Chautara, Nepal, May 9: Construction of the Helambu Himalayan Great Trail, a national pride tourism project of Helambu Rural Municipality, has progressed slowly, with only seven kilometres completed over the past five years out of the planned 60-kilometre route.
According to Rural Municipality Chairperson Nima Gyalzen Sherpa, around Rs. 150 million has already been spent on the project through funding from the rural municipality, the Department of Tourism, the Bagmati Provincial Government and other sources.
Sherpa said the provincial government alone contributed Rs. 45 million, but noted that the total estimated project cost stands at around Rs. 3.5 billion.
The project has faced repeated delays due to budget shortages, the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, landslides and climate-related challenges.
The trail stretches across areas of Helambu Rural Municipality, Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality and parts of Nuwakot District.
Designed in the style of traditional Hyolmo Buddhist prayer walls, the trail begins from Buddha Park and is being constructed using locally sourced stones from the Hyolmo region.
Construction is currently underway on pathways, stairways and resting areas between Nagidanda, Shermathang and Rinpochedanda.
The trail offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and connects several religious and tourist destinations, including Ama Yangri, Milarepa Cave, Palchok Bhagyeshwori Temple and multiple monasteries.
The trekking route ranges from 2,400 metres to 5,000 metres above sea level and passes through settlements of Hyolmo, Sherpa, Tamang, Lama and Gurung communities, allowing visitors to experience local culture, traditions and lifestyles.
The trail also offers views of the Jugal Himal range and numerous snow-capped peaks. Wildlife including red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan bears, yaks and Danphe pheasants can also be spotted in nearby protected forests.
From Semisidang, trekkers can reach Gosainkunda within a short distance. Other pilgrimage destinations such as Panchpokhari and Bhairabkunda are also connected through the route.
The rural municipality has also completed a Detailed Project Report for a proposed bungee jumping site, while feasibility studies for canyoning and paragliding have been conducted to expand adventure tourism opportunities.
Officials say the trail can be accessed from Kathmandu via Sankhu in around 55 kilometres or through Sundarijal in approximately 50 kilometres. #Nepal
