MYAGDI: A team of differently-able people has successfully trekked to the base camp of Mt Annapurna.

Under the initiative of the local Disabled Network of Annapurna Rural Municipality, nine people with six types of disabilities set out on the trek from Humkhola in Narchyang on October 22.

Bishal BK, secretary of the Network, said that they completed the trek today.

Those completing the trek are Chomu Sherpa Khusi, Ishwar Bastola, Rajesh Bhandari, Sangeeta Sharma, Bishal BK, Bhim Gurung and Basu Thakali. Bandana Rai participated in the trek as their assistant.

“The trek organized with the objective of conveying the message that disability-friendly policies and infrastructure development as well as inclusivity in the tourism sector are necessary has been successful,” said BK, the Network’s secretary.

According to him, the journey to Base Camp was very exciting. “Friends reached the Base Camp easily. Some places’ trails and hotels were found to be not accessible for the disabled. Anyway, we have succeeded in conveying the message that people with disabilities can also reach the Base Camp,” he added.

They completed the 22-kilometre trek along the Maurice Herzog trail to reach the base camp and have returned home safely.

One can reach the base camp trekking on the trail along the banks of the Mistri River flowing past the foothills of Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains, observing waterfalls, enchanting snow-capped peaks, hills, rare vegetation, and wildlife.