Mini Gartang Gali Rishikesh: Discover Thrills of Kotli Bhel Trek in 2025

Just 40 km from Rishikesh, an offbeat trekking trail known as Kotli Bhel, now popularly called Mini Gartang Gali Rishikesh, has taken social media by storm. Hidden in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, this scenic trail offers adventure lovers a perfect mix of history, thrill, and breathtaking views of the Ganga Valley.

Kotli Bhel Trek – An Emerging Adventure Near Rishikesh

Kotli Bhel Trek is fast becoming a favorite among trekkers looking for viral yet unexplored destinations. Easily accessible with just a one-hour drive from Rishikesh, the trail passes through steep mountain faces, lush forests, and dramatic river views, making it an unforgettable experience.

Uttarakhand’s trekking routes are known for their uniqueness, and Kotli Bhel adds a fresh chapter for those seeking something new beyond mainstream trails.

Why Is Kotli Bhel Called Mini Gartang Gali?

The trail closely resembles the famous Gartang Gali of Uttarkashi, with wooden walkways carved into semi-vertical rock faces. This path was originally built during the British era, when hills were cut to create a 7-foot-wide pedestrian route along the old Rishikesh–Badrinath pilgrimage path.

Until 1998, pilgrims regularly used this route, and many foreign travelers even documented it through films and photography. Recently, the PWD (Public Works Department) redeveloped the trail inspired by Gartang Gali, giving it the nickname Mini Gartang Gali Rishikesh.

Location: Mini Gartang Gali Rishikesh

Kotli Bhel is located near Kaudiyala, in the enchanting Ganga Valley, perched on a rocky cliff face at around 1,500 meters above sea level. The trail offers panoramic views of the Ganges, steep ridges, and dense forests—perfect for photography and nature lovers.

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Trek Distance & Adventure Level

The full Kotli Bhel–Simalu route stretches up to 16 km, offering a moderate-to-challenging trekking experience. Along the way, trekkers cross:

• Wooden bridges

• Dense forest sections

• Ancient pilgrimage shelters (chattis)

• Waterfalls and dramatic rock formations

The constant view of the flowing Ganga adds to the magic.

Trek Options for Kotli Bhel

Option 1: Full Scenic Trek (8 km one way)

• Drive to Tota Ghati (Mahadev Chatti Ridge)

• Trek 8 km along the ancient Badrinath footpath to Simalu village

• Trek runs parallel to the Ganga River

• Return to Rishikesh by cab via Devprayag, enjoying waterfalls and Sangam views

Option 2: Short Adventure Trek (3 km one way)

• Drive to Mahadev Chatti Ridge

• Trek 3 km to Kotli Bhel

• Explore the trail and waterfall

• Trek back to Mahadev Chatti and return to Rishikesh

How to Reach Kotli Bhel Trek

From Rishikesh (Shortest Route)

• Drive 35 km on the Badrinath Highway to Mahadev Chatti Dhar

• Walk downhill ~1 km toward the Ganga

• Cross the Jhula bridge near Rampati village

• Reach the Kotli Bhel trekking route

Ancient Pilgrimage Route (For Hardcore Trekkers)

• Start from Laxman Jhula

• Pass through Garud Chatti, Phool Chatti, Mohan Chatti, Kund, Bandar Chatti, Balogi, and Mahadev Chatti

• Total walking distance: ~35 km

Best Time to Visit Mini Gartang Gali Rishikesh

• Best months: October to May

• Closed during monsoon due to safety concerns

• Trail reopens post-monsoon with fresh greenery and clear views

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Why You Should Do the Kotli Bhel Trek

✔ Offbeat & less crowded
✔ Ancient pilgrimage history
✔ Dramatic cliffside wooden trail
✔ Stunning Ganga valley views
✔ Perfect for adventure, photography & reels

This track has been developed by PWD (Public Works Department) following the model of Gartang Gali of Uttarkashi, which has further increased its beauty.

16-Kilometer Adventure

If you love adventure, then this 16-kilometer-long track will be no less than a challenge for you. On the way, you will get the chance to pass through small wooden bridges and dense forests. From here, the view of the Ganga is extremely beautiful, for which people are coming from far and wide.

Option 1:
Start your journey early in the morning with a drive to Tota Ghati (Mahadev Chatti Ridge). From there, trek 8 kilometers along the Badrinath pilgrimage footpath, beginning at Mahadev Chatti Ridge and ending at the village of Simalu. The trek runs parallel to the Ganges.

Once you complete the trek at Simalu, a cab will pick you up and drive you back to Rishikesh via Devprayag. Along the way, you can enjoy a beautiful waterfall, amazing rock formations, and the mesmerizing view of Kotli Bhel. You will also see old Chattis (inns) where pilgrims in ancient times stayed during their Char Dham Yatra.

Option 2:
Start your journey early in the morning with a drive to Tota Ghati (Mahadev Chatti Ridge). From there, trek the Kotli Bhel trek, a 3-kilometer trek one way along the Badrinath pilgrimage footpath. Trek until you reach Kotli Bhel, where you can explore the area and enjoy the waterfall. Afterward, trek back to Mahadev Chatti Ridge and drive back to Rishikesh.

How to reach Kotli Bhel Track

From Rishikesh, you have to reach Mahadevchatti Dhar (35 km) on the Badrinath Highway. From there, you have to walk one kilometer down towards the Ganga River. After that, crossing the Jhula bridge and passing through Rampati, you can reach the Kotli Bhel trekking route.

From here, you can trek nine kilometers up to Simalu. From Rishikesh, via Mohan Chatti to Nand village, you can trek 16 km from there to Kotli Bhel–Simalu.

From Rishikesh

For trekking enthusiasts, there are two options to reach Kotli Bhel. If you want to go on the ancient pilgrimage route from Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh, then you can walk along Garud Chatti, Phool Chatti, Mohan Chatti, Kund, Nothkhal, Bandar Chatti, Bandar Bhyel, Dhangu Garh, Balogi, Mahadev Chatti, covering about 35 km on foot to reach Kotli Bhel.

If you want to do a shorter trek, then on the Rishikesh-Badrinath route, about 35 km from Rishikesh, you can take the road a little ahead from Kaudiyala and descend at Mahadev Chatti bridge. From here, after walking about four kilometers, you will reach Kotli Bhel. The natural beauty here, the sound of the flowing Ganga, and the exciting track will captivate your heart.

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Best Time To Visit

From October to May  is the best time to visit Kotli Bhel which also famous on social media as Mini Gartang Gali in Rishikesh.

For those planning to visit Mini Gartang Gali near Rishikesh, the experience is not accessible throughout the year. During monsoon time this activity are closed but jut after monsoon October onwards this trek route re open for  adventure .

Conclusion

The Kotli Bhel Trek (Mini Gartang Gali Rishikesh) is one of Uttarakhand’s most exciting offbeat adventures in 2025. Just a short distance from Rishikesh, this trail blends history, thrill, and raw Himalayan beauty. Whether you choose the full 8 km route to Simalu or the shorter version, Kotli Bhel promises a memorable trekking experience along one of India’s oldest pilgrimage paths.

If you’re looking to explore something less touristy yet incredibly scenic, this trek deserves a spot on your Rishikesh itinerary.

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