Community resilience preparedness against disasters at high-altitude area: Case study of Chhomrong Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

High altitude areas are generally exposed to vulnerabilities against disasters. A country like Nepal that sits on the boundary of two massive tectonic plates - Indo-Australian and Asian plate, where collisions or frictions between these plates, formed Himalaya mountains, and earthquakes. In 2015, Nepal was struck by a massive earthquake causing dreadful loss of lives and property damages. Access to basic facilities was destructive and obstructed particularly in the 14 hardest-hit districts. Rescue missions, post-disaster reconstruction and removing all debris were tough to reach at high altitude areas of 2,400 meters above sealevel. Enhancing the community to become prepared against disasters is crucial which includes the resilience of critical infrastructure (school, hospital, water & telecommunication), sturdy building and societal services. Therefore, the objective of thisstudy is to observe readiness and preparedness facilities including the trekker itself along the trekking trail. An empirical study covers trekking trails starting from Chhomrong, Nepal to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal. It encompasses observation techniques along the trail that starts at 2,140 meters above sea levels. Findings revealed that it is essential and indispensable initial informationto develop preparedness of community resilience among local and foreign trekkers. This outcome leads to their involvement as anunderstanding and preparation towards combating any future disasters along the high-altitude trail by reducing the negative aftermath and becoming resilient.