Myagdi, Nov 5: A tourist information centre has been established at Banskot, which serves as the entrance to the Maurice Herzog Trek in Narchang, Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi.
This initiative, undertaken by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Local Conservation Area Management Committee, aims to gather data on both domestic and international tourists visiting the base camp.
The centre will maintain records and provide essential information regarding the footpath and base camp, facilitating the trekking experience. The inauguration of the information centre was a joint effort by Bharat Kumar Pun, Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality, and Ravin Kadariya, Director of ACAP.
Bhim Paudel, responsible for conservation at ACAP Ghandruk, stated that the centre’s establishment is intended to organize tourist statistics, offer information about the trail and base camp, and outline the rules and guidelines for trekkers.
Tej Gurung, Chairman of the Conservation Area Management Committee in Narchang, emphasized that the centre will play a crucial role in informing both domestic and international tourists about the Annapurna Base Camp and the Maurice Herzog Trail, as well as the services and facilities available.
Gurung, who also serves as the engineer for the Maurice Herzog trek, noted that the cenre will facilitate the collection of tourist details, provide necessary information, and address any issues encountered during the trek. He mentioned that regular services will be maintained with one to two employees present at the centre until Tihar.
The interest of domestic tourists has been on the rise, with the northern base camp of Annapurna First Mountain situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters. The Maurice Herzog Trail, which leads to the base camp of the 8,091-meter-high Annapurna Base Camp, is being developed to enhance its appeal.
