Gangotri National Park reopens to tourists after winter closure

UTTARKASHI: Gangotri National Park, which remains closed annually from Nov 30 to March 31 due to harsh winter conditions, reopened to tourists on Wednesday. Deputy director Harish Negi announced the reopening by unlocking the entry gates at Kankhu Barrier, the main access point for the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek, as well as routes to Kedartal and Gartang Gali at around 11am.

Forest range officer Pradeep Bisht, forester Rajveer Rawat and other staff members were present at the ceremony. Negi said, "Snow still covers the Gaumukh and Kedartal routes, and efforts are underway to clear it. The Gaumukh trail is expected to be fully operational before the opening of the temple portals later this season."

Expressing optimism about tourist turnout this year, Negi noted that 29,162 visitors explored the park last year, generating around Rs 81 lakh in revenue. Officials said tourist movement had been disrupted last Aug following a natural calamity in the Harsil-Dharali region, but normalcy has since been restored.

Gangotri National Park, the country's third-largest national park, is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to around 35 snow leopards, along with species such as brown bears, Himalayan black bears, red foxes and flying squirrels. The park also encompasses more than 40 prominent peaks of the Gangotri Himalayas, attracting mountaineers from across the globe.

Key attractions include the Nelang Valley, often called "Mini Ladakh" for its stark landscape, and Gaumukh, the source of the Ganga and a site of deep religious significance. The Gangotri-Gaumukh trek continues to draw large numbers of visitors each year, while the Kalindikhal-Badrinath route remains one of the world's highest trekking routes, linking Gangotri Dham with Badrinath