The road linking the popular tourist destination of Ghodepani in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Myagdi, which was blocked nine months ago, remains non-operational. The Pokharebgar–Chitre road, a vital access route, has been severely damaged since last year, creating significant challenges for both local residents and tourists.
The road, running from Pokharebgar, the administrative center of Annapurna Rural Municipality, to the popular tourist hub of Ghodepani, was severely damaged by landslides at Ghoptikharka on the Annapurna-5 route in the month of Ashar (June/July). Since then, there has been no repair work done, leaving the locals and tourists to face ongoing disruptions.
As a temporary fix, local residents have placed wooden planks and logs over the narrow stretch of road damaged by the landslide to allow only jeeps to pass through. However, the makeshift solution comes with the serious risk of accidents as the planks are unstable, and their sudden breakage could cause vehicle crashes. Julie Thakuri Pun, a resident of Ghodepani, expressed the difficulty faced by both tourists and locals, particularly in the transportation of daily necessities. Hotel owners and businesses relying on the transportation of goods have also suffered significantly.
The damage to the road at Ghoptikharka, where approximately 10 meters of the road’s edge was lost, has made it impossible for vehicles larger than motorcycles, such as jeeps, buses, trucks, and tractors, to pass through. Further compounding the issue, the landslides at Luliya and Hallekharka on the same road section have made it impossible for buses and trucks to operate on the route.
The road, which serves as the primary access for tourists traveling to Ghodepani, a place known for its spectacular sunrise views, the Annapurna mountain range, and natural attractions, is vital for local tourism. On average, around 30,000 foreign tourists visit Ghodepani annually, but the damage to the road has also limited the number of domestic tourists. Mina Pun, president of the Ghodepani Hotel Management Committee, mentioned that the number of domestic tourists has also fallen due to the disruption in transportation. The ongoing road issues have restricted the expected flow of visitors, impacting both tourism and local businesses.
Located in the high hills, Ghodepani is renowned for its breathtaking views of the sunrise, the Annapurna mountain range, Gurung forests, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The nearby Poon Hill is a major attraction for trekkers and nature lovers. The 18.5-kilometer-long Pokharebgar-Chitre road was upgraded in the previous year with an investment of approximately NPR 30 million from the local infrastructure development office of Kaski. It had been a major improvement to the area’s accessibility after 15 years of construction.
The local authorities have been unable to address the urgent need for repairs due to the lack of response from the project office. As a result, the Annapurna Rural Municipality has taken it upon itself to manage the repair work. Ram Bahadur Khadka, the Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, highlighted that the municipality would be taking responsibility for the repair efforts due to the delay by the concerned project office.
The prolonged disruption of this crucial road has not only affected tourism but also hindered the daily activities of the residents. In addition to the growing risk of accidents, the lack of proper transportation has made it increasingly difficult for businesses to operate and for people in the area to access necessary services.
The local authorities and communities have emphasized the urgency of repairing the road to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. The lack of a functional road is a major blow to the region’s economy, which is largely dependent on tourism. The Annapurna Rural Municipality, despite its resource limitations, remains committed to getting the road back to a usable state in the hope of boosting local tourism and the economy.
The rehabilitation of the road is seen as a key factor in revitalizing the tourism sector in Ghodepani and the surrounding areas. As of now, both locals and tourists are eagerly awaiting the repair work to be completed, with hopes that the project will be prioritized for the benefit of all who rely on this important route.
