In a recent training organised by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), the Great Himalaya Trail Development Programme and partners, Nepali tour operators and hotels learnt how to integrate sustainability into their business practice. Participants were introduced to the international Travelife Sustainability System, which takes account of the growing market for sustainable and responsible tourism products.

In a bid to sustain Annapurna’s trekking industry in the long-term, officials are now working together to explore and develop new trekking trails that will provide alternatives to routes obstructed by motorable roads.

In addition to capacity building of local service providers like teahouse owners, guides and porters etc., the GHT Development Programme is investing in infrastructure development in the countries’ emerging trekking destinations in East and West Nepal.

The head of UKAID Nepal, GHTDPs funding partner, visited Humla recently to follow-up on the progress made by the programme and the positive impacts of the Great Himalaya Trail on the livelihoods of local people in this impoverished region of Nepal. We met with him upon his return to Kathmandu for a brief interview.