Trekkers can walk the Tamang Heritage Trail in Rasuwa and the Ruby Valley route in Dhading again. A temporary bridge at Syafrubensi, built over the Bhotekoshi River after the August 26 floods damaged the crossing, has restored access to both.
Balaram Neupane, president of the Rasuwa-Nuwakot Tourism Society, said the restored crossing has allowed tourists to resume treks on the Tamang Heritage Trail. Tourism entrepreneur Rakesh Dhamala said the same bridge has made Ruby Valley reachable again. The bridge restores the crossing. It does not mean every damaged stretch of either trail has been repaired.
The Tamang Heritage Trail
The trek takes seven to 10 days. It runs through Syafrubensi, Bahundanda, Goljung and Gatlang in Aamachhodingmo Rural Municipality, then on to Parbatikunda. Along the way, walkers see Tamang culture, stone houses with wooden windows, monasteries and mani walls, which are stone structures carved with Buddhist prayers. Tamang communities have long cultural links with Tibet.
Dinesh Tamang Phulung, secretary of the Rasuwa-Nuwakot Tourism Society, said the route also has views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges and of the Nepal-China border area. Tourism representatives say it draws about 1,000 domestic and international visitors a year.
Ruby Valley
The Ruby Valley route in Dhading leads into the Ganesh Himal area. Trekkers can continue toward Somtang and Pangsang Pass, visit the lakes Seto Daha and Kalo Daha, and head on to Gangajamuna in Dhading or the Manaslu region in Gorkha. Reports estimate 400 to 500 visitors a year.
Other routes
The Manaslu-Larke Pass area, hit by flooding on the Budhi Gandaki in Gorkha, has also reopened to tourists, according to recent reports. Langtang, Kyanjin and Gosaikunda had reopened earlier. TAAN has pointed out alternative routes into Langtang after damage to bridges and road access. Conditions still differ from route to route.
What it means for business
The reopening is timely, since it comes in the autumn trekking season. Hotels, restaurants, guides, porters and local transport depend on visitors.
