TAAN to explore new trekking routes in Khaptad

 A seven-member team of Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN) is embarking on an exploration trip to Khaptad National Park in the far-western region on Friday.

According to a press statement issued on Wednesday, the team comprises of photographer, cartographer, report writer, TV crew and local media persons along with support staff.

Rana Bahadur Khadka, first vice president of TAAN, said the exploration will begin from Talcha Airport in Mugu. "We will explore a new trekking trail to enter Khaptad National Park. We will then promote the trail by publishing maps, itinerary and a documentary film,” Khadka said in the statement.
From Talcha airport, the team will head toward Bajura via Sirkot, Sukhadhik and Kolti. Then it will enter Khaptad National Park. The journey will then progress toward Tamail, Budhakholi, Baaisdhara, Surmasarobar, Dhulichaur and Chainpur before ending at Dhangadhi.

This is the first time that TAAN is exploring new trekking trails in the far-western region. TAAN completed exploration of new trekking trail in Humla and Mugu in April. Last year, it explored Lumba-Sumba area in the Kanchanjunga region, Lower Manaslu in the Manaslu region, Ruby Valley in the Ganesh Himal area and Dolpo in the mid-western region, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, TAAN organized a tree plantation program at Alleban in Kavresthali VDC-9 on Wednesday to celebrate World Environment Day. "Around 500 saplings of different tree species were planted in Alleban Devisthan Martyrs Memorial Park. More than 100 people, including TAAN executive committee members, staffers, representatives of different trekking agencies, officials of Alleban Devisthan Martyrs Memorial Park Management Committee, members of local Ama Samuha and locals, participated in the program," said the statement.

The plantation program is a part of TAAN´s initiative of making tourism sustainable, TAAN General Secretary Mohan Lamsal said in the statement.

source:republica,5 june 2013