SATV 17 June, Kathmandu: A 7-kilometre stretch of the 'Himalayan Great Trail' (Shadbigya Shadkshari Dharma Chakra Wall), which aims to span 60 kilometres, has been completed as part of the pride project of Helambu Rural Municipality. The trail construction has reached this milestone over the past five years since its inception.
According to the Chairman of the Rural Municipality, Nima Gyalsen Sherpa, the 7-kilometre stretch of the trail has been built with an investment of around Rs. 150 million sourced from the municipality’s internal funds, the Department of Tourism, and the provincial government.
Additionally, the Bagmati Province government allocated Rs. 45 million for this trail in the budget presented on Sunday. However, Sherpa stated that there is still a significant budget shortfall. Factors such as insufficient funding, the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and landslides, and climate change have caused delays in the trail's construction.
The trail passes through Helambu Rural Municipality, Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, and parts of Nuwakot district. Construction is ongoing using local stones from the Hyolmo region. Chairman Sherpa estimates the total cost of completing the trail, as per the set target, will be around Rs. 3.5 billion.
The trail is being constructed in line with the Hyolmo traditional Dharma Chakra style, starting from Buddha Park in Helambu. Construction of resting areas, stairs, and stone benches has advanced from Nagidanda through Shermathan to Rinpoche Danda. This section offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and scenic landscapes.
The trail also connects to significant sites such as Ama Yangri, Bhemathang, Milarepa’s Cave, and Palchok Jay Bageshwori Temple, along with several monasteries. Locally sourced stones are carved with patterns and used in the trail. Slate stones are being used for stairways, and locals have started earning income by selling stones from their land for the trail.
The trail will span altitudes ranging from 2,400 to 5,000 metres above sea level. Along the Great Trail, visitors can observe the traditional art, culture, clothing, lifestyle, and customs of the Hyolmo, Sherpa, Tamang, Lama, and Gurung communities. From the trail, one can witness 80 per cent of the Himalayan range in the central and eastern regions, including Mt. Jugal and numerous other snow-capped peaks.
Wildlife sightings along the trail may include red pandas, yaks, musk deer, Himalayan monals, bears, martens, mountain goats, and pheasants, all found in the nearby national park.
Gosaikunda is just one kilometre away from the trail at Semisidang. Religious and pilgrimage sites such as Panchpokhari Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, and other sacred lakes can also be accessed via the trail.
The municipality has prepared a DPR (Detailed Project Report) for bungee jumping and is moving forward with implementation. Feasibility studies are also underway for canyoning and paragliding to offer adventure sports along the trail.
The trail region also hosts the source of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, the Ambathan spring, which can be observed directly from the site. The trail is reachable via a 55-kilometre route from Sangu in the capital or a 50-kilometre route via Sundarijal.
Inspired by this project, several local governments across Nepal are now working to construct similar “Great Trails” in their regions.
