Road Link to Everest Heralds a New Era of Tourism in the Region

The Everest region, home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, has taken a significant step toward accessibility with the opening of a road network connecting the district headquarters Salleri to Surkegaun near Lukla. This development has brought relief and enthusiasm to tourism entrepreneurs, locals, and stakeholders, who believe it will redefine the region’s tourism landscape and improve daily life. For years, the Everest region remained a challenging destination to access, with air travel to Lukla being the primary route. Weather-related flight disruptions often left travelers stranded, but the newly constructed road offers a reliable alternative. Tourism entrepreneur Amrit Magar noted, “The road access to Phakding, about an hour and a half walk from Lukla Airport, provides a dependable option for tourists.”

The construction of the 25-kilometer road from Kharikhola (Ward No 1) to Sruke (Ward No 2) in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality was completed at a cost of Rs 160 million, funded primarily by the local government in collaboration with local hydropower projects, including Silk Power and Dudhkoshi VI.

The project, initiated two years ago, includes a 12.5-kilometer stretch from Thamdanda to Surke built under a contract system at a cost of Rs 105.2 million. Half of this funding came from the rural municipality’s hydropower project, while the rest was sourced from its own resources. Additionally, the 12.3-kilometer road from Kharikhola to Thamdanda was constructed at Rs 61.4 million, using resources from the municipality itself. Temporary hume pipes were installed across Dudhkoshi, Kharikhola, and Paiyakhola to maintain the road network after the Friendship Bridge over the Dudhkoshi River was damaged by floods in late September.

Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic about the road’s impact on the Everest region. “This development will end the issue of stranded passengers due to bad weather and significantly enhance the tourism business,” said Nirajan Sharma. It is estimated that half of the tourists will now opt for the road to reach Khumbu directly.

The improved road network will also facilitate the transportation of local produce such as potatoes, wheat, and barley to markets, enhance the supply of construction materials and essential goods, and provide a reliable freight transport option. These changes are expected to stimulate economic activities and elevate the hospitality sector, benefiting hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, guides, and porters.

The road expansion is already seen as a milestone for the Khumbu region. Local residents believe it will enhance their lifestyle by simplifying daily activities and accelerating regional development. Surke’s proximity to Lukla positions it as a critical point in the tourism route to Everest Base Camp. The road inauguration, scheduled for January 4, marks a turning point for the region, further showcasing its potential on the national and international stage. With the road now operational, the 64-kilometer journey from Salleri to Surke can be completed efficiently, cementing the Everest region’s accessibility and solidifying its status as a premier tourist destination. -- RSS