkers.
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