Greater Mundum Trail construction gains momentum

KATHMANDU: The construction of the ambitious ‘Greater Mundum Trail’ has gained significant momentum across three local levels in eastern Nepal.

This trail is set to connect major regions from Sunsari to Bhojpur, aiming to promote tourism while preserving indigenous Kirat culture and natural heritage.

The trail begins from Koshi Tappu in Sunsari, passes through Mainamaini in Belaka Municipality of Udayapur, and continues through Maibeni and Hasanpur of Hatuwagadhi in Bhojpur district, ultimately reaching Selme and Tawabhanjyang.

Construction is progressing rapidly in Hatuwagadhi, Aamchowk, and Ramprasad Rai rural municipalities of Bhojpur.

Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality Chair Prem Kumar Rai informed that work has begun from Hompuwa Bhanjyang in Ward No. 9. Although Maibeni is considered the official starting point, construction has been initiated from Hompuwa for now.

The project, in partnership with the Swiss government, is being implemented with a total cost of around Rs 3.2 million in this phase.

In Sindrang of Hatuwagadhi-3, a separate section is under construction with Rs 1.8 million from the federal government.

In Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality, a 1,300-meter stretch is being built this fiscal year, with nearly 200 meters already completed around Tham Danda, Golme Raja, and Golme Rani in Ward No. 6. The first phase in this area alone involves an investment of around Rs 3 million.

Similarly, in Aamchowk Rural Municipality, approximately two kilometers of the trail have already been completed, extending from Daburang to Tham Danda.

The four-year-long Greater Mundum Trail Project is being developed with a cost-sharing model: 55% from the Swiss government, 19% from the provincial government, 18% from local governments, and 8% from the federal government.

The trail’s full route will span from Koshi Tappu in Sunsari to Maibeni, Shilasutkeri, Sankhamchuli, Bayang, Yun, Tham Danda, Golme Bhir, Sucha Gufa Nagchhanga, Papmakham Gadhi, Batase, Okhre, and finally to Kapase Bhanjyang of Temkemaiyung–9 in Bhojpur.

Once connected with the previously built Mundum Trail at Tawabhanjyang, the Greater Mundum Trail will stretch approximately 168 kilometers and end at the sacred Salpa Silichung area.

This trail project is being developed under the Tourism Development Project Based on Trekking Trails, led by the Provincial Office in Biratnagar.

It is expected to be completed by the Nepali year 2085, opening up new horizons for eco-tourism and cultural exploration in eastern Nepal.