Kathmandu – In a significant step towards boosting tourism in eastern Nepal, 11 local governments across four districts—Bhojpur, Khotang, Udayapur, and Sunsari—have come together to develop and expand the Greater Mundum Trekking Route, a culturally rich and scenic trail connecting various indigenous communities.

A high-level coordination meeting was recently held in Ghodetar, jointly organized by Hatuwagadhi, Ram Prasad Rai, and the Aamchok Rural Municipality. Representatives from tourism enterprises, hoteliers, local government officials, and development stakeholders participated in strategizing the sustainable growth of the trail.

The meeting emphasized a collective commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and promoting the natural beauty of the region. Attendees included officials from Barahakshetra Municipality (Sunsari), Belka Municipality (Udayapur), Sakela Rural Municipality (Khotang), and Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality.

Mahesh Niraula, Chief Administrative Officer of Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality, confirmed the participation of 11 local units, including Temkemaiyung, Salpasilichho, Bhojpur Municipality, and Shadananda Municipality, all of which are either located along or connected to the trekking route.

Speaking at the event, Hatuwagadhi Chairman Prem Kumar Rai stated, “This meeting is a major milestone. We’ve committed to working collectively for the promotion and development of the Greater Mundum Trekking Route. Coordination between local units will strengthen infrastructure, tourism services, and cultural preservation.”

Ram Prasad Rai Rural Municipality Chairman Tham Bahadur Rai highlighted that the meeting successfully laid out a roadmap for qualitative improvements in the trekking experience, while Temkemaiyung Chairperson Saroj Basnet underlined the long-term significance of integrating tourism with local economic development.

The stakeholders also discussed aligning the project with sustainable tourism practices, aiming to empower local communities, promote homestays, and introduce eco-friendly trekking infrastructure.

The Greater Mundum Trekking Route, which passes through remote yet culturally vibrant areas of eastern Nepal, is envisioned as a model of community-based and heritage-focused tourism, offering trekkers an immersive experience in Rai, Limbu, and other indigenous traditions.