-Basudev Poudel
Pokhara, November 22 : The number of visitors going for trekking in the Round-Annapurna area has been increasing over the years. This trekking route has earned a special identity in the world.
The Annapurna trekking route is the most attractive and expansive among the various trekking routes in the country. Backpackers are attracted to this trekking route due to the enchanting beauty and adventure it offers them; hence, the growing number of trekkers coming to this area every year.
The number of trekkers has steadily increased in this trekking route in the last two years, although it dropped in 2015 and 2016 due to the Gorkha Earthquake and the unofficial blockade imposed against Nepal by India.
Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) West Region chapter president Hari Bhujel said the number of trekkers from SAARC countries taking the collective Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card in September 2017 was 1,191 and this number increased to 1,478 in 2018.
The number of trekkers from SAARC countries taking the collective TIMS card for trekking in the Round-Annapurna area in October 2017 was 1,723 and the same increased 1,972 in October 2018.
Likewise, the number of trekkers from countries other than the SAARC region taking the TIMS card in September 2017 was 2,074 and this number rose to 2,228 in 2018. The number of trekkers from countries other than the SAARC region taking the TIMS card in October 2017 was 3,656 which rose to 3,704 in October 2018.
TIMS card has been made mandatory for visitors coming for trekking in this route. TAAN has been raising the trekking fees collectively from the trekkers while the Nepal Tourism Board collects the trekking fees from individual trekkers.
Individual trekkers from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 600 and the individual trekkers from countries other than the SAARC region Rs 2,000 as trekking fee. The trekking fees for trekkers from SAARC countries going for trekking in group is Rs 300 and the group trekking fee for trekkers from countries other than the SAARC region is Rs 1,000 per head. RSS
