Nelong Valley Trek

Beautiful Harsil Valley

Harsil is a serene valley surrounded by big mountains. The dense forests of pine and deodar open up for the Harsil Valley. This valley is also popular for Apple orchards. The crystal clear water of Bhagirati makes it a beautiful spot for trekkers.

Landscape of Nelong Valley

The landscape of Nelong Valley is something that you can’t find on any other trek in Uttarakhand. The rugged mountains and barren slopes are very similar to those of the Ladakh region. This terrain makes the Nelong Valley different from any other trek in Uttarakhand.

Gartang Gali

Gartang Gali is a 150-year-old wooden bridge in Nelong Valley. This bridge was recently restored and is now open for tourists. The Gartang Gali is very beautifully carved. Walking on this bridge is very unique and thrilling. It gives a vibe of stepping back in time. 

Local Villages

There are a few villages in the Nelong Valley. You can visit the Jadong village. This village is abandoned, but you can see the centuries of houses that show the settlements of the past. You can witness local villages and see the lifestyles of the people near the Indo-Tibet border.

The Nelong Valley is located in the Uttarkashi district. This valley is very close to the Indo-Tibet border. The valley is about 30 km from Bhairongahti, which is the last accessible settlement area. The Nelong Valley lies in a restricted area, and you need a special permit to visit it. 

This valley was once part of the Indo-Tibetan Silk Route. Recently, the valley has been open for Indian tourists. The Nelong Valley Trek is very different from any other trek in Uttarakhand. The barren mountain and deep gorges are very similar to the Ladakh and Spiti region.

Villages like Jadong and Sumla were considered important stops on the Indo-Tibetan Silk Route. The local settlement of the Bhotiya community once flourished in these villages. The lifestyle of these locals was similar to that of any other high-altitude village. Livestock and seasonal farming were the main sources of income. After the 1962 Indo-China War, the Nelong Valley was declared a restricted zone. All the locals were forced to migrate to safer regions of Uttarkashi. Today, you can see the silent past in the valley,

Villages like Bagori are situated near Harsil village. These villages have a Tibetan-influenced culture. You can see the beautifully built houses there. Jhala is a small village where you can camp along the Bhagirathi River. All the villages near Harsil are very peaceful and beautiful.

Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Region: Gangotri National Park
Permit Requirements: Mandatory 
Foreign Nationals: Not Allowed (Only Indian Citizens are allowed with permits)
Trek Type: Cold desert terrain
Altitude: 3350 m

Altitude 

The Nelong Valley is located at 3350 m. The altitude is average for any Himalayan trek. The oxygen level is less than in other regions. The trekkers should properly acclimatize to prevent any AMS symptoms. 

Trail Condition

The terrain of Nelong Valley is very similar to that of the Ladakh region. The trails are rocky, uneven, and dusty. You can also see steep gorges in some sections. 

Weather condition

The days in Nelong Valley are warm, but nights can be very cold. You can visit Nelong Valley in the summer season. Days are usually sunny. But the temperature starts dropping immediately after sunset. 

Remoteness

The Nelong Valley is a very remote area. This is a highly restricted area. There are no villages inside the valley. You can only find accommodations in Harsil or other nearby areas.

Nelong Valley Trek In Summer

The best time to plan your Nelong Valley trek is summer. The valley opens around May for tourists. The snow starts melting, and the trails become accessible. You can visit Gartang Gali and other beautiful locations.

Nelong Valley Trek In Monsoon

Monsoon is not a good time for trekking to Nelong Valley. Landslides are very common in this region. The trail becomes slippery and dangerous.

Nelong Valley Trek In Autumn

Another good time to plan the Nelong Trek in Uttarakhand is Autumn. The valley looks fresh after the monsoon, and the skies remain clear. This is a good time to enjoy the valley. The crowd will be smaller and the landscape will become beautiful.

Nelong Valley Trek In Winter

Nelong Valley remains closed in winter. This region receives high snowfall, and all the trails get blocked. It is a restricted area and permits are not issued during winter.

Nelong Valley is located in Uttarkashi. You have to reach Uttarkashi to visit the Nelong Valley.

Delhi to Dehradun: You can take a train from Delhi to Dehradun. Government and private buses are also available. Take an overnight bus/train and reach Dehradun in the morning.

Dehradun to Uttarkashi: Take a bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi. Regular buses are available on this route. You can also look for shared taxi options. You will reach Uttarkashi in 10-12 hours.

Uttarkashi to Bhaironghati: You have to reach Bhaironghati to visit Nelong Valley. This village is located around 100 km from Uttarkashi. You will reach Bhaironghati in 5-6 hours.

Bhaironghati to Nelong Valley: Get a permit at Bhaironghati for Nelong Valley. Private vehicles are usually not allowed in Nelong Valley. Look for the approved vehicles with permits for visiting the valley.

Dehradun to Nelong Valley Distance: 280 km

Uttarkashi to Nelong Valley Distance: 100 km

Harsil to Nelong Valley Distance: 35 km

Gangotri to Nelong Valley Distance: 30 km

Clothing

Nights are cold in the areas near Nelong Valley. You must carry some warm clothes even in the summer. Pack a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for the night. Now pack 2 t-shirts and a quick-dry trekking pant. Pack a fleece and a down jacket if you are visiting Nelong Valley in autumn. Get a windcheater rain jacket for sudden weather changes. Pack a woolen cap and a pair of gloves. Get a good sun cap for the daytime.

Footwear

Pack good-quality trekking shoes. If you don’t have trekking shoes, then wear any comfortable pair of shoes. Pack 3 pairs of cotton socks and a pair of woolen socks. Pack a pair of sandals for homestay or campsites.

Personal Care

Pack all your toiletries in a small zipper pouch. Get an SPF 50+ sunscreen and a good lip balm. Get a small backpack (20L) for daytime. Pack a thermos to keep yourself hydrated. Make a small first-aid kit with basic medicines. Carry all mandatory documents for the permit. 

You cannot stay in Nelong Valley at night. This is a highly restricted area, and you have to return by the evening. Camping inside the valley is prohibited for security reasons.

Harsil is the best plan for accommodations. You can find accommodations like homestays and guest houses there. You can also camp in Harsil or other nearby locations.

Day 1: Dehradun to Harsil
Day 2: Nelong Valley Visit and Gangotri Darshan
Day 3: Gartang Gali and Harsil Sightseeing
Day 4: Harsil to Dehradun

Permits

Nelong Valley is a highly restricted area. You need a special permit from the DM Office, Uttarkashi. Carry ID proof with some photocopies and your passport-size photos. Only Indians are allowed to visit Nelong Valley. 

Timing To Visit Nelong Valley

You can only visit Nelong Valley in the daytime. You cannot camp inside the valley. Make sure you exit the valley by the evening.

Altitude

The Nelong Valley is located at 11000 ft. The chances of getting AMS are low. But the trekkers should stay hydrated to prevent headaches or vomiting. Carry ORS and some other basic medicines.

Weather Condition

You should always carry warm clothes as the weather can change at any time. Pack a rain jacket or windcheater. 

Experience the untouched natural beauty of Nelong Valley with us. Our company is providing the best trekking services for Nelong Valley.  We tailor the itinerary according to your time, group, and fitness level. Our guides and supporting staff will take care of all the permits and paperwork.

Himalaya Shelter believes in offering personalized trekking services. Our guides have good experience and know the terrain well. We arrange good local accommodation services. Avoid crowds and book a customized Nelong Valley Trek with us.