Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has unveiled three trekking routes — Humla-Rara, Rara-Khaptad and Jaljala Trek — in mid and far western development regions.
Sushil Ghimire, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), launched maps and promotional DVDs of the new trails during the 35th annual general meeting of TAAN held on Friday.
Speaking at the program, Ghimire thanked TAAN for exploring new trekking trails in mid and far western regions which are yet to get benefits from tourism despite having immense potentials. “At a time when the government has waived off permit fee for peaks lying in mid and far western regions, exploration of new trekking trails in the regions by TAAN is praiseworthy,” he said.
Mahendra Singh Thapa, president of TAAN, said, “Tourist spending has not increased in line with the growth in tourist arrivals. The government should look into the issue seriously. He also urged the government to fix minimum benchmark price for tourism products and services so as to increase tourist spending.