Category: Uttarkashi

Gartang Gali Location

Gartang Gali is a historical pass located in Uttarkashi district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It holds significant importance due to its historical and strategic relevance. During ancient times, Gartang Gali was a trade route that connected India with Tibet. It served as a crucial passage for trade and cultural exchange between the two regions. Traders used this route to transport goods like salt, spices, wool, and more between India and Tibet.       

Historical Significance   

 Gartang Gali, there exists a historic wooden terraced track carved into steep rocks. This ancient trail once connected the villages of Jadung and Nelang, serving as a vital foot route from the Harshil area. Local communities, especially the Bhutia people in Uttarkashi, engaged in trade with Tibet using this route. Additionally, the military utilized the track for border surveillance.

Gartang Gali, being one of the oldest trade routes, facilitated the transport of goods such as wool, jaggery, and spices. This commerce significantly contributed to the livelihood of the Bhutia community.

Over time, the narrow and precarious nature of Gartang Gali, combined with neglect following the Indo-China war of 1962, led to its deterioration. However, the Gartang Gali Bridge has emerged as a tourist attraction since the inception of tourism in Nelang Valley. The government is now actively working to transform it into a designated tourist destination.

Here are the travel guidelines for Gartang Gali, with both the Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

1. Tourist Registration: Tourists must register themselves at the Check Post of Bhairavghati before proceeding.
2. Follow Covid Guidelines: Travelers must adhere to Covid guidelines, which may include mask-wearing, social distancing, and any other safety measures in place.
3. Limited Group Size: A maximum of 10 people will be allowed to walk at a time, and they must maintain a distance of one meter to ensure smooth traffic on the track.

Don’ts:

1. No Jumping and Dancing: There is a strict ban on jumping and dancing on the track to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment.
2. No Flocking: Travelers are forbidden to sit and travel in groups on the track to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
3. No Peeping from Railing: For safety reasons, it is prohibited to peep down from the railing of the track. This measure is in place to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all visitors.
4. No Smoking or Inflammable Substances: Smoking and carrying other inflammable substances in the track area are strictly prohibited. This is to prevent the risk of fire and ensure the safety of everyone on the track.

Treks From Barsu village

Barsu village, nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, is a great starting point for several scenic treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Here are some popular treks you can embark on from Barsu:

Dayara Bugyal Trek: This is a moderate trek known for its stunning meadows. The trail passes through dense forests, gushing streams, and opens up to vast meadows offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Barnala Tal Trek: A relatively shorter trek, it leads to Barnala Tal, a serene high-altitude lake. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and forests.

Dodital Trek: This trek leads to Dodital, a serene lake believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha according to Hindu mythology. It’s a moderate trek known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.

Yamunotri Saptarishi Kund Trek: This trek takes you to the origin of the Yamuna River and Saptarishi Kund, a high-altitude lake. The trail passes through lush greenery, waterfalls, and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Dayara Bugyal to Gidara Bugyal Trek: For a longer and more adventurous trek, you can extend the Dayara Bugyal trek to Gidara Bugyal. It offers spectacular views of multiple meadows and snow-capped peaks.

Kedartal Trek: Though a bit further from Barsu, Kedartal is a challenging trek but rewards trekkers with stunning views of the Thalay Sagar peak and the pristine Kedartal Lake.

How To Reach Barsu Village 

By Road:- Rishikesh serves as a gateway to many destinations in Uttarakhand. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Rishikesh/Haridwar or Dehradun to Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, Barsu Village is accessible by road. Local buses or taxis can be hired from Uttarkashi to reach Barsu.

By Air:-The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Barsu Village. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India.

By Train:-The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Barsu Village. Trains connect Rishikesh to various parts of the country.