New trekking routes identified at Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa

A total of thirteen new trekking routes along Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa mountain ranges have been identified. Man Bahadur Khatri, a mountaineer, in association with District Coordination Committee, Rukum, Nepal Mountaineering Association and Gurja Village of Myagdi district traced out the new trekking trails.

Khatri is reported to have spent over four years mapping out the new trekking routes. Foreign visitors have already started using the trails with the help of the new trekking maps.

Among the new routes, three trails have been mapped under Dhaulagiri Mountain range. The longest trail at 176 km is located in the upper belt of West Dhaulagiri, with an altitude of 5,200 m. Following in second place is the trail in the lower belt of West Dhaulagiri, at 168 km long with an altitude of 4,200 m. Dhorpatan Cultural trail may not have the longest route nor the highest but it is respectable in its own right, with a 148 km route set at an altitude of 4,100 m.

These trekking trails connect Gurja and Takam of Myagdi district to Rukum. Khatri said the trekkers can also use these routes to travel to Dolpa, Jumla and Jajarkot. Visitors have to walk an estimated 21 days to cover each of these trekking routes. Along the West Dhaulagiri corridor, an additional three sub routes have been mapped which connect lower and upper Sisne, Yarsa Round, Yarsa Trek and Dhorpat Sisne.

The three main trekking routes in Dhaulagiri are reported to have different attractions to captivate visitors. According to Khatri, the trail along Dhorpatan Cultural route consists of cultural varieties of the castes such as Magar, Chhantyal, Dalit and Chhetri. Visitors can also observe the scenic views of the Himalayas like Gurja, Dhaulagiri 6, Churen, Putha, Dogari, Samjang, Nimku and Sisne. Likewise, the trekkers at lower trail of West Dhaulagiri can observe various wild animals, herbs and even the Himalayas. The upper trail of West Dhaulagiri provides the experience of being close to Himalayas, precious stones, glaciers and glacier-lake. The upper trail consists of four glaciers originating from mountains such as Dhaulagiri 6, Churen, Putha, Dogari and Samjang.

Likewise, Khatri has traced two new routes along Rukum-Jajarkot-Jumla to reach Rara Lake of Mugu district. These trails pass through Chyakhure and Thakurji villages. An average of three weeks is needed to travel along these trekking routes.

Chintamani Dahal, information officer of District Coordination Committee, said they have already prepared the geographical map to facilitate the visitors wishing to use these trekking routes. “Exploration of these trekking trails could be the milestone to develop the tourism business in the region,” he said.

At the Chyakhure trek situated at 4,200 m altitude, visitors can experience scenic views of mountains, herbal plants, cultural diversities and wildlife at once. Likewise, Thakurji trekking route consists of holy places along with natural beauty.

Authorities are now in the process of testing the viability of these new trekking routes.