The base camp of 8,091-meter-high Mt Annapurna, situated in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Narchang, was largely deserted until two years ago. Previously, only climbers and their small teams of helpers arrived at the camp via helicopter during the spring season.

However, with the construction of footpaths and increased publicity, the base camp has become a popular destination, attracting tourists daily over the past year, except during the three months of winter.

Growing Tourism, Rising Pollution

The influx of visitors has brought challenges in managing waste and maintaining the area's natural beauty. The Maurice Herzog Trail, which leads to the base camp, has become littered with plastic, steel, and other waste. Suren Gurung, who supports tourist activities along the trail, expressed concerns about the growing pollution.

“Plastic, paper, clothes, steel, and glass are scattered along the trail and base camp,” said Gurung. He emphasized that if biodegradable waste is not properly buried and non-biodegradable waste remains unmanaged, the area's appeal could be damaged. The discarded items include plastic bags, bottles, clothes, and even empty gas cylinders left by trekkers.

Record Number of Visitors

Ward President Lok Bahadur Fagami of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 reported that approximately 4,000 domestic tourists visited the base camp this autumn, marking the highest number of visitors till date. Most tourists are working professionals and young people from cities like Beni, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Baglung, and Chitwan.

The base camp is particularly attractive to adventure seekers because it offers a thrilling trekking experience within just three days. However, trekkers using the Maurice Herzog Trail and Annapurna Base Camp, which lack hotel and lodge facilities, must carry their own food, utensils, gas, and clothing.

Sanitation Efforts

In response to increasing waste, several cleanup initiatives have been conducted recently.

A team of 19 volleyball players from Gharamdi, supported by Dhankumar Paija from the UK, cleaned the trail and base camp from October 3 to 5. They buried biodegradable waste and transported non-biodegradable materials down for disposal.

Another cleanup effort led by local youth, organized by Ward Member Shyam Purja, focused on the same areas last week.

Lack of Toilets a Persistent Problem

Sanitation remains a significant challenge along the trail. A public toilet was recently built near Futphute Bharna under the leadership of Lalita Sherpunja of Raghuganga Rural Municipality-1. A toilet constructed in Bhusket last year with the help of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has also alleviated some of the issues.

However, tourists staying at locations like Samdhikharak, the base camp, and Panchkunda Lake shelters continue to face toilet shortages, according to Kanak Pradhan from Beni.

Historic Significance of Annapurna

Annapurna holds a special place in mountaineering history as the first peak over 8,000 meters to be summited. French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit on June 3, 1950, three years before Everest was first climbed. The peak is locally known as Jheto Himal.

In 2011 (2068 BS), under the leadership of Tej Gurung, the route used by Herzog’s team was officially identified, and the Maurice Herzog Trail was established.

Efforts by Local Authorities

To enhance the trekking experience, Annapurna Rural Municipality has developed a 20-km road from Narchang to Humkhola and a 22-km footpath from Humkhola to the base camp. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and unique flora and fauna along the banks of Mistrikhola, which flows from the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains.

An integrated master plan has been prepared to improve footpaths, build suspension bridges, expand shelters, and enhance access to water, toilets, communication, and electricity. Rs 10 million allocated for this fiscal year will support these upgrades.

Chairman Pun of Annapurna Rural Municipality stated that efforts are also underway to establish community hotels and lodges to address accommodation shortages. Local youth clubs have continued waste management efforts by burying biodegradable waste and bringing non-biodegradable waste down for proper disposal. -- RSS