Gartang Gali (150 years Old Bridge) , Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Gartang Gali Trek is situated at a distance of 90 km from Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. This is a very old trek route street, which is a rare path made by cutting huge mountains, which is known as Gartang Gali. This bridge was built 150 years ago, which is the trade between China and Barhat Market Uttarkashi. There is a connecting trek route which was closed in 1962 after the Indo China War. But now it was reopened for trekkers and locals.

It is said that the Pathans, who came from Peshawar to Gartang Gali, built this difficult bridge 150 years ago at an altitude of 11000 feet. Gartang Gali Trek comes to Gangotri area in Uttarkashi district.

 
The elderly people here say that before independence, the people of Uttarkashi district had built the Tibet track via Nelong Valley for trade with Tibet. This trek in Gangotri National Highway was prepared by cutting the steep and complex rocks near Bhairon Ghati, by laying an iron rod and laying wood on it. Through this route wool, leather cloth and salt were transported from Tibet to Badahat of Uttarkashi. This bridge gives an exciting view of the Nelang Valley.

About 150 meters long stairs of Gartang Gali are now visible in a new color. The stairs of Gartang Gali, built at an altitude of 11 thousand feet, are considered to be a unique example of engineering. Now this trek route has been re-opened for tourists. Keeping in mind the Corona guidelines and security, only 10 people will be sent on the bridge at a time.

Best time to visit the Gartang Gali trek is May, June, July, Aug, September, October. Only this is a summer trek where you get a combination of both greenery and snow, which makes the trek very spectacular. The weather in May and June is quite good and trek friendly, which makes trekking a lot of fun.

During the day the temperature of Gartang Gali Day is 10°C to 15 °C and during the night the temperature comes down to 5 °C to 10 °C which is not bad.

Gartang Gali, one of the most thrilling and exciting treks in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, was opened to visitors and tourists in 2021 after 59 years. This route was traditionally used by merchants trading between India and Tibet. It was damaged over the years after it fell into disuse following the Indo-China war in 1962.

 

Painstakingly reconstructed, the 1.8-m-wide bridge, perched at around 3,352 m (11,000 feet), challenges even the most enthusiastic adventure-seeker. Hanging from the rocky ledge, it overlooks the picturesque Nelong Valley and the flora and fauna, while way below rushes the Jadh Ganga river. The around 2.5-km trek through dense forests leading to Gartang Gali is arduous but all the strain is washed away the moment you walk up the steps.

Interestingly, it is said this is the bridge that Austrian climber Heinrich Harrer (of “Seven Years in Tibet” fame) had used to escape to Tibet from India, during World War II. His story later inspired the Hollywood film of the same name starring Brad Pitt.

From the security point of view, only ten visitors will be allowed at a time and they will have to maintain a distance of one metre from each other. Movement of groups or any other activity, such as jumping, dancing, drinking liquor or carrying inflammable substances are prohibited on the bridge.