Baglung, Feb 1: Once accessible only by foot through rugged trails and high hills, Dhorpatan is now gradually becoming more connected.
Although the roads remain unpaved, visitors can now reach the scenic valley by vehicle, significantly reducing travel time from Baglung’s second-largest commercial hub, Burtibang, to just two hours.
The Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Road, a national priority project, has linked Dhorpatan to the Terai. This direct connection to Rupandehi’s Saljhandi brings new economic prospects to the region. Despite slow progress since its inception in 2067 BS, the road has finally linked this remote mountainous area to the lowlands, marking a major milestone for Baglung residents.
This 197 km road passes through five districts—Rupandehi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, and Baglung—with 61 km running through Baglung alone. It connects Nisikhola Rural Municipality and Dhorpatan Municipality, offering a direct route for Indian tourists, a potential boon for the local economy.
Dhan Bahadur Kayat (Kalyan), Deputy Mayor of Dhorpatan Municipality, highlighted how the road will improve market access for local agricultural products. Dhorpatan produces millions worth of potatoes, apples and oranges annually, but poor roads have long hindered their transportation.
However, the lack of road upgrades has caused difficulties for thousands of residents and tourists, prompting calls for government intervention. Deputy Mayor Kayat stated, “With Dhorpatan now directly connected to the Terai, our future looks promising. If this road is fully paved, it will attract a flood of domestic and international tourists. Dhorpatan is already famous, and we believe tourism will significantly uplift our residents’ living standards.”
Additionally, better road access is expected to slow migration from the area, as more economic opportunities emerge locally.
Local resident Khim Bahadur Pun Magar recalls how people once walked 11 days to Butwal to buy salt, rice, and clothing. Now, with roads in place, shops have opened throughout the villages. “It feels like just yesterday that we carried salt from Butwal. Now, we don’t need to travel; vehicles bring everything to our doorstep. In the past, we couldn’t even sell potatoes, apples, or beans. Now, we can send them to market by truck and earn money.”
With the road connecting Lumbini, Nepal’s renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site, to Dhorpatan, tourism is set to increase significantly, according to hotel entrepreneur Ganga Bahadur Bhandari. “Dhorpatan is not just famous in Nepal but internationally recognized. Foreign hunters already visit for game hunting. If road conditions improve, we will see more visitors from across Nepal. In the future, tourists will flock to Dhorpatan, visit the Baraha shrine, and bathe in the sacred Uttar Ganga River.”
Despite its potential, the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Road Project has progressed at a snail’s pace, with only 30% completed in 14 years. The project, crucial for linking mountainous districts with the Terai, has yet to see significant upgrades since its initial track opening.
According to a official at the Project, out of 197 km, only 18 km has been paved, 4.5 km in Rupandehi and 13.5 km in Arghakhanchi.
According to Kristina Thapa, Information Officer at the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Road Project, gravel work is ongoing in various sections across the five districts.
In Baglung, 22 km of the Burtibang-Fallegarh section is being graveled, while in Rupandehi and Palpa, 13.5 km between Kanchan Khola and Khursane is being paved.
Other paving works include: 22 km from Khursane (Palpa) to Pataut (Arghakhanchi), 7 km from Mate to Bhandara (Arghakhanchi), 19 km from Purkotdaha to Sirseeni (Gulmi) and 8.2 km from Sirseeni to Arkhbang (Gulmi)
However, another 32 km — 18 km in Arghakhanchi and 7 km each in Gulmi and Baglung— remains untouched.
Given the road’s economic, tourism, and agricultural importance, local leaders and residents are urging the government to expedite its completion to fully unlock its benefits. #nepal #dhorpatan #road
