Namaste, today you will learn about the Accessible Tourism Trail Point located in Kaskikot of Kaski District.
Introduction
The “Accessible Tourism Trail Point,” located in the Kaskikot area of Kaski District, is Nepal’s first-ever accessible hiking trail. It is designed to allow people with physical disabilities, wheelchair users, the elderly, and individuals with limited mobility to experience natural beauty up close. Although efforts to promote tourism in this area began around 2049 B.S., the trail was later developed in an organized manner through the collaboration of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), USAID, UNDP, and the local community. Based on the inclusive concept of “Tourism for All,” this trail has been established as Nepal’s first model accessible trail.
Geographical Location
Kaskikot is a beautiful area located in the north–western part of Pokhara. The trail can be started from Naudanda, and another route also begins from Sarangkot. Kaskikot lies to the east, Naudanda to the west, Hemja and Dhampus to the north, and Pame to the south. Situated at an altitude of around 1,600 meters, the area offers magnificent views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and the surrounding hills. Although the trail is short, it contains significant geographical diversity.
Reason Behind the Name
The main purpose of naming this trail the “Accessible Tourism Trail” is to make tourism equally available to everyone. Most hiking or trekking routes in Nepal have traditionally been suitable only for physically fit individuals. However, this trail was created with the intention of allowing people who are physically weak, wheelchair users, or elderly individuals to easily observe the mountains, hills, and natural scenery. The word “Accessible” represents the inclusiveness, barrier-free access, and equal opportunity that the trail aims to provide.
Social Importance
This trail is an excellent example of social inclusion. Individuals who are physically disabled or elderly often struggle to travel through steep and uneven hill terrain, causing them to remain excluded from tourism activities. With the development of the Kaskikot Trail, they too have gained the opportunity to easily enjoy natural beauty, which has helped promote social equality and enhance dignity.
The trail has also created employment opportunities for the local community, increased activity in local businesses, and boosted income for tea shops, homestays, guides, and small enterprises. These are clear examples of the social and economic benefits brought by the trail. It has helped integrate tourism development with local lifestyles and the community itself.
Structure and Physical Design
The trail has been primarily designed so that it can be traveled by wheelchair. Although the entire route is not yet fully accessible to reach the top solely by wheelchair, improvement and expansion work is ongoing under the Development Project Report (DPR). The trail includes paved pathways, secure handrails, resting spots, seating areas, signage, and open viewing platforms in necessary places. A tea shop near the upper section is in its final planning stage, and one local resident has been employed for trail management. Over time, the structure is expected to become even more organized and well-developed.
Natural Beauty
The trail’s main attraction is the spectacular Himalayan panorama visible from the route. The Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and the Dhaulagiri region’s hills, along with views of Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake below, look truly mesmerizing.
The area’s greenery, local vegetation, terraced fields, villages of the Kaskikot region, and wide open skies make the trail appealing to every visitor. It is also a popular spot for observing sunrise and sunset. With such rich natural diversity within a short distance, this destination is considered ideal for families, students, and nature lovers alike.
Accessibility Status and Challenges
Although the trail is now operational, several challenges still remain. Not all sections have been fully developed to allow wheelchair access throughout the route. Some areas still require maintenance and structural improvements. Due to weather conditions, rainfall, soil erosion, and natural wear, certain parts of the trail need regular upkeep.
However, with continuous coordination among the local community, the Tourism Board, and other concerned stakeholders, these challenges are gradually being addressed. In the future, once management becomes more organized and accessibility improves further, both the trail’s appeal and its inclusiveness are expected to increase.
Future Plans
In the coming days, there are plans to transform the trail into a fully paved, graded path, making travel safer and easier for persons with disabilities. Wheel-accessible lanes will be constructed in challenging sections, and one or two special assisted “while-path” routes are proposed for additional support. There is also a plan to build more small shops and resting areas to create local employment opportunities. The tea garden area at the upper section of the trail will be upgraded and expanded to offer better services.
Reference Material
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal
Krishna Prasad Acharya (Chairperson)
