Myagdi, Nov 16: A cleaning initiative was carried out on the Maurice Herzog trail in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 and the Annapurna I base camp, the 10th highest mountain in the world. A nine-member team from New Kanchi Barahi Youth Club of Annapurna Rural Municipality-5 Sikh and a twelve-member team from Janagaran Youth Club of Ward No. 4 Gadpar successfully removed the waste left behind by tourists along the trail from Humkhola in Narchang to the base camp.

The waste management efforts, led by Suren Gurung, the director of SE Productions, included digging and burying rotting waste and collecting non-rotting materials for proper disposal. The team reached the base camp on November 27 and collected three bags of non-degradable waste, which were later delivered to the rural municipality.

Information boards have been installed at key locations, including Humkhola, Futphute Falls, and the base camp, to raise awareness. Additionally, two dustbins were placed at the base camp, with support from the Rekha Memorial Trust.

Earlier in October, a team from Perivarani Youth Club, supported by Dhankumar Paiza, carried out cleaning activities, with further efforts led by Shyam Purja, ward member of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 Narchang, and Lalita Sherpunja of Raghuganga Rural Municipality-1 Beg.

The Annapurna base camp is becoming increasingly popular with domestic tourists, with around five thousand visitors this autumn. The trek offers scenic views of Mistrikhola, waterfalls, unique geography, and diverse flora and fauna. The base camp also features the stunning Panchkund Lake at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, making it a prime destination for adventurous trekkers.