Janaktal Trek: India’s 2nd highest trek in Jadung valley in Uttarakhand
The Janaktal Trek in Jadung Valley is set to become the world’s second-highest trekking route, reaching an impressive altitude of 17,716 feet (5,400 meters) above sea level. This exciting new trek promises breathtaking views, thrilling adventures, and a chance to explore the untouched beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas.
The Janak Tal Trek is a new and unexplored adventure in the Garhwal Himalayas. For the first time, this trek is being opened for tourists. Until now, it was only used by the ITBP and Army.
India’s Second Highest Trek Janak Taal
The Janaktal trek is a 12 km route through high-altitude terrain, leading to a beautiful lake surrounded by snowy peaks. Trekkers can explore a region that was once off-limits.
Areas like Jadung, Nelong, and Sonam Valley were closed after the war and turned into military zones, restricting access. Now, following Ladakh’s tourism model, the Uttarakhand government plans to open these routes to attract adventure travelers from India and abroad.
The Jadhs of Jadung (Jadh-Dung)
The most exciting part is that Jadung village will become the base camp for the trek. Astronomy enthusiasts will also enjoy this trek, as the clear skies are perfect for stargazing.
The name Jadung likely comes from Jadh (the name of the tribe that lived in the valley) and Dung (meaning mountain). While British mapmakers referred to it as Jadhang, locals in Uttarkashi call it Jadung (possibly Jadh-Dung), which aligns with its pronunciation.
The economy of Jadung and Nelong villages was traditionally driven by agriculture, livestock, and commerce. Today, the Jadh population is estimated at around 2,500, with over 60% living in the Kinnaur Valley in Himachal Pradesh and the rest in Harsil and Dunda villages in Uttarakhand.
Though the Jadh people have Bhotia origins, they show strong Garhwali influences. While they converted to Buddhism and adopted Tibetan rituals during the period of Tibetan domination, their cultural heritage, including the legend of King Janak and festivals like Pandav Lila, remains alive in their traditions.
Historical Records
The documented history of the Jadh people and the region comes from the archives of the Garhwal and Bushahr states, as well as writings by European explorers. However, no records date back earlier than the 1700s. European interest in the area began around 1807.
Currently Janak Taal , tourists are not allowed to stay overnight due to the Inner Line Permit restrictions from Bhairav Ghati to Nelong Valley on the Gangotri Highway. However, efforts are being made to remove these restrictions, making the Janak Tal Trek route smoother and easier. This will also boost tourism activities in Jadung village, creating new opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
Inner Line Permit for Janaktal Trek ( Janak Taal )
Currently, an Inner Line Permit restricts overnight stays in areas like Bhairav Ghati and Nelong Valley on the Gangotri Highway. However, efforts are being made to remove these restrictions, which will make the Janak Tal Trek route more accessible and convenient. This change will also boost tourism activities in Jadung village, creating new opportunities for the region and its visitors.
Uttarkashi, in Uttarakhand
The district management and tourism department are constantly working to discover new and stunning trekking routes in Uttarakhand, aiming to boost the state’s tourism potential and offer even more exciting experiences for visitors.
Janak Taal
Adding to these adventures, the Janaktal Trek in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, is set to amaze travelers. Located at an elevation of 5,400 meters, this trek will open to tourists for the first time. Situated 11 km from Jadung village, it was previously restricted due to its location in the Inner Line.
However, following the district administration’s orders, preparations are now underway to make this trek accessible, offering a new and thrilling experience for adventure seekers.
The stunning Janaktal Trek will open for tourists and adventure lovers starting 1st April 2022. Visitors will need permission from the administration to explore Janaktal, as it falls under the Inner Line Permit and Gangotri National Park areas.
Janaktal Trek Highlights
- Stargazing: The clear, refreshing atmosphere of Nelong Valley on the Janaktal route offers perfect conditions for stargazing.
- Wildlife Spotting: Located within Gangotri National Park, the trek allows tourists to spot rare wildlife like Snow Leopards, Bharal (Blue Sheep), and Brown Bears.
- Astronomy Enthusiasts: Special arrangements, including binoculars, have been made for astronomy lovers to enjoy the night sky.
Update on Stay Options
There’s no official update yet on proper stay arrangements, but efforts are being made by the administration to prepare the area for tourism. Currently, staying after 5:00 PM is not allowed, but this is expected to change soon.
How to Reach Janaktal?
Janaktal ( Janak Taal ) is 35 km from Gangotri village and 12 km from Nelong. Since it falls under the Inner Line Permit and Gangotri National Park, you’ll need permission from the administration to visit. Start your journey from Gangotri, visit the Ma Gangotri Temple, and then take a detour from Bhaironghati towards Nelong. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful water streams, wooden bridges, and Jadung temples.
Are You Ready?
Are you ready to explore this unexplored trekking route ( janak taal ) in Uttarakhand? With the Janaktal Trek now added to the list of top trekking routes, your adventure here will be one of a kind!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gangotri and Mukhba on February 27 to kick off the winter yatra in Uttarakhand. During his visit, he will lay the foundation stone for the Janaktal Trek, which will become the world’s second-highest trekking route. This visit is seen as a major step to boost winter tourism in the region.
Preparations are in full swing to promote adventure tourism in unexplored areas like Nelong, Jadung, and Sonam Valley. Events such as a motorbike rally, an ATV-RTV rally, and two trekking expeditions will be launched from Harsil to highlight these destinations.
- The Indian Army will lead the motorbike-ATV-RTV rally starting from Harsil.
- The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will organize a motorbike rally to Jadung.
- The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will conduct a trekking expedition from Neelapani to Mulling La Base, and another trek from Jadung to Janaktal.
Authorities view PM Modi’s visit to Harsil-Mukhba as a historic moment to promote winter tourism in Uttarakhand. Local officials have planned a grand welcome, including arrangements for his darshan and worship at the Ganga Temple in Mukhwa.
Ahead of the event, officials inspected the venue in Harsil to finalize logistics such as seating, traffic management, parking, electricity, and water supply. Cleanliness is a top priority, with well-maintained toilet facilities. An exhibition showcasing local products and crafts is also being planned to highlight Uttarakhand’s culture and economy.
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