Rolwaling Valley Trekking Trail Cleaning Program 2025

The Rolwaling Valley Trekking Trail Cleaning Program is an environmental conservation initiative aimed at collecting unmanaged waste from three major trekking and peak-climbing routes within the Rolwaling Valley, located in Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, Dolakha District, Nepal. The program actively engages and mobilizes local youth to preserve the region’s natural beauty and promote sustainable tourism. This initiative is generously funded by the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation.

Objectives & Outcomes:

Objective:

• To collect waste from key tourist destinations within the valley and help maintain a clean and sustainable mountain environment.
• To provide short-term employment to tourism workers who are in need of financial support.

Results & Outcomes:

The Rolwaling Valley Trekking Trail Cleaning Program has delivered the following direct and indirect benefits to the community:

• Approximately 900 kilograms of unmanaged garbage were collected from major tourist areas, including key trekking and climbing routes within the Rolwaling Valley, and transported for proper disposal through responsible channels.
• The program provided short-term employment and financial relief to 10 unemployed tourism workers during June 2025.
• It increased awareness of waste management and environmental conservation among local residents, youth, tea house operators, trekking guides, and other stakeholders.
• It offered valuable insights into the issue of unmanaged waste along trekking trails, helping relevant authorities plan for better waste management in the future.
• The initiative contributed to promoting tourism by improving the cleanliness and attractiveness of the trekking routes.
• Led by local organizations, the program stands as an exemplary community-driven environmental initiative in Nepal.
• It reinforces the message that local communities play a vital role in preserving clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly tourist destinations.