Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has announced that the government aims to develop the Kaligandaki Corridor, particularly the road connecting Bhairahawa to Korala, into a dedicated tourism highway to strengthen Nepal’s tourism infrastructure and promote economic growth.
Speaking at a discussion on tourism development and promotion in Mustang, organized by the District Administration Office on Saturday, Minister Paudel said the government is committed to upgrading the road under the Kaligandaki Corridor from Bhairahawa in the south to Korala on the Nepal-China border in the north at the earliest.
Tourism Highway to Boost Economic Growth
Minister Paudel said tourism remains one of the primary drivers of Nepal’s economic prosperity and that transforming the Korala road into a tourism highway will significantly improve connectivity to major religious, cultural, and natural destinations along the route. He stated that the improved highway would facilitate easier travel for domestic and international tourists while contributing to regional economic development by increasing visitor arrivals and investment opportunities.
Mustang-Dolpa Road Given High Priority
The Tourism Minister also said the government has placed the construction and upgrading of the Mustang–Dolpa road under high priority. According to him, improved road connectivity between the two Himalayan districts will enhance tourism activities, improve access to remote destinations, and create new opportunities for adventure, cultural, and nature-based tourism. The road is also expected to improve local livelihoods by strengthening transportation and trade links in the mountainous region.
Proposal to Introduce Tourist Time Cards at Muktinath
Addressing growing concerns over the health risks faced by visitors at high-altitude destinations, Minister Paudel said cases of tourists suffering from altitude sickness in the Muktinath area have become increasingly serious. He suggested that concerned agencies consider introducing a “Tourist Time Card” system at Muktinath to better manage visitor movement and reduce the risks associated with rapid ascent to high elevations. The proposed mechanism is expected to encourage tourists to spend adequate time acclimatizing before reaching higher altitudes, thereby helping prevent altitude-related illnesses and enhancing visitor safety.
Stakeholders Highlight Tourism Challenges
During the interaction programme, representatives of various tourism organizations and tourism entrepreneurs from Mustang highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the district’s tourism sector. Participants urged the government to accelerate infrastructure development, improve road conditions, enhance tourism facilities, and introduce policies that support sustainable tourism growth while preserving Mustang’s unique cultural and natural heritage. The discussion also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to unlock Mustang’s full tourism potential and establish the region as one of Nepal’s premier mountain tourism destinations.
