New Trekking Route to Connect Mudi-Gurja-Jaljala in Myagdi

Myagdi. A new trekking route connecting Mudi–Gurja–Rughachaur–Jaljala in Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality of Myagdi is being prepared to operate with the objective of giving a new dimension to natural, cultural, and adventurous tourism. This 'virgin route', which has not been opened to tourists so far, is planned to be brought into operation from the upcoming winter season.

Member of Parliament elected from Myagdi and Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, informed that preparations are underway to operate the trekking route from Mudi of Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-4 to Gurja of Ward No. 1 and then to Jaljala in Ward No. 2, based on a feasibility study recently completed with the support of the Department of Tourism.

“This will be a completely new, 'virgin route',” said Minister Pun. “I request tourism entrepreneurs and local residents to make necessary preparations to take tourists on this trekking route.” According to him, the Ministry of Tourism will provide support for the construction of trails, installation of railings, rest stops, and suspension bridges in difficult sections of the route.

In the first, second, and third weeks of the current Ashadh, a team led by Chitra Tilija, chief of Minister Pun’s contact office in Beni, conducted a feasibility study of the Mudi–Gurja–Jaljala, Dhawalagiri circuit trekking route, and the trekking route connecting Doba of Annapurna Rural Municipality-1 to Sobangdhuri of रघुganga Rural Municipality-7 and then to Chimkhola.

The report prepared by the team mentions that the route of the Dhawalagiri circuit trekking route up to Italy base camp could be at risk due to hydropower projects and road expansion. As an alternative, it has been concluded that the Mudi–Gurja–Rughachaur–Jaljala and Doba–Sobang–Chimkhola trekking routes, which are not affected by road expansion, have long-term potential. The report was submitted to Minister Pun and the Ministry of Tourism last week.

For the Dhawalagiri circuit trekking route project, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation has allocated a budget of NPR 30 million for the upcoming fiscal year 2083–84. Additionally, a budget of NPR 2.1 million has been set aside for the feasibility study of trekking routes including Mudi–Gurja–Jaljala, as mentioned in the ministry’s annual booklet.

Local resident of Mudi, Vijay Gharti, expressed confidence that the new trekking route will revitalize the dormant tourism sector, emphasizing the need to construct basic trails, communication facilities, and other necessary infrastructure in the Mudi-Gurja section. According to him, the operation of the trekking route will create new opportunities for employment and income generation at the local level.

With the displacement of old trekking routes due to road expansion, local residents and representatives have long been demanding the identification of new trekking routes and the construction and promotion of infrastructure. This proposed trekking route, connecting the Dhawalagiri Himal and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, is considered to have immense potential in terms of adventure, nature, and cultural tourism.

Mudi, located at the foot of the world's seventh-highest mountain, Dhawalagiri Himal, is inhabited by Magar and Dalit communities, while Gurja, known as the 'hidden village', is inhabited by minority Chhantyal and Dalit communities. From Rughachaur, which lies on the route from Gurja to Dhorpatan, and from Jaljala within the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, one can enjoy magnificent views of the Dhawalagiri and other mountain ranges.

Ward Chairman of Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-4, Yamprasad Gharti, expressed confidence that the Dhawalagiri-Dhorpatan trekking route could become a long-term tourist attraction due to the low possibility of road construction and its distance from settlements. He expects this trekking route to contribute to the development of tourism in the Dhawalagiri region as well as support the local economy.