Jadung Village: “Gateway to Janak Taal Lake in Uttarakhand

Jadung Village: A Lost Heritage in the Himalayas

After the war, trade in the region stopped, and the Jadh people had to adapt to new ways of living. They shifted to farming and sheep rearing. However, over time, many families gave up sheep rearing due to challenges like climate change, shrinking grazing land, and reserved forest areas. Today, only a few families continue this traditional practice, while most focus on farming or other jobs. The younger generation has moved to cities like Uttarkashi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh in search of better opportunities.

The Disappearing Culture of the Jadh People

The lack of economic opportunities has made it difficult for the Jadh people to sustain their traditional way of life. Many are leaving their villages, which is leading to a loss of culture, language, and customs. As migration continues, their unique heritage is slowly fading away.

Suggested  Read:  Janak Tal Lake in Jadung Valley Uttarakhand the world highest trek route 

Visiting Jadung Village

Jadung is a remote village in the Himalayas, located in the Nelong Valley region of Uttarakhand. To reach this area, one must take the NH134A road from Bhairoghati. However, since it is an Inner Line Area, visitors need a Nelong Valley Permit from the SDM Uttarkashi office.

• Distance from Bhairoghati to Nelong Village: 22 km
• Distance from Nelong Village to Jadung Village: 16 km
• Elevation of Jadung Village: 3,824 m (12,547 ft)
• Permit Requirement: Travelers can go up to the Nelong Checkpoint with an Inner Line Permit. Special permissions are needed to enter Jadung Village.

The Jadhs of Jadung (Jadh-Dung)

Jadung gets its name from Jadh (the tribe) and Dung (mountain). British maps list it as Jadhang, but locals in Uttarkashi call it Jadung or Jadh-Dung.

Jadh People & Culture

• The Jadh tribe lived in Jadung and Nelang valleys.
• Their economy depended on farming, livestock, and trade.
• Today, the Jadh population is around 2,500.
  • 60% live in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The rest live in Harsil and Dunda, Uttarakhand.
• The Jadh people are mainly of Bhotia origin but influenced by Garhwali culture.
• They follow Buddhism but still celebrate Pandav Lila and remember King Janak’s legend.

Jadh History

• Historical records of the Jadhs are found in Garhwal and Bushahr archives.
• No documents exist from before the 1700s.
• European explorers took an interest in the region from 1807 onwards.

Exploring the Abandoned Village

Jadung Village was once home to the Jadh Bhotiyas, but after the Sino-India war, it was abandoned. The Jaad Ganga River flows beside the village, adding to its serene beauty.

Walking through the ruins of Jadung feels like stepping into history. There are about 30 abandoned houses, each telling a story of the past. The remains of everyday life can still be seen, making visitors feel connected to the people who once lived there.

For those who love offbeat travel and history, Jadung is a fascinating place to explore. However, getting the necessary permits and planning ahead is essential before attempting a visit.

The Jadh Bhotiyas

The Jadh are a Bhotiya tribe currently living in Bagori, Harshil, and Dunda villages. They are a semi-nomadic tribe, practicing seasonal migration from Bagori to Dunda and other regions during winter.

Before the Sino-Indian War (1962), the Jadh people of Garhwal and the Bushahr Kingdom had strong trade ties with Tibet. They shared a similar culture and even had marriage connections with Tibetans. However, after the war, the Jadh communities from Nelong and Jadung were evacuated and resettled in Bagori village, where they have lived since.

The Jadh are called Jadh Bhotiyas due to their proximity to the Jadh Ganga (Jhanvi Ganga). Their livelihood historically depended on trade with Tibet, involving barter systems. They traded sugar, grains, spices, and woolen products for salt, borax, and ornaments.

Language and Culture

The Jadh Bhotiyas speak Jad, Garhwali, and Hindi. However, the Jad language is now on the verge of extinction. While older generations in Bagori and Dunda still speak Jad, the younger generation shows little interest, leading to a decline in its use. Efforts to preserve this unique language and cultural heritage are crucial to keeping their traditions alive.

Jadung Village – The Bhotiya Village of Uttarkashi

Category: History & Destination Guides
Written by: Bhuvi Uniyal
Updated On: January 29, 2025

Gangotri has always been my favorite place. The weather and peace there suit me perfectly. This time, I visited Gangotri in June 2024. On my way back to Dehradun, I noticed the road leading to Nelong Valley, a place that has always fascinated me. I often wonder about the time when the Jads of Nelong, Keelang, and Jadung Village freely traded with Tibet. What would life have been like back then?

The shared culture between the Jads of Garhwal, Kinnaur, and Tibet must have been incredible to witness.

After hours of research, I came across an interview with Jadh Mata Ji, which gave me deeper insights into their lives before and after the Sino-Indian War (1962). It was fascinating to learn how their lives and traditions transformed after the war.

Exploring a Hidden Lake & Glacier

• A blue lake (150m x 50m) lies 10 km ahead of Jadung.
• A visible trail leads to the lake and along the Jadung Gad stream.
• The main valley route looked tough, but a glacier near the lake seemed to lead to a high plateau.
• A peak with two cols (passes) on its north and south could provide access to the Chor Gad Valley.

Route Plan

Our initial research revealed a stunning blue lake, approximately 150 x 50 meters in size, located about 10 km ahead of Jadung village. Satellite images showed a well-defined track leading to the lake and continuing along the Jadung Gad river. However, navigating northward to the valley’s headwaters seemed challenging. Instead, we focused on a dead glacier to the right of the lake, which appeared to lead to a high plateau dominated by a striking peak. This peak had accessible cols (passes) to the north and south, offering potential routes to the neighboring Chor Gad Valley to the west.

Our plan was to:

1. Explore the Janak Glacier.
2. Cross over to Chor Gad Valley via one of the cols.
3. Proceed north to the head of Chor Gad Valley.
4. Cross the Chunsa Khago Pass into the Baspa Valley.
5. Exit at Chhitkul in Himachal Pradesh by 17 June, before the monsoon worsened.

Phase 01: Walking in the Jadung Valley

Route:

• Uttarkashi (1,100 m) to Jadung (3,650 m): 125 km, 6 hours by vehicle.
• Jadung to Bharal Kill Point (3,950 m): 7.5 km, 6 hours on foot.
• Bharal Kill Point to Janak Tal (4,120 m): 2.5 km, 2 hours on foot.

Day 1: Arrival at Jadung

On 02 June, we started from Uttarkashi at 9 a.m. under a light drizzle. After a scenic drive, we reached the gateway of Nelang Valley by 2 p.m. We passed landmarks like the Naga and Do Sindhu bridges before arriving at Jadung around 3 p.m.

However, we faced an administrative hurdle: the Jadung post-commander had not been informed of our arrival due to a communication gap. After resolving the issue by 8 p.m., we set up camp in the farmlands of Jadung. The evening was spent around a campfire, with the ITBP post’s solar-powered lights glowing in the distance and the haunting silhouettes of the abandoned Jadung village creating a surreal atmosphere.

Day 2: Trek to Bharal Kill Point and Janak Tal

The next day, we began our trek towards Janak Tal. Along the way, we encountered the Bharal Kill Point, where we found the carcass of a Bharal (blue sheep), likely killed by a predator. This served as a reminder of the wild and untamed nature of the region.

After a steady climb, we reached the breathtaking Janak Tal, a pristine lake surrounded by towering peaks. The vibrant blue waters and serene environment made it a perfect spot for reflection and exploration.

Key Highlights of the Route

• Jadung Village: A historic settlement with abandoned houses and a rich cultural past.
• Janak Tal: A stunning high-altitude lake, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.
• Bharal Kill Point: A reminder of the region’s wildlife and natural challenges.
• ITBP Presence: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) plays a crucial role in maintaining security and facilitating exploration in this remote area.

This phase of the journey set the stage for the more challenging exploration of the Janak Glacier and the attempt to cross into the Chor Gad Valley.

Exploration of Jadung Valley, Janak Tal, and Janak Glacier

Day 1: Lal Devta Campsite

After starting from Jadung, we reached the beautiful Lal Devta campsite within an hour. The site features lush terraced plains with yellow flowers, an ancient worship place, and remnants of shepherd shelters. The trail then ascends to a plateau with terraced fields and a small temple dedicated to Lal Devta, a deity revered by the Jadh people. Beyond the temple, we crossed a glen with a fast-flowing stream and spotted a rocky shrine with a red pennant, where ITBP personnel were preparing for an upcoming exercise near Janak Tal.

Day 2: Towards Janak Tal

The trail eased into a wide valley terrace, flanked by steep ridges and a deep riverbed. We set up camp near the river, about 3 km from Janak Tal. However, we encountered a grim scene: the carcass of a Bharal (blue sheep), likely killed by a leopard and scavenged by other predators. We lit fires to deter wildlife and spent the night cautiously.

The next day, after a steep climb, we reached a vast camping ground, Janak Tal – Shepherd Camp, half a kilometer from the lake.

Janak Tal: A Natural Marvel

At 11:00 a.m., we entered an amphitheater-like setting where the Jadung Gad river met a clear blue stream flowing from Janak Tal. The lake, nestled between two mountains, stunned us with its vibrant aquamarine color, resembling an “Olympic-sized swimming pool.” We spotted a pair of Northern Pintails, the only signs of life in this secluded paradise.

Near the lake, we found an old temple with figures of Goddess Durga and a pile of mani stones inscribed with Tibetan prayers, reflecting the region’s historical Buddhist influence.

Exploring Janak Glacier

The next phase involved exploring the Janak Glacier. The trail climbed southwest from Janak Tal into a rocky, snow-capped landscape. After a challenging trek, we established a rocky camp at 4,600 meters, near a glacial pool. The next day, we reached Jadung Kund, a large glacial pool at 5,050 meters, and set up our first snow camp.

Attempting Nakurche Peak

From our Advanced Base Camp (ABC) at 5,300 meters, we planned to ascend Nakurche Peak. However, the steep and rocky terrain, coupled with worsening weather, made the climb risky. After reaching the summit ridge at 5,852 meters, we decided to turn back just 160 meters below the summit due to safety concerns.

Return to Jadung

On our descent, we observed signs of flooding along the Jadung Gad river, likely due to heavy snowmelt and rains. We revisited the Lal Devta shrine, a significant site for the Jadh people, and explored the abandoned village of Jadung, where remnants of their past life were still visible.

Conclusion

This exploration of Jadung Valley, Janak Tal, and Janak Glacier in June 2013 revealed the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. However, the journey also highlighted the challenges of high-altitude trekking and the delicate balance between human activity and the Himalayan ecosystem.

Summary:

• Explored Jadung Valley, Janak Tal, and Janak Glacier in the Jadh Ganga Valley of the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Witnessed the vibrant Janak Tal lake and the rugged Janak Glacier.
• Attempted to summit Nakurche Peak but turned back due to challenging terrain and weather.
• Observed the cultural and historical significance of Lal Devta and the abandoned Jadung village.
• Highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in the Himalayas.