Mt. Annapurna's trekking route at risk from package tourism

One of the world's classic mountain trekking routes is at risk of obliteration from plans to bring golf and skiing package tourism to the Himalayas. Tourism chiefs in Nepal are keen to replace the stereotypical "trekker on a shoestring" with credit-card tourists seeking adventure holidays, including activities such as heli-skiing and paragliding.
The development will mean that the Annapurna circuit, which opened to backpackers in 1977, will be overwhelmed by a new road running through the heart of the Himalayas. Buses, taxis, motorbikes and tractors will ply the route connecting the mountain resort of Manang - currently reachable by footpath or air - to Nepal's national transport network. Wildlife and plants will be destroyed and scores of porters and guides could lose their livelihoods.
Supporters say the plans are essential for the survival of Himalayan villages and for tourism in the area. But conservationists and trekkers have reacted angrily. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project group fears that tour operators will go to any lengths to increase profit from tourism. Although there will be some trickle down of profits, for the majority of the local people these activities will have little effect on alleviating poverty. Is this the way we treat our planet.
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Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Global
• report
• Heli-skiing
• Paragliding
• Annapurna
• Conservation
• Manang
• Himalayas
• Himalaya
• Tourism
• Nepal