There’s no mistaking Nelong valley – no other valley in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand can quite compare in terms of majesty and mystique. This narrow valley, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is home to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges and Tibetan look-alike plateaus. But no matter what you call it, this valley has always been a destination for adventure seekers and explorers alike. In this blog post, let’s try to rediscover Nelong valley itself, its landscape, and how it has changed. We will also discuss the valley’s importance during British Rule and how the Indo-Sino War of 1962 changed it. And finally, we will show you some of the photos that capture and rediscover Nelong valley at its best over the last several years.

Alternative grapheme sequence.

Nelong valley is in the northeastern part of Uttarakhand in India. The valley is mainly barren and dry and has stayed inaccessible for many decades since the 1962 war.

From the records and surveys, we find that the early surveyors and explorers used multiple variations of the name, Nelong. Some of these variations include Nilang, Nelang, and Nelong Valley. However, the variant Nelong has come into popularity due to exposure and frequent use in the tabloids. But, it is important to remember that it is just one of many options.

The stunning landscape. (Rediscover Nelong)

Nelong valley is a landscape that is rich in detail. Located in the extreme north-east corner of Uttarkashi district, the valley looks over the high barren mountains and glacial valleys. It lies in an area that experiences cold winds throughout the year. The valley is dry, and the average elevation varies from 3000 mts to 6500 mts. Also, the vegetation is very sparse, with patches of grass, bushes, and randomly spread out trees. It starts to snow in October every year and lasts until May. The valley experiences cold winds throughout the year. During the monsoon, the valley experiences heavy snow. The terrain is very similar to the Tibetan and Ladakh plateaus. That is why Nelong valley enjoys the nickname – the Ladakh of Uttarakhand.

Nelong valley before the 1800s. (Rediscover Nelong)

Nelong valley is a gem of Uttarakhand that has a long and fascinating history. It was once a thriving valley inhabited by tribes who lived here. But the valley’s least documented history is its pre-1800s period. Our Puranas mention this valley as the one Uttara Kurus once ruled. Moreover, as the centuries passed, this valley served as the major trade route to Tibet. We will talk more about the historic trades in the upcoming article.

Under British Rule. (Hidden valley)

The valley of Nelong recounts a story of multiple power struggles before British rule. When the Mughal Empire declined, three major powers of that time tried to take over the entire state, including Nelong valley. It was the mighty Sikh nation, the power of Britain, and the aggression of Gurkha. The Gurkha aggression spread like wildfire, engulfing the entire state. That is when the British stepped in with the help of Raja Sudarshan Shah. This event led to the defeat of Gurkhas, and thus the treaty of Sagauli came into existence. After this, the state of Garhwal split into two parts. The valley was now under the imperial rule of British Garhwal. The British retained the valley considering the commercial revenue it could generate until Indian Independence.

If you are an avid reader or a movie buff, you may recall the story of Heinrich Harrer. He was a mountaineer, geographer, sportsman, and author. When he was captured by the British in 1939, he escaped from the prison camp in Dehradun to reach Tibet via Nelong valley.

The aftermath of the Indo-Sino War. (Rediscover Nelong)

The Indo-Sino War of 1962 was a turning point in the history of the two nations. It was a war that started due to Chinese aggression in 1950 when they began to move into Tibet for its annexation. Tibet was then a geopolitical buffer between India and China. China’s move dissolved this buffer for India. However, India knew that they had to face China one day, and it happened in 1962. As the valley of Nelong hugs the borders of Tibet, they were the direct sufferers of the war. So, the Indian army helped the inhabitants to move downstream while the soldiers took to confront the Chinese Military. Since then, the new dwellings for the tribes are Bagori and Dunda.

Rediscover Nelong Valley as of today.

Nelong valley is one of the strategic border areas of the country. It has been the stage of many clashes between India and China and is still under threat of invasion. Despite all the trouble, the Indian army and the ITBP have managed to protect the area from China. Click here to know about the people who lived there and their lifestyle.

What are some of the lesser-known facts about the valley? (Rediscover Nelong)

The less known facts about the valley include its history as a trade district. The economic revenue it brought in the past. And, of course, the lesser-explored areas of the valley.

What are the unique features of Nelong? (unknown valley)

Nelong has many unique features like its stunning landscape and high-altitude plateaus. The deep gorges of the valley’s watershed. The mythical history of the deities and much more.

How did Nelong change over time?

Since the war of 1962, Nelong valley became a prohibited area. Only recently, due to the efforts of some explorers, the valley is slowly seeing nature enthusiasts.

So,We hope that you have enjoyed reading our post and that it has given you a better understanding of the valley. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below, and we will get back to you.