Myagdi, March 27: The problem of tourists having to carry their own provisions during the Mauris Harzog Trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek in Myagdi has come to an end.
The tourists have become more comfortable after temporary structures including tents and shelters were constructed in the trekking route and base camp area in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, providing food, snacks, and accommodation. Due to the lack of hotel and lodge facilities, those going to the Mauris Harzog Trek and Annapurna Climbing Camp had to arrange their own food, snacks, utensils, gas, clothes, and other items.
Shyam Purja, ward member of Annapurna-4, informed that the problem of tourists having to carry heavy luggage for food and accommodation at the Mauris Harzog Trekking Trail and Annapurna Base Camp, which have been developed as new tourist destinations, has been eliminated from this season.
“As per the policy provisions of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the youth of Narchyang have completed the necessary procedures and obtained permission from the rural municipality to operate tea shops, restaurants and camps,” he said. “With this, it has become easier for tourists to eat and stay. In addition to removing the compulsion to travel carrying heavy luggage, employment and income-generating opportunities have also been created at the local level.”
Ward member Purja informed that camps have been set up at the tea shop at Phutphute Falls, Sadhikharka, Guphanphant, Bhusket and the Panchkunda Lake area of the Annapurna Base Camp. According to him, up to 50 tourists can stay in these camps daily.
Stating that the camp area has been built to be able to operate during the tourist season as there is a legal provision that does not allow permanent structures to be built in the area falling within the ECAP, Purja informed that preparations are underway to determine the service fee for the area after calculating the cost estimate.
One can reach the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,100 meters above sea level, observing the banks of Mistrikhola, tall waterfalls, charming mountain ranges, attractive geography, mountains, rare plants, and wildlife. From Humkhola, which can be reached after a two-hour horseback ride from Narchang, one can also reach the base camp in two days and return on the third day.
Tourism professionals here say that the Annapurna Base Camp is a favorite among tourists because it can be reached in a short journey. The trekking route, which was identified in 2067 BS under the leadership of Tej Gurung of Narchyang, following the route used by Mauris Harzog of France to climb the Annapurna Himal about 70 years ago, was named after Mauris Harzog by Annapurna Rural Municipality in 2077 BS and operated.
The peaceful and secluded environment, wildlife, birds and animals, forests, high mountain gorges, gushing waterfalls, and the blue Panchkunda Lake at the foot of the Annapurna Himalayas are the attractions of the base camp.
