Myagdi’s Pokharebagar-Ghodepani road is facing significant challenges due to landslides, causing both a risk of accidents and considerable inconvenience to travelers. The landslides have affected the sections of the road in Luliya, Hallekharka, and Ghoptikharka within Annapurna Rural Municipality.
The 21-kilometer stretch connecting Pokharebagar to Ghodepani, a popular tourist destination, has been severely impacted. Landslides in Luliya, Hallekharka, and Ghoptikharka have created obstacles for vehicles such as jeeps, tractors, and motorcycles.
According to Dam Bahadur Pun, a hotel operator in Ghodepani, “The landslides have isolated Ghodepani for over two months, disrupting transportation and causing difficulties for tourists and local businesses.”
The landslide at Ghoptikharka has damaged around 10 meters of the road, making it impassable for all vehicles except motorcycles. Additionally, road damage in Luliya and Hallekharka—50 meters and 100 meters respectively—has rendered bus and truck operations impossible.
Shiva Khadka, a farmer from Birauta, reported that a landslide caused his motorcycle to fall, spilling about 100 liters of milk and curd. “Navigating the narrow, winding, and poorly graded road poses a serious risk,” he said, stressing the need for long-term solutions to the road issues.
The Pokharebagar-Chitre road, which spans 18.5 kilometers, was last upgraded with gravel, asphalt, and blacktop in the past year at a cost of approximately NPR 30 million. This road is crucial for residents of wards 5 and 6 of Annapurna Rural Municipality and tourists traveling to Ghodepani.
Ghodepani, a popular destination with annual visits from over 30,000 tourists, attracts many for its scenic beauty, including sunrise views, Himalayan ranges, local wildlife, and traditional Gurung culture.
Annapurna Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Diva Tilija Pun has announced that efforts are underway to repair the damaged road. The municipality is also preparing to upgrade an alternative route connecting Khivang-Kutuka-Peribharani-Ghodepani.
The municipality’s team, including Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun and Vice-Chairperson Tilija Pun, met with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Bahadur Dahal, in July to address the long-term issues of the Pokharebagar-Chitre road.
The ongoing efforts highlight the urgency of addressing road infrastructure challenges to support both local communities and the tourism industry in Myagdi.
