Government Announces Plan to Revitalize Trekking Routes in Sudurpashchim Province

Dhangadhi. The government led by Balendra (Balen) Shah has announced a plan to organize trekking routes connecting major tourist destinations in Sudurpashchim. This initiative has sparked hope for these long-neglected sites, with the government aiming to streamline these routes within a month.

The government's 100-day governance reform action plan includes organizing trekking routes for Ramaroshan in Achham, Badimalika in Bajura, and Api Himal in Darchula. A clear roadmap for implementation within one month is being prepared.

According to KP Khanal, a member of the House of Representatives elected from Kailali Constituency No. 2, the government is working rapidly on this. 'Tourism is the main foundation for the development of Sudurpashchim. We have already started the necessary studies and planning. Work is moving forward,' he said.

There is growing interest in what the government will achieve for these routes within its first 100 days. Tourism stakeholders in the region are particularly encouraged by this announcement.

Local resident Gopi Dhami from Darchula expressed hope that this decision would bring tourist activity to the region. He said, 'The government has promised to work. Let's see if there is some change!'

Saipal in Bajhang and Api Himal in Darchula are considered hidden gems. The 7,132-meter-high Api and 7,031-meter-high Saipal mountains are the main attractions for tourists in this province. The lakes, waterfalls, flower-covered meadows, and biodiversity along the base camp trails are mesmerizing.

During the approximately 14-day Api-Saipal trek, tourists can see Nepal's national bird, the Danphe, as well as Munal, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr. Beyond the mountains, the local culture is equally captivating. Deuda, Darchula's Malesi, and Bajhang's Dhuleli culture offer tourists a unique and intimate experience.

Despite the potential, Sudurpashchim has not benefited as expected from tourism due to a lack of infrastructure. According to Department of Tourism data, the region's share of mountaineering revenue is very low. According to the web portal PeakVisor, there are about 200 mountains over 5,500 meters in Sudurpashchim, but only 71 have been named so far. Most peaks remain anonymous.

Local representatives note a severe lack of safe trails, hotels or tea houses, communication facilities, and signage for tourists. Bharat Singh Thekare Bohara, Chairman of Api Himal Rural Municipality in Darchula, stated that while the province has natural resources, there are no organized places for tourists to stay and eat. He noted that these places have remained in the shadows due to a lack of basic tourism infrastructure.

In Bajhang, there is also a need to measure the height of the mountains and prepare profiles. Locals also point to the lack of trained guides and porters as another problem.

Recently, the effects of climate change have begun to turn these mountains into black rock. Poaching under the guise of herb collection and forest fires have threatened biodiversity. The lack of proper waste management and the drying up of glaciers and water sources are also matters of concern.

Environmentalists have suggested declaring this area a protected area or national park. Madan Dhami, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality, believes that the region should seek to attract tourists based on expert advice to ensure no harm comes to the environment.