Pithoragarh News: Bundi Village Loses Transit Camp Status After Road Construction, Yet Remains A Top Choice For Tourists Situated at an altitude of around nine thousand feet in Pithoragarh, Bundi village was once a major transit stop for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and despite losing that status after a road was built, it continues to attract travelers due to its natural beauty. Nestled along the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route, Bundi village was historically a pivotal and major transit stop for the entire pilgrimage. Located in the Pithoragarh district at an elevation of roughly nine thousand feet, this border village stands as the final settlement before ascending into the higher Himalayan regions. Before tackling the steep and demanding climb of Chhiyalekh that leads toward the Lipulekh Pass, travelers traditionally used to rest and regroup at this very location. History of Trade and Pilgrimage Home to nearly two hundred families, the village holds a rich historical significance. It served not only as a hub for spiritual journeys but also functioned as a key station for Indo-China trade. Right across from this village stands Nepal's prominent Api Mountain. The Api Mountain terrain is also home to caterpillar fungus, commonly known as keera jadi, which serves as a vital source of livelihood for the local residents. Due to harsh weather conditions during winters, the villagers migrate down to lower altitudes, leaving the village inhabited for only six months out of the year. Transformation Following Road Construction The entire dynamic of the area shifted in 2020 with the completion of the road connecting to the Lipulekh Pass. Once the road was built, travelers and pilgrims bypassed Bundi, heading straight to Gunji instead, which effectively ended its era as a major transit stop. Despite this shift, the strategic and security importance of this border region remains intact. Flowing directly below the village is the Kali River, which acts as a natural border between India and Nepal. Given its strategic sensitivity for national security, Sashastra Seema Bal personnel are deployed here to maintain strict surveillance on all movement. New Tourism Avenues and Homestay Culture Even though the formal transit status has moved, pilgrims traveling to Adi Kailash, Kailash Mansarovar, and Om Parvat still pause in Bundi along their journey. The breathtaking natural scenery and tranquil environment captivate visitors, ensuring that tourists continue to make a stop here. To cater to these visitors, several homestays have been established locally. Homestay operator Harish Raipa notes that during past travel seasons before the road was constructed, the village was filled with vibrant activity as travelers spent their nights here. While the main transit stop has shifted to Gunji, nature lovers and passionate travelers still choose to stay in Bundi, making these homestays the primary source of year-round livelihood for the local operators. What this means for you This situation directly influences travel patterns, local hospitality businesses, and tourism economics for visitors and residents in the border regions of Pithoragarh. • Across India: Pilgrims and travelers heading toward high-altitude Himalayan shrines now navigate via newly constructed roadways that have altered traditional trekking schedules. While improved connectivity accelerates travel times, rural communities situated along the older foot-routes must adapt their local economies to the shifting tourist traffic. • In Pithoragarh: For homestay operators and villagers in Bundi, seasonal tourism serves as the primary economic lifeline during the six months the village remains inhabited. Although large groups now bypass the village due to the new road, the steady influx of nature enthusiasts keeps the local hospitality sector afloat. Why this happened The shift in the village's role stems directly from infrastructure development and changing geographical transit routes designed to improve access in the border region. • Road Infrastructure Development: The completion of the road connecting to the Lipulekh Pass in 2020 enabled direct vehicular access deeper into the high-altitude Himalayan region. • Shift in Transit Patterns: Before the road was built, trekking pilgrims and traders had no option but to rest overnight in Bundi, whereas modern vehicular travel now allows groups to bypass intermediate stops directly. • Strategic Border Location: Situated along the India-Nepal border near the Kali River, the area maintains a high level of security oversight dictated by its sensitive geographical placement. Questions & Answers 1. Where is Bundi village located? Bundi village is situated along the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about nine thousand feet. 2. How many months of the year is Bundi village inhabited? Due to harsh winter conditions, villagers migrate to lower altitudes, leaving the village inhabited for only six months a year. 3. What was the traditional significance of Bundi village? The village previously served as a major transit stop for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and historical Indo-China trade. 4. What changed in the village after 2020? Following the construction of the road connecting to the Lipulekh Pass, the primary traveler transit stop shifted directly to Gunji. 5. What are the primary sources of livelihood for the locals? Livelihoods in the area are primarily supported by gathering caterpillar fungus near Api Mountain and operating homestays for visitors. https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/pithauragarha-men-sthita-bundi-ganva-se-saraka-banane-ke-bada-chhina-parava-ka-darja-phira-bhi-sailaniyon-ki-pahali-pasnda-49746 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.