Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand has reopened for tourists after the winter closure, beginning a six-month trekking and tourism season. The opening gives access to major high-altitude routes and borderland attractions, including the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek, Nelang Valley and Gartang Gali. The reopening is for both adventure tourism and pilgrimage-linked travel in the upper Himalayas.
Season Opening and Access Routes
The park’s trekking season began with the opening of the Kankhu barrier, the gateway to the Gaumukh route. Gates to Nelang Valley and Gartang Gali were also opened, allowing regulated access to areas close to the India-China border. Permits for these destinations have started being issued for visitors.
Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh-Tapovan trek is one of the best-known routes in the park. It is about 18 to 22 kilometres long and leads to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganga. The route attracts pilgrims, trekkers and nature enthusiasts. To protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, daily entry on this trek is capped at 150 people.
Gartang Gali and Nelang Valley
Gartang Gali is a restored wooden staircase built on a steep cliff face. It was once part of an old trade route between India and Tibet and remained closed for decades after the 1962 India-China war. After restoration in 2021, it reopened as a major tourist attraction. Nelang Valley also draws visitors for its remote landscape and strategic location.
Tourism, Ecology and Border Significance
The park covers a sensitive Himalayan zone with high peaks and border terrain. It combines spiritual tourism, adventure trekking and ecological importance. Officials expect higher footfall in the coming weeks as more tourists arrive for the summer season.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026