The work on the Greater Mundhum Trail expansion in Bhojpur has moved forward. The trail, which will connect the Koshi Tappu in Sunsari, Mainamaini in Belka Municipality of Udayapur, Maibini Hasunpur in Hatuwagadhi, Bhojpur, Selme, and Tawa Bhanyang, has begun with the goal of expanding the trekking route.
A meeting between the municipalities of Hatuwagadhi, Amchok, and Ramprasad Rai in Bhojpur has been held to further plan the expansion of the trail. An orientation program was also held for the trail user and construction committees in the presence of local authority heads. Project staff and engineers from local municipalities facilitated discussions on how to carry out the work in a high-quality manner.
This trail has become significant, especially as the Khuwalung area, a sacred place for the Kirat people, was left out of the original plan. As a result, the municipalities of Dhankuta, Udayapur, and Bhojpur are preparing to hold a meeting to discuss expanding the trail through the Khuwalung area.
The Tourism Ministry of Koshi Province, the trekking route-based tourism development project, the Martyrs’ Ground and Sangurigadhi Municipality in Dhankuta, Belka Municipality in Udayapur, Hatuwagadhi, Amchok, and Ramprasad Rai municipalities in Bhojpur are all involved in discussions to extend the trail through the Khuwalung area.
“We have already held a meeting with three local municipalities in Bhojpur,” said President Rai. “Although the Greater Mundhum Trail is expanding from Koshi Tappu in Sunsari, passing through Udayapur and heading to Bhojpur, the Khuwalung area was missed, and we are now planning to discuss the inclusion of this important region with seven local municipalities from three districts and other stakeholders.”
The Greater Mundhum Trail is planned to be constructed over the next four years. The Swiss government will contribute 55% of the total cost, the provincial government will contribute 19%, the local government will contribute 18%, and the federal government will contribute 8%. The first phase of the project will begin in the fiscal year 2081/82, with the construction of the trail in Hatuwagadhi-9 Hasunpur, Amchok-2 Yun, and Ramprasad Rai-6 Baikuntha.
The route of the Greater Mundhum Trail will extend from Koshi Tappu in Sunsari, pass through Mainamaini in Belka Municipality in Udayapur, Maibeni, Shila Sutchheri, Sankhamchuli, and Byang in Amchok Municipality, then through various areas of Ramprasad Rai-6 including Thamdanda, Golme Bhir, Suchagufa Nagchangga, Paphmakhamgadhi, Bate, and Okhre in Ward No. 1, before finally reaching Temkemayung-9 Kapase Bhanyang.
Once it connects to the existing Mundhum Trail in Tava Bhanyang, the total length of the trail will be approximately 168 kilometers, reaching the highest point in Bhojpur, Salpasichung. The trekking route-based tourism development project is being implemented under the jurisdiction of Biratnagar and is set to run from 2081 to 2085. There is a four-year agreement between the Swiss government and the provincial government, with further agreements between the local government and the provincial government to ensure the continuation of the project.
