The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is a long-distance trail through 6 countries that aims to connect existing hiking routes from India to Pakistan. The development of the GHT began in the 1980s with the goal of combining public and private sectors to expand the network of trails. The GHT is different from other trekking routes in that it is Asia's first long-distance walking route and traverses the iconic Himalayan region. Initial efforts to promote the GHT focused on generating media exposure through stories targeted at specific publications and working with the adventure travel industry. Future plans for the GHT include expanding its scope to include more activities like biking and horseback riding, developing cultural trails through communities, and

1. Great Himalaya Trail:
A Case Study
Robin Boustead

2. Brief history of the GHT
• First steps in 1980-81.
• Expanding the network of trails from
Arunachal Pradesh to Pakistan.
• Stable borders in Nepal from 2003.
• The GHT development project.
• Goal of combining public and private sectors.
• A multi-adventure route through 6 countries.

3. Why is the GHT different?
• Is the GHT different from other trekking and
adventure products?
• Asia’s first long distance walking/adventure
route.
• Iconic status of the Himalaya region.
• Long distance and GHT trekkers embrace
responsible tourism.
• Reaching out to remote communities.

5. First steps for the GHT.
• Initial interest in the GHT relied on creating
relevant media exposure:
– Range of stories and issue to target specific media
– Working with TV, magazines, etc to identify key
stories
– Word of mouth in the adventure travel industry
– Developing GHT products for both international
and domestic operators

6. FAQs about the GHT
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How many trekkers is too many?
Authenticity vs economies of scale?
Deliverable promises in the field?
Accountability and responsible tourism?
How much does it cost and where can I go?
• Critical to have clear answers.

8. What has worked? (1)
• Production of large amounts of resource
information: books, maps, websites
• Identifying new trekking areas that minimised
operational risks.
• Iconic ‘High Route’ across the top of the
world.
• Pitching an ‘old idea’ as a ‘new product’.

9. What has worked? (2)
• Savvy local trekking and travel companies
joined the media buzz.
• FIT trekkers, especially the long distant
walking segment.
• Dove tailing with development agenda.
• Creating the ‘GHT’ brand.

11. What next? (1)
• Expanding the scope and range of the GHT:
– More adventures to include
watersports, climbing, horse riding, mountain
biking, etc.
– More routes to link trails through communities
(cultural trails) or wilderness areas.
– To expand the GHT into a regional initiative.
– Soft travel and pilgrimages to appeal to a broader
audience.

12. What next? (2)
• Tailor products to emerging markets,
especially Asia.
• Make GHT information more accessible to
both travellers and travel organisations.
• Highlighting local entrepreneurship through
the development program.
• Focus on measurable deliverables.

13. Key Deliverables
• Initiate 300 pro-poor micro-enterprises by
2016 across Nepal.
• Itinerary development for international and
local trekking businesses.
• Promotional media campaign (both print and
online) until 2016.
• Value analysis for all activities.
• Local management of the GHT.