KATHMANDU: Regular public bus service has begun in the Himalayan district of Manang, nearly 22 years after the road track to the district headquarters, Chame, was opened.
The long-awaited service was officially launched on Sunday by the Member of the House of Representatives, Tek Bahadur Gurung.
Chief District Officer of Manang, Matrika Acharya, said that buses will operate on the Besisahar–Chame route, connecting the district headquarters to the rest of the country. “The passenger service was launched after a successful trial run,” he added.
The first bus had reached Chame on March 20.
Two buses, with registration Na 6 Kha 9579 and Na 7 Kha 7267, will now run regularly between Besisahar and Chame.
Suresh Ghimire, the operator of the bus service, said the route was first tested with a tourist bus carrying international trekkers to Chame. “After confirming that the route is safe and suitable, we launched regular service on Sunday,” he added.
Even large 10-wheeler trucks transporting equipment for the under-construction Manang Marsyangdi Hydropower Project are now able to reach Manang.
Previously, only small vehicles like Bolero jeeps and Tata Sumos served the route. Now, buses can cover the 65-kilometer journey from Besisahar to Chame.
The one-way fare has been set at Rs 740.
The new bus service is expected to support tourism and boost local businesses.
