In October 2021, my family and I decided to take a road trip to Uttrakhand. I was unaware of Gartang Gali’s existence when I planned a trip to Uttrakhand. Coincidentally, a few days before our departure, I came across a video of Gartang Gali. After a bit of research, I knew I was visiting Gartang Gali. Fortunately, it is only a few kilometres from Gangotri, which meant we didn’t have to change our route.

The Gartang Gali is a 500m long wooden bridge. It is carved into a rocky mountain and is in the Nelang/Nelong valley For 59 years this bridge remained forgotten. But, from August 2021, the bridge opened to the public.

In this guide, I’ve covered the following points –

• What is Gartang Gali?
• Where is Gartang Gali?
• How to reach there?
• Can you visit Gartang Gali?
• How do you apply for permission?
• Best time to visit.
• The trek to Gartang Gali.
• The Dos and Don’ts.

WHAT IS GARTANG GALI?

Gartang Gali is a wooden bridge in the Gangotri National park. This bridge has historic and strategic importance. 150 years ago, the Peshawari Pathans built this bridge. Over the years, the bridge served as a silk route between the Tibetan traders and the Bhotiya tribe. They bartered jaggery, salt, spices and other goods. The bridge is carved into a rocky cliff, making it a dangerous route. Some pilgrims used this route to visit Mt. Kailash.

Later the military transported soldiers to the Indo-Tibetan border. Due to its proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border, Gartang Gali has strategic importance. However, after the 1962 war, access to the bridge was prohibited. Gradually its existence faded from people’s mind until recently. The Uttrakhand PWD restored the bridge to its original structure. Since August 2021, the bridge opened to the public.

WHERE IS GARTANG GALI?

Gartang Gali is in the Gangotri National park in the Nelang/Nelong valley. It can be visited en-route to Gangotri, a few kilometres away. The wooden bridge is 3 km from Bhairoghati. There is a gate on the left, just before the Lanka bridge.

HOW TO REACH THERE?

Gartang gali is 110 km from Uttarkashi and 9.8 km from Gangotri. You can combine a visit to both Gartang Gali and Gangotri instead of making the trip twice.

FLIGHT:- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, 230 km away. From here, you can hire taxis to take you directly to Gangotri or Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, you can take a taxi/bus to Gangotri.

TRAIN:– The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. There are no direct trains to Gangotri. You can hire a taxi or take the bus to Gangotri. In case of no direct buses to Gangotri, take the bus/taxi to Uttarkashi and then take the bus/taxi to Gangotri.

ROAD:- Roads connect Gartang Gali to major cities of Uttarakhand such as – Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, Dehradun.

I stayed in Uttarkashi and then traveled to Gangotri temple and the bridge and back. If you leave early, it’s possible. Leave early because the drive to Gangotri is heavenly. I don’t remember how many times we stopped for photos. Uttrakhand is known as the dwelling of the Gods. The serene and breathtaking views justify the title’s aptness.

CAN YOU VISIT GARTANG GALI?

Gartang Gali is close to the Indo-Tibetan border and is inside a military-controlled area. Since its restoration, the bridge is now open to the public. However, prior permission is required to visit Gartang Gali. You can apply for an online permit. It might take a day or two for issuing the permit.

We were staying in Uttarkashi district headquarters and were there only for 2 days. The office is closed on Sunday. Therefore we couldn’t apply for permission. So we decided to take a chance. We stopped at Bhairoghati on the way to Gangotri temple. We asked the officers if we could visit Gartang Gali without prior permission. To our surprise they said yes. So without further delay, we registered ourselves at the counter and paid the fee. We were all set to begin our trek.

Later we found out we could visit without prior permission because there were less than 10 visitors. As per Covid regulations, only 10 people are allowed to visit the bridge at a time. We were fortunate we could enter without prior permission. However, that might not be the case always. So it is better to have a permit when visiting the bridge.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR PERMISSION?

The Gartang Gali trek requires prior permission. You can apply for an online permit or at the DFO Uttarkashi Permit office. The DFO Office is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

When you reach Bhairoghati, you have to register at the entrance. After checking IDs, you can begin trekking. They recheck the payment receipt.

Ticket price – Rs. 150 for Indians; Rs. 600 for Foreigners.

BEST TIME TO VISIT.

Gartang gali will be open to visitors from April to November.

Timings:- The Bhairoghati entrance closes at 4 pm. But, entry is closed after 3-3:30 pm. It is because the sun sets early in the mountains and, walking the trail in the dark is dangerous. Those combining visits to Gangotri temple and the wooden bridge should visit here first and then the temple. It takes 3-4 hours for the roundtrip. So, arrive early to enjoy the trail and the bridge.

THE TREK TO GARTANG GALI.

It is a 2.5-3 km trek to the wooden bridge and takes 3-4 hours for the round trip. The hike is easy. You begin hiking from Bhairoghati to the wooden bridge. The trail is a narrow mud path carved into the mountain. The terrain varies between, flat, rocky and gradual inclines.

The trail is a narrow mud path sandwiched between a rocky mountain and a deep canyon. There is no barricade on the side facing the valley. It is thrilling as well as dangerous. So those with children keep a close eye on them.

The hike runs through a deodar forest. The icy blue Jadh Ganga is visible through the gap in the trees. For most of the trail, you can hear the river rustling in the canyon. The Gangotri National Park is rich in flora and fauna. It is home to pheasants, brown bears and many other animals. I spotted a few Himalyan blue sheep grazing on the opposite mountain. If you are lucky, you might even encounter a snow leopard.

Most people visit the bridge after the Gangotri temple or reserve a day. But, if you are short on time, combine a visit to the temple and the bridge. Keep aside 3-4 hours for the bridge. We visited the bridge first and then headed to the temple. It allowed us to take our time and enjoy the hike without rushing. Also, the temple is closed from 2 pm to 3 pm. So, we arrived after the temple opened.

THE DOs AND DON’Ts.

• Carry IDs.
• Carry plenty of water. There are no stalls or shops along the way.
• No heels and slippers. Wear proper shoes when hiking. The trail is mostly a mud trail. While descending some areas can be slippery so wearing good shoes is a necessity.
•  Do not jump around and always watch your step. There is no railing on the side facing the valley. Also, the trail narrows at certain sections. So, always keep an eye on the children. It can be a little dangerous as there is no barricade on the canyon side.

When visiting Uttrakhand this is a trek you don’t want to miss. There are several reasons why I recommend adding this to you Uttrakhand bucket list. The first reason is, it is an easy trek. Second, the trail runs through a forest with views of the Jadh Ganga. Third, its historic and strategic significance adds appeal. Fourth, it is a short distance from Gangotri. You don’t have to make a detour to visit here. Don’t miss this trek.

If you like trekking or hiking, then here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.

Oliver Wendell Holmes