Gangotri National Park Reopens For Trek: Date, Permits, And What Travellers Need To Know

Tourists can now visit Gangotri National Park after its annual winter break from November 30 to March 31. This marks the start of a six-month season of adventure and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. The reopening restores access to some of the Himalayas’ most sought-after trekking routes and remote borderland landscapes.

Deputy Director Harish Negi formally announced the park’s reopening on Wednesday, unlocking the Kankhu barrier, the main gateway to the Gaumukh trek. At the same time, officials also opened entry points to the Nelang Valley and the historic Gartang Gali.

Forest officials, including range officer Pradeep Bisht and forester Rajveer Rawat, attended the ceremony. Authorities began issuing permits for key routes the same day. Over 100 tourists visited Gartang Gali, and around 25 explored Nelang Valley on the first day.

Negi stated the park is open, but some high-altitude routes, including Gaumukh and Kedartal, remain partially snow-covered. Efforts to clear snow continue, with the Gaumukh route expected to be fully accessible before the temple portals open later this season.

Key Treks And Attractions Reopen

Gangotri National Park offers a diverse range of experiences, from high-altitude trekking to culturally significant sites. The Gaumukh-Tapovan trek is the most popular route, spanning approximately 18–22 kilometres. Due to ecological sensitivity, daily entries for this trail are capped at 150 visitors.

Additionally, Kedartal, a high-altitude glacial lake at roughly 4,750 metres, is known for its challenging terrain and panoramic mountain views.

For those seeking unique landscapes, Nelang Valley and the adjacent Jadung region, often referred to as “Mini Ladakh” or “Little Ladakh," offer stark, trans-Himalayan terrain near the India-China border. These areas have become popular for both trekking and biking.

Gartang Gali continues to attract history buffs and thrill-seekers. This wooden staircase, carved into a steep cliff, served as a vital trade route between India and Tibet. Closed after the 1962 India-China war, it was restored and reopened in 2021 and is now a major tourist attraction.

Wildlife, Biodiversity, And Himalayan Landscape

Spread across a vast expanse of the Gangotri Himalayas, the park is the third-largest national park in India. It has over 40 prominent peaks and a significant stretch of the India-China border.

The park provides vital habitat for rare wildlife, including an estimated 35 snow leopards. Visitors can also see Himalayan brown bears, black bears, red foxes, and flying squirrels, reinforcing its conservation importance.

The park’s combination of ecological richness, glacial systems, and high-altitude ecosystems requires regulated tourism, especially along fragile trekking routes.

How To Plan Your Visit This Season

Officials are optimistic about tourist turnout this year. In 2025, the park recorded 29,162 visitors and generated about INR 81 lakh in revenue. Early footfall this season shows strong interest, especially in Gartang Gali and Nelang Valley.

With improved access, controlled permits, and growing interest in high-altitude travel, Gangotri National Park is set to attract travellers seeking adventure and spirituality.

How to get there: Gangotri is accessible via Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, nearby railheads at Rishikesh and Dehradun, road connections via NH34 through Uttarkashi, and helicopter services from Sahastradhara in Dehradun to Harsil.

Permit and fees: Entry fee is around INR 150 per person for Indians, with mandatory permits required for treks like Gaumukh-Tapovan (capped at 150 per day). Permits can be obtained online via the Pathik portal or at the Uttarkashi Forest Office.

Timings: The park is open from April 1 to November 30, checkposts operate from 6:00 AM, and travellers are advised to start early to avoid delays and reach before sunset.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. When does Gangotri National Park open in 2026?

Gangotri National Park reopened on April 1, 2026, after its winter closure.

2. Do you need a permit for Gangotri National Park?

Yes, permits are mandatory for Gangotri National Park, especially for treks like Gaumukh-Tapovan.

3. What is the entry fee for the park?

The entry fee for Gangotri National Park is approximately INR 150 per person for Indian visitors.

4. Which treks are available in Gangotri National Park?

Popular treks include Gaumukh-Tapovan, Kedartal, Nelang Valley and Gartang Gali.

5. What is the best time to visit Gangotri National Park?

The park is open from April to November, with peak trekking conditions in summer and early autumn.