Gorkha, May 15: The Manaslu trekking route along the Philim-Larke Pass in Chumnubri Rural Municipality of northern Gorkha has been repaired and upgraded.
The route had become difficult for both domestic and foreign trekkers, prompting the local government to carry out improvement works to make travel safer and easier, according to Chief Administrative Officer of Chumnubri Rural Municipality Manoj Lamichhane.
He said concrete paving and railings had been installed in risky sections of the trail in the Rana village area of Ward No. 5. Following the completion of the work, trekkers have been able to travel more safely and systematically on the route since Tuesday.
To carry out the repair works, the movement of tourists and mules along the trail had been completely suspended. “Now that the upgrading work has been completed, the trekking route has been fully reopened for locals, businesspeople and tourists,” Lamichhane said.
Locals believed that the repaired trail has increased the attractiveness of the route and is expected to boost tourist arrivals this year. “This trekking route is the identity of our village. Its conservation and improvement will brighten our future,” said local Phurpa Gyalbo Lama of Philim.
Due to its difficult geography, Chumnubri Rural Municipality is still not fully connected to the road network. Mules remain the main means of transporting daily essentials, food supplies, medicines and construction materials in the area. Rural Municipality Chairman Nima Lama said the local government remained committed to developing safe, easy and quality trekking routes in the long term.
The municipality has also urged both domestic and foreign tourists visiting the Manaslu route via Philim and Larke Pass to travel without concern.
The improvement of the Manaslu trekking route is expected to contribute significantly to local employment, tourism promotion and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The rural municipality said it had requested budget support from the federal and provincial governments to further improve the Manaslu route and develop it as a model trekking trail for other Himalayan regions as well.
