Dehradun: If an adventure trip is something you are planning for your next trip thenGartangGali is the destination that should definitely be in your priority list.
GartangGaliis 500-meter long timber-lined stairway in the Nelang, built by the Peshawar Pathans. It was used as a route betweenIndia and Tibet by Dorji’s (Tibetan merchants) to reach Uttarkashi via Sumla, Mandito trade items like Salt, Jaggery, Spices, Gold, Pashmina wool etc. However after the Indo-China war in 1962, Nelang valley was closed for the general tourists and visitors, as the place came under the inner line area of Uttarkashi. In2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India granted permission for opening up theNelangGhati and Jadung for tourists, however the wooden bridge remained inaccessible to the public due to its bad conditions.
Nearly after 59 years, the Government of Uttarakhand has now opened theGartangGalitrek for the tourists aftercompletingthe required restoration and repair work. Tourists can now visit the place and have a pleasant walk over the wooden bridge build in the traditional style by cutting through a single rock. This bridge gives an exciting view of Nelang Valley, which is rich in flora and fauna and is home to rare animals such as snow leopards and blue sheep.
Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri SatpalMaharaj said, “The opening of GatangGalitrek has added a new dimension to the adventure tourism activities in the state of Uttarakhand. The bridge has historical and strategic importance in the history of Uttarakhand and demonstrates the coordinal trade relations of the country with its neighbors since ancient times.”
Shri DilipJawalkar, Tourism Secretary, Uttarakhand said, “The government of Uttarakhandis working consistently to revive the tourism sector of the state which has been affected by the pandemic. The opening of GartangGali is in line with our strategy to promote rural tourism with better expedition facilities and generate local employment and business opportunities in the associated areas. An amount of Rs 64 lakhs was spent to reconstruct the bridge in the traditional style.”
District Magistrate Uttarkashi, Shri Mayur Dixit added, “We faced many difficulties to reconstruct the area as it is built in a sensitive zone. Keeping corona guidelines at our utmost priority we are allowing only 10 tourists to visit the bridge at a time.”
Similar to theGartangGali there are other exciting places you can visit in Uttarkashi-
1-Harsil: Harsil is another amazing place inUttarkashi which has been popular for ages because of the Ram Teri Ganga Maili shoot that has mesmerized tourists. Nestled at an altitude of 2620 meters Harshil is the perfect spot for nature lovers.
2-Dayara Bugyal– DayaraBugyal is a charming place that is an ideal destination for trekking and campaign. Situated at a height of 3048 meter it has a jaw-dropping landscape for nature and trek lovers. a
3-Har kiDoon– A beautiful valley that offers an astonishing view of snow capped Himalaya peaks is one of the best places to experience peace away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Har Ki Doon is also famous for its Bugayals.
4- Kedar Tal: Situated at 18km from Gangotri one can reach here with a tipsy curvy mountain trail. The water of the lake is known for being crystal clear which will leave you amazed with natural beauty. This place is the base camp for trekking to Jogin, Thalayasagar, and Bhrigupanth trek.
