New trekking route to boost India -Nepal relations

A newly developed cross-border trekking route for adventure lovers at the India - Nepal border is likely to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

The trekking route, developed in Salakpur area and inaugurated on Monday, was initiated by the North-Eastern Association of Conservation and Tourism of India and the Nature Conservation Society of Nepal.

President, Nature Conservation Society of Nepal, Arjun Karki said that the route will give a boost to the relations between the two nations.

"We will open the trekking route from the entry point, that is Kakarvitta, and it will go till Mirik. Mirik will be the finishing point. This will enhance India -Nepal relations in the field of business, conservation, tourism and trade," said Karki.

Authorities say that it will take two days for the trekkers to cover the entire route, which brings in its radius at least 15 villages of both the countries.

A total of 60 houses falling in the route have been selected to function as guest houses for adventurers.

This, according to villagers, will give a boost to the economy of the villages and also provide alternative livelihood for them.

"Our village has a bright future due to the boost in tourism. Then we can develop this place. All of us will be benefitted from this," said a villager, Kumar Muktan.

Administrative teams from Nepal also visited the site to make safety and security arrangements for trekkers and campers.

Nepal is a popular tourist spot due to its scenic beauty and picturesque hills. Nepal tourism offers trekking, rafting, mountaineering and jungle safari to draw travelers from across the world.