Discover the new route from Pulna to Bhyundar: New road to reduce by 7km

The proposed construction of a 7.2km road linking Pulna to Bhyundar Valley  in Chamoli district holds significant implications for tourists and pilgrims visiting the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in the Garhwal Himalayas. Here are some key points from the information provided:

Reduction in Trekking Distance:

• • The central government has given in-principle approval for the construction of a 7.2km road from Pulna to Bhyundar village.
  • Once completed, this road  will reduce the trekking distance to the Valley of Flowers by approximately 7 km.
  • Currently, visitors trek around 12 km from the base point, Ghangharia, to reach the Valley of Flowers.
  • With the new road, this distance is anticipated to be reduced to around 5 km.

Impact on Hemkund Sahib Pilgrimage:

• • The road project will  benefit pilgrims heading to the Sikh Shrine of Hemkund Sahib.
  • The trek for Hemkund Sahib starts from Ghangharia, and the road will shorten the journey to the shrine to around 8 km from the existing 15 km.
  • The shrine is  at a height of 4,329 meters (15,000 feet). The area is often covered in snow during a significant portion of the pilgrimage season.

Suggested Read: Best Time to visit Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand India

Approval Status and Project Preparedness:

• • In-principle approval is cleared  from the central government.  The project is now awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • The Public Works Department (PWD) is in the process of finalizing the detailed project report.
  • The Local body is ready for the road project. The work will commence promptly after  approval.

Importance for Pilgrimage:

• • The proposed road will particularly be beneficial for the pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib. Over 2 lakh pilgrims visit annually.
  • The existing 15 km trek becomes challenging due to snow cover, and the lack of overnight stay facilities at the shrine requires pilgrims to complete the journey on the same day.

Char Dham Yatra and Pilgrim Traffic:

• • The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib coincides with the Char Dham Yatra.
  • The new road Pulna to Bhyundar is likely to facilitate easier access for pilgrims, potentially increasing the number of visitors to the religious sites in the region.

Conclusion

The construction of the road from Pulna to Bhyundar will bring positive impact on tourism and pilgrimage. It will make  journey to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib more accessible and reducing the trekking distance for visitors.