Travel to Manang, one of Nepal's most enchanting tourism destinations, is becoming significantly easier thanks to recent road network improvements. After two decades of gradual progress since the opening of the Dumre-Bensisahar-Chame road track, the long-awaited expansion is now in full swing, promising smoother journeys for locals and visitors alike.
Suman Adhikari, a sub-engineer with the road expansion project, revealed that eight kilometers of the Dumre-Bensisahar-Chame road were blacktopped in the last fiscal year.
“The section from Bensisahar to Khudi has been completed, which has made travel more comfortable,” he told RSS, the state-run national news agency of Nepal.
The Manang-Marsyangdi Hydropower Project has played a crucial role in accelerating road construction in challenging terrains. “Hydropower projects require vehicles to transport construction materials, which has contributed to developing otherwise inaccessible areas,” Adhikari explained.
A budget of Rs 510 million has been allocated for the construction of roads and bridges along the Bensisahar-Chame section.
Assistant Manager of Butwal Hydropower Company Limited, Pratik Mansingh Pradhan, emphasized the synergy between hydropower projects and road development. “Road widening, infrastructure upgrades, and construction in the tourist area are being carried out to support the movement of materials and people,” he said.
According to RSS, Pradhan highlighted that the coordinated efforts between hydropower and road projects are yielding multifaceted benefits. “Energy production alone cannot drive the district’s development. Improved road networks will boost tourism, enhance local livelihoods, and support the movement of tourists and essential goods,” he added.
Manang’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage attract countless adventurers and nature enthusiasts, especially those who opt for the Annapurna Circuit trek that begins from Lamjung and covers five districts including Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski.
According to RSS, the ongoing road improvements not only make the region more accessible but also hold the potential to significantly boost tourism. With easier travel routes, local businesses, including tea houses, lodges, and guiding services, are poised to flourish.
Furthermore, the improved connectivity is also expected to enhance the daily lives of the local residents of Manang.
