The Uttarakhand Forest Authority unfurled the entrances of Gangotri National Park to voyagers and alpinists.
Administering the park, the locking mechanism of the entryway at the Kankhu barrier along the Gaumukh-Tapovan pathway was unfastened following a religious observance. Encompassing an area of approximately 2,390 square kilometers, Gangotri National Park stretches forth.
Ranganath Pandey, Deputy Director of the park, elucidated that the four entry points of Gangotri National Park have been accessible to travelers for half a year. Renowned for housing rare fauna such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan brown bears, it is also the cradle of the Ganges River emerging from the Gaumukh Glacier. The park boasts summits ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 meters above sea level. Additionally, Gangotri Dham and Nelang Valley fall under its purview.
Linking India with the international border shared with China (Tibet), the Nelang Valley was unlocked for tourists by the central authority in 2015.
Notable tourist destinations include:
- Gartang Gali: Witnessing the historical trade between India and Tibet, Gartang Gali, located near Bhairav Valley, offers an awe-inspiring skywalk experience along a precipitous rock path. This pathway underwent refurbishment and was inaugurated in the year 2021, attracting adventure enthusiasts.
- Nelang Valley: Exhibiting geographical characteristics akin to Ladakh and Spiti Valley, the Nelang Valley lies 18 kilometers from Gangotri. A thoroughfare leads from the valley to the forward posts of the India-China border. Frequent snowfall blankets the peaks, plunging temperatures below freezing.
- Kalindikhaal Trek: Interlinking Gangotri and Badrinath, this 90-kilometer trek is esteemed as one of the world’s most challenging routes. Situated at high altitudes amidst snow-clad hills, adventure seekers traverse through Vasukital, Kalindi Khal Pass, Ghastoli, and Arvatal en route to Mana Badrinath. The revered Badrinath temple stands in proximity to Mana.
- Kedartal: Nestled within the Gangotri Himalayas, Kedartal lies approximately 18 kilometers from Gangotri. Commencing the trek from Gangotri, hikers traverse via Bhojkharak and Kedarkharak to reach Kedartal, where the mesmerizing sight of Thalaya Sagar mountain captivates visitors.
- Gomukh Tapovan Trek: Renowned as the premier trek within the precincts of Gangotri National Park, the Gomukh Tapovan Trek spans 18 to 22 kilometers from Gangotri to Gomukh. A daily quota of 150 pilgrims is permitted to embark on this trek.
