Gartang Gali, a place where history meets nature’s beauty, is one of the most exciting travel destinations in Uttarakhand. It is a wooden cliff-side hanging bridge near Lanka Bridge, 16 km from the Harsil Valley in Uttarkashi District.
Strategically hanging above the Jadh Ganga River, Gartang Gali offers a panoramic view of the Nelong Valley. This architectural marvel is 136 m long and 1.8 m wide. A 2.5 km steep hill climb through the lush coniferous forest is required to reach this beautiful rustic stairway.
From its rich history to how to get there, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything that you need to know about Gartang Gali.
Table of Contents
History of Gartang Gali
The 150 year old trail was used for Indo-Tibetan cross border trade by traders from Taknore Patti till 1962. After the Sino-Indian war, the wooden bridge collapsed and was rendered unusable for around 59 years. Gartang Gali was opened in the year 2021 to visitors after its renovation.
Many stories exist about the construction and conceptualization of Gartang Gali, but recent in-depth research has unearthed some crucial facts. Frederick Wilson, also known as ‘Pahadi Wilson,’ settled in Harsil Valley and married a local girl named Gulabi. The Britisher garnered strong support from the King Of Tehri and the Jadh Community. His book A Summer Rumble in the Himalayas (1860) hints towards the construction of a wooden suspension bridge by cutting vertical granite cliffs.
He mentioned a Gartang Gali-like location approximately at an exact distance of 6 miles from Nelong and Bhaironghati. Wilson used to travel secretly to Tibet via this Historical trail, as foreigners were prohibited in the area. Research has found that the Jadh locals were involved in the Gartang Gali project. The Peshawari Pathans, known for their expertise in stone-chiseling, assisted them in the project. The bridge was used to access Nelong Valley and Tibet. Traders then used to trade at Barahaat (Uttarkashi).
Itinerary
The iconic wooden bridge of Gartang Gali is becoming viral among adventure lovers and history buffs. To plan your trip, you can use this suggested 4-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Harsil Valley (2,500 m/ 8,200 ft)
- Harsil Valley is a beautiful village located approximately 216 km from Dehradun.
- On arrival, check into your hotel and have a hearty meal of Garhwali cuisine
- Explore the nearby local attractions and go sight-seeing
- Unwind near the shores of Bhagirathi
Day 2: Explore Gartang Gali (2,950 m/ 9,680 ft) and Gangotri Dham (3,100 m/ 10,170 ft)
- Start early in the morning and drive to Lanka Bridge, 16 km from Harsil. It is the starting point of the Gartang Gali Trek
- On your way, you can catch the breathtaking sight of Mandakini Waterfalls
- After reaching the Lanka Bridge, start your hike to Gartang Gali (5 km to and fro)
- Explore the wooden bridge and enjoy the bird’s eye view of Jadh Ganga and Nelong Valley
- From Gartang Gali, head towards Gangotri Dham, one of the Char Dhaam.
- Visit the Temple, offer prayers and explore the surrounding views
- Return to Harsil
Day 3: Hike to Lama Top and Bagori
- The next morning in Harsil, you can hike to Lama Top
- Walk through the Deodar Forest and catch the perfect view of Harsil Valley, Harsil Horns and Bhagirathi
- In the Afternoon, explore the nearby Bagori Village, famous for its rustic houses, Jadh Bhotia community, temples and colorful walls
- Enjoy a tasty meal at Bagori and return to Harsil
- Explore the local shops in Harsil and interact with the Locals
Day 4: Departure to Dehradun
- Next day, check out from your accommodation in Harsil Valley
- Return to Dehradun, enjoying the scenic views
- On your way, you can visit Pilot Baba Ashram
- It marks the end of your trip
The Best Time to visit Gartang Gali
Gartang Gali remains open from 1 April to 30 November. Spring, Summer and Autumn are the best times to visit Gartang Gali. The temperature during these seasons is moderate and comfortable for hiking. The sky is clear with favorable weather, ideal for outdoor activities.
Monsoons bring heavy rainfall with the risk of landslides and blockages. Avoid trekking during July and August to ensure your safety. The spring season is perfect if you enjoy flora and fauna on your hiking trails.
How to reach Gartang Gali
Gartang Gali is accessible through a combination of Air, Railways and Road transportation. To reach there you first need to arrive at Uttarkashi. A detailed guide can be read here on How to reach Uttarkashi.
By Road:
Dehradun is well connected to major North Indian cities. Take the scenic drive from your home city and reach Dehradun. You can use apps like Redbus or Abhibus to book the tickets. A personal vehicle is also an option for a comfortable journey.
By Railways:
The two nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Dehradun. These stations are accessible and well-connected with major cities and towns. From here, you can travel via road to reach Gartang Gali.
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach Uttarkashi. It is connected to the major cities of the country. From Dehradun, you can hail a private cab or catch a bus to reach Uttarkashi district.
Dehradun to Gartang Gali:
Take a UTC bus from Dehradun Hill Bus Station early in the morning and reach Uttarkashi by noon. From Uttarkashi, take a taxi to Harsil. Harsil is near Gartang Gali, and you can easily find local taxis from there. Another option is to take a direct bus to Gangotri from Rishikesh. On the way, get down at Lanka Bridge and start your Gartang Gali hike from there.
Gartang Gali Hike: What You Should Know
Before planning your travel to Gartang Gali, here is what you should know:
Difficulty level of the Hike
The trail to the Gartang Gali begins at Lanka Bridge. After a 2.5 km hike through the dense forest trails, you can reach the 136 m-long wooden staircase. The total distance to and fro is around 5 km long and that’s why it’s quite easy to complete this hike. It may seem exhausting, but once you catch the rhythm of climbing the skywalk, the beauty washes off everything. The Gartang Gali hike is beginner-friendly, but you need reasonable fitness because the trails become narrow and strenuous at a few points.
Duration of Hike
The entire round trip takes about 3-4 hrs, depending on your pace. It remains open throughout the week from 9 am to 4 pm. While the checkpost closes at 3 pm, the visitors must leave by 5 pm. It is risky to hike in the dark after the sun sets.
Permit for Gartang Gali
Gartang Gali hike requires a permit because it’s located within Gangotri National Park. Visitors can acquire the permit either online or offline mode. The cost of getting a permit ranges from INR 200-250. Additionally, a Government Identity proof, such as an Aadhar ID or PAN card is required. The pass is checked at the checkpost before entering the forest trail. Permits are not issued in the case of heavy rainfall. Be wary of the weather forecast before you plan your visit to Gartang Gali.
Attractions Around Gartang Gali
- Gangotri Dham
A pilgrimage site which is one of the Char Dhams, Gangotri is the source of the holy Bhagirathi River. Located at a distance of 9.8 km from Gartang Gali, this pilgrimage site is a popular destination for spirituality seekers. Here, you can further explore the Surya Kund and Gauri Kund.
- Bhaironghati
Just 3.7 km away from Gartang Gali lies this beautiful settlement where Jadh Ganga and Bhagirathi converge. It is home to Bhairav Nath Temple, and the valley offers beautiful scenery.
- Nelong Valley
This valley is a cold desert and is very similar to Ladakh in terms of its geographical topography. It is a restricted area because it shares a border with Tibet. A special Nelong Valley Permit from the SDM of Uttarkashi district and a fitness certificate are required to venture into the valley. Nelong Valley gives a surreal 360° view of the Tibetan Plateau and is an ideal location for adrenaline seekers.
- Dharali Village
Dharali is a quaint village, approximately 10-11 km from Gartang Gali. It is famous for Apple orchards and Kalp Kedar Mandir, an excavated ancient temple, submerged in water. Sat Tal Trek is a good option for hiking in this beautiful village. The trek offers enchanting views of the seven lakes and lush pines.
- Mukhba Village
This is another beautiful village located near Harsil Valley and Gartang Gali. This village is home to the winter seat of Goddess Ganga when the Gangotri Dham is closed. Mukhba is a small village where you can explore the culture of the locals and enjoy its simple life.
Located at a very high altitude, the Kedartal is famous among avid trekkers. It is a glacial lake surrounded by a series of lofty mountains. The Kedartal trek is challenging and is often taken up by experienced trekkers. It offers beautiful views of the Bhoj Forest along its trails.
To Sum Up
Gartang Gali is a perfect destination for the venturesome. The rugged, stone-carved pathway takes you back in time, telling a story of the culture and history of the Garhwal region. Use this in-depth guide to plan your trip.
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