The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has earmarked nearly Rs 100 million to explore new trekking trails and maintain and improve the existing paths besides promoting trekking in the domestic and international markets. According to TAAN, Rs8.79 million has been set aside for infrastructural development, maintenance and promotion of the existing trekking trails. “We have selected trails from the Kanchenjunga region in eastern Nepal to Api Himal in far western Nepal,” said Lila Baldab Dahal, treasurer of TAAN. “TAAN will build the necessary infrastructure, enhance the capacity of locals so that they can cater to tourists, and produce promotional collateral to publicize the trails in the national and international markets.” The umbrella association of Nepal’s trekking agencies has selected 63 trails for maintenance, infrastructure development and promotion. It will be spending Rs9 million on the exploration of new trekking trails. According to Dahal, TAAN will be exploring the Lamjung-Dudhpokhari, North Annapurna Base Camp from Lete, Sailung-Timal, Gaja Hill (Jogimara-Shaktikhor), Round Ramechhap and Chatara-Mainamini trails in the current fiscal year. “The trails have been selected as per the request of local communities,” he said. Similarly, TAAN will conduct mapping of the Hillary Trail (Ramechhap Chyama Danda to Lete) and Lower Solu.