• Sunday, 6 July 2025

Raniban Village Foot Trail project making progress

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By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 19: In a bid to boost tourism potential and cater to hiking enthusiasts, 40 per cent of work on the 2.5-kilometre 'Raniban Village Foot Trail' in ward number 1 of Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu, has been completed. 

This scenic route, nestled in the Raniban area, promises a blend of natural beauty and trekking adventure.

The construction of the trail began in the fiscal year 2022/23. The project is funded with the ward's budget of Rs. 1 million, with continued efforts leading to an investment of Rs. 21 million by the end of the fiscal year 2023/24, according to ward chairman Rameshwar Lama of Nagarjun-1. 

The trail is expected to significantly enhance both the tourism and economy of ward number 1, known for its rich potential and homestay facilities.

Strategically located along the boundary of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park and its buffer zone, the trail starts from the Taudole area of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16 and extends to Nasidho in ward number 2 of Nagarjun Municipality. 

Chairman Lama highlighted that the 2.5-kilometre trail offers morning and evening visitors the opportunity to enjoy the cool breeze of the Nagarjun forest and panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley from its height, with no vehicular traffic allowed.

The trail is designed to be environmentally-friendly, with a width ranging from 5 to 8 feet and paved with stones to ensure safety and ease for hikers. It meanders along the edges of settlements in ward number 1, integrating the natural beauty and identity of the area.

The project is supported financially by both the municipality and the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority under the Ministry of Urban Development. 

Last fiscal year (2023/24), the Authority allocated Rs. 5 million through the tender process, while the municipality contributed Rs. 15 million from its annual budget. 

For the new fiscal year (2024/25), the Authority has allocated an additional Rs. 10 million, and the municipality has budgeted Rs. 30 million for the trail's completion in this fiscal, according to ward chairman Lama. 

Ward number 1 of Nagarjun Municipality is a gateway to various attractions, including jeep safaris in the Nagarjun forest from Balaju-Mudkhu area, sight-seeing of the former Royal Palace, Jamacho Temple up in Nagarjun Hill, an ancient cave to test sin and virtue, and adventurous rock-climbing activities.

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