KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nepal in Business-Growth Advisors (NiB-GA) to jointly promote wellness tourism integrated with trekking and adventure activities in the Himalayas.

NiB-GA is a programme funded by UK International Development and implemented by DAI Global UK.

The MoU was signed by TAAN President Sagar Pandey and NiB-GA Team Leader Ratish Basnyat. TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa and Chief Executive Officer Ram Chandra Sedai were also present at the event, alongside NiB-GA's Sector Initiative Expert Kanchan Gurung and Communication Manager Sambhavi Banset.

The agreement formalizes collaboration between the two parties to jointly plan, develop and implement activities and action plans that integrate trekking and adventure tourism with wellness tourism. Under the MoU, NiB-GA and TAAN will work together to design innovative wellness-oriented trekking products, strengthen the capacity of tourism stakeholders, promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices, and enhance Nepal's standing as a premier destination for trekking, adventure and wellness tourism.

Aligning with the destinations and hubs prioritized under the National Wellness Tourism Strategy (2026–2035) and its accompanying Action Plan (2026–2030), TAAN and NiB-GA will design wellness-oriented trekking products to transform the Annapurna Circuit into a dedicated Wellness Trekking Circuit. Officials said the model could later be replicated in other Himalayan trekking destinations.