MYAGDI: The ‘Maurice Herzog’ Trail leading to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) has reopened.

The 8,091-meter high Annapurna peak and its base camp are located within the geographical area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi.

The local administration and Annapurna Rural Municipality had restricted visits to the trail due to heavy rainfall and snowfall that occurred from October 27 to November 1.

Shyam Purja, a ward member of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, informed that the trail reopened after the weather improved.

“Although the cold has increased, the arrival of tourists has not stopped,” he said. “Foot traffic has increased since the trail was reopened for visitors.”

The Annapurna Base Camp has developed as a new destination for those interested in a single, short-period, adventurous journey through both hilly and Himalayan regions.

The Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,190 meters, is reached by passing the FutFute Waterfall and the blue Panchakunda Lake located at the foot of Annapurna Himal.

It is possible to reach the base camp, which is on a flat plain at the foot of Nilgiri and Annapurna Himal, and return within three days.

A 20-kilometer road has been constructed from Narchyang to Humkhola, and a basic 22-kilometer trekking trail has been prepared from Humkhola to the Base Camp.

The base camp can be reached by trekking along the banks of the Mistri Khola (river) that flows from the base of Annapurna and Nilgiri Himal, observing high waterfalls, enchanting snow-capped mountains, unique geography, hills, and rare flora and fauna.

The fact that Annapurna Himal and its base camp lie in Myagdi, and the trekking route, was identified in 2012 under the leadership of Tej Gurung of Narchyang.

The Annapurna Rural Municipality mapped this trail and named it ‘Maurice Herzog’ in 2020.

Starting from the last spring season, residents of Narchyang, after obtaining permission from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Rural Municipality, constructed temporary structures and started hotels with a capacity of 50 guests each at Humkhola, FutFute Waterfall, Saghi Kharka, Gupha Faant, Bhusket, and Panchakunda.

The establishment of permanent physical structures requires completing a process and obtaining permission from the government through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Michael Pun, a hotel entrepreneur in Bhusket, stated that tourists are accommodated in temporary shelters and tents made of wood, tarpaulin, and corrugated iron sheets.

“ACAP has permitted the construction of temporary structures that can accommodate 50 guests,” he said.

“To ensure the smooth management of tourists, we request that visitors come after making a booking,” he added