Trekking of Nepal

Nepal is, no doubt blessed with all the qualities to be the most marvelous and impressive trekking country. Only by walking on the ancient foot trials, one can gain access to Himalayan giants. Himalaya “The abode of snow” is the world’s greatest but youngest mountain range and is still increasing in height. Here lies the greatest concentration of the highest mountain range-eight our out of ten highest peaks, most variation in terrain and diverse culture and the most spectacular view. If anyone wants to see Nepal, contact with wild and dramatic landscapes and the fascinating people who live there, walking is the only way.

In the late 50’s col. Roberts, an officer from British Gurkha, saw these beautiful mountains and most friendly people of Nepal. He was a member of Macchapuchure expedition. He watched and experienced how expeditions organized; sherpas working as mountain guide, porters carrying all the lodging and food. A business idea came into his mind. He thought that the expedition type of facilities could be organized in the mountains of Nepal. Only way to see the interior of the country is to walk and the walkers should be supported- that is trekking business. He organized the first commercial trekking to the Everest Base Camp and it became so successful that he registered Mountain Travel in the 1960’s. He trained the Sherpas as Sardar, Sherpa as cooks, Sherpa as guide. He also developed trekking routes, camping equipment, explored camping sites, packing system and service style. Immediately, the trekking business becomes so popular that hundreds of trekking agencies registered but many are operating as unregistered.

When number of trekking agencies increased, leading companies realized the need of an association for the sustainable development of trekking in Nepal. Only and organized association could fulfill the need of modern industry. An association was necessary for many reasons under which they could work together to meet their common goals and also to assist the government by providing suggestions to make trekking business a revenue earning industry as well as to provide employment. There had to be a single organization which could undertake the major responsibilities to develop and promote the country’s adventure tourism. It was also essential to play a significant and conducive role to mitigate mountain environmental stress. Finally the Trekking agents Association of Nepal was established in 1967AD.

The membership of TAAN is limited to Nepalese trekking agents; the foreign trekking agencies may join as associated members. More then 240 general members and 8 associate members meet annually. The executive body, which is elected every two years, has 6 office bearers, 8 executive members, 1 president, 1 charter representative and 1 to 3 nominate executive members. The executive body is headed by the president.

They frequently communicate with the concerned bodies of the government to simplify the procedures and solve the problems related to trekking.

President of the association is the Chief Spokesperson of the association and represents it at the board of Nepal Mountaineering Associations, Himalayan Rescue association, Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management Academy and the National Tourism Council.