“Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail” Officially Launched
The Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail (GHTT), tracing the ancestral paths of the Tamu (Gurung) people, has been formally launched in Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal, during a special program.
The event was organized by the Gurung Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Association, Nepal (GTEAN) Gandaki. It featured notable participants, including the Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Tekraj Gurung, Gandaki Province Assembly Members and Former Minister Bed Bahadur Gurung and Devaka Pahari, Tourism Secretary of Gandaki Province Kumansing Gurung, Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council Pom Narayan Shrestha, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Office Nabin Pokharel, Chairman of Kholasonthar Rural Municipality Surya Gurung, Chairman of Madi Rural Municipality Devi Jang Gurung, Head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Dr. Rabin Kadaria, and representatives from various tourism-related organizations.
Dr. Gurung unveiled the trail map, emphasizing that the name “Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail” honors the historical legacy of the Tamu Gurungs. He highlighted tourism as a vital pillar for the country’s prosperity, citing his slogan, “Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tourism,” and pledged his full support for the trail’s development and promotion.
The exploration of the trail was coordinated by GTEAN Gandaki, involved a team of 34 individuals, including tourism professionals, trail explorers, engineers, GPS experts, communication experts, and tourist guides. They explored the trail from June 3 to 12, 2024, and concluded that the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail has significant potential.
Kisam Kumari Gurung, president of GTEAN Gandaki, issued a press release detailing information about the trail during the program. Boberjung Gurung, founder president of GTEAN Gandaki and coordinator of the exploration program, explained the rationale for naming the trail the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail. He noted that the trail is intrinsically linked to the history of the Gurung community, whose ancestors settled in Khwolasothar 15-16 centuries ago, spreading throughout the Gandaki zone.
He further explained that the Gurung community’s “Pe” (oral text) traditionally guided deceased souls to heaven via this route, and the ancestors traded grain and salt with the people of Manang Bhot through this path. Additionally, various sections of the trail feature areas where Gurung people historically herded their sheep, cattle, and yaks from the villages of Kaski, Lamjung, and Manang.
Sanjib Gurung, a tourist guide and GPS expert who has explored several new trekking routes in Nepal, expressed his belief in the trail’s potential. “From all accounts, I believe that this trail will bring a good return with less investment,” he said. The trail is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and its gentle terrain makes it accessible to all.
Guests from various organizations expressed their solidarity with the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail, wishing for its success and pledging support from their respective levels. Financial support for the trail exploration was provided by the Ministry of Tourism Gandaki, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki, and the rural municipalities of Madi, Khwolasothar, Marsyangdi, and Chame.
Highlights Tourism served as the media partner for the exploration program. A short documentary film covering the trail was screened, and maps and brochures of the trail were distributed at the program.
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