The federal and Gandaki Provincial governments have allocated a combined budget of NPR 11 crore for the maintenance and upgrading of the road connecting Mustang in Gandaki Province with Dolpa in Karnali Province. The investment is expected to improve transportation along this important regional route, strengthen access to remote settlements, and make travel to Upper Dolpa more convenient for residents and visitors.
The Mustang–Dolpa road is regarded as a strategically important route connecting the two provinces. Although a basic road connection has already been established in the area, its condition remains challenging, with several sections requiring construction, widening, and upgrading before regular vehicle movement can become easier. Once improved, the road is expected to provide a more convenient access route to Upper Dolpa, supporting local transportation, supply movement, and tourism activities. The planned investment covers two major sections of the route: the 52-kilometre stretch between Pakling and Chhuksumb in Mustang, and the approximately four-kilometre section between Chhuksumb and Bherol, where road conditions remain particularly difficult.
NPR 11 Crore Allocated for Two Road Sections
According to the Road Division Office, Baglung, NPR 10 crore has been allocated in the current fiscal year for upgrading the 52-kilometre road section from Pakling in Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality–3 to Chhuksumb in Ward No. 5 of Mustang. Engineer Sagar Bhandari of the office said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for upgrading this section has reached its final stage. The office had initiated road construction slightly beyond Chhuksumb last year, while the current year’s programme focuses on improving the existing road from Pakling to Chhuksumb.
Approval of the required resource agreement under the medium-term expenditure framework is still pending. Once the necessary approval is completed, the upgrading work can proceed according to the project plan. The approximately 60-kilometre distance from Pakling in Mustang to Yak Kharka in Dolpa includes a 52-kilometre stretch between Pakling and Chhuksumb where a basic gravel road has already been expanded. The plan is to progressively upgrade this existing road to improve its condition and usability.
Chhuksumb–Bherol Section to Receive Further Investment
The approximately four-kilometre section from Chhuksumb to Bherol has been identified as one of the most challenging parts of the Mustang–Dolpa road. While the road condition from Eklebhatti to Chhuksumb in Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality–3 is comparatively manageable, the route beyond Chhuksumb towards Bherol remains difficult and requires significant improvement. In several places, the road track has yet to be opened, while narrow and difficult bends have made vehicle movement challenging. Even tractors cannot operate along some sections because of the restricted road width and difficult terrain. These conditions have limited the practical use of the route despite the existing road connection.
Infrastructure Development Office Chief Rabin Chokhyal said that the Gandaki Provincial Government has allocated NPR 1 crore in the current fiscal year for construction and upgrading of the Chhuksumb–Bherol section. The office has also completed the necessary preparations to take forward the project as a multi-year programme, with NPR 5 crore in provincial resources planned to be secured for the work. According to Chokhyal, the tender process for the Chhuksumb–Bherol section will move forward once the multi-year funding assurance is secured. Following the provincial government’s budget allocation for the Mustang–Dolpa road, the office’s technical team is also expected to begin a preliminary study of the route as soon as possible.
Improved Road Connectivity Expected to Support Upper Dolpa Tourism
The Mustang–Dolpa road is considered an important access route for people living in Upper Dolpa. Improved connectivity is expected to make the transportation of essential goods and food supplies easier while providing residents with a more convenient route for travelling to Pokhara and Kathmandu. The route is also expected to benefit tourism in Upper Dolpa, where difficult access has been one of the challenges for travellers. Once the road is upgraded, visitors will have an additional land-access option for reaching the region, potentially making travel planning and transportation more convenient.
Upper Dolpa is known for its remote settlements, distinctive Himalayan landscapes, and cultural attractions. Better road connectivity from Mustang could help strengthen the region’s accessibility and support tourism-related activities, including travel services and local businesses. It may also create opportunities for improved movement of supplies and services needed by tourism operators and visitors. The combined NPR 11 crore allocation reflects the governments’ focus on improving a strategically important road connection between Gandaki and Karnali provinces.
With the Pakling–Chhuksumb upgrading plan progressing towards the completion of its DPR and further preparations underway for the Chhuksumb–Bherol section, the proposed improvements are expected to gradually strengthen connectivity along the Mustang–Dolpa corridor. Once the planned work is implemented, the road is expected to serve as a more practical transportation link for local communities while improving access to Upper Dolpa for domestic and international visitors.
