Placed at an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level lies the enchanting snow-clad valley of Nelong - one of Uttarakhand’s best-kept secrets.
Originally functioning as an important trade route between India and Tibet, this region now falls within the Gangotri National Park, situated near the district of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. Bordered by snow-capped peaks and rocky canyons, Nelong offers its visitors the most picturesque panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the neighboring Tibetan Plateau.
The region has however been home to intense historical and political conflict, especially during the war of ‘62, post which most villages within the valley were vacated and travel suspended. Being a bordering area, travel here is majorly restricted with the inner line permit being a necessity to set foot in the valley. It was only in 2015 that the valley gradually opened up to tourists under set circumstances.
The recent years have seen a relative increase in the region’s tourism with it being one of the major attractions in the country for bikers and adrenaline junkies alike. Due to its resemblance to the geographical and climatic conditions of the valleys of Tibet and Spiti, the region has popularly come to be known as 'The Ladakh of Uttarakhand!'
To any wanderer seeking a few days of solace and adventure, Nelong must be one of the topmost picks on your list.
Why should you travel to Nelong Valley?
Being very similar in its terrain to regions such as Ladakh, Nelong is the ultimate offbeat travel destination for the seekers of thrill and adventure alike. The unmatched beauty of the valley offers dream-like views to every wanderer interested in secluded mountain living. While traveling to the valley, one can witness the gradual transition of the skyscapes as they cross the village of Harsil as the sun slowly disappears into the darker-grey cloud cover.
If one is lucky, they might even catch a glimpse of the endangered musk deer and snow leopards that inhabit this rocky, cold desert. Having immense historical importance, the valley is also home to ancient infrastructural artifacts such as old trade routes, which have largely remained untouched over the years.
Even though travel to Nelong involves a relatively greater degree of planning, it is an experience that shall manage to enchant all visitors in its surrealistic charm.
Cuisine in Nelong Valley:
Nelong as a region is extremely sparsely populated with the Indo Tibetan Border Force mainly based in the region. As a result, the options of food in the valley are limited. Visitors are advised to either have a hearty meal before starting off on their journey to this region, or come well-equipped with snacks and tea. One might however find an occasional tea shop or so in the nooks and corners of the valley.
Best time to visit:
The valley is usually open from the month of May to November for outsiders. While tourists have only recently been allowed into the valley, this too is restricted to 25km within the Inner Line Permit area. Additionally, personal vehicles are not allowed and only 6 forest department vehicles carrying up to 4 people per day are permitted. There is also no provision for overnight stays or camps in the valley since they remain forbidden. The summer months (May-June) before the arrival of the monsoons are the best time to plan your visit here due to the favorable weather conditions. The region is prone to accidents during the monsoon months because of landslides. Moreover, extreme snowfall and harsh winters hit the valley during the winters making it unfit for travel.
Getting There:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is roughly 315 km away from the valley. Taxis and buses ply to Nelong from Dehradun.
By Train: The nearest train stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar. Taxis are available early in the morning from Rishikesh to Bhairav Ghati located a few kilometers away from the Gangotri valley.
Places to visit:
This was an old Indo-Tibetan trade route used majorly by the local Bhotiya merchants of the valley to transport goods across the two regions. Located at a distance of 90 km from Uttarkashi, Gartang Gali is an ancient wooden step bridge that had remained shut post the 1962 Sino-Indian war. It only reopened recently for tourists and remains one of the most challenging treks even for the hardcore adventurers.
Originally constructed by Peshawari Pathans for trading purposes, this wooden bridge has now been rebuilt into a skywalk offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes, meant to aid tourism. Interestingly, this is said to be the same walkway that Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer (also known for ‘Seven Years in Tibet’), is said to have escaped through from the country into Tibet during the Second World War!
Also known as the Kashi of the North, this area in Uttarakhand is the gateway to the serene valley of Nelong. Anybody traveling to the region can easily find accommodation in this town popular majorly amongst adventure enthusiasts. For travelers embarking on a journey to Nelong, Uttarkashi can be the ideal place to layover and spend the night.
Located in close proximity to Nelong, Harsil largely remains an untouched hidden village, lost within the corners of Uttarakhand. For the lovers of the hills, Harsil offers the most peaceful and tranquil experiences right in nature’s lap.
Accommodation:
Since travel still remains restricted in Nelong, there is no provision for accommodation within the valley itself. However, quite a few options are available in the neighboring regions of Harsil, Bhairav Ghati, and Gangotri offering comfortable stays to travelers.
Located far away from the bustle of city life, this mini Ladakh in Uttarakhand is worth traveling to for a scenic yet offbeat experience. Being a hidden jewel the valley is still largely untouched by the prospects of over-tourism and thus, offers a quiet, serene and peaceful environment.
For any wanderer wishing to travel around in the mountains, Nelong is an option worth a shot!
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