The much talked about Nelong Valley was finally opened for the tourist in 2015 and since then it has become one of the hot spots for the adventure buffs. It bears a striking resemblance to Ladakh and features high peaks having a similar climate and landscape to that of Lahaul, Spiti Valley, and Ladakh. The cold deserted mountain area of Nelong valley looks like a replica of Tibet in terms of its geography. Since this valley falls under the Gangotri National Park, the travelers are not allowed to have an overnight stay, within the 25 km area between Bhairavghati and Nelong.

Location of Nelong Valley

Beautiful Nelong valley is located in the Uttarkashi district within the Gangotri National Park which is 23 km from Bhaironghati. The place is recognized as a cold desert with lush green backdrop, scarce vegetation as well as wildlife. The region is an abode to infrequent and indefinable Snow Leopard and also offers many stunning Himalayan landscapes to make your trip to Nelong valley memorable. This amazing valley is also a segment of grueling Sino Indian trade route with hand built wooden bridge which is still there from early days. This mesmerizing valley is situated at an altitude of about 11000 feet above sea level. It comes under the Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi and is approximately 315 kilometers from Dehradun. It is just 23 kilometers from Gangotri shrine

History

The Word Nelong generally means the place of blue stones, and it is one of the best-unspoiled places of Uttarkashi. The beautiful Nelong valley is a cold desert like region located in Uttrakhand Himalayas close to Indo China border. During the 60s Nelong valley was a bustling trade route amid India as well as Tibet. However from the time of Indo Chinese War the region was closed for civilians as the police of both the countries were the only people who are permitted to enter it. In 2015 May government opened up the Nelong valley region for the general public.

Best time to visit Nelong valley

Best time to visit Nelong valley is in the months of April to June and September to October before Diwali.

April to June- visiting Nelong Valley in summers is very much enjoyable as at this time the average temperature of the region is 25 degree Celsius. At this time snowfall also starts melting which offers amazing views of the landscape. July to September- visiting Nelong valley in monsoon is sometimes risky as there is a possibility of landslide owing to rainfall. There are many chances of road accidents, and so this is not considered as the best time to visit this place. December to March- visiting Nelong valley in winters is not comfortable enough as at this time the weather is very harsh and extreme. During these months snowfall starts and which stops the travelers and trekkers from entering the glacier area. Due to heavy rainfall during these months roads are prohibited from entering.

How to reach

Nelong valley welcomes visitors in the months of May till November, however owing to security reasons the place is prohibited for camping. You can reach Nelong valley from all the way through Bhairon Ghati from where you can easily hire a cab. This beautiful valley is well connected by road from Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh. Every traveler should know that there is no proper accommodation and restaurants in Nelong valley. However, you can book hotels in Bhairon Ghati, Gangotri, Harsil and Dharali. However, Nelong valley do not have a flight, bus or train connectivity but is well connected with road so that you can easily hire cab or taxi or also can self drive to reach this adventurous valley.

Reaching By Bus: The nearest bus station, which is well connected with buses to other cities is Reckong Peo Bus Stand. Harsil Bus Stand is a local bus stop with limited bus frequency.

Reaching By Train: Nearest major railway station to reach Nelong valley is Dehradun Railway Station. There is also one local train station too but with limited railway connectivity, i.e. Harrawala Railway Station.

Reaching By Air: Nearest major international airport to reach Nelong valley is Chandigarh Airport. There is also a small airport too with limited flight routes, i.e. Jolly Grant Airport.

Points to remember

Nelong valley is now open for public and is the perfect place to visit for adventure seekers and mountain lovers. This picturesque valley of Uttrakhand is a part of Gangotri National Park and is also an abode to many rare animals like snow leopard and musk deer. There are several points which you should keep in mind before planning a trip to Nelong valley:

Nelong valley is located at a distance of about 315 km from the main city of Dehradun. First of all, you have to reach Bhairavghati which is about 100 km from Uttarkashi and then it will take a 25 km ride to reach the mesmerizing valley. Just remember that private vehicles are not permissible here; thus you have to take a forest department vehicle.

Forest department is very much strict in terms of permission to visit Nelong valley. Only registered operators are permitted to take tourists into the valley and that too upto Nelong and beyond that you cannot go in any case.

To enter the valley only six forest department vehicles are allowed in one day with four people each. Surely it will change in some times as government is trying up hard to promote Nelong valley tourism. Before entering you will need a permit which should be taken from the sub-divisional magistrate. You will also require a fitness certificate to enter the valley. The entry of foreigners is not allowed owing to its strategic location.

Night stay is not permitted in the valley as you can find out accommodation options in Bhairavghati. There are numerous budget hotels which offer comfortable stay to tourist. There is also a semi-government guest house there that offers comfortable stay to its guest.

At the time of packing for your Nelong valley trip don’t forget to pack sports shoes and woolens, alleys carry a power bank with you along with sunglasses and first aid box.

There are many nearby attractions in Nelong valley where you can enjoy at your best. One of the best Nelong valley attractions is Padang Temple which is located at about 3500 ft and is devoted to Kaal Bhairav. Don’t miss out to seek blessings at the famous Gangotri Temple and exploring many other scenic destinations.

You should take water, snacks and food with you as you will not find anything to eat when you are in the valley. In case you are lucky you can somehow get tea and biscuits at the camp of ITBP.

The Nelong valley which is similar to Ladakh landscape presenting clear blue skies, deep valleys, winding roads. This tiny valley terrain is a cold desert which will relax your mind and soul for sure. Plan a trip to this beautiful destination as it is a sheer delight for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers as well as photographers.