In a major boost to Nepal's tourism sector, the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal in Business – Growth Advisors (NiB-GA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote wellness tourism by integrating trekking, adventure, and holistic travel experiences across the Himalayas.
The agreement was signed by TAAN President Sagar Pandey and NiB-GA Team Leader Ratish Basnyat in Kathmandu. The signing ceremony was attended by TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, Chief Executive Officer Ram Chandra Sedai, NiB-GA Sector Initiative Expert Kanchan Gurung, and Communication Manager Sambhavi Banset.
The partnership formalises collaboration between the two organisations to jointly develop innovative wellness-focused trekking products, strengthen the capacity of tourism stakeholders, promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices, and further establish Nepal as a leading global destination for trekking, adventure, and wellness tourism.
As part of the initiative, TAAN and NiB-GA will work to transform the Annapurna Circuit into Nepal's first dedicated Wellness Trekking Circuit, aligning with the country's National Wellness Tourism Strategy (2026–2035) and Action Plan (2026–2030).
The proposed circuit will combine the natural beauty of the Himalayas with wellness experiences such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, nature therapy, and healthy local lifestyles, offering visitors a more meaningful and rejuvenating trekking experience.
Officials believe the Annapurna model will serve as a pilot project that can later be replicated across other Himalayan trekking destinations, creating new tourism opportunities for local communities while responding to the growing global demand for wellness travel.
The collaboration is expected to diversify Nepal's tourism products, support sustainable destination development, and strengthen the country's position as one of the world's premier destinations for nature, adventure, and wellness tourism.
