Myagdi: The iconic tourism hub of Ghodepani and Poon Hill in Myagdi district has undergone a significant infrastructure transformation following the completion of several development projects.
Located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, the area saw a coordinated effort to enhance facilities for travellers during the current fiscal year. These upgrades were funded through a combined investment of Rs 2.7 million from the Annapurna Rural Municipality and Rs 500,000 from the Gandaki Province government, resulting in the construction of new cycling trails, upgraded footpaths, public restrooms, and a dedicated bus park.
According to Ram Bahadur Khadka, the ward chairperson of Annapurna-6, all planned projects for the Poon Hill-Ghodepani circuit have been successfully executed. The primary objective behind this focused investment is to identify auxiliary destinations and expand infrastructure to encourage tourists to spend more time in the region. Local authorities believe that by providing modern amenities and diverse recreational activities, they can significantly improve the overall visitor experience and support the local economy.
A major highlight of this year’s development is the newly constructed four-kilometre cycling track. This high-altitude trail connects Poon Hill, situated at 3,210 meters above sea level, to Phaleghar via Lunglung Siddha and the Rhododendron Park. The trail offers adventure seekers a unique opportunity to cycle through lush rhododendron forests while enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas. This addition caters to the growing demand for adventure tourism and provides an alternative to traditional trekking.
Significant improvements were also made to the pedestrian infrastructure near the local Rhododendron Park. Using a budget of NPR 1.4 million, the municipality constructed a new entrance gate, public toilets, and a paved footpath. Run Bahadur Pun, chairman of the local users’ committee, noted that a 300-meter section of the trail that previously became muddy during the rains has now been reinforced with concrete, making it accessible year-round. Additionally, a stone-paved path was laid at Deurali Danda, and a new bus park was established in Lower Ghodepani to better manage the increasing vehicular traffic following the recent road connection to Ulleri in Kaski.
The provincial government has also contributed to the region’s accessibility by completing a trekking path from Ghodepani to Ghandruk. Furthermore, a massive NPR 30 million project is currently underway to gravel a four-kilometre road section connecting Chitre to Ghodepani. These road projects are viewed as essential for modernization, though they have altered traditional trekking routes, prompting officials to rethink how to keep the area attractive for hikers and cyclists alike.
Former Rural Municipality Chairman and local resident Dam Bahadur Pun emphasized the importance of adapting to these changes. With motor roads reaching further into the mountains, the community is shifting its focus toward developing specialized trails. Feasibility studies have already been conducted for new cycling routes connecting Ramche, Kafaldanda, Histon Tikot, and Shikh. These efforts aim to preserve the region’s charm as a premier hiking destination while embracing new forms of mountain recreation.
Poon Hill remains a crown jewel of the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit, famous for its breathtaking sunrise views. From the summit, which is a 45-minute uphill walk from Ghodepani, trekkers are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree vista of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges. The recent infrastructure upgrades ensure that this bucket-list destination remains sustainable and prepared for the next generation of global travellers.
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