चक्षु विक्रम मल्ल

I was on a week long trek along the Karnali river for EIA survey of purposed Karnali Highway with a friend Nitesh Khadka. Our journey started from Jiteghat, Kalikot and ended at Rugin, Bajura (Humla border). One of the least developed and still untouched by the road, our 100 KM journey along the Karnali river to this region was one of a kind. Spot the train! I mean Mule train. They are the basic goods carrier of this region. Looking for something down? For sure this trail is not for the fainthearted. A local guy walks along the sketchy section over Karnali supported by woods. Nitesh bro crawling cautiously down the rocky trail of Ranga Gaunda, Bandhu Bajura. Bajureli attire, an old man on traditional dress. This old man returning home after visiting relatives in Nepalgunj. He took a RA flight up to Kolti, Bajura and now walking back home (Rugin) with his son. Its a two day walk for him from Kolti. Nitesh bro with locals at J...

A lady sporting on Goldstar shoes walks down Nanikot villageBajura. Fragile Karnali, a village bisected by a stream by the edge of Karnali river. Human powered ambulance!Locals carry patient to hospital on foot. Bandhu, Bajura. A 52 year old man carries improved cooking stove donated by NGO weighing 35 kilo along Ranga Gaunda an infamous single trail craved literally over  Karnali river on vertical cliff. Here ends the life two fish, the Karnali way. In Karnali, green is the rarest color. A typical Kalikot village near the Bajura border. A man smokes pot, Nanikot Kalikot.

This January I had a chance to visit infamous Thawang of Rolpa District. One of the most heard place during 10 years Maoist insurgency.The stronghold of Magar community was the epicenter of the insurgency. Thawang was also the highlight of CA election 2070 because the entire Village Development Committee boycott it. Chilly Thawang   The Northernmost part of Rolpa is still a day hike from the nearest motorable road. So, it was not an easy journey, had to change the vehicle twice. The bus ride to Sulichaur from Kathmandu was one of a kind. Stinky bus,small seats and passageway cramped with luggages. Transport syndicate at its worst! But the jeep ride to the last motorable place, Fuliban went well. A day hike for the local turned two for us. And, we were stopped by the snowfall for 6 hours next day at Mayakharka. Crystal clear sky after snowfall at Mayakharka After the split of UCPN-Maoist in 2012, Thabang currently is the majority of CPN-Maoist (Hardliner faction/B...