Kathmandu, July 27: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal in Business Growth Advisors (NIB-GA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and promote wellness tourism in the country.

The agreement, signed on Sunday by TAAN Chair Sagar Pandey and NIB-GA Team Leader Ratish Basnyat, aims to develop, package and market wellness trekking circuits in Nepal’s high Himalayan regions. The initiative aligns with the National Health Tourism Action Plan 2026–2030 prepared by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Under the partnership, the Annapurna Trekking Circuit will be developed as Nepal’s first branded wellness trekking circuit. The project will focus on promoting health and wellness experiences, including yoga and meditation, spiritual and nature-based therapies, Ayurveda, and spa and massage services.

According to TAAN Chief Executive Officer Ramchandra Sedhai, an inventory of wellness products and activities along the Annapurna route will be prepared before launching promotional campaigns in domestic and international markets from early 2027.

The initiative is expected to support the government’s broader goal of positioning Nepal as a leading global wellness tourism destination. The government has already announced plans to celebrate 2027 as Nepal Wellness Year, while the United Nations has designated April 15 as International Wellness Day following Nepal’s initiative.

Building on the Annapurna model, TAAN and NIB-GA plan to gradually expand wellness trekking circuits to other major trekking destinations, including Limi Valley, Rara, Dolpa, Manaslu, Langtang, Helambu, Lapchi, Rolwaling, Khumbu, Khempalung (Arun), and Kanchenjunga.