Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): Gartang Gali, located in the middle of Bhairon-Nelong valley near the China border, was opened for tourists after reconstruction by the administration August 18 following which local people and tourists are flocking to historic trade route between India and China. At the same time, local people and those associated with the tourism business remembered late MLA Gopal Rawat by thanking him for helping re-populate the area.
Gangotri National Park Range Officer Pratap Panwar said that since August 18, after the reopening of Gartang Gali, the number of tourists arriving is increasing by the day. In two weeks, more than 350 tourists have visited Gartang Gali.
Panwar said that all rules fixed by the district administration are being followed by the people while exploring Gartang Gali. It is after 59 years that the area is again filled with people. Once serving as a trade route between India and Tibet, the about 150 metres long stairway was made by cutting steep rocks. It was built in the 17th century by Seth Dhani Ram of Jadung village with workers, who cut the rock, put iron rods and laid wooden sticks. The route fell into disrepair after people stopped using it. The trade path was closed due to security reasons after the 1962 India-China war.
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Recently, the Public Works Department renovated this historic trade route at a cost of about Rs 65 lakh The terraced path has been reconstructed again with pine wood. The reopening of Gartang Gali is proving to be a boon for tourism in Uttarkashi district.
Just a few days ago (August 27), former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also visited Gartang Gali. He said in view of winter tourism, a Snow Leopard Park View is also being established here, which will be built at a cost of about Rs 8 crore. Snow Leopard Park View will become the focal point of attraction and will not only increase the number of tourists, but will also provide employment to hundreds of local people.
Gartang Gali is located at a distance of about 90 km from the district headquarters. To reach there, one has to travel by vehicle for 88 km and then on foot for two km. There is also a view of the border road and valleys going from Gartang Gali to Nelang Valley including Jad Ganga. Nelang Valley is a strategically sensitive area. The Nelong valley of Uttarkashi district is adjacent to the China border. Sumla, Mandi, Nila Pani, Tripani, PDA and Jadung are the last Indian posts on the border.
