World

Guerilla trail launched by civil war leader

05:55 am on 5 October 2012

Former Nepalese Maoist insurgency leader Prachanda has launched a new tourist trail and guide book, giving walkers the chance to see routes and hideouts used by the guerrillas during the civil war.

The trek lasts up to four weeks and stretches across several districts of central and western Nepal.

The aim is to attract more tourists.

About 16,000 people died in the war, which lasted 10 years until a peace deal in 2006. Elections won by the Maoists in 2008.

The war culminated in the king relinquishing absolute power and being forced to give up his throne in June that year.

Prachanda was prime minister from 18 August 2008 - 25 May 2009 and remains chairman of the main Maoist party in Nepal.

A BBC correspondent says the trek winds through villages and valleys that saw some of the bloodiest fighting.