A new trekking route, titled the ‘Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek’, is currently under feasibility study with the aim of promoting tourism in Myagdi district. The proposed trail promises a unique blend of biodiversity, rural lifestyle, rich culture, and breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri–Annapurna mountain range.
The route is expected to reach all the way to the icefall of Mt. Dhaulagiri, one of the most dramatic glacial landscapes in the Himalayas. The trail covers a circular route that begins and ends in Beni, passing through Ruise Danda, Khola Kharka, Saban Dhuri, Kalibhara, Icefall, and Sungthala, offering trekkers a pristine Himalayan experience.
Team of Experts Leading the Study
The feasibility study is being conducted by a diverse team comprising tourism experts and local leaders. Notable among them are tourism experts Gyanendra Ghale, Dhruba Kumar Paija, and Rim Paija, who bring in technical and strategic insights to assess the trail’s potential.
This study is being undertaken with the financial support of the Nepal Tourism Board and Raghuganga Rural Municipality, and technical coordination is being handled by Map House, a well-known organization in trekking route mapping and development.
Leadership from Political and Local Authorities
The initiative to explore the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek was made possible through the active efforts of former Minister Tham Maya Thapa and Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chairperson Bhava Bahadur Bhandari. Their involvement underscores the importance of the route at both local and national levels in advancing Nepal’s adventure and cultural tourism sectors.
According to sources involved in the project, this study aims to identify infrastructure needs, safety requirements, environmental concerns, and potential resting or accommodation points along the trail. The ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable, low-impact trekking route that also uplifts the local economy.
A New Destination for Magdi’s Tourism Map
The Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek is anticipated to be a landmark addition to Myagdi’s tourism offerings. While the district already enjoys popularity among trekkers due to routes like the Dhaulagiri Circuit, Khopra Ridge, and Mohare Danda, the new trail would open up a previously unexplored section of the region, introducing adventurers to lesser-known yet spectacular natural and cultural highlights.
With glacier-fed rivers, alpine meadows, rural villages, and high-altitude forests, the trail will provide trekkers with an immersive experience of both nature and local culture. Particularly, the icefall of Mt. Dhaulagiri will act as the main attraction, drawing both adventure seekers and those in pursuit of scenic serenity.
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the study and official opening of the route, the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek is expected to attract both domestic and international trekkers, including eco-tourists, adventure enthusiasts, and researchers interested in high-altitude ecosystems.
Tourism stakeholders hope that this trail will not only diversify the trekking destinations in western Nepal but also generate employment and enhance income opportunities for local communities through homestays, guiding services, and local product sales.
As the study progresses, further collaboration with conservation groups and tourism operators will be vital in ensuring that the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek becomes a sustainable and safe trekking destination, representing a new era in Myagdi’s mountain tourism.
