Tourist information centre established at Maurice Herzog Trail entrance in Myagdi

MYAGDI: A tourist information centre has been established at Banskot, the entry point to Maurice Herzog Trail in Narchang, Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Local Conservation Area Management Committee jointly established the information centre to collect data on domestic and international tourists visiting the base camp area. It will also maintain visitor records and provide information on the trekking route and base camp.

Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun and ACAP Director Ravin Kadariya inaugurated the centre.

Bhim Paudel, conservation officer at ACAP Ghandruk, said the facility has been established to manage tourist statistics, provide information on the trail and base camp, and inform trekkers about rules and guidelines.

Tej Gurung, chairperson of the Conservation Area Management Committee in Narchang, said the information centre would provide domestic and foreign tourists with information about Annapurna Base Camp, the Maurice Herzog Trail, and available services and facilities.

Gurung, who is also the engineer of the Maurice Herzog Trail, said the centre would assist in collecting tourist information, providing necessary guidance and addressing issues encountered during the trek. He added that regular services would continue with one or two staff members stationed at the centre until Tihar.

Interest among domestic tourists in the route has been increasing in recent years. The northern base camp of Annapurna I is located at an altitude of 4,500 metres, while the Maurice Herzog Trail leading to the base camp of the 8,091-metre Annapurna I is being developed to attract more visitors.

(With inputs from RSS)