A new footpath has been completed, linking Valmiki Ashram with Nepal via a trail from the recently constructed suspension bridge at Tribeni in Nawalpur (Bardaghat Susta East). This new route, built with local volunteer efforts, now allows access to the historic and religious site directly from Nepal.
The construction of the footpath, which stretches from the suspension bridge over the Narayani River to Valmiki Ashram, was spearheaded by local volunteers from Vinay Tribeni Municipality 6 and 7. The trail traverses through several villages, including Kevrani, Shivapurghadi, Saumara, and Prasaiyal, with contributions from residents committed to the project.
Before this, the only way to reach Valmiki Ashram involved crossing into India and traveling through Valmiki Nagar and the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. This situation arose due to the absence of direct access routes from Nepal. With the completion of the new footpath, visitors can now access the ashram without needing to enter India.
The initiative to construct the path began on June 24, 2023, following the completion of the Tribeni suspension bridge two years prior. Bishnu Prasad Chaulagain, a member of Binay Tribeni-6, highlighted that local volunteers took on the task due to the historical significance of the site and the logistical challenges of reaching it via Indian territory.
Despite plans to construct a motorable road using machinery, the project faced delays as permissions for transporting machinery through India were not granted. As a result, the footpath was completed using local labor.
Additionally, a Nepal Army checkpoint has been established west of the suspension bridge to enhance security. This development is expected to improve access for tourists, making it easier for them to visit Valmiki Ashram from Tribeni and potentially increasing tourist traffic to the region, according to Jhpendreshwar Bhusal, Executive Director of the Tribeni Gajendramoksha Divine Area Development Committee.
