In the eastern part of Mugu, where the Lama community lives, Chitim (Kagni Sampa in Lama language), is built at the entrance of every village. Reflecting this heritage, a Chitim-style bridge has been built at the entrance of the Buddha Park in Mugum village of  Karmarong Rural Municipality-2.

This unique bridge has attracted the attention of not only the village but the entire Karnali region. The construction has been completed with a beautiful combination of religiosity, architecture and local craftsmanship.

Built at a cost of Rs 4.16m, the project was funded by Rikika Bruckner Lama Thinle Karuna Foundation President Thinle Lama, completed through the skill and labor of Mugum villagers. The bridge represents an earnest effort to revive a cultural heritage that is on the brink of disappearance.

According to Thinle, the bridge was envisioned to preserve the Lama-Buddhist tradition after the Kagni Sampas started disappearing from villages due to road expansion and other infrastructure development projects.

The locals of Mugum said the bridge not only preserves religious tradition, history and cultural identity, but also has the potential to boost religious tourism by attracting pilgrims as well as internal and external visitors to Mugum. 

Designer Sonam Girme Lama, who has been studying ways to preserve such a structure since 2009, said as the roads are being expanded, the old Kagni Sampas are being demolished. He believes the bridge, which serves as an entrance to the sacred Devbhoomi, will contribute significantly to religious tourism.

Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality Chairperson Tshiring Kyapne Lama said that the Chitim-style bridge is a symbol of pride not only for the village but the entire rural municipality. Inaugurating the bridge, he said Chitim is more than a gateway—it is a path for the gods to enter, a symbol of protection, and community identity.

Religious leaders and pilgrims echoed this sentiment, calling the bridge a ‘gateway to blessings’ for those embarking on spiritual journeys.