The much-anticipated road upgrade connecting Chitre to the renowned tourist destination Ghorepani in Annapurna Rural Municipality–6, Myagdi district, has officially commenced. This key infrastructure development project is being executed under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport Management of Gandaki Province, through its Infrastructure Development Office in Myagdi.
Road Expansion Work Underway
According to Bishnu Poudel, the head of the Infrastructure Development Office in Myagdi, the contracted construction company has started widening the road to improve travel efficiency and safety. The contract for the road upgrade was awarded to BIKESH Jaya Dupche JV on Kartik 14, 2081 BS (October 31, 2024) for a total of NPR 22.396 million. In the current fiscal year, NPR 7 million has been allocated for the project. For the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 BS, the provincial government has earmarked an additional NPR 7.5 million to continue the work.
Scope of the Road Improvement Plan
The road stretches over a distance of 4 kilometers, from Chitre to Ghorepani. Under this plan, the road will be widened, improved with proper gradient and curve management, and equipped with roadside drainage and retaining walls. The final stage will include gravelling of the entire stretch to ensure smoother transportation.
Originally opened in 2075 BS under Gandaki Province’s budget, the road had not seen any major improvements for seven years. This new phase of upgrades marks a turning point in ensuring better connectivity to Ghorepani and the surrounding tourism hub.
Benefits for Tourism and Local Residents
The upgraded road is expected to bring transformative changes to the Ghorepani–Poon Hill region, which is one of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations along the Annapurna Circuit. Dom Bahadur Pun, the former chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality and a resident of Ghorepani, highlighted that the improved road will significantly ease access for tourists and locals alike. He expressed optimism that the project would encourage more tourists to visit the area, ultimately benefiting the local economy.
The municipality center at Pokharebagar is connected to Chitre via an 18-kilometer road, which was upgraded last year through the federal government’s support. With both this and the ongoing Chitre-Ghorepani segment under improvement, a smoother route to the heart of Annapurna is becoming a reality.
Multi-Year Budget Commitment and Political Support
According to Hari Bahadur Bhandari, Gandaki Provincial Assembly Member representing Myagdi 1(1), the provincial government had secured a total of NPR 30 million in budget commitments during the fiscal year 2080/81 BS to award the project as a multi-year contract.
The commitment to upgrade this vital roadway gained further traction when Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey, during a review meeting in Ghorepani in the second week of Mangsir 2080 BS, formally announced the initiation of a multi-year contracting process for the Chitre-Ghorepani road. The announcement came following a proposal from then Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Management, Resham Bahadur Jugjali, indicating strong provincial-level political backing for the project.
Strategic Importance of the Road
The road segment from Kaski’s Nayapul through Tikhedhunga and Ulleri to Ghorepani in Myagdi can serve as an important alternative route to the Pokhara–Beni–Jomsom highway, particularly for those heading to the popular destinations in the Annapurna region. With Ghorepani–Poon Hill falling under the iconic Annapurna Circuit, the road also enhances connectivity for trekkers and provides new opportunities for local tourism entrepreneurs.
Ghorepani–Poon Hill is renowned for offering spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Every year, over 30,000 foreign tourists visit the area to witness its natural beauty, cultural richness, and stunning sunrise vistas. The road upgrade is expected to not only improve tourist access but also reduce the trekking time for those starting their journey from lower elevations.
A New Chapter for Myagdi’s Infrastructure
With improved road connectivity, local communities in Annapurna Rural Municipality–6 are poised to benefit from better mobility, economic opportunities, and increased social interaction. Reliable infrastructure can reduce transportation costs, provide better access to markets for agricultural products, and facilitate emergency services such as healthcare and disaster response.
The Chitre-Ghorepani road project thus stands as a vital investment in the long-term socio-economic development of the region. Its successful completion is expected to unlock the tourism potential of Myagdi and the greater Annapurna conservation area, serving as a model for similar infrastructure initiatives in rural Nepal. As the project progresses, attention to quality construction, timely completion, and sustainable road maintenance will be crucial in ensuring the long-term utility and success of this important regional roadway.
