Nelong Valley Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
4 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
11,000 feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
220.3 km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to June, September to October
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Nelong Valley Trek Overview
Nelong Valley is a hidden treasure of Uttarakhand. This valley is also known as “Ladakh of Uttarakhand”. Unlike other lush green valleys, Nelong Valley looks like a cold desert. The landscape of Nelong Valley is similar to Ladakh. This valley was part of the Indo-Tibetan Silk Route. The valley was closed to civilians after the Indo-China War in 1962.
Recently, the valley has reopened for limited tourism. There are a few strict permit rules for Nelong Valley. The beauty of Nelong Valley is unmatched. It is a very little-explored valley and the landscapes are majestic. The Gartang Gali is a surreal wooden bridge and is the main tourist attraction. This bridge was part of the Silk Road connecting India and Tibet.
Culture and Local Life in the Remote Villages Of Nelong Valley
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.
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
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.
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.
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
Mandatory Backpacking List for Aancha Top Trek
Clothing and Backpack
Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.
Footwear
You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.
Personal Care
For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.
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.
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.
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.
Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:
To overcome the difficulty level of trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.
Overview
Foundation
Strength Building
Power & Stamina
Endurance & Recovery
Day 1: Dehradun to Harsil
Today you will drive 230 km and it will take about 9-10 hours. The route is very scenic. You will drive through Mussoorie and Uttarkashi.
Day 2: Nelong Valley Visit and Gangotri Darshan
Today you will visit the Nelong Valley. The drive distance is 35 km. You will visit Jadung and Nelong Villages. Return from Nelong Valley and visit Gangotri Dham.
Day 3: Gartang Gali and Harsil Sightseeing
Today you will visit the historic Gartang Gali. This wooden bridge is part of one of the Indo-Tibetan Trekking routes. You will tour around the Harsil Valley.
Day 4: Harsil to Dehradun
Have an early morning breakfast and then drive back to Dehradun.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Inclusion
- Transportation – Day 1: Driver from Dehradun to Ranachatti and drop off on the last day in Dehradun. Pickup time: 7:30 am, Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
- On Trek stay in a 2-person A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
- Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff.
- There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
- From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
- Personal Equipment - Any personal gear, like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks, is not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilised, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
No, foreign nationals are not permitted to visit Nelong Valley.
Yes, you need a special permit from the DM, Uttarkashi, to visit Nelong Valley.
Are summer and autumn the best times to visit Nelong Valley?
No, you cannot stay overnight in Nelong Valley.
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