Treks by
May to June and September to October
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 280 km). From there, travel via road to Uttarkashi → Harsil → Bhairav Ghati. By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun or Rishikesh. By Road: Nelong Valley is accessible by road up to Bhairav Ghati (near Harsil). From there, only Forest Department-authorized vehicles are permitted for the final 23 km stretch into Nelong Valley. Permit Required: Obtainable from the SDM Office or Forest Department in Uttarkashi. Only Indian citizens are allowed. Physical fitness certificate is also mandatory.
{}
3,500 meters
Nelong Valley (also spelled Nelang) is a high-altitude desert‑mountain valley in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, nestled around 3,500 m (≈11,400 ft) above sea level . Often referred to as the “Ladakh of Uttarakhand,” its stark landscapes resemble the Tibetan Plateau, Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti, earning praise as a “cold desert mountain area”
Nelong Valley, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is a stunning high-altitude desert valley situated at approximately 3,500 meters above sea level. Part of the Gangotri National Park, it lies close to the Indo-Tibetan border and offers landscapes reminiscent of Ladakh, Spiti, and Tibet. Characterized by barren cliffs, narrow gorges, and winding roads, this valley is one of the most offbeat and surreal destinations in the Indian Himalayas.
Nelong Valley was historically part of an ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route, with traders moving between India and Tibet via the rugged terrains of Uttarakhand. Until the 1962 Indo-China War, the valley was frequented by caravans of yaks and mules, and it served as a vital economic and cultural link. Post-war, due to its proximity to the border, the valley was declared a restricted military zone, and all villagers—including those from Nelong, Jadhang, and Pulam Sumda—were relocated. For decades, the region remained inaccessible to civilians and tourists, preserving its raw beauty. In 2015, the valley was partially reopened for Indian tourists under strict surveillance and regulation.