By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 1 Apr: The Forest Department has formally opened the entry of Gangotri National Park for tourists for the next six months, following traditional rituals. Deputy Director Harish Negi performed prayers before unlocking the Kanakhu barrier gate of the Gomukh trek today, after which entry to Nelang Valley and Gartang Gali was also permitted. With this, visitors can now explore Gaumukh Tapovan, Kedartal, Nelang Valley and other trekking routes, along with the historic Gartang Gali.
It may be reminded here that Gangotri National Park encompasses the Gangotri glacier, several of the world’s highest peaks and a vast stretch of the Indo-China border. With the opening of the park, areas such as Nelang and Jadung valleys, often referred to as ‘Little Ladakh’, are now accessible to tourists, offering a glimpse of trans-Himalayan terrain with barren high mountains and unique geographical features. Gartang Gali, a remarkable engineering marvel and a witness to Indo-Tibetan trade relations, was closed after the 1962 India-China war for security reasons. It was restored and reopened in 2021, and since then has become a favourite destination for the visitors seeking the thrill of a skywalk-like experience.
It may also be added here that the Gaumukh Tapovan trek remains one of the most popular routes in the park, stretching 18 to 22 kilometres and leading to the origin of the Ganga at Gaumukh, where bathing and rituals hold religious significance. Daily entry is restricted to 150 trekkers to preserve the fragile ecosystem. The Kedartal trek, beginning from Gangotri and culminating at the Kedartal Lake at an altitude of 4,750 metres, offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and is considered both challenging and rewarding.
Nelang Valley, situated close to the China border, resembles Ladakh in its landscape and has gained popularity for bike expeditions. The Kalindikhal trek, counted among the toughest in the world, connects Gangotri to Badrinath and requires crossing the Kalindi Khal pass at 5,950 metres.
The reopening of the park gates promises adventure, spirituality and natural splendour for visitors eager to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas.
