Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) is organizing TAAN International Eco- challenge on May 29, 2018, the day when TAAN was established and the historical day that is International Sagarmatha day along with Republic day. TAAN will be celebrating this day as a festival by cutting a cake. “Sustainable Tourism, The Solution is Less Pollution” is the slogan and the major motto for organizing the event.

The Chief Guest of the event will be Honb’l Minister of Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet.

TAAN Eco Challenge comprises cycling rally of total 8 k.m that starts from TAAN, Maligaun – Kamalpokhari – Charkhal  – Putalisadak – Singha Durbar – Sundhara – Newroad – Jamal – Jyatha – Sanchayakosh – Nepal Tourism Board(NTB). The event will start from 6 A.M. and will end at 9 A.M.

Nepal’s ongoing tourism season has been affected by the pollution in the capital city. The air pollution in Nepal is not just devastating the environment but harmful amount of gases, dust, fumes and odour are causing breathing problems to people.

Along with the tourism, the transportation linked to the tourism, would also take a hit if investment and tourists traffic gets a setback.

The transportation is one of the key contributors to the national economy in the services sector. Both transportation and tourism are highly employment-oriented and jobs may be a casualty of the pollution.
The rising pollution levels will keep foreigners away, as they are too particular about weather and climate, including their safety. Currently no major cancellation has been recorded as money is paid in advance. But during the peak tourist season, foreigners who are still in the planning stage will become sceptical about visiting Kathmandu.

TAAN has taken initiative to promote eco- tourism of Nepal believing that less pollution is the solution for the sustainable tourism. TAAN is optimistic that Nepal can maintain its appeal to the global traveler if planned steps are taken to address the situation.