Jadung Nelong Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nExploring the Abandoned Village<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\nJadung Village Nelong Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Jadh Bhotiyas<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe\u00a0Jadh<\/strong>\u00a0are a\u00a0Bhotiya tribe<\/strong>\u00a0currently living in\u00a0Bagori<\/strong>,\u00a0Harshil<\/strong>, and\u00a0Dunda<\/strong>\u00a0villages. They are a\u00a0semi-nomadic tribe<\/strong>, practicing\u00a0seasonal migration<\/strong>\u00a0from\u00a0Bagori<\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0Dunda<\/strong>\u00a0and other regions during winter.<\/p>\nBefore the\u00a0Sino-Indian War (1962)<\/strong>, the Jadh people of\u00a0Garhwal<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0Bushahr Kingdom<\/strong>\u00a0had strong\u00a0trade ties with Tibet<\/strong>. They shared a similar culture and even had\u00a0marriage connections<\/strong>\u00a0with Tibetans. However, after the war, the Jadh communities from\u00a0Nelong<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Jadung<\/strong>\u00a0were evacuated and resettled in\u00a0Bagori village<\/strong>, where they have lived since.<\/p>\nThe Jadh are called\u00a0Jadh Bhotiyas<\/strong>\u00a0due to their proximity to the\u00a0Jadh Ganga<\/strong>\u00a0(Jhanvi Ganga). Their livelihood historically depended on\u00a0trade with Tibet<\/strong>, involving\u00a0barter systems<\/strong>. They traded\u00a0sugar, grains, spices, and woolen products<\/strong>\u00a0for\u00a0salt, borax, and ornaments<\/strong>.<\/p>\nLanguage and Culture<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Jadh Bhotiyas speak\u00a0Jad<\/strong>,\u00a0Garhwali<\/strong>, and\u00a0Hindi<\/strong>. However, the\u00a0Jad language<\/strong>\u00a0is now on the verge of extinction. While older generations in\u00a0Bagori<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Dunda<\/strong>\u00a0still 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.<\/p>\nJadung Valley Uttarakhand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nJadung Village – The Bhotiya Village of Uttarkashi<\/strong><\/h3>\nCategory:<\/strong>\u00a0History & Destination GuidesWritten by:<\/strong>\u00a0Bhuvi UniyalUpdated On:<\/strong>\u00a0January 29, 2025<\/p>\nGangotri has always been my favorite place. The weather and peace there suit me perfectly. This time, I visited Gangotri in\u00a0June 2024<\/strong>. On my way back to\u00a0Dehradun<\/strong>, I noticed the road leading to\u00a0Nelong Valley<\/strong>, a place that has always fascinated me. I often wonder about the time when the\u00a0Jads<\/strong>\u00a0of\u00a0Nelong<\/strong>,\u00a0Keelang<\/strong>, and\u00a0Jadung Village<\/strong>\u00a0freely traded with\u00a0Tibet<\/strong>. What would life have been like back then?<\/p>\nThe shared culture between the Jads of\u00a0Garhwal<\/strong>,\u00a0Kinnaur<\/strong>, and\u00a0Tibet<\/strong>\u00a0must have been incredible to witness.<\/p>\nAfter hours of research, I came across an interview with\u00a0Jadh Mata Ji<\/strong>, which gave me deeper insights into their lives before and after the\u00a0Sino-Indian War (1962)<\/strong>. It was fascinating to learn how their lives and traditions transformed after the war.<\/p>\nExploring a Hidden Lake & Glacier<\/h3>\n\nA blue lake<\/strong> (150m x 50m) lies 10 km ahead of Jadung<\/strong>.<\/li>\nA visible trail<\/strong> leads to the lake and along the Jadung Gad<\/strong> stream.<\/li>\nThe main valley route<\/strong> looked tough, but a glacier<\/strong> near the lake seemed to lead to a high plateau<\/strong>.<\/li>\nA peak with two cols (passes)<\/strong> on its north and south could provide access to the Chor Gad Valley<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRoute Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\nOur initial research revealed a stunning\u00a0blue lake<\/strong>, approximately\u00a0150 x 50 meters<\/strong>\u00a0in size, located about\u00a010 km ahead of Jadung village<\/strong>. Satellite images showed a well-defined track leading to the lake and continuing along the\u00a0Jadung Gad<\/strong>\u00a0river. However, navigating northward to the valley’s headwaters seemed challenging. Instead, we focused on a\u00a0dead glacier<\/strong>\u00a0to 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\u00a0Chor Gad Valley<\/strong>\u00a0to the west.<\/p>\nOur plan was to:<\/p>\n
\nExplore the\u00a0Janak Glacier<\/strong>.<\/li>\nCross over to\u00a0Chor Gad Valley<\/strong>\u00a0via one of the cols.<\/li>\nProceed north to the head of Chor Gad Valley.<\/li>\n Cross the\u00a0Chunsa Khago Pass<\/strong>\u00a0into the\u00a0Baspa Valley<\/strong>.<\/li>\nExit at\u00a0Chhitkul<\/strong>\u00a0in\u00a0Himachal Pradesh<\/strong>\u00a0by\u00a017 June<\/strong>, before the monsoon worsened.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nPhase 01: Walking in the Jadung Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\nRoute<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\nUttarkashi (1,100 m)<\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0Jadung (3,650 m)<\/strong>: 125 km, 6 hours by vehicle.<\/li>\nJadung<\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0Bharal Kill Point (3,950 m)<\/strong>: 7.5 km, 6 hours on foot.<\/li>\nBharal Kill Point<\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0Janak Tal (4,120 m)<\/strong>: 2.5 km, 2 hours on foot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDay 1: Arrival at Jadung<\/strong><\/h4>\nOn\u00a002 June<\/strong>, we started from\u00a0Uttarkashi<\/strong>\u00a0at 9 a.m. under a light drizzle. After a scenic drive, we reached the gateway of\u00a0Nelang Valley<\/strong>\u00a0by 2 p.m. We passed landmarks like the\u00a0Naga<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Do Sindhu bridges<\/strong>\u00a0before arriving at\u00a0Jadung<\/strong>\u00a0around 3 p.m.<\/p>\nHowever, we faced an administrative hurdle: the\u00a0Jadung post-commander<\/strong>\u00a0had 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\u00a0ITBP post’s solar-powered lights<\/strong>\u00a0glowing in the distance and the haunting silhouettes of the abandoned\u00a0Jadung village<\/strong> creating a surreal atmosphere.<\/p>\nDay 2: Trek to Bharal Kill Point and Janak Tal<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe next day, we began our trek towards\u00a0Janak Tal<\/strong>. Along the way, we encountered the\u00a0Bharal Kill Point<\/strong>, where we found the carcass of a\u00a0Bharal<\/strong>\u00a0(blue sheep), likely killed by a predator. This served as a reminder of the wild and untamed nature of the region.<\/p>\nAfter a steady climb, we reached the breathtaking\u00a0Janak Tal<\/strong>, a pristine lake surrounded by towering peaks. The vibrant blue waters and serene environment made it a perfect spot for reflection and exploration.<\/p>\nKey Highlights of the Route<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nJadung Village<\/strong>: A historic settlement with abandoned houses and a rich cultural past.<\/li>\nJanak Tal<\/strong>: A stunning high-altitude lake, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.<\/li>\nBharal Kill Point<\/strong>: A reminder of the region’s wildlife and natural challenges.<\/li>\nITBP Presence<\/strong>: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) plays a crucial role in maintaining security and facilitating exploration in this remote area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThis phase of the journey set the stage for the more challenging exploration of the\u00a0Janak Glacier<\/strong>\u00a0and the attempt to cross into the\u00a0Chor Gad Valley<\/strong>.<\/p>\nExploration of Jadung Valley, Janak Tal, and Janak Glacier<\/strong><\/h3>\nDay 1: Lal Devta Campsite<\/strong><\/h4>\nAfter starting from\u00a0Jadung<\/strong>, we reached the beautiful\u00a0Lal Devta campsite<\/strong>\u00a0within 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\u00a0Lal Devta<\/strong>, a deity revered by the\u00a0Jadh people<\/strong>. Beyond the temple, we crossed a glen with a fast-flowing stream and spotted a rocky shrine with a red pennant, where\u00a0ITBP personnel<\/strong>\u00a0were preparing for an upcoming exercise near\u00a0Janak Tal<\/strong>.<\/p>\nDay 2: Towards Janak Tal<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe 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\u00a0Janak Tal<\/strong>. However, we encountered a grim scene: the carcass of a\u00a0Bharal<\/strong>\u00a0(blue sheep), likely killed by a leopard and scavenged by other predators. We lit fires to deter wildlife and spent the night cautiously.<\/p>\nThe next day, after a steep climb, we reached a vast camping ground,\u00a0Janak Tal – Shepherd Camp<\/strong>, half a kilometer from the lake.<\/p>\nJanak Tal: A Natural Marvel<\/strong><\/h4>\nAt 11:00 a.m., we entered an amphitheater-like setting where the\u00a0Jadung Gad<\/strong>\u00a0river met a clear blue stream flowing from\u00a0Janak Tal<\/strong>. The lake, nestled between two mountains, stunned us with its vibrant aquamarine color, resembling an “Olympic-sized swimming pool.” We spotted a pair of\u00a0Northern Pintails<\/strong>, the only signs of life in this secluded paradise.<\/p>\nNear the lake, we found an old temple with figures of\u00a0Goddess Durga<\/strong>\u00a0and a pile of\u00a0mani stones<\/strong>\u00a0inscribed with Tibetan prayers, reflecting the region’s historical Buddhist influence.<\/p>\nExploring Janak Glacier<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe next phase involved exploring the\u00a0Janak Glacier<\/strong>. The trail climbed southwest from Janak Tal into a rocky, snow-capped landscape. After a challenging trek, we established a rocky camp at\u00a04,600 meters<\/strong>, near a glacial pool. The next day, we reached\u00a0Jadung Kund<\/strong>, a large glacial pool at\u00a05,050 meters<\/strong>, and set up our first snow camp.<\/p>\nAttempting Nakurche Peak<\/strong><\/h4>\nFrom our\u00a0Advanced Base Camp (ABC)<\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a05,300 meters<\/strong>, we planned to ascend\u00a0Nakurche Peak<\/strong>. However, the steep and rocky terrain, coupled with worsening weather, made the climb risky. After reaching the\u00a0summit ridge<\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a05,852 meters<\/strong>, we decided to turn back just\u00a0160 meters below the summit<\/strong>\u00a0due to safety concerns.<\/p>\n
![\"Bhotiya](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Bhotiya-Jadung-Viallge.jpg\")
![\"Lal](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Lal-Devta-Temple-Jadung.jpg\")
![\"Jadung](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Jadung-Nelong-Valley.jpg\")
![\"Jadung](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Nelong-Valley.jpg\")
![\"Jadung](\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Jadung-Valley-Uttarakhand.jpg\")