Valley of flowers 2013, an update

June 5, 2023

Bridge at Govindghat constructed

After bad news at last there is good news that a bridge has been constructed over Alaknanda at Govindghat by the authorities. About 1000 ponies were evacuated for the other side of the river. The repairing and construction of trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria has also been started. A small make shift bridge is also constructed between Govindghat and Ghangaria over Pushpawati River 3 kilometers before Ghangaria.

Iron Bridge at Govindghat which was washed out by floods in Alaknanda.
Iron Bridge at Govindghat which was washed out by floods in Alaknanda.
Newly constructed bridge at Govindghat
Newly constructed bridge at Govindghat
Front view of newly constructed bridge at Govindghat
Front view of newly constructed bridge at Govindghat

Authorities believe that the trek between Govindghat and Ghangaria can be reopened for public by September first week. There is no damage at Ghangaria and between Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib. It means Hemkund Sahib can be reopened by 15th September, 15 days before official closing date. However opening Valley of Flowers can be done only after construction of another bridge over Pushpawati River 500 meters inside the entry gate. All these washed away bridges are explained in my earlier blog post. There is high probability that the trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria is also damaged at some points. That also has to be repaired, but that can be done only after Ghangaria is accessible and a bridge over Pushpawati is constructed.

Bridge over Pushpawati River between Govindghat and Ghangaria. You can see the trek so near to river. It is washed off now. There are many places where the trek is so near to river.
Bridge over Pushpawati River between Govindghat and Ghangaria. You can see the trek so near to river. It is washed off now. There are many places where the trek is so near to river.
Some golden moments at the bridge in 2010. I used to sit near this bridge for hours together. You can see beautiful scenes from here. Even Auli grounds are visible from here.
Some golden moments at the bridge in 2010. I used to sit near this bridge for hours together. You can see beautiful scenes from here. Even Auli grounds are visible from here.
A bridge being constructed between Govindghat and Ghangaria over Pushpawati River just 3 kilometers before Ghangaria.
A bridge being constructed between Govindghat and Ghangaria over Pushpawati River just 3 kilometers before Ghangaria.

After considering the above facts it seems possible that Valley of Flowers may be reopened by 15th September, 2013. We have cancelled most of our trips this season but we have opened booking for 15th September and 22nd September departure.

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