Tourist access to Jugal Himal has come under concern after a bridge linking Thulo Kartike and Sano Kartike in Jugal Rural Municipality 4 fell into disrepair, creating difficulties for residents and visitors. The bridge over Chyaltsacham Khola was constructed by the local government in 2073 BS and has served as an important route for local communities as well as tourists traveling toward the Jugal Himal Base Camp. Residents say the bridge has been in poor condition for about a year, making crossings increasingly difficult and raising safety concerns. The issue has become more pressing as the municipality has launched Jugal Visit Year 2083 to attract domestic and international tourists to the mountain destination.
Deteriorating Bridge Creates Tourism Access Concerns
The damaged condition of the bridge has made daily travel difficult for residents who rely on the crossing to move between the two settlements. Dev Lama, a local resident, said people previously used the bridge without significant concern but are now increasingly hesitant because of its deteriorated condition. He said the problem has existed for nearly a year without an adequate solution from the local government. The deteriorating structure is also a concern for tourists using the route to reach Jugal Himal Base Camp. With the tourism season already beginning, locals fear that continued problems with the bridge could affect visitor access to the area.
The infrastructure problem has gained further significance following the municipality’s decision to celebrate Jugal Visit Year 2083. The campaign is aimed at increasing the flow of domestic and international visitors to Jugal Himal and promoting the area as a tourism destination.
Lhalung Lama, a local resident, said tourists could face difficulties reaching the destination if basic infrastructure is not made safe and reliable. He emphasized that dependable roads and bridges are essential for attracting visitors to remote mountain areas. He called for the damaged bridge to be repaired or replaced without delay so that tourism activities can continue without unnecessary access problems.
Technical Team Finds Replacement Necessary
Jugal Rural Municipality Chairperson Resham Syangbo said the local government has decided to remove the damaged structure and construct a Bailey Flyover in its place. The municipality had sent technical experts to inspect the bridge after receiving information about its deteriorating condition. Following the assessment, the technicians determined that the existing structure could not be effectively repaired.
The municipality therefore decided that replacing the Flyover would be a more appropriate solution to the access problem. The proposed Bailey bridge is expected to provide a safer and more dependable crossing for both residents and tourists. The municipality has already set aside a budget for the construction of the replacement bridge and is preparing to begin the procurement process. According to Chairperson Syangbo, the municipality plans to enter the tender process within Ashoj 2083, which falls in September-October 2026.
The planned construction comes as local authorities work to improve facilities supporting the Jugal Visit Year initiative. Addressing the bridge problem is particularly important because the route is used by visitors heading toward the Jugal Himal Base Camp. Timely implementation of the project could help reduce one of the immediate infrastructure barriers facing tourism in the area.
Jugal Visit Year Highlights Need For Better Infrastructure
The condition of the bridge has highlighted the importance of improving physical infrastructure alongside tourism promotion in remote mountain destinations. Jugal Himal has been identified by the local government as an area with potential to attract both domestic and international tourists, with the current season already underway. Local stakeholders, however, say promotional campaigns need to be supported by safe roads, bridges and other basic facilities.
The damaged bridge has therefore become a notable concern during a year when the municipality is specifically seeking to increase tourism activity. Reliable access will be important for visitors as well as communities living along the route. The proposed Bailey bridge is expected to address both the tourism related access problem and the everyday transportation difficulties faced by local residents. The municipality’s decision follows a technical inspection that found the existing bridge unsuitable for repair, providing the basis for moving toward a replacement structure.
With funding already allocated and the tender process expected to begin within Ashoj, the next step will be implementation of the construction plan. The project comes at an important point for Jugal Himal as the destination enters its tourism season under Jugal Visit Year 2083.
