Pro Poor Community development Through Social Enterprise- A Case study of Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community managed Eco Trail

Ganesh Dhakal and Laxmi Pun 

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal, and the largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Out of the 10 highest mountain of the world, Nepal alone has 8 highest peak, therefore it is considered as a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventures. According to Nepal's Ministry of Tourism, major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as Mountain biking, Bungy Jumping, rock climbing and mountain climbing, trekking, bird watching, flights, paragliding and hot air ballooning over the mountains of Himalaya, exploring the waterways by raft, kayak or canoe and jungle safaris especially in the Terai region.

Tourism sector provides employment for about 20 percent of economically active population and contributes about 3.0 percent on gross domestic product (GDP).  It  is one of the productive business activities directed for the production of the goods and services. It provides goods and services to the customers (visitors) and employment and income to the locals. With this tourism business, enterprises and the people (related directly or indirectly) generate earnings from the operation of the tourism business activities. Further, tourism as an economic activity produces various direct, indirect and induced impacts in the economy. It ultimately increases the foreign exchange earnings, generates employment opportunity and increases income (Gautama, 2012)¹

Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range is one of the most popular trekking trails located in western part of Nepal Basically in Kaski, Parbat and Myagdi district. The trekking to this region provides unsurpassed panoramic views of Himalayas and eye-catching sceneries of unique landscape. Similarly, it is also one of the relaxed walking trails in Nepal through well-defined Annapurnatrails and quality local lodges. These all the features make the trekking in Annapurna region to be one of the best trekking routes in the country.

 

Annapurna trekking has been wildly recognized as a paradise for nature lovers, it is protected by Annapurna conservation area covering some 7629 square kilometer. This is the first and the largest conservation area in Nepal, which is the home of various wild animals, birds and flora and fauna. There are several different trekking route in that area viz Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Ghorepani- Poonhill Trekking, Khayer Trekking, Fulbari Trekking, Jomsom Muktinath Trekking, Tilicho Lake and Mesokanta Pass Trekking etc. Out of all these Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Ghorepani- Poonhill Trekking are most famous   trekking route. These route are highly commercial and density of the trekkers is high during peak season. (September-November and April- June).