Parbat Muktinath Cable Car EIA Submitted
16th February 2026, Kathmandu
The Parbat Muktinath Cable Car project has reached a critical regulatory milestone with the official submission of its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to the Ministry of Forests and Environment. This document, prepared by Muktinath Darshan Private Limited and submitted through the Investment Board of Nepal, provides the first comprehensive look at the technical, social, and ecological implications of what is set to become one of the longest cable car systems in the world. With an estimated investment of 55 billion rupees, the project aims to bridge the geographical gap between the lower hills of Parbat and the high altitude sacred landscape of Mustang, potentially redefining tourism and pilgrimage in the Annapurna region.
Parbat Muktinath Cable Car
According to the technical details outlined in the EIA, the cable car will span a total distance of 81.041 kilometers. The system is designed to begin at an elevation of 1,009 meters at Sherafant in Parbat and culminate at 3,653 meters at Chengresi, located near the revered Muktinath Temple. To support such a massive span, the project includes the construction of 442 towers and 20 strategically placed stations. Once operational, the system will deploy 871 gondolas, each capable of carrying up to 10 passengers. Moving at a speed of 7 meters per second, the cable car will offer a non stop journey time of approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes, providing a safe and reliable alternative to the often weather dependent flights between Pokhara and Jomsom.
The environmental footprint of the project is a central focus of the 2082 report. The EIA indicates that the project will require a total of 271.75 hectares of land. A significant portion of this alignment passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is known for its fragile alpine ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Specifically, the project will impact 218 hectares of forest land within the conservation zone and affect approximately 24,500 trees across government and community forests. To mitigate these impacts, the proponent has proposed an environmental management plan with a budget of 781.25 million rupees. This fund is intended for compensatory afforestation, habitat restoration, and slope stabilization to prevent landslides during the construction of tower foundations and station platforms.
Social impact and resettlement are also addressed in the report. It is estimated that 229 households across four districts Parbat, Kaski, Myagdi, and Mustang will be affected by the land acquisition and right of way requirements. Among these, 34 households are expected to face displacement, requiring a comprehensive resettlement and compensation package. The project route traverses several local levels, including Modi Rural Municipality in Parbat, Annapurna Rural Municipality in both Kaski and Myagdi, and the Gharapjhong and Baragung Muktishetra municipalities in Mustang. By passing through iconic trekking hubs such as Ghorepani, Marpha, and Kagbeni, the cable car is expected to stimulate local hospitality and service industries, though it may also alter traditional trekking patterns.
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The energy demand for this ambitious engineering feat is substantial. The EIA states that the project will require up to 13 megawatts of electricity for full scale operation. This power is essential not only for the main traction motors but also for the automated safety systems and station facilities. The project aims to utilize clean hydroelectric power from the national grid, aligning with Nepals goals for low carbon infrastructure development. Furthermore, the employment potential is significant, with the report projecting the creation of 1,769 jobs during the construction phase and 439 permanent positions once the system begins commercial operations.
Tourism and economic development are the primary drivers behind the 55 billion rupee investment. Currently, the journey to Muktinath involves challenging road conditions and high altitude trekking, which can be difficult for elderly pilgrims and international tourists with limited time. The cable car is expected to increase the annual number of visitors to Mustang, potentially reaching over three million travelers per year once the system reaches peak capacity. This influx of visitors would provide a massive boost to the regional economy, though it also necessitates significant investments in waste management and drinking water infrastructure at the destination.
The project is being developed under the Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, meaning it will eventually be handed over to the government of Nepal after a defined concession period. This model allows the private sector to bring in the necessary technical expertise and capital while ensuring that the national asset eventually returns to public ownership. As the Ministry of Forests and Environment begins its formal review of the EIA, stakeholders will be looking for assurances that the environmental mitigation measures are both robust and enforceable.
In conclusion, the submission of the Parbat Muktinath Cable Car EIA marks the start of a new chapter in Nepals infrastructure history. While the economic promises of enhanced tourism and employment are clear, the project must navigate significant ecological and social challenges. The success of this 81 kilometer venture will depend on the balance struck between high tech connectivity and the preservation of the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Annapurna and Mustang regions.
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