Nelong Valley is a river valley of the Himalayas, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This valley is home to the Jadh Ganga, an important tributary of the Bhagirathi River. Perched at a height of over 11000 feet it is a hotspot for nature lovers and adventure buffs alike. This cold, desolate, barren land offers a rare panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The land in this valley is currently under dispute between India and China and requires special permission and fitness certificates to enter. As of now, only Indian tourists are allowed to enter this valley.
History Of Nelong Valley
Nelong Valley holds a rich historical and cultural significance for both India and China. This valley lies in quite proximity to the LAC or the Line of Actual Control between India and China. The valley of Nelong was once used as a trade route between India and China and is also said to have been part of the fabled silk route that was used by traders from the subcontinent to trade with the rest of the world. Since then, it was closed for several decades after the India-China war of 1962, which put this beautiful valley in a political dispute. The valley was opened for tourism in 2015, and since then, it has been attracting visitors worldwide.
This valley is also part of the Gangotri National Park and is home to a plentiful reserve of protected species, such as the Himalayan Snow Leopard, musk deer and Himalayan blue sheep, to name a few, and if you are lucky, you might be able to spot these reclusive creatures in and around the valley. The valley is also home to some of the most sacred temples including the Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kashi Vishwanath Temples, which add to the serene splendour of this beautiful valley. Visitors can also visit the ancient Dunda village also located in the valley.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Uttarkashi
The Gartang Gali Bridge
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As soon as you search or ask about the Nelong Valley, the name Gartang Gali is sure to come up. It is an age-old wooden bridge with a rich history and an enchanting story that ties it to this beautiful valley. In the 17th century, the Pathans of Peshawar, along with local residents, prepared the world’s most dangerous mountain path by cutting through the steep hills of the Himalayas for the movement between the villages Nelang, Jadung and Bhot in the Jadh Ganga valley of the Uttarkashi district that sits at an altitude of 11000 feet above sea level.
This 140 m long wooden bridge has been a witness to the Indo-Tibetan trade for centuries. Before 1962, the Indo-Tibetan traders and residents of the native villages of Jadung and Nelang used to travel through this route by loading goods on yaks, horse mules and sheep. The army also used this route for ten years after the Indo-China War. But, due to the non-use and maintenance of Gartangali for the last 40 years, its existence was vanishing. Even today visitors of the Nelong Valley can see certain remnants of the age-old construction and can even traverse through certain stable parts of it albeit with certain restrictions. This bridge is said to offer the best view of the Nelong Valley and its surroundings.
How To Reach Nelong Valley
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Despite its elevation, Nelong Valley is quite well connected with most important towns and cities in Uttarakhand. Given below is a rough overview of how you can reach Nelong Valley via Train or Flight:
By Road: The nearest railheads to Nelong Valley are in Rishikesh and Haridwar. Once you reach Rishikesh Railway Station, you can hire a taxi to reach Bhairav Ghati.
By Air: The nearest airport to Nelong Valley is Jolly Grand Airport in Dehradun. Dehradun is roughly 315 km away from this valley. Taxis and bus services are available from this airport.
Best Time To Visit Nelong Valley
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The best time to visit Nelong Valley is May-June or September-October. This is when it is not too cold or under heavy snowfall, nor is it raining heavily. During the monsoons or winters, the weather is unpleasant. The route also requires dry weather as there are possibilities of landslides. The valley is not open after November.
Guide To Nelong Valley For Adventure Enthusiasts
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The long valley trek is world-renowned for its breathtaking views that let you take in the beauty of the surrounding Himalayan mountains in all their glory. The steep valley has a history that goes back over 100 years and so, visitors are drawn to this area to experience that for themselves.
This trail is only open from June to mid-November, after which the Indian army is the only personnel allowed into the valley for security and safety reasons. This valley also receives plenty of snowfall in the winter, rendering it inaccessible. It is also important to keep in mind that this is not an easy trail to traverse, and a certain amount of physical endurance is required to cover it. Also, it is mandatory to acquire a physical certificate from your local doctor to submit to the magistrate during the permission application process for this trek.
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Things To Keep In Mind During Your Trek To Nelong Valley
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Before going out on a trek to Nelong Valley, make sure you check all the lists below. It will not only make your trek more comfortable but also more fun.
Clothes:
Bring warm outfits such as thick coats, thermal gear, caps, scarves, and gloves. The secret to staying warm in varying conditions is layering. Always have additional clothes on hand in case something happens. All hotels will supply blankets; nevertheless, you should bring one if needed.
Footwear:
Walking and trekking in the snow requires sturdy, waterproof footwear. To keep your feet warm and mobile, leather boots should be worn with a pair of socks even for casual wear in these chilly temperatures.
Accommodations:
Pick lodging establishments that have enough warmth. It is advisable to conduct previous research and establish direct contact with these hospitality providers to address any uncertainties or concerns you may have since certain rural places may have restricted facilities.
Health and Safety:
When climbing to higher altitudes, especially, be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness. In these circumstances, you can perform certain exercises to keep your joints mobile and prevent dyspnea, particularly if you plan on going on long walks and camping vacations. Maintain hydration and carry any required medicines.
Transportation:
Because of the snow and ice, roads might be difficult and slick. If you are driving in a personal car, make sure it has snow tyres, additional gasoline, and the right spares in case you need them to handle these mountain routes. Hiring a local driver with experience on these kinds of roads and situations is advisable. And make sure to travel in an all-wheel drive vehicle.
You May Also Like To Read: Trekking In Uttarakhand
The Nelong Valley is a portal to a different world. With its jaw-dropping beauty and a beautiful story to back it up, it truly is a must-visit for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Uttarakhand today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nelong Valley
What is the height of Nelong Valley?
The Nelong Valley located in Uttarkashi, sits at a height of 11000 feet above ground and is a popular trekking destination for tourists.
How do I reach Nelong Valley?
The nearest railway station is at Haridwar around 145 km away from Nelong and the nearest airport is Dehradun airport which is 305 km away from Nelong. You can hail a taxi from these locations to Uttarkashi.
Is Nelong Valley trekking fun?
With its stunning landscapes, Nelong Valley offers spectacular views to tourists. This place is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.
It is quite a physically taxing trek but you don't need huge amounts of skill or stamina to cover it. If you're physically fit and in good shape with decent stamina it should be more than enough.
It is quite a physically taxing trek but you don't need huge amounts of skill or stamina to cover it. If you're physically fit and in good shape with decent stamina it should be more than enough.
How far is Nelong Valley from Bangalore?
The valley is around 2600km away from Bangalore and it is suggested you make that trip by air and then by cab.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
