KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has underscored the need to integrate Buddhist heritage-based pilgrimage and spirituality with trekking and mountain tourism in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Speaking as a panelist at an interaction programme on Buddhist Religion, Culture and Tourism Promotion organised by the Boudhanath Area Development Committee on January 12, TAAN President Sagar Pandey said Nepal’s trekking destinations offer strong potential to combine adventure tourism with spirituality, meditation and cultural experiences.

Pandey highlighted that the Nepalese Himalayas are home to numerous sacred Buddhist sites, including meditation caves and pilgrimage locations associated with revered masters such as Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Milarepa, as well as ancient monasteries and archaeological monuments. He noted that many Himalayan Buddhist communities have been practising and safeguarding the Buddhist Dharma since the 7th–8th century, serving as custodians of both spiritual traditions and heritage sites.

He also pointed out that Nepal hosts five of the seven sacred Beyuls—hidden valleys believed to have been concealed by Padmasambhava for future generations. These include Beyul Kyimolung (Manaslu region), Beyul Nagmo Dagam (Langtang), Beyul Yolmo Gangra (Helambu), Beyul Rolba Khandro-ling (Rolwaling) and Beyul Khembalung (Mera and Arun Valley). The remaining two Beyuls are located in India’s Sikkim region and the Brahmaputra River corridor spanning India and China.

According to Pandey, TAAN is actively promoting Buddhist circuits along major trekking routes, encouraging pilgrimage, spirituality, meditation, wellness and cultural activities alongside adventure trekking, with the aim of diversifying Nepal’s tourism offerings and enriching visitor experiences.