Gamgadhi, a remote and picturesque town in the northwestern part of Nepal, serves as the district headquarters of Mugu. This serene settlement is located along the banks (uphill) of the Mugu Karnali River, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Though it holds immense natural beauty, Gamgadhi’s isolation presents several challenges for both residents and travelers alike.
Gamgadhi is yet to capitalise on its proximity to the popular Rara Lake
Reaching Gamgadhi requires some perseverance. From Kathmandu, the journey typically takes two days. The most common route involves flying to Surkhet or Nepalgunj, followed by a road trip to Kalikot—a distance of 155 km along the Karnali Highway, which takes more than 12 hours. From Kalikot, another 120 km of fair-weather roads must be traversed to reach Gamgadhi. If you are fortunate, you might complete the trip in a single day by flying from Nepalgunj to Rara Airport, though flights to this small regional airport are unpredictable and subject to availability.
Despite being only 10 km away from Rara Lake, a popular tourist destination, Gamgadhi struggles with a lack of infrastructure that you find in neighboring district headquarters. The electricity supply is unreliable, roads remain unpaved and dusty, and the town’s surface drains are a common sight. Accommodation options are limited, with very few quality hotels available. Moreover, transportation within the region can be excessively expensive, even for short distances.
Mugu itself is one of Nepal’s most remote districts, and the hardships faced by its residents are reflected in Gamgadhi. People from nearby villages rely on this town to purchase basic necessities such as clothes, utensils, and food supplies. For many, Rara Airport is the only reliable link to the outside world, as traveling by road is not only time-consuming but filled with uncertainties due to weather conditions and the rough terrain.
Despite its challenges, Gamgadhi's proximity to the stunning Rara Lake and its role as a gateway to one of Nepal’s most isolated districts offer a unique glimpse into the resilience and beauty of life in remote regions. The town holds great potential for future development, which could transform it into a hub for hydropower projects and adventurers seeking tourists.
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| Street of Gamgadhi |
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| Snowcapped mountains seen from Talcha |
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| Gamgadhi |
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| Narrow alley of Gamgadhi |
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| Other part of Gamgadhi |
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| One corner of the town |
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| Another junction |
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| Gamgadhi |
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| Seen from Talcha |
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| Just landed aircraft at Rara Airport |
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| Nagma, a town at the junction of Jumla, Kalikot and Mugu districts junction. Jumla is about 25 km from here which is continuation of Karnali Highway, while Gamgahdi is about 90 km which is fair weather road. |
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| View from the Rara Airport |
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| One of the section of the Karnali Highway |
