Karnali Highway
कर्णाली राजमार्ग
The lifeline of remote Karnali — and one of Nepal's most rugged highways.
- Code
- NH58
- Length
- ≈232 km
- From
- Surkhet (Birendranagar)
- To
- Jumla
- Opened
- 2007
- Status
- Operational (rough; weather-dependent)
- Provinces
- Karnali
The Karnali Highway is the only road link to the remote mountain district of Jumla, climbing from Surkhet through the Karnali hills. Narrow, unpaved in long stretches and frequently blocked by landslides and snow, it is notorious for its difficulty.
Despite that, it is a lifeline that ended Jumla's road isolation and carries food and supplies into the Karnali region.
From plan to highway
- 2007
Road reaches Jumla
The Surkhet–Jumla road ends Jumla's isolation from the national network.
- Now
Slow upgrading
The rugged route is gradually widened and blacktopped, but landslides and winter snow frequently close it.
The Karnali Highway highlighted, from OpenStreetMap road data.
More highways
Mahendra Highway (East–West Highway)
Nepal's longest and most important road — the Terai spine that ties the country together east to west
Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath)
Nepal's first highway — the original road link between Kathmandu and India
Araniko Highway
The road to Tibet — Nepal's historic overland link to China
Karnali Highway — frequently asked questions
How long is the Karnali Highway?+
The Karnali Highway (NH58) is approximately 232 km long.
Where does the Karnali Highway go — what does it connect?+
It runs from Surkhet (Birendranagar) to Jumla, passing through Karnali Province.
When did the Karnali Highway open?+
It opened in 2007.
Is the Karnali Highway open and what is it known for?+
Status: Operational (rough; weather-dependent). It is known as The lifeline of remote Karnali — and one of Nepal's most rugged highways.
Sources & data note
Length, route and dates are approximate, from the Department of Roads and standard references. The mapped route is real road geometry from OpenStreetMap, matched by highway code.