SATV March 26, Kathmandu: A bus bearing the registration number Na 6 Kha 9579, which usually operates on the Besisahar-Pokhara route, has reached Manang for the first time. This was, however, not a commercial trip but a private journey to Manang.
The District Administration Office in Manang had been preparing to launch a public bus service from Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung, to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. As part of this preparation, the bus taken to the district to inspect the road condition.
The bus driver reported that the journey to Manang was smooth. Chief District Officer (CDO) Matrika Acharya said that a joint meeting of business owners and stakeholders scheduled for March 28 (Friday) would finalise the decision to operate regular bus services to Manang soon.
He further said, “Starting from the Nepali New Year 2082, 28-seater buses will likely operate publicly in Manang.” Until now, only five-seater pickup jeeps have been available, making travel difficult for passengers.
CDO Acharya explained that due to the lack of public transport, tourists often struggle to find vehicles during peak seasons and they are forced to pay high fares and endure unsafe rides on the back of the vehicles. In addition, locals have faced challenges in securing transport for short-distance travel.
“To ensure organised, accessible and convenient transportation for Manang residents, domestic and international tourists and government employees, we have been working on beginning a public bus service from Besisahar to Chame,” said Acharya.
On March 28, 2025, a team from Lamjung will arrive in Chame with the bus. He informed that a coordination meeting involving all district office heads and rural municipality chairs will be held and the final decision about starting bus services from the New Year will be made.
Regarding road conditions, Acharya said that the Manang Hydropower Project has been working to widen sharp road curves. Business operators have suggested that operating 32-seater buses will not pose any major issues.
Previously, military personnel transferred from Sankhuwasabha had been safely transported to Manang via two to three army buses.
Acharya added that preparations are underway to repair some difficult road sections. Similarly, ten-wheel cargo trucks have already reached Manang.
He also said that business operators are positive about the initiative, with no disputes over fares so far. The only remaining tasks are route determination and fare fixation by the Transport Office.
