Nelong Valley Permit Application Process

Nelong Valley, another cold desert of Uttarakhand, is located in the Uttarkashi district. The valley is prominent among adventure enthusiasts and is often referred to as "Ladakh of Uttarakhand. Being located along the India-China border, Nelong Valley falls under the Inner Line Area, which makes it mandatory for all tourists to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
 

Unlike the Adi Kailash Inner Line Permit, it is not easy to obtain a permit for Nelong Valley. So, if you are looking for details on how to get a permit for Nelong Valley, you have come to the right place. Here we will share all the essential details.

How to Reach Nelong Valley?

Nelong Valley lies around 20 km from Harsil in the Uttarkashi district, which is approximately 220 km from Dehradun. Harsil is well connected by road and can be reached in around 8 to 9 hours, where you can stay overnight.
 

The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC)and other private operators run regular bus services up to Uttarkashi. From there, you can take a shared taxi to Harsil, which is around 76 km away. Alternatively, you can book a taxi from Dehradun or your respective location. Bus services are available from the Dehradun Hill Bus Stand, which usually departs early in the morning.

Nelong Valley Pass

Situated near the Indo-China border, Nelong Valley is part of the Gangotri National Park. Therefore, all visitors need to obtain their permit from the officials.
 

To get the Nelong Valley permit, you have to visit the Uttarkashi District Collectorate Office. The Nelong Valley permit process involves a few verification steps, which may take some time to issue.

Nelong Valley Permit Process

The online application for the Nelong Valley permit is currently unavailable, so visitors must follow the traditional method, i.e. offline. The steps involved in obtaining the Nelong Valley Permit are given as: -

Write an Application

• Write an application addressing the District Magistrate (DM) of Uttarkashi.
• In the application, share details of all tourists, including the driver.
• Keep at least two photocopies of this application with you.

Visit the Collector's office (Bhatwari)

• Attach all the documents to your application and visit the Collectorate Office in Uttarkashi.
  • (Uttarkashi DM office coordinates: 30.730694, 78.44441)
• Now, submit this application and wait for the verification.
• After checking the details and documents, they will issue a signed letter along with your application.

Visit the Police Station

• Now you need to obtain the LIU (Local Intelligence Unit) report.
• For this, take the signed letter and your application to the nearest police station, which is located just half a km away from the Collectorate Office.
  • Police Station Google Map coordinates: 30.728899, 78.44086)
• Submit your application and signed letter to the officer in charge.
• For verification, the person in charge may ask a few questions.
• Once satisfied, the officer will sign your original application.

Return to the Collectorate Office

• After getting your application signed by the police officer, return to the Collectorate Office.
• Submit the officer's signed letter to the DM officials.
• After cross-checking it, they will issue the Nelong Permit.
• Keep this permit safe until your trip is complete.
• The permit will be checked at the Forest Department Checkpost at Bhaironghati.
• Pay the Gangotri National Park entry fee for each member and your vehicle.
• Your vehicle will be checked thoroughly to verify the number of items you are carrying (snacks, water bottles, carry bags, plastic bags, etc).
• Submit a refundable security fee of Rs 500/-, which will be returned after your return.

Note: Avoid littering in the valley, and after consuming chips and a water bottle, keep the garbage in your vehicle. Your security deposit will not be refunded if any item from your original list is missing.

Documents Required for Nelong Valley permission

Along with a written application, visitors need to submit a few of the following documents, such as: -

• Photo Identification Proof (Aadhaar Card) of all visitors.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (Four-wheeler only)
• Driver's Driving License.

Things to keep in mind

• The permit issuance process may take 1-2 days, so plan accordingly and keep a buffer day.
• Carry a valid photo identification proof, driving license with their 3-4 copies.
• Permits are issued only to Indian nationals.
• Share all details correctly as mentioned in the ID proof.
• The valley follows the no trash principle: do not litter wrappers or bottles in the valley.
• Items carried during your visit will be checked; any missing items in your return may forfeit the security deposit.
• Permits are valid for 24 hours only, so you must return the check post by 5:00 PM.
• Overnight stays are not allowed in the valley.
• Carry snacks and water as there are no food stalls in the valley.
• Carry essential winter clothes.
• Visitors can only travel in a four-wheeler, as two-wheelers are not allowed.
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel; there are no petrol stations in the area.
• Drive carefully and check your surroundings before getting out of the car.
• The region is home to the snow leopard, which is difficult to spot.
• Drones are not prohibited in the region.
• If you don't have a personal four-wheeler, you can avail a taxi service.
• More than 6 vehicles are not allowed in the valley.
• Plan your visit accordingly, as the Collectorate office remains closed on public holidays and the SDM remains unavailable during VIP movement.
• To save your time, you can also contact the agency for its issuance, which may charge you an additional fee.

Nelong Valley Permit Fees

To access Nelong Valley, visitors must pay the Gangotri National Park entry fee, which can be paid at the DFO check post at Bhaironghati. In addition, you have to submit a refundable security deposit. The details of the Nelong Valley entry fees are: -

Note: The prices mentioned above are subject to change.