Baglung - Burtibang - Transportation by bus or jeep

Baglung - Burtibang

Transportation in Baglung district

The road between Baglung and Burtibang is completely opened since the beginning of 2011. Nevertheless, you must know that the mountain road, poor roads and rains make this a very dangerous path.

Even if the government is investing millions of rupees to create the longest road in Nepal, one should know that will be opened in the near future. For now, no border security is present and traveling by jeep can be a real nightmare for those who fear heights, as the ravines of several hundred meters are everywhere and the lack of roads of stone often make the bus or jeep go towards the ravine, which gives very dangerous sensations to many. There are, unfortunately, several road accidents in Nepal and this mainly happens due to poor roads and the “courage” of some drivers. It is important however to reassure the travelers by mentioning them that in most cases, drivers are experienced professionals, even though their young age would not say this. Many of them are only 20 years old.

This road was prematurely opened comparing to our occidental regulations, but is nevertheless important for the transport and economy of the region. Before its opening, it took 3 days of walking to get into the villages of the Baglung region by leaving from Pokhara. Now, thanks to this road, they can be reached in about 10 hours, which was impossible in 2010.

The journey starts at about 7h00 in the morning from Baglung. As the drivers try to fill with gas the jeep, we have to wait until this process finishes. Near the driver, other 3 persons will stay in front. 4 others will stay on the bench in the back of the driver. And, depending on the configuration of the car, other four will stay in the back on the jeep (the most comfortable place, considering the road). The comfort is very important, as the jeeps are used to their full capacity.

Depending on the driving speed, driver’s experience, and stops, you will arrive between 12h45 (a record!) and 15h00.

The road will offer you panoramic views of the little villages at every 10-15 minutes. As this road is new and the path crosses a lot of small rivers, you have the sensation of an explorer. Leaving from Pokhara, after 2h – 2h30, you will get to Ghorapadhe, which offer a fantastic view over the Annapurna, Daulagiri and Manaslu mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful places to discover the Nepalese landscape. Descending, we’ll find other villages in the valley of Ghalkot Hatya. A little break in these places is really enjoyable. Next, the jeep will pass near the river Dharam Kola (=river in Nepalese), arriving to Kharbam bazar. Here, you will find a river which gets its source from near Baglung: Bodighat. We continue from there, and typical Nepalese villages follow: Kara, Kala, Bhimgite. Finally, you will arrive to Burtibang between 13h00 and 15h00. If you continue towards Arkanot, you’ll make about 3 hours of walking, 2 of them of difficult climbing.