Kathmandu, August 6, 2025
Nepal’s iconic mountain landscapes-home to the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Gaurishankar Conservation Areas-continue to inspire awe in visitors from around the world. Managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), these fragile high-altitude ecosystems face growing environmental pressure as trekking and tourism numbers increase.
To meet the challenge head-on, NTNC has intensified its waste management efforts during the current fiscal year 2081/82, making remarkable strides in keeping these conservation areas clean, resilient, and ecologically sound.
According to NTNC, a total of 31,590 kilograms of non-biodegradable waste-including plastics, glass bottles, cans, and metals-was systematically collected and transported out of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Gaurishankar regions. This large-scale cleanup reflects both the scale of the problem and the commitment to preserving Nepal's natural heritage.
Beyond waste removal, 15 community-level clean-up campaigns were carried out, engaging local residents and stakeholders in stewardship of their environment. Additionally, 37 waste management trainings were conducted, targeting households and tourism service providers to build awareness and practical skills in managing solid waste sustainably.
To support waste infrastructure on the ground, NTNC operated 11 waste collection centers across key locations and installed 40 dustbins along high-traffic routes in the Manaslu-Larke Trail and Tsum Valley Trail. A new waste collection center has also been established at Nakchet, further enhancing local capacity for proper waste disposal.
"Tourism doesn't have to leave a heavy footprint," an NTNC representative said. "With proper systems and responsible behavior, we can ensure that our visitors experience the grandeur of the Himalayas without harming them."
As adventure tourism continues to be a lifeline for many rural economies, NTNC’s initiatives underscore the need for nature-positive tourism-where visitors, communities, and nature all thrive together.
Ecosphere News urges travelers to make conscious choices: pack out what you pack in, support eco-conscious lodges, and walk lightly because a greener trail is a greater legacy.
