Ghodepani Road Upgrade Boosts Alternative Pokhara-Mustang Connectivity

A road connecting the scenic hilltop settlement of Ghodepani, the gateway to the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint, with Pokharabagar in Annapurna Rural Municipality has been completed two months ahead of schedule, improving vehicle access along a strategic route that could eventually serve as a shortcut linking Pokhara with Mustang.

Perched on a mountain ridge amid rhododendron forests, Ghodepani attracts tens of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists each year for its panoramic Himalayan views, sunrise vistas, rich Magar cultural heritage, wildlife, and lush forests. The upgraded road is expected to ease travel for both residents and visitors while strengthening regional tourism and connectivity.

The work was carried out under the Pokharebagar–Ghar–Chitre–Ghodepani road project, for which Annapurna Rural Municipality allocated Rs 5 million this fiscal year.

According to Kapil Pandey, chief administrative officer of the rural municipality, the project was contracted on December 14, 2025, at a cost of Rs 3.62 million and was originally scheduled for completion by mid-April 2026. SS Builders Pvt Ltd, selected through competitive bidding, completed the 21-kilometre stretch within two months of starting work, two months ahead of the deadline.

As part of the upgrade, a 300-metre section between Birauta Chowk in Ghar and Bhunya, previously surfaced with stone soling, was paved with reinforced cement concrete. Ward Chair Ram Bahadur Khadka said the improved road has eased travel for local residents and tourists heading to Ghodepani and Poon Hill.

The upgraded road serves residents of Wards 5 and 6 and forms the first part of a future alternative corridor connecting Pokhara with Mustang. From Ghodepani, a track towards Ulleri–Birethanti–Nayapul has also been opened, which earlier was a trekking route. Once completed, this southward link will create an alternative route to Mustang.

Ghodepani attracts around 30,000 foreign tourists annually, with domestic visitors exceeding that number. The area’s sunrise views, Himalayan ranges, rolling hills, rhododendron forests, wildlife, birdlife, and Magar cultural heritage make it one of the region’s most visited destinations. – With inputs from RSS