TAAN to build porter shelters in Everest region

Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN) says it will start operation of two porter shelters in the popular Everest trekking route to provide food and accommodation to supporting staffs in cheaper price.

The shelters will be constructed in Dingboche and Zongla located at an altitude of 4,410 meter and 4,840 meter respectively in the Everest region and will have subsidized canteens where supporting staffs can have one meal and accommodation at Rs 150 only. At present, trekking staff are paying as much as Rs 300 per meal.

Trekking agents say they hope such facilities will eventually make the trekking package cheaper and drive up their business as well as number of tourists visiting the region. "The amount trekkers are paying will go down as the cost will be saved after the operation of porter shelter," said Mahendra Singh Thapa, president of TAAN .

Thapa said the Rs 11.5 million from the ´joint-fund´ was being mobilized for the purpose. One third of the amount collected while issuing Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) goes to the joint-fund operated by TAAN, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA). Until now the fund was being used to develop new trekking routes and maintain existing trails.

TAAN says it also hopes to start operations of 20 other shelters in Everest, Annapurna, Nar and Phu region.

source:republica,19 March 2012