Have you ever imagined strolling along a slender wooden walkway that clings to the edge of the towering Mount Husashan in China? Well, Uttarakhand's own Gartang Gali in India offers a similar adventure, minus the risks.
Situated 90 kms from Uttarkashi, nestled deep within Gangotri National Park, at an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level, and spanning the rushing Jadh Ganga river, this historic high-altitude Gartang Gali bridge was built 150 years ago by Pathans from Peshawar and has served as an ancient trade route connecting India and Tibet for a long time. Unfortunately closed after the Indo-China war, this bridge has reopened for tourists after 59 long years following reconstruction by forest officials!
The wooden Gartang Gali bridge measuring 135 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width had its stairs rebuilt by the forest officials, offering visitors the opportunity to traverse this captivating structure.
The origins of the Gartang Gali bridge have been the subject of debate. While it is commonly believed to have been constructed by the Pathans of Peshawar (now in Pakistan), there is no evidence to support this claim. Local residents assert that their ancestors built the bridge exclusively for facilitating trade between India and Tibet. Devendra Bisht, a forest guard officer at Gangotri National Park, shares this perspective.
The bridge facilitated the transportation of various goods such as salt, wool, jaggery, spices, and leather.
A moderate 2-kilometer hike through dense deodar forests, starting from the check post, leads to the Gartang Gali bridge, bringing visitors closer to the resounding roar of the Jadh Ganga river, flowing hundreds of meters below in a massive gorge.
As you make your way towards the bridge, relish the captivating vistas of the Nelong valley. This valley is home to endangered animals like the blue bharal (sheep) and the snow leopard.
The entire forest trail is well-marked with white arrows guiding the way to the bridge. When you catch your first glimpse of Gartang Gali after a steep ascent, the tree line disappears, revealing unobstructed views of the bridge and the river.
The Jadh Ganga river originates from the Lambi glacier and merges with the Bhagirathi River, which flows from the Gaumukh glacier in Gangotri.
To ensure visitor safety, only ten people are allowed on the bridge at a time, maintaining a one-meter distance from each other as they traverse.
The bridge is carved into a granite stone on a vertical rock face. The recent reconstruction includes iron rods for support, while the wooden logs are made from deodar (Himalayan cedar) trees.
The most exhilarating part of the bridge features a steep incline, which heightens the adrenaline rush while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
A scenic hamlet named Harsil lies just 20 kilometers before reaching Gartang Gali. It serves as an ideal place to book accommodation after completing the trek to Gartang Gali. Please note that tourists are not permitted to venture into the Nelong valley after 5 pm.
Harsil is renowned for its abundant apple orchards, making it a delightful addition to your itinerary. Additionally, consider planning your visit during the Harsil Apple Festival, held in the last week of November each year.
How to reach
By Air: Jolly Grant airport at Dehra Dun is the nearest airport to Gartang Gali which is situated 250 km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, located 250 km away by road. Dehradun and Haridwar stations are also close options.
By Bus: The Uttarakhand state transport bus runs regularly from New Delhi to Uttarkashi. One can also hire a cab or shared jeep from Uttarkashi to Gartang Gali, which is about 95 km away.
Where to stay
There are several hotels and homestays where one can stay in the valley. And also the state government's Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam guest house in Harsil is a good option.
The huge Indian landmass has a lot to offer to inquisitive, fact-seeking travellers and adventure enthusiasts and currently a lot of hidden trails and treks are coming to the forefront with the help of local and government support. As responsible travellers, we have to ensure we follow the law of the land and make the best out of what the wonders of India has to offer us.
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