DEHRADUN: After a winter hiatus, the doors to the pristine wilderness of the Gangotri National Park (GNP) have been officially thrown open to tourists, marking the start of a six-month adventure season. With the onset of the trekking window, enthusiasts can now explore high-altitude marvels, including the legendary Gaumukh-Tapovan route and the rugged beauty of the borderlands.
Harish Negi, Deputy Director of the Gangotri National Park, formally inaugurated the season on Wednesday by opening the Kankhu barrier, the gateway to the Gaumukh trek, following traditional rituals. Subsequently, gates leading to the Nelang Valley and the historic Gartang Gali were unlocked, allowing visitors access to regions bordering China.
“We began issuing permits for these sought-after destinations on Wednesday,” Negi told this newspaper. “On the very first day, we witnessed an encouraging footfall, with over 100 tourists exploring Gartang Gali and 25 visitors venturing into the Nelang Valley.”
The park, which encompasses a vast expanse of the India-China border and some of the world’s most formidable peaks, offers a unique blend of spirituality and adventure.
The Gaumukh-Tapovan trek, spanning approximately 18 to 22 kilometres, remains the crown jewel, offering pilgrims and trekkers a chance to witness the source of the holy Ganga. To preserve the fragile ecosystem, authorities have capped daily entries for this trek at 150 individuals.
History buffs and adrenaline seekers are particularly drawn to Gartang Gali, a wooden staircase carved into a vertical cliff face. Once a vital trade route between India and Tibet, the path was closed for decades following the 1962 India-China war.
After a comprehensive restoration in 2021, it has re-emerged as a major attraction, offering tourists a thrilling ‘sky walk’ experience.
As the season progresses, officials expect a surge in visitors eager to experience the remote and breathtaking terrain.