Many local units in Baglung district have allocated budget for foot trail construction for tourists in the run-up to the tourism year 2020.

Last fiscal year, Baglung Municipality initiated the construction of a foot trail from Malika to Sansarkot. With the budget of Rs 500,000, the municipality constructed a 500 metre-long staircase and widened the pathway. 

The municipality plans to complete the foot trail this fiscal year. 

“We will build stone steps along the trail this year. We might even pave the trail with concrete if we have the required fund,” said Shiva Prasad Sapkota, the chairman of ward No. 5 of Baglung Municipality.

The local government aims to promote the already-existing foot trails and explore new ones for Visit Nepal 2020.

Elsewhere in Tamankhola Rural Municipality, the local government, in coordination with Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, has discovered a 40 km foot trail that circles the rural municipality.

“Foot trails are better than opening tracks and operating vehicular service in difficult terrain. Many people want to visit rural areas to enjoy beautiful landscapes. With these foot trails, we are giving guests the opportunity to explore,” said Joklal Budha, the chairman of the local unit. 

Many domestic tourists from Baglung, Myagdi, Gulmi, Pyuthan, Rolpa and Rukum districts are expected to visit Tamankhola to trek.

Soledanda is the major attraction of this route. It lies at an altitude of around 2,600 metres above sea level.

Budha said the trekking route will not only promote tourism but also help agriculture, animal husbandry and hotel and lodge sectors to flourish. 

“Various hotels and lodges will be set up once the trekking route comes into operation. This will ensure employment opportunity for many and local farmers will find a convenient market for their produce,” he said. 

Galkot Municipality has also prioritised developing a trekking trail from Harichaur to Ghumte. The provincial government of Gandaki had allocated Rs 2 million to open the trail in the last fiscal for. “The municipality is working on trail upgradation this year,” said Thamman Thapa, a local.

Kothekhola Rural Municipality and Jaimini Municipality are also developing trails for trekkers.