One day tourism entrepreneur’s field exposure visit and
interaction with community program was organized to promote the ecotourism in
the Vulture Safe Feeding Site in Ghachok, Kaski on 11 June 2016. Promotion of
tourism to the Ghachok is an important contribution towards sustaining the
vulture safe feeding site. The programme was organised jointly by Vulture
Conservation and Management Committee, Ghachok and Pokhara Bird Society with
support of Bird Conservation Nepal. Tourism related entrepreneurs and concerned
authorities from Pokhara visited Ghachowk and came together to develop the site
as a popular destination for vulture watching in the country.
Krishna Bhusal, Vulture Conservation Program Officer/BCN
outlined about the vulture conservation history, concept of Jatayu Restaurant (VSFS)
and its link to ecotourism promotion.
Raja Ram Poudel, president of Vulture Conservation and Management
Committee briefed about the components of Jatayu restaurant and other potential
tourism hub in and around the Ghachok village. Mann Shant Ghimire, founder
president of Pokhara Bird Society said that Ghachok has already achieved much
popularity among vulture watchers, and can be turned into a celebrated tourist
hub if community, entrepreneurs and authorities work together.
Ram Ji Gautam, senior vulture expert suggested for the
proper collaboration with concern ecotourism bodies and need of cow-shed
management and other infrastructures. Hari K C, senior ornithologist, Jhalak
Chaudhary, Nature Guide and bird expert, Hemanta Dhakal, vulture researcher,
Tulsi Subedi, Nature Guide delivered their thoughts and suggested effective
marketing campaigns and integrating of
tourism tips like home stay facilities, endangered vultures view, bird
watching, trekking, organic vegetable farming and culture can give a boost to
the campaign.
All tourism related visitors and conservationist promised
full support to the effort making the site impressive and welcoming tourist
destination. However, cost of visiting Ghachowk is a major deterrent for
tourists. The royalty imposed by Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and
Trekking Agencies Associations Nepal (TAAN) adds to the overall expenses,
forcing many tourists to have a second thought about visiting the area.
During the visit, more than hundred vultures of five species
including four globally threatened species were observed. Currently, there are
24 homestays in operation.
The whole trip was led by Ishwari Chaudhary, Vulture Field
Technician/BCN and Kranti Raman Pokhrel/VCMC, Ghachok and other participants
included students of Institute of Forestry, members of BCN-Pokhara Branh and
representattives from various trekking
and tour companies.