Temporary bridges on Maurice Herzog trail cause hassles to trekkers

November 19, Kathmandu: The Maurice Herzog Trail in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi, which leads to the Annapurna Base Camp, is facing serious difficulties due to the lack of proper suspension bridges. With a sharp rise in tourist numbers, trekkers are forced to cross shaky, temporary wooden bridges and planks one by one.

Local campaigner Tej Gurung said the old bridges, built using traditional skills, can no longer handle the load. Wooden planks shake dangerously, there are no safety nets, and carrying heavy loads has become risky. Similar problems exist at Humkhola, Phutphute Waterfall, Red Waterfall, Sunkhola, and Panchakunda.

The rural municipality is preparing to build a 60-metre suspension bridge at Humkhola this fiscal year. Materials have been purchased, and work will start soon after forming a users’ committee. A detailed project report has also been prepared for a scenic bridge at Phutphute Waterfall.

Located at 4,150 metres, the Annapurna Base Camp has become a popular destination reachable in just two days of trekking. Around 15,000 visitors arrived in October-November alone. The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks, waterfalls, rare flora, and fauna.

Named after Maurice Herzog, who made the first ascent of an 8,000-metre peak (Annapurna) in 1950, the trail was identified in 2011 and officially mapped in 2020. Local and provincial leaders have pledged support for permanent bridges and trail upgrades.