Gartang Gali and Nelong Valley lie beyond Harsil in Uttarkashi district, on the old trade route between Garhwal and Tibet. Both are inside Gangotri National Park, both need a permit, and both close in winter. Most visitors see them together in one day from Harsil.
Gartang Gali
A wooden stairway about 136 m long, pinned to a sheer cliff above the Jadh Ganga gorge. Traders once carried wool, salt and goods along it to Tibet. It was restored and reopened to visitors in 2021. The walk starts near the Lanka bridge by Bhaironghati, on the Gangotri road, and is short but exposed; it is not for anyone uneasy with heights.
Nelong Valley
A high, bare cold desert beyond Gartang Gali, close to the border. Entry is by permit from the Uttarkashi district administration and visitors go in by vehicle on a fixed route. Days can be mild in the sun, nights near freezing; carry warm layers even in summer.
Best time and opening months
- Open: roughly April or May to October, once the snow clears.
- Closed: about November to March, when snow blocks the approach.
- Best: May-June and September-October for clear skies; monsoon (July-August) can bring landslides on the Gangotri road.
Opening and closing follow the weather, not a fixed date, so check before you travel. See the Gartang Gali and Nelong Valley pages for current notes.
Permits
Gartang Gali needs a Gangotri National Park entry permit and Nelong Valley a separate district permit; both are checked at the gate with your photo ID. Timings at the check post are limited to daytime, so start from Harsil in the morning. On our tours we arrange both.
A 3-day plan from Dehradun
- Day 1: fly about 35 minutes from Sahastradhara, Dehradun to Chinyalisaur, then drive via Uttarkashi (Kashi Vishwanath temple) and the Gangnani hot spring to Harsil.
- Day 2: Gartang Gali, Nelong Valley and darshan at Gangotri.
- Day 3: a short walk to Lama Top, then back to Chinyalisaur for the flight to Dehradun.
That is the Harsil by Helicopter tour (2 nights, 3 days), with the Nelong permit included. By road, add a day each way. More on the valley in our Auli and Harsil guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Gartang Gali?
The wooden stairway is about 136 m long, built along a sheer cliff above the Jadh Ganga near Bhaironghati.
Is Gartang Gali open now?
It is usually open from about April or May to October and closed from about November to March because of snow. Check the current status before you travel.
Do I need a permit for Gartang Gali and Nelong Valley?
Yes. Gartang Gali needs a Gangotri National Park permit and Nelong Valley a permit from the Uttarkashi district administration. Carry photo ID.
How do I reach Gartang Gali from Dehradun?
By road via Uttarkashi to Harsil and on to Bhaironghati, or by a 35-minute helicopter flight to Chinyalisaur and then road to Harsil. Most people stay at Harsil.
What is the weather in Nelong Valley?
Cold and dry. Days can be mild in the sun, nights drop close to freezing, and snow closes the road in winter.
