Prithvi Highway
पृथ्वी राजमार्ग
The busy Kathmandu–Pokhara link, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers.
- Code
- NH17
- Length
- ≈174 km
- From
- Naubise (Kathmandu)
- To
- Pokhara (via Mugling)
- Opened
- 1973
- Built with
- China
- Status
- Operational; Mugling–Pokhara widened
- Provinces
- Bagmati, Gandaki
The Prithvi Highway connects the Kathmandu Valley to Pokhara via Mugling, hugging the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. It is one of Nepal's busiest and most economically vital roads.
Its Mugling junction also meets the road south to Narayangadh and the Terai, making it a central hub of the western network.
From plan to highway
- 1967
Construction begins
China begins the Naubise–Pokhara road.
- 1973
Opened
The Prithvi Highway opens, transforming Kathmandu–Pokhara travel from days to hours.
- 2010s–now
Widening
The Mugling–Pokhara section is upgraded to two lanes with Asian Development Bank support.
The Prithvi 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
Prithvi Highway — frequently asked questions
How long is the Prithvi Highway?+
The Prithvi Highway (NH17) is approximately 174 km long.
Where does the Prithvi Highway go — what does it connect?+
It runs from Naubise (Kathmandu) to Pokhara (via Mugling), passing through the provinces of Bagmati, Gandaki.
When did the Prithvi Highway open?+
It opened in 1973. It was built with assistance from China.
Is the Prithvi Highway open and what is it known for?+
Status: Operational; Mugling–Pokhara widened. It is known as The busy Kathmandu–Pokhara link, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers.
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.