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Expedition Vistas & Desert Canyons
Journey deep into a forbidden land. Explore the cold desert landscape, walk the historic 150-year-old Gartang Gali wooden skywalk, and witness remote Himalayan borders.
Hidden inside the Gangotri National Park, Nelong Valley is a cold desert mountain valley, offering landscape views reminiscent of Ladakh and Tibet. It was closed to civilians after the 1962 conflict and only reopened recently under highly restricted permit guidelines. The valley has a unique wind-eroded, dry climate and served as a historic trade path between Tibet and India.
Highlighting this journey is the iconic Gartang Gali, a historic 150-year-old wooden skywalk cantilevered along the granite walls of a deep gorge. This route is an unmatched exploration of Indo-China border security posts and hidden geo-wonders.
Meet in Dehradun. Board the rugged 4x4 convoy and drive 150km past Chamba, tracking the winding Bhagirathi River to Uttarkashi. Obtain final permit clearances. Overnight stay at a river-facing resort.
A scenic 80km climb winding through cedar forests and snow-capped peaks. Arrive at Harsil, a serene village famous for apple orchards and wooden houses. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring nearby local trails. Overnight in cozy cottages.
Drive early to Bhaironghati. Pass the strict army checkpost. Drive deep into the high desert landscape of Nelong Valley. Marvel at the sheer rocky gorges and dry river beds. Visit the border outpost before returning to Harsil for the night.
Drive to the trailhead of Gartang Gali. Embark on a moderate 2.5km hike to reach the historic wooden bridge. Walk the wooden planks hung over a 500-foot drop. Descend and drive back to Uttarkashi for a hot dinner and overnight stay.
Embark on the return drive, winding through Dhanaulti and the Mussoorie hills. Check into the hotel in Dehradun and enjoy a celebratory group dinner sharing memories of the high pass.
Conclude the Nelong Valley adventure after breakfast. Transfer to the airport or railway station for onward journeys.
IMPORTANT: Nelong Valley is located within the Gangotri National Park and sits close to the international border with Tibet. It is highly restricted. Only Indian Nationals with pre-approved permits from the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, along with clearance certificates from the Forest Department and Army, are allowed to enter the valley. Foreign nationals are strictly prohibited. The permits require at least 15 days of processing time.
Begin planning your Nelong Valley expedition. Our permit coordinators will manage all clearances with local authorities.