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Nelong Valley: Uttarakhand's High-Altitude Cold Desert

Explore Nelong Valley, Uttarakhand's hidden gem: a high-altitude cold desert with stunning views, rich history, and unique wildlife encounters.

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Nelong Valley, often called the 'Ladakh of Uttarakhand,' is a remote, high-altitude valley near the Indo-Tibetan border. Reopened to tourists in 2015 after being closed since the 1962 war, it offers stunning landscapes and a glimpse into a historically significant trade route.

A brief summary to Nelong valley

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Obtain the necessary permit from the SDM office in Uttarkashi before your visit.
  • Carry warm clothing, even during summer, due to the high-altitude climate and unpredictable weather.
  • Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness; consult a doctor before your trip if you have concerns.
  • Pack snacks and water, as there are limited facilities available in the valley.
  • Respect the local guidelines for eco-sensitive zones and follow responsible tourism practices.
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Getting There

  • Road

    The most common way to reach Nelong Valley is by road. The nearest major town is Uttarkashi, approximately 91 km from Nelong Valley. From Uttarkashi, hire a taxi or jeep to reach near the Bhairavghati forest check post. From Bhairavghati, a limited number of forest department vehicles are allowed to enter the valley. Personal vehicles are generally not permitted. The journey from Uttarkashi to Bhairavghati takes around 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions. Permits are checked at Bhaironghati. As of now, only Indian tourists are allowed to visit Nelong Valley. To visit Nelong Valley, tourists must obtain a special permit from the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi. A fitness certificate is also required. Cost: Taxi/Jeep from Uttarkashi to Bhairavghati: Approximately INR 3,000 - INR 5,000. Forest Department Vehicle: Contact local authorities for current pricing and availability. Gangotri National Park entry fee: Approximately INR 250 per vehicle and INR 150 per person.

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Discover more about Nelong valley

Nelong Valley, situated within the Gangotri National Park in the Uttarkashi district, presents a unique cold desert landscape at an altitude of 11,400 feet. Sharing borders with Himachal Pradesh and Tibet, this valley served as a crucial trade route between India and Tibet before the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The villages in the valley were evacuated during the war, and the area remained closed off for over five decades before reopening to domestic tourists in 2015. Nelong Valley's terrain is strikingly similar to that of Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti, featuring high peaks and a cold desert climate. The valley offers panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and is home to diverse high-altitude wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal), and musk deer. Visitors can also see remnants of the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route, such as the Gartang Gali wooden bridge and old stone structures. To visit Nelong Valley, Indian tourists need to obtain a permit from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Uttarkashi and provide a fitness certificate. Due to the valley's location within a protected area, overnight stays and camping are not allowed. Travelers must return to the Bhaironghati check post by evening. The best time to visit Nelong Valley is between May and November when the weather is favorable. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, including warm days and cold nights.

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