The Nelong Valley is in the desert Uttarakhand mountain region, very close to the Indo-Tibet border. Nelong Valley, also called the Nelang Valley. In 2015, after being shut from the exterior since the war between India and China in 1962, the Ladakh of state of Uttarakhand was open to domestic tourists.
Nelong is a beautiful spot with a remarkable resemblance to Tibet and high summits with a landscape that is similar to Lahaul, Spiti and Ladakh.
Because the valley is an important strategic location in Gangotri National Park, visitors are not permitted to stay overnight. This rule applies to Bhairavghati and Nelong within the 25 km area.
About Nelong Valley
Nelong Valley is a stunning, exquisite and literally unspoiled region in the district of Uttarkashi, I think. It is located at 11,400 meters above sea level. It’s a real picturesque charm to be added to the wealth of endangered wildlife, such as the Himalayan Blue Sheep, the Snow Leopard and the Musk Deer. In addition to this, this place would definitely be loving for adventure travelers and seekers of the unseen and untouched!
There are those who say Nelong has been translated into blue stone. The valley is historically landscaped and like Ladakh honeymoon package from delhi root – the rich natural beauty of the region can be imagined. The area contains remnants of the wretched trade route between Indo-China. There is still the old infrastructure, including the Temple of Lal Devta and Garstang Galion. Heinrich Harrer has also been believed to have escaped to Tibet through this valley. What is an additional advantage – the Tibetan plateau is amazing.
Since the region has been closed to the rest of the world for almost 6 decades, it’s just unfortunate that the area will lose its entire culture and heritage because it’s not preserved and documented. The government has made the right efforts – but in strict directives – to open the valley to tourists. The goal should now be to gradually increase the business and thus to grow businesses in the local community!
Wars and Nelong Valley
Nelong Valley was an essential trade route between Tibet and India long before Tibet was occupied by China. Indeed, if you’ve ever been here, you will be overcome by pure similarities between the valley and Tibet. The cold mountain deserts of Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh are also common in these parallels.
Nelong Valley has also a rich history and culture like those valleys, which is about to be lost in political unrest and conflicts at the borders. During the 1962 Indo-China war, the villages that made Nelong Valley have been vacated since then by endless military camps.
Unfortunately, border tension is so high that only 25 km of tourists in the restricted area are permitted. Although the artifacts, the heritage sites and the old structures of the Nelong Valley do not have a modern, documented (public) account, local residents and the local councilor willing and willing to share a lot of information! When you’re in the region – don’t forget to talk to people in depth.
History – Mythology
Nelong valley lies on an ancient Indo-Tibetan road which was forced into Bagori villagers, bundled in Uttarkashi district in the Uttarakhand, after the War of 1962, by the people in Nelong Valley- Rongpas. Nelong is known as “Bhotiyas” Nelong Valley.
After local residents evacuated the site, the villages were controlled by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The remains of the old trade route, including the vital, narrow wooden bridge built along the gorge, can still be found.
Nelong Valley Weather
The valley has really cold weather! The maximum temperature in the winter months is between –5 degrees and –10 degrees, while the lower temperatures are around -15 degrees. The maximum tempers do not exceed 5-10 degrees Celsius, even in the summer months, and lower nights are always negative!
Best time to visit Nelong Valley
From May to November the Nelong Valley is still open, so that you can plan your trips accordingly. The best weather is in September and October, and this is also the time when monsoons are coming down from Northern India and the safest bet is to travel in the region after the infamous and difficult Uttarakhand moonsoon sorts. However, be careful to travel after the moonsoon to ensure maximum security.
Guidelines to visit Nelong Valley
Since 2015 the valley was opened to the general public, the number of tourists that can visit is subject to strict and rigorous guidelines. In order to obtain a license, you must firstly be an Indian national. Secondly, when the valley is open, there is a maximum daily tourist quota.
There are State Department of Forestry Guidelines that prohibit the entry of personal cars into the region, and only 6 vehicles from the Forest Department are allowed to enter the valley with 4 persons per day.
Now you must take a permit from SDM to track all that (sub-divisional magistrate). You should also have a fitness certificate that clearly states that you are fit for the journey physically.
A permit is a bit of a hexagonal process for Nelong Valley. I suggest keeping a 2-3-day buffer in your permit schedule. Allow me to walk through you! It is permissible in Nelong Valley everywhere – depending on your luck – from day to week. Keep your permission and keep your life with you!