Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (Taan) has decided to celebrate its 37th anniversary in Langtang on May 29—a move aimed at supporting the rebuilding of local tourism industry.

The Langtang region suffered the worst destruction during last year’s earthquake as a huge landslide swept off the peak of the Langtang Lirung to bury the village below. The landslide destroyed settlements in Gumba, Chamki, Tsarding and Thyangshyup. The disaster claimed 661 lives, with 106 people still missing.

The popular trekking destination is struggling to revive even a year after the earthquake. “We have decided to move our annual event to Langtang this year. We believe the event will help revive tourism and the locals’ confidence,” said Taan CEO Ganga Sagar Pant. “Various events have been planned.”

Taan plans to organise a marathon along the 45km trail starting from Kyanjin Ghumba to Syabrubesi. A mobile clinic and other events have also been planned.

Pant said the event will bring together travel

trade entrepreneurs, government officials and representatives from various diplomatic missions.

“Almost all the trekking trails destroyed by the earthquake in other parts of the country have been reconstructed, but the works in Langtang region are yet to begin,” said Pant. “Langtang suffered the worst destruction and it will take a huge amount of money and time to rebuild the trekking trails.”

According to Taan, trail reconstruction works in Manaslu have been completed, except for a few suspension bridges. The trails in Manaslu have been reconstructed with the help of experts from the US. “Now, the route has become strong and wide,” Pant said.

Pant said Taan has signed an agreement with the DAV Summit Club, a mountaineering school of the German Alpine Club, for the reconstruction of the trails in the Langtang region. The club is also raising funds for the purpose.

“We have estimated the rehabilitation of the trekking trails in the region will cost around Rs10 million,” said Pant. “As per the plan, the rehabilitation works, which will begin after the monsoon, will be completed by September 2017.”

Out of the 150km trekking route, 65km has been completely destroyed. Despite various risks associated, trekkers, however, have started to travel in the region.

In October 2015, the foot trail to Langtang valley was reopened clearing the debris, but it still poses risks to the trekkers. “We cannot stop trekkers’ movement, but they are advised to adopt precaution,” Pant said. Before the quake, around 15,000 tourists visited the Langtang area every year on an average.