Taplejung, Mar. 18: A team of Nepali women has embarked on a remarkable journey along the world-famous Great Himalayan Trail to promote tourism. 

The trek, led by mountaineer Maya Gurung has commenced from Taplejung on Monday. The trek is expected to last 100 days. The expedition comprises 24 members, including 12 women, one man and supporting staff.

The route of the Great Himalayan Trail starts from Ghunsa in the Kanchenjungha area of ​​Phaktanglung Rural Municipality of Taplejung and ends in Darchula in the west.

The team, which set off on the trek along the same Great Himalayan trail, has left for the Kanchenjungha area from the district headquarters, Phungling.

According to Gurung, the primary objective of the trek is to highlight Nepal’s breathtaking tourist destinations and reinforce the message that these locations are both attractive and safe. Additionally, the trek aims to inspire both domestic and international tourists to explore Nepal’s natural beauty, contributing to overall tourism development.

Gurung emphasised that the large-scale trek also seeks to encourage women to actively participate in the tourism sector while showcasing the strength and resilience of women in adventure. 

The team is determined to complete the 1,700-kilometre trek, which spans 17 Himalayan districts, within the set timeframe of 100 days. Expressing confidence in the success of the journey, Gurung said that all members of the team have at least two years of experience in the tourism sector, having worked as guides and assistants.

Sharing her experience, a 19-year-old trekker, Deepa Lamichhane said that despite hearing about the challenges of the Great Himalayan Trail, she joined the journey with courage, determination and bravery. She looks forward to the opportunity to trek through the base camp regions of iconic mountains such as Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Sagarmatha, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, each standing over 8,000 meters. 

All the female trekkers hail from Sindhupalchowk district, with ages ranging from 19 to 45 years. The only male participant, 65-year-old Sundar Kumar Chaudhary from Tulsipur, Dang, is accompanying the team on this adventure. The team is undertaking this expedition independently, with each member expected to spend between Rs. 1.5 to 2 million to complete the trek.

Meanwhile, the trekking group received a warm welcome in Taplejung.

Local hoteliers in Phungling, the district headquarters, extended their best wishes for the success of the trek. 

Kailash Baniya, the operator of Hotel Pyarij expressed optimism that the Great Himalayan Trail trek, starting from Taplejung, will contribute significantly to tourism promotion in the district.