December 8: As unplanned road construction and motor access has expanded in encompassing areas of Annapurna Conservation Area and length of tourists’ stay is reduced, tourism entrepreneurs are compelled to explore alternate trekking routes. The new routes are being explored in Kaski, Myagdi, Mustang, Lamjung and Manang of the conservation area.

In the quest for new routes, Pokhara tourism entrepreneurs are preparing to operate Round Fewa while hotel entrepreneurs in Manang and Lamjung have led the construction of Beshisahar-Khudi trail.

According to Purna Bahadur Gurung, secretary of Alternative Route Construction Committee, Manang and Lamjung-based entrepreneurs have initiated an alternative route from Beshisahar to Khudi. Gurung said that new alternative route was developed as the existing trails in Annapurna route was shortened by the construction of motorways while vehicular movement posed numerous challenges to trekkers.

Meanwhile, Kaski tourism entrepreneurs said that Round Fewa is expected to extend the length of trekking days, which is cut back by construction of motorways in one of the world's best trekking routes that include Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Model Trek, Mardi Himal Model Trek and Poonhill

Dipak Raj Adhikari, Chairperson of Western Regional Trekking Agency Association of Nepal, Pokhara explained that Fewa Round is under final stage of preparation. In six days of trekking, Fewa Round will begin from Pokhara’s Dam side and incorporates World Peace Stupa, Kalabhang Ghaderi Homestay, Panchase, Kaskikot and Sarangkot along the trail.

Adhikari further added that they are planning out further trekking routes that include Machhapuchre Model Trek, Eco-century Trek Parbat Eco Trek and Kapuche Trek to make the trekking experience lengthy and exciting.