PARBAT: The construction of a new trekking route to the popular tourist destination Ghodepani from Ambota of Parbat has started.

The trekking route from Ambota of Kusma Municipality-3 passes through Durlung and Mahabhir. Presently, the route to Ghodepani is from Birethanti and Myagdi. The construction of the new route would help a trekker take a round of Annapurna via Ghodepani.

Member of Parliament Padam Giri laid the foundation of the construction of the new trekking route at a function organized at Bharati Gaon in Kusma-3. The new trekking route starts from Ambota and one can reach there from Pokhara in an hour. A home stay has also been initiated in the midst of the new trekking route. The canoeing site at Mahabhir falls in Durlung has been initiated last year, providing an option for canoeing to the visiting tourists, said local campaigner Golman Gurung.

The Tourism Ministry has allocated Rs 5 million for the trekking route this fiscal year. Some 3,500 meters of the trekking route will be completed within this fiscal, said Gurung. MP Giri said Durlung, which has been included in the 100 tourist destinations of the country, could become a popular destination if canoeing service could become regular.

The new trekking route will, upon completion, help increase the number of tourists to Durlung and also help prosper the villages.