Royal Mountain Travel Magazine Royal Mountain Travel Magazine Issue 1 | Page 30

Annapurna
Community

Eco-Lodge Tre
k

Sunsrise from Mohare Hill. (Photo: Marianne Heredge)

1. Dhaulagiri
2. Bas Kharka
3.Danda Karka

30

Photos:Marianne
Heredge

T

Community Lodg

e

his trek provides a unique and close-up insight into village life in this beautiful area of the
Himalayas. Mohare hill (3,300 m), offers spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurnas,
Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare (FishTail Mountain), some of the highest mountains of
theworld,andformsahighlightofthistrip.Trekkinginapristineandunspoiltarea,youare
unlikelytomeetmanyothertrekkers.Instead,youwillmeetthelocalfarmers,yakherdersandvillage
people in the communities where you will be treated more as a guest than a tourist.
Accommodationisincommunitylodgesthathavebeenbuilttoprovidethelocalcommunitywith
all the benefits. The lodges are clean and built to blend in with the village. In some of the villages,
as an alternative to the community lodges, you may be put up by a family in their home. This is a
great way to get a close insight on how the local people live, and experience the culture and life of
the community.
This trek is a model of a public-private partnership for the sustainable development of the village
communities that lie along this trail. The trek helps to support the community in a real sense,
ensuring most of the economic benefit stays with the local people.

January 2012 - Issue 1