KATHMANDU: A contentious plan to build a cable car on Mukkumlung Mountain, also known as Pathibhara, has sparked escalating protests in eastern Nepal. The project has become a flashpoint for indigenous groups, transforming into a broader battle over cultural identity and rights in the region.
Despite a temporary agreement reached between protestors and the government earlier this month, the conflict remains far from resolved. The disagreement centers on whether a cable car, part of a larger tourism project, should be built on this sacred site that holds historical significance for the Limbu people.
On February 5, 2025, the Pathibhara Cable Car project was temporarily halted following a six-point agreement between the government and protesting groups. The agreement suspended construction near the cable car’s station, while further discussions are set to take place on February 9, 2025. But local opposition is strong, with many arguing that the project would threaten their ancestral land, cultural heritage, and the sacredness of Mukkumlung, which the Limbu community regards as a vital part of their identity.
The protests first flared in late January when, on January 25, police opened fire on members of the ‘No Cable Car’ movement in Phungling Municipality-11, leading to two serious injuries. This violent crackdown has only fueled local unrest, and tensions have continued to rise, especially after the government deployed both the armed police and Nepal Police to support the construction of the cable car.
Protesters from the ‘No Cable Car’ movement, organizing a shutdown, block roads in Damak, Jhapa, on the second day of their protest.
Despite the ongoing protests, which have spread beyond Taplejung to other parts of eastern Nepal, the construction continues to progress. The foundation stone for the cable car was laid on November 8, 2024, with the expectation of completing the project within 15 months. However, the increasing resistance from local communities raises doubts about its future.
The opposition has even spread to Kathmandu, where protestors have staged a sit-in at the central office of Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank, threatening further protests at his residence. As these protests grow, the future of the cable car project hangs in the balance.
Locals argue that the path forward lies not in expanding tourism infrastructure but in preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. “Mukkumlung is not just land to us. It is our history, our identity. We cannot allow it to be commodified for tourism,” said a leader of the ‘No Cable Car’ movement.
As the government, the businessman behind the cable car, and the protestors prepare for another round of talks, the divide between economic development and cultural preservation grows ever wider. What happens next will likely shape not just the future of the cable car project but the larger question of how Nepal balances modern development with the preservation of its sacred landscapes.
Local communities, particularly the Kirat indigenous group, have vehemently opposed the Mukkumlung/ Pathibhara cable car project. Protesters claiming it infringes on their religious, cultural, and environmental rights. The sacred Pathibhara temple, located in the region, is a cornerstone of their beliefs, and many argue that the cable car project threatens both the spiritual significance and natural resources of the area. The protests, which began after Dhakal’s involvement, have spread throughout eastern Nepal, with clashes erupting between locals and law enforcement.
The conflict escalated when Dhakal, who took over the Pathibhara Cable Car Darshan Pvt. Ltd. from the Sherpa Group, mobilized armed police forces to begin construction, even as the matter remains unresolved in Nepal’s Supreme Court. The local population claims that the cable car, built as a private venture for entertainment and profit, will commercialize the area and destroy vital medicinal plants that hold deep cultural significance.
The cable car project’s supporters, including Dhakal and the company’s backers, argue that it will contribute to economic growth and tourism. However, opponents warn that the project’s rapid progress, lacking consultation with local communities, is causing deep cultural, environmental, and spiritual damage.
Locals have also turned their attention to Dhakal’s other business ventures, particularly Global IME Bank, which has become a target of protests. Campaigners are calling for a nationwide boycott of the bank, accusing it of being complicit in the destruction of indigenous culture and resources.
The situation intensified after the government’s Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal endorsed the use of force, sending the Chief District Officer of Taplejung to ensure security for the project. Despite calls for dialogue and a pending Supreme Court case, construction continued.
This ongoing conflict represents a larger struggle between economic development and the preservation of indigenous rights, with both sides preparing for further confrontations as the legal, political, and cultural battle over the Pathibhara cable car project unfolds.
WHY MUKKUMLUNG (PATHIBHARA) IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE LIMBU INDIGENOUS PEOPLE?
Mukkumlung, a sacred site for the Yakthung (“Limbu”) Indigenous People, lies in the hills of Taplejung district in eastern Nepal. This revered location forms part of the ancestral lands of the Yakthung and holds profound spiritual and cultural significance in their worldview.
The importance of Mukkumlung is rooted in Mundhum, an ancient oral tradition and philosophy that guides the Yakthung people’s way of life. Mundhum underscores Mukkumlung’s role as a cornerstone of the Yakthung worldview, where it is revered with deep spiritual devotion. For generations, Yakthung communities have worshipped Mukkumlung as a sacred site, preserving their cultural identity and religious practices.
However, the sanctity of Mukkumlung has faced challenges over time. During the process of Hindunization and cultural assimilation, Mukkumlung was renamed Pathibhara in Khas Nepali and became associated with the Hindu goddess Pathibhara Devi. A temple dedicated to the goddess was established at an elevation of 3,794 meters (12,448 feet), approximately 19.4 kilometers northeast of Phungling Municipality.
Today, the Pathibhara temple is recognized as one of Nepal’s most significant religious sites. Thousands of Hindu and Buddhist worshipers from Nepal and India visit the temple regularly, particularly during religious occasions, to seek blessings and the fulfillment of their wishes.
In 1997, the Government of Nepal formed the Pathibhara Area Development Board to oversee the region’s social, economic, religious, and cultural development. Recently, Pathibhara Mata Devi Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., a company backed by Yeti Business Group, announced plans to construct a cable car to improve access to the temple. Proponents argue that the cable car will enhance tourism, but the project has sparked fierce opposition.
Taplejung Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma (R) faces allegations of ignoring local demands while using force to accelerate the Pathibhara cable car project. Protesters accuse him of ordering the shooting of ‘No Cable Car’ campaigners and claim he was transferred to Taplejung under the influence of businessman Chandra Dhakal to expedite the construction of the cable car at Mukkumlung, a historically sacred site for the Limbu community.
The Yakthung Indigenous People argue that the development initiatives have been undertaken without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)—a violation of their constitutional and cultural rights. Activists also allege that there has been no meaningful consultation or participation by the Yakthung community in these decisions.
In response, Yakthung communities have demanded the reinstatement of the site’s original name, Mukkumlung, and the protection of their cultural heritage. Legal assistance is being provided by the Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP) to support the affected Indigenous communities.
Amid these tensions, local coalitions of protesters — composed of Yakthung individuals across all ages, genders, and professions — have stood resolutely against the project. In a dramatic act of resistance, they have organized bandhs (total shutdowns of transportation and services) to draw attention to their plight and demand justice for the cultural and environmental damage caused.
For the Yakthung Indigenous People, Mukkumlung is not just a physical location but a symbol of their identity, history, and spiritual connection to the land. The ongoing struggle over its future reflects a broader battle to preserve Indigenous heritage in the face of modernization and economic pressures.
PROTESTS, CLASHES, AND CABLE CARS: THE BATTLE OVER PATHIBHARA’S SACRED LANDS HEATS UP IN EASTERN NEPAL
The ongoing protests against the controversial Pathibhara cable car project in Taplejung have escalated into violent confrontations, marking a significant chapter in the region’s struggle to preserve cultural and religious heritage. On January 25, a clash between protestors and security forces in Baludanda, Phungling Municipality-11, resulted in multiple injuries, including gunshot wounds to two individuals, Yam Bahadur Limbu from Myanglung Municipality, Terhathum, and Sagun Lawati from Miklajung Municipality, Panchthar. Another protester, Dharmendra Palungwa from Phungling, sustained shoulder injuries. The victims are currently receiving treatment in Kathmandu.
Protesters from the ‘No Cable Car’ movement demonstrate at Maitighar in the capital, Kathmandu.
The protests, which initially focused on the impact of the cable car on the local environment and culture, have gained momentum in recent weeks. Following the violent clashes, protesters have intensified their resistance by blocking all entry points into Taplejung via the Mechi Highway, Tamor Corridor, and Tehrathum since January 28. A general strike was also declared across nine districts of the Limbuwan region on February 2-3, further fueling the unrest.
The Pathibhara cable car project, spearheaded by Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is seen by many in the Limbu community as a direct encroachment on sacred lands. Locals claim the construction, which is taking place near the Pathibhara temple—a revered site for the Limbu community—violates their cultural and religious rights. Protests have spread beyond the region, reaching Kathmandu, where demonstrators have also called for action against Dhakal’s Global IME Bank for its involvement in the project.
The protestors have issued a six-point demand, which includes the resignation of the Home Minister, the cessation of the cable car construction, and the preservation of the Pathibhara area. They have also called for the establishment of a high-level judicial committee to investigate the violence that occurred during the January 25 clash, demanding strict legal action against those responsible. Furthermore, the protestors are seeking the withdrawal of the Armed Police Force from the Mukkumlung area, where the cable car construction is ongoing.
In response to these demands, the government has entered negotiations with the protestors. On February 4, 2025, a six-point agreement was reached, including a temporary suspension of the cable car’s upper station construction. The government also committed to providing free and effective medical treatment for those injured during the protests and promised to investigate the violent events of January 25. The agreement further stipulated the unconditional release of arrested protestors and the suspension of the indefinite transportation strike that had been affecting eastern Nepal.
Three injured protesters from the ‘No Cable Car’ group receive treatment at Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu after sustaining gunshot wounds during a police intervention near the Baludada area, close to Pathibhara, amid protests against the cable car construction on January 25, 2025.
Key points of the agreement include:
This agreement marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, but many uncertainties remain. While the protesters have suspended their immediate actions, they have warned of further escalation if their demands are not fully met.
The Pathibhara cable car project has been a point of contention for several months, with protests intensifying as the project progresses. In May 2022, as workers felled trees to make way for the cable car, locals retaliated, resulting in the destruction of 12,000 trees, many of which were rhododendrons—Nepal’s national flower. The incident sparked widespread protests, including a shutdown in Phidim, nearly 100 kilometers from the project site.
Despite the government’s assertions that the cable car will boost tourism, many local residents argue that the project will harm the region’s natural beauty, which is one of its key attractions. “The ministers think the cable car will help tourism, but it will hurt it too,” one local traveler said, citing the importance of the region’s rhododendron forests to both domestic and international visitors.
Indigenous groups, particularly the Limbu community, view the cable car project as a threat to their cultural identity and way of life. Many fear that once the cable car is operational, the sacred lands of Pathibhara will be commercialized, eroding their religious and cultural practices. The community’s concerns are compounded by the government’s use of force to push forward the construction.
Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav and leader Rakam Chemjong visit a hospital to meet the ‘No Cable Car’ protesters injured during the demonstration to protect the Mukkumlung religious site in Taplejung.
As protests continue, the future of the Pathibhara cable car project remains uncertain. The negotiations between the government and protestors will likely determine whether the construction will proceed or be permanently halted. The next round of talks, scheduled for February 9, will be crucial in determining the path forward for both the project and the ongoing protests.
With local opposition showing no signs of waning, the Pathibhara cable car project has become a focal point for broader debates about the intersection of development, cultural preservation, and the rights of indigenous communities in Nepal.
WHY CONTROVERSY ERUPTS OVER CABLE CAR PROJECT?
The proposed cable car project at Pathibhara, a sacred pilgrimage site in eastern Nepal, has sparked intense opposition from local communities and cultural activists. Known as Mukkumlung in the Limbu language, Pathibhara is a spiritual sanctuary for both Hindus and Buddhists, drawing thousands of devotees annually to worship the goddess Pathibhara. It is also a favored destination for trekkers seeking panoramic views of peaks like Kanchenjunga and Lhotse.
However, plans to construct a cable car to the site have ignited a debate over the balance between development and preservation, with critics alleging that the project undermines religious traditions, threatens biodiversity, and disregards the rights of indigenous communities.
“This project is an attack on our cultural identity and natural heritage,” said Khagendra Phembu, a leader of the Pathibhara Cable Car Cancellation Joint Struggle Committee. “The construction destroys the sanctity of the site, damages the environment, and jeopardizes the livelihoods of local residents.”
The opposition has been bolstered by Kirant Yakthung Chumlung, an organization advocating for the rights of the indigenous Limbu community, who refer to the site as Mukkumlung. Together, they have warned that the cable car project will not be allowed to proceed unless it aligns with the cultural and human rights of the native Yakthung Limbus. They have demanded the immediate cancellation of the construction contract, calling for an alternative approach that emphasizes the site’s protection and sustainable development.
Critics argue that the project disregards longstanding traditions. According to local custom, pilgrims journey to the Pathibhara Devi temple by tying threads on the hill from a smaller temple at the summit, a ritual believed to strengthen prayers and spiritual devotion. “Destroying this sacred practice in the name of development is unacceptable,” said one local resident.
Locals inscribe ‘No Cable Car’ messages on stones to protest the construction of a cable car leading to Pathibhara Temple.
The project has also drawn attention to its potential environmental impact. Activists claim that deforestation and construction activities threaten the region’s biodiversity, including the endangered red panda. The Pathibhara Development Committee estimates that around 600 porters currently assist devotees, many of whom fear losing their livelihoods if the cable car diminishes foot traffic to the temple.
Adding to the tension, opponents of the project allege irregularities, including the lack of public access to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). “This lack of transparency erodes trust and raises questions about the motives behind the project,” said Phembu.
The controversy has reached Nepal’s Parliament, where local representatives have called for an immediate resolution. The Home Minister has reportedly initiated discussions with Members of Parliament to address growing concerns.
While proponents of the cable car argue that it will boost tourism and improve access to the temple, opponents warn that the price of development cannot come at the expense of culture, nature, and community well-being. As debate continues, the future of the Pathibhara cable car remains uncertain, caught between the ambitions of modern infrastructure and the enduring significance of an ancient spiritual site.
WHO IS CHANDRA DHAKAL? THE CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE BEHIND THE PATHIBHARA CABLE CAR PROJECT AMID RISING PROTESTS
Chandra Dhakal, a prominent businessman and President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has been at the center of a growing controversy in eastern Nepal. Dhakal, who has spearheaded several cable car and hotel projects across Nepal, is now facing backlash for forcibly advancing the Pathibhara cable car construction despite significant local opposition. Protests have escalated following reports of armed police intervention, violence against protesters, and the use of state power to push forward the controversial project in the Pathibhara Mukumlung area.
FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal, central to the Pathibhara cable car controversy, faces criticism over the project’s impact on the sacred Mukkumlung site.
Chandra Dhakal is rapidly becoming one of the most influential figures in Nepal’s business landscape, known for his extensive political connections, particularly with Maoist Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda.” Dhakal has already made a name for himself in tourism development, having previously launched the successful Chandragiri cable car project. His latest venture, the Mukkumlung cable car, continues his aggressive expansion into the tourism sector, but the backlash from local communities suggests that the costs of such development may extend far beyond financial considerations.
As the future of the Pathibhara cable car project remains uncertain, the ongoing protests underscore the deep divisions between economic development goals and the protection of cultural and environmental heritage. The Pathibhara community’s resistance is far from over, and their struggle to protect their land, culture, and livelihood from commercial exploitation continues.
Inside Chandra Prasad Dhakal: The Man Behind Nepal’s Controversial Cable Car Projects
In the heart of Nepal’s business landscape, few figures loom larger than Chandra Prasad Dhakal. As the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Dhakal’s influence extends far beyond the corridors of commerce. His ventures have spanned numerous industries, from banking and tourism to energy and infrastructure. Yet, it is his most recent project in the eastern region of Nepal—the Pathibhara cable car—that has sparked a wave of protests and controversy, casting a spotlight on the intersection of business interests, politics, and local resistance.
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stands as one of the most influential businessmen in Nepal. Known for his bold ventures in various sectors, he has expanded his footprint from banking and finance to tourism, energy, and technology. But it is his involvement in Nepal’s cable car sector that has recently sparked both admiration and controversy.
Protests erupt outside Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank headquarters in Kathmandu, demanding ‘No Cable Car’ in Pathibhara following the use of security forces to initiate construction and violent clashes with locals on January 25, 2025.
At the heart of the ongoing Pathibhara cable car dispute in eastern Nepal, Dhakal’s rapid business expansion has raised concerns about the balance between development and the protection of local heritage. The project, which he champions through his IME Group, has faced fierce opposition from indigenous communities, who have voiced concerns over the environmental impact and the commodification of their cultural land. Protests have erupted, compounded by violent police intervention, with protesters claiming that their voices are being drowned out by state-backed corporate interests.
Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s business journey reflects a broader story of Nepal’s rapidly evolving private economic success. His successes in banking, tourism, energy, and manufacturing have earned him a reputation as a one of the richer entrepreneur in Nepal. However, as the controversy surrounding the Pathibhara cable car project unfolds, his ability to navigate the complexities of development versus local interests will be tested. The coming weeks will likely determine whether Dhakal’s ambitious ventures can continue without alienating the very communities they aim to uplift.
At the center of this storm stands Dhakal, whose vast business empire has granted him significant political leverage, particularly with Nepal’s ruling elites, including former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda.” Dhakal’s close ties with political power have been crucial in propelling his projects forward, but they have also exposed him to criticism, especially as the local protests intensify. Armed police intervention, reports of violence against protesters, and accusations of state power being used to push through the project have only fueled the animosity towards Dhakal and his vision for the region.
Dhakal’s ascent to prominence is no accident. His ventures span across multiple industries, from remittance services to hydroelectric projects. His flagship company, IME Group, is one of Nepal’s largest conglomerates with over two dozen enterprises in diverse sectors, including banking, energy, tourism, technology, and real estate.
Key Sectors of Dhakal’s Business Empire
Additionally, as the chairman of Nepal Infrastructure Bank (NIFRA), Dhakal has played a crucial role in securing financing for major infrastructure projects in Nepal, further solidifying his influence in both the financial and construction sectors.
Dhakal has expanded his reach in the tourism sector with the construction of various other cable cars and resorts, such as Lumbini Cable Car, Maulakali Cable Car, and the under-construction Pathivara Cable Car. His IME Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd., founded in 1996, provides comprehensive travel packages, and his luxury resorts, such as Lake Side Retreat and Le Himalaya Hotel, cater to both domestic and international tourists.
Additionally, his investments in companies like Swift Technology Pvt. Ltd. and SCT Smart Choice Technologies have helped Nepal’s financial institutions modernize their payment systems, paving the way for greater efficiency and security in digital transactions.
Despite his substantial contributions to Nepal’s economy, Dhakal’s role in the Pathibhara cable car project has been met with increasing opposition. The project, situated in the culturally significant Pathibhara Mukumlung area, has ignited protests from local indigenous communities. They argue that their ancestral lands and sacred sites are being exploited for profit, with little regard for their needs or environmental concerns.
The protests have escalated as reports have surfaced of violent confrontations between protesters and armed police. Despite these tensions, Dhakal has remained steadfast in advancing the project, citing its potential to boost tourism and provide jobs. However, the community’s resistance is a clear reminder of the complex balance between development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
