KASKI: Trekking along the world-renowned Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trail is set to become more convenient as the national electricity grid has been extended to Upper Sinuwa, a key stop along the popular trekking route.
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has expanded the national transmission line from Jinudanda to Upper Sinuwa in Ward No. 11 of Annapurna Rural Municipality under a government plan to electrify major trekking destinations in Kaski district.
With the expansion, local residents, tourism entrepreneurs and trekkers who had long relied on micro-hydropower and alternative energy sources will now have access to a more reliable electricity supply.
The development has been welcomed by local tourism operators. Jagdish Gurung, who has been running a hotel in Jinu for the past two decades, said the arrival of national grid electricity would further promote tourism in the region.
“It is a matter of great happiness for us. Reliable electricity will significantly improve tourism services and benefit local businesses,” he said.
According to local hoteliers, around 60 to 70 hotels, both large and small, operate between Jinudanda and Upper Sinuwa.
Another hotelier, Mikash Gurung of Chhomrong, said the new electricity service would greatly improve facilities for trekkers. Reliable power will make it easier to provide mobile charging, hot water, internet connectivity and other essential services around the clock, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Sajibshree Ramtel, an engineer at the NEA’s Pokhara Distribution Centre, said electricity has begun flowing through the newly extended line from Ghandruk Bus Park to Jinu and from Chhomrong to Upper Sinuwa.
“The national grid had not previously reached areas above Ghandruk Bus Park. The line has now been extended to Upper Sinuwa, and local residents have already started installing electricity meters,” he said.
The electrification project was first tendered in 2079 BS. After the company selected in the initial bidding process failed to sign the contract, a second tender was issued. BNR Mahalaxmi JV of Dhankuta completed the project under a labour contract worth Rs 22 million.
The NEA said implementation was particularly challenging due to the remote Himalayan terrain. Electricity poles, transformers and other equipment had to be transported by helicopter, especially in areas above Chhomrong.
According to Engineer Ramtel, trekkers previously faced difficulties charging electronic devices, accessing hot water and using internet services. The extension of the national grid has largely addressed those challenges.
The NEA plans to further extend the national transmission line towards the higher Himalayan settlements along the ABC trekking route during the next fiscal year. Although expansion work has been temporarily halted due to a shortage of construction materials, the authority said the project will continue in the coming year.
According to local residents, improved access to electricity will benefit not only the tourism sector but also education, healthcare, communication and other economic activities in the region.
Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality-11, Him Bahadur Gurung, said the expansion of reliable electricity services would provide fresh momentum to tourism promotion along the Annapurna trekking route.
“Trekkers will no longer face difficulties accessing basic communication and other essential services during their journey,” he said.
With the national grid now reaching key sections of the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trail, one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations, locals believe tourist travel and stays will become more comfortable, safer and of higher quality, ultimately attracting more visitors to the region.
Annapurna Conservation Area records highest-ever tourist arrivals
The Annapurna Conservation Area has recorded its highest-ever number of foreign tourist arrivals this fiscal year.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 441,422 foreign tourists visited the region by the end of the current fiscal year. In comparison, the area welcomed 278,113 foreign visitors during fiscal year 2081/82.
With one month still remaining in the fiscal year, the number is expected to increase further, said ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya.
“The number of tourists from South Asian countries, particularly India, increased by nearly 300 percent in the month of Jestha alone,” he said. “This is the first time we have witnessed such a significant influx of Indian visitors.”
Dr. Kadariya attributed the surge to improved promotion of tourism destinations such as Pokhara and Muktinath, better transportation facilities and increased visibility through social media platforms. Many Indian tourists also visit Pokhara and nearby destinations during this period to escape the intense summer heat.
According to ACAP data, of the total visitors recorded through the end of Jestha, 319,419 were from South Asian countries, while 121,993 came from other parts of the world.
In Jestha alone, the Annapurna region welcomed 127,459 visitors, compared to 31,955 during the same month last year.
Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, said hotel occupancy in Pokhara reached around 90 percent during April and May this year.
He noted that the number of Indian tourists typically rises before the onset of the monsoon season, as Pokhara’s relatively cooler climate and frequent rainfall make it an attractive destination for those seeking relief from extreme heat.
According to tourism entrepreneurs, around 40 percent of Indian visitors to Pokhara also travel to Muktinath, while many international trekkers spend several days in the city before or after visiting trekking destinations across the Annapurna region.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier trekking destinations, the Annapurna region offers access to renowned sites such as Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath and Ghorepani.
Spread across 7,600 square kilometres, the Annapurna Conservation Area is renowned for its spectacular mountain landscapes, rich biodiversity, unique cultures and traditional Himalayan lifestyles.
The conservation area spans 87 wards across 15 local governments in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang districts. Its extensive network of short-, medium- and long-distance trekking routes, along with tourism-friendly infrastructure, hospitality services and the internationally acclaimed Annapurna Circuit Trail, continue to make it one of Nepal’s most sought-after tourism destinations.
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