Nelang Valley is a small valley in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. Jadh Ganga, an important tributary of the Bhagirathi River, which flows through this place. Due to its resemblance with Tibet in its geography and climate, it is also called "Ladakh of Uttarakhand".
Nelang Valley was the old trade route between India and Tibet. The valley is home to cold barren deserts and snow-clad high peaks. Being cut off and isolated, wildlife has thrived in Nelang. Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards and musk deer are found in abundance.
Location of Nelang Valley
Nelang valley of Uttarakhand falls in the Harshil Sub-division. The picturesque valley of Nelang stands at a height of 11,400 feet and is located 45 kms before the Indo-Tibetan border. It is part of the Gangotri National Park.
Territory dispute in Nelang Valley
The valley of the Jadh Ganga is claimed by China; however, contrary to the claim, it has been controlled by India since the dawn of the British colonial era. This valley has also been claimed by Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture and Tibet.
People of Nelang Valley
The original inhabitants of the valley were the Bhotiya tribe also known as the Jaad tribe. They sustained themselves barter-trading items such as carpets, blankets and woollens woven by their women, tobacco and other cash crops like tea, coffee or barley. The history and culture of the Nelang people as border conflicts and political turmoil left the valley confiscated.
Temples in Nelang Valley
Around 4 kms ahead of Nelang post, towards North-East direction there is a famous temple of Shiva and Parvati. A little further up from the temple, lies a lake called "Parvati Kund". As per the stories from the locals, nobody comes back from that lake. Two fairs called Ringali Devi and Someshwar Devta temple fair take place at Jadung village in June every year.
Visiting Information of Nelang Valley
Tourists are allowed no deeper than 25kms into this valley and overnight camping is prohibited. A permit letter is required to visit the valley from a sub-divisional magistrate. Nelang Valley was opened to tourists in 2015 after almost 60 years of Independence, but foreigners are banned from entering the valley at all. The area remains heavily controlled by the army.
