MYAGDI: A 57-metre suspension bridge has been constructed at Humkhola in Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, Myagdi, improving access along the Maurice Herzog trekking route leading to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Developed as a new tourist destination, the trekking route is expected to become safer and more accessible following the completion of the bridge, which was built by Annapurna Rural Municipality.
Vice-Chairperson Diva Tilija Pun said the new bridge has replaced a temporary wooden crossing, eliminating the risks posed by the unstable structure.
“Previously, only one or two people could cross the river at a time because of the fragile wooden bridge,” Pun said. “The new suspension bridge has removed that inconvenience for trekkers, tourists and local residents.”
In addition to benefiting visitors, the bridge has improved connectivity for all 549 households in Narchyang. According to the rural municipality, the project also generated employment for 1,221 people during construction.
Sub-engineer Balkrishna Poudel said the federal government provided a conditional grant of Rs 1.38 million along with construction materials worth Rs 189,693. Annapurna Rural Municipality contributed Rs 1.37 million, while local residents provided voluntary labour valued at Rs 7,388.
The bridge was constructed with technical and social mobilization support from the NGO Milan Myagdi. Pun said the rural municipality is coordinating with the federal and provincial governments to build additional suspension bridges at other locations along the trekking route.
The Maurice Herzog Trek begins at Humkhola, about a two-hour drive from Narchyang, and leads to the Annapurna Base Camp through the Mistri Khola valley beneath the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountain ranges.
The route offers views of towering waterfalls, dramatic mountain landscapes, unique geological formations, alpine flora and wildlife. Trekkers can typically reach the base camp in two days and return on the third day.
Located on a flat alpine meadow at the foot of the Annapurna and Nilgiri Himalayas, the base camp also overlooks Panchkund Lake, a natural glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,050 metres above sea level. Covering an area of 17,684 square metres, the lake is fed by melting snow from the Annapurna range.
Engineer Tej Gurung, associated with the Maurice Herzog Trek, said the route’s main attraction is the opportunity to view both the Annapurna Himalayas and Panchkunda Lake from a single vantage point at the base camp.
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