Beni: A team led by tourism entrepreneur Steven Kingsley Berry from the United Kingdom recently completed the challenging Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking route in the Annapurna Circuit. Berry, who has been promoting Nepal as a travel destination for over three decades through his company Mountain Kingdoms Ltd., embarked on this trek with the aim of highlighting and publicizing this lesser-known trail. The trek to Annapurna North Base Camp commenced from Narchyang in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4.

The team concluded that the route to Annapurna North Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,305 meters above sea level, is not only fantastic and unique but also safe. Offering breathtaking views of mountains such as Annapurna I, Mount Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri, this trekking route takes you through dense green forests, mesmerizing waterfalls, fascinating caves, and awe-inspiring glaciers. The path was discovered in 2068 BS while retracing the footsteps of Maurice Herzog during his historic ascent of Mount Annapurna (8,091 meters).

Local tourism entrepreneur Tej Gurung and his team discovered this trail when the previous route to Annapurna North Base Camp through Tukuche in Mustang and Bhusketmela in Narchyang became risky, as reported by the locals. It took the team of 15 individuals four days to reach the Base Camp via this newly-discovered trail, which involved constructing temporary bridges in 62 locations to cross streams and rivers.

The route is also referred to as the Maurice Herzog trail, named after the leader of the expedition team that successfully scaled Mount Annapurna for the first time on June 3, 1950. Shesh Kanta Sharma, a member of Steven Kingsley Berry's team and a representative from Mountain Legend Pvt. Ltd., confirmed this nomenclature.

Impressed by the trekking trail's safety and beauty, 74-year-old Berry, who has explored various mountainous tourist destinations in Nepal, expressed his amazement, stating, "We have come here to scout trekking routes for British trekkers, and I never expected the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek to be so short and safe. It is truly remarkable."

The trail carries historical significance, attracting foreign tourists, according to Sharma. He added, "This trail to Annapurna North Base Camp is safe, with flatlands at the Base Camp reducing the risk of natural disasters. The area boasts natural beauty and biodiversity. When properly promoted, it has the potential to attract a large number of tourists. It is essential to develop the necessary infrastructure accordingly, including expanding hotel facilities along the way."

The Annapurna North Base Camp is located 42 kilometers from Narchyang and can be accessed by motorable road up to 20 kilometers to Humkhola, followed by a 22-kilometer trek from Humkhola.

Recognizing its potential, tourism entrepreneurs from Myagdi, including Amritman Shrestha and Raju Hamal of Bhurungtatopani in Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, which serves as the entrance to Annapurna Base Camp, recently explored the trail. Shrestha, who runs a tourist-standard hotel in Tatopani, believes that promoting and highlighting this alternative route to Annapurna North Base Camp will attract an increased number of domestic and foreign tourists. The Rural Municipality, led by Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun, has joined the campaign to promote the trail and the Base Camp, initiating the construction of additional tourism infrastructure to bring attention to the area.

In 2005, Maurice Herzog visited Narchyang via helicopter and expressed concerns regarding the development of the newly discovered trekking trail. In 2067 BS, the Annapurna Tatopani Rupse Festival was organized to raise awareness about Annapurna Base Camp, Bhurungtatopani, and Rupse Waterfall. Subsequently, the trekking trail was constructed through Narchyang, Chhotepa, and Humkhola with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. The First Annapurna Tourism Festival was held in Narchyang in 2076 BS. Suspension bridges, resting places, and other infrastructures have been built along the trail, with the Tourism Ministry providing over Rs 28 million and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project allocating more than Rs 4 million for infrastructure development, as confirmed by tourism entrepreneur Tej Gurung.

Ongoing construction work includes resting places at Annapurna Base Camp, Dharamdhunga, Bhusketmela, Guphaphant, Sandikharka, Humkhola, and Chhotepa.

Annapurna North Base Camp is surrounded by stunning mountains such as Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, Baraha Shikhar, and Nilgiri. Another attraction in the area is Panchakunda Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise lake spanning over 20,000 square meters, which captivates visitors.

Amrit Subedi, the chief administrative officer of Annapurna Rural Municipality, mentioned that the Phutphute Waterfall and other attractions like Pancha Waterfall, Rato Waterfall, and Aakashe Gufa (cave) also entice tourists. The route is home to blooming rhododendron flowers and diverse wildlife species, including snow leopards, blue sheep, bears, musk deer, and wild dogs, making it a fascinating destination for both tourists and trekkers, according to local tourism entrepreneur Tej Gurung.

Collective efforts are necessary to address the lack of facilities such as hotels, drinking water, communication, and toilets at Annapurna North Base Camp, as highlighted by Lok Bahadur Phagami, the ward chair of Narchyang. He emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to enhance visitor experiences.

Rabi Tamang from Seven Summit Treks, a travel agency, shared his experience of managing drinking water for climbers and tourists by collecting it from Panchakunda Lake, approximately an hour's walk from the Base Camp. He also mentioned the challenge of the absence of mobile networks in the area.

As the trek gains popularity, more tourists and trekkers are flocking to explore this newly discovered trail, creating an opportunity for sustainable tourism growth in the region, as affirmed by Diwa Kumari Tilija, the vice-chair of the Rural Municipality.